More midcareer Chinese professionals studying abroad

The proverb "you are never too old to learn" quite aptly reflects the current situation in China where an increasing number of individuals are taking a sabbatical from work to further their studies overseas.

"I firmly believe that I've made the right decision to return to school. This is a place where I can be calm and clearly think about my future plans following this second overseas study stint," says Pan Li, who is studying finance in Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

Pan, who already has a bachelor's degree in human resources management from the University of Chicago, was in the workforce for about four years before joining a Global 500 company in Shanghai last year.