Xi Rui, a trainer at a Shanghai multinational medical apparatus and instrument manufacturing company, had a similar experience before.

Six years of undergraduate study, three years of postgraduate study plus another three years of doctoral study finally provided Xi Rui with the chance to become the physician in charge of cardiovascular surgery at a top municipal hospital in Shanghai.

But what he called his "ideal job" proved too demanding by the time he turned 40.

He felt physically tired of dealing with complicated doctor-patient relationships every day and made up his mind to change his profession.

With such an impressive academic and working track record, Xi soon got quite a few job offers. However, he was really hit hard by one particular telephone interview conducted in English.

Even though he had published a number of theses in English during his doctoral years, and had studied abroad briefly, his spoken English had always been a barrier.

"I really hated English telephone interviews. I became tongue-tied and could never figure out how to carry on a proper conversation," says Xi.

He made up his mind to go to a leading foreign English training organization's Shanghai branch last September.

During the classes, he was able to join in workshops and communicate face to face with teachers and students, which he found really helped his spoken language.

After six months' study at the center Xi was given another English telephone interview and passed with flying colors. He is now a trainer at a Shanghai multinational medical apparatus and instrument manufacturing company, and as part of his job he has to give lectures to doctors and employees from all over the world in English.

"The training organization undoubtedly helped a lot," he says.

"For one thing, my English has improved greatly. But more importantly, I feel more confident to talk in English. This will be very helpful to my future career development."