At work this week, a new crop of project trainees from Vietnam have arrived for the start of the new academic year. Very nice bunch - and as is customary, they have all arrived with gifts for me. It's lovely, but really a bit embarassing - a small token is one thing, but these gifts are becoming a little extravagant.
Today, I received a red silk top with a mandarin collar, a white silk dressing gown, a beige pashmina shawl, and a beaded evening bag. All very beautiful, I must say. But I feel a little bit bad about it. I know the trainees appreciate everything I do for them, but it is my job, after all. I get paid to help them - no need for gifts!
I have no idea how to communicate this to them without causing offence, though.
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