COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on U.S.-China academic exchange, with a drastic decline in the number of American students studying in China. Once a thriving bridge between the two nations, this exchange has become a casualty of heightened bilateral tensions. A recent survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of young adults in the U.S., the most likely demographic to study abroad, hold unfavorable views of China. This alarming trend threatens America’s ability to accurately analyze China and develop effective policies toward the country.
Recognizing the critical need to revitalize U.S.-China educational exchange, policymakers must prioritize investing in the next generation of China experts. These individuals, with their in-country experience and deep understanding of Chinese society, will be essential in addressing the complex security and economic challenges posed by China’s崛起. A key step in this revitalization process is reinstating programs such as the Fulbright Program, which was abruptly shut down in 2020. Since its inception in 1979, the Fulbright Program has sent thousands of American students to China to study, research, and teach, fostering invaluable cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Beyond reinstating past programs, it is crucial to invest in new initiatives that connect American institutions with Chinese universities. American-Chinese joint ventures, such as Duke Kunshan University and the Beijing Institute of Technology-Yale Joint Research Center, provide unique opportunities for collaboration and enhanced understanding. U.S. institutions should also consider integrating study trips and language learning programs into their curricula, allowing students to experience China firsthand and develop proficiency in Mandarin. Programs like the Princeton in Beijing program, which offers week-long trips for students to gain insights into Chinese society and culture, should become the norm rather than the exception.
While undergraduate and graduate programs play a pivotal role in fostering U.S.-China understanding, high school extracurricular activities and language learning programs can also lay the foundation for future engagement. By offering incentives for students to pursue Chinese studies at a young age, we can cultivate a generation of Americans who are equipped to contribute to the U.S.-China relationship in meaningful ways.
It is understandable that American students and their parents may have concerns about studying abroad in China, particularly given the ongoing tensions. However, it is important to recognize that the Xi-Biden summit and China’s own interests have created a relatively conducive environment for Americans to engage with the country. U.S. policymakers can further bolster this engagement by increasing funding for study abroad opportunities and partnering with Chinese universities to ensure the safety and well-being of American students.
Whether or not policymakers agree on every aspect of China policy, they should all recognize the imperative of fostering a better understanding of China among Americans. Investing in educational exchange programs, both in person and remotely, is a wise investment in America’s future ability to navigate the complex and consequential U.S.-China relationship.
