A small advertisement at a Shenyang University in Northeast China's Liaoning Province has ignited a big debate.

The campus bulletin board announcement that says "Self-study partner available. Confined to classroom study only," followed by a contact number, has stirred criticism from both staff and students.

The service, which costs 5 yuan per hour, according to the female advertiser, is intended to help lonely students study alongside another studying companion. The advertiser insists that the service is strictly for companionship purposes and takes place only in the classroom or library.

"There must be something wrong on the person's mind. How dare someone do such a queer thing?" asked a female student.

But her boyfriend, who also studies at the university, offered a different take: "I can't see anything unreasonable and I am just curious whether (the advertiser) is a boy or a girl."

A professor surnamed Li of the school's Mass Communications Department said that this kind of service is prone to sending the wrong message to the opposite sex.

"I advise the (advertiser) to stop the service and be more attentive to her studies. It's not suitable to provide such kind of service on campus."

But several female students embraced the service, calling it a "brave idea."

"She's clever," said one female student. "She can earn some pocket money while she studies herself."

The female advertiser, who was identified as You Lan, said she wanted to make some money since she does not come from a well-off family that can fund her graduate studies.

"I don't commit to anything illegal and I've set clearly my scope of services," she said, adding: "I'm sure my services will help someone.

"What's funny is that I've found thorough this experience those who strongly oppose my idea are girls while all of my clients to date have been boys."

(China Daily  September 22, 2004)