As the world's most populous country and oldest continuous civilization, China will always be associated with its ancient traditions and revered treasures, such as the Great Wall stretching across China's ancient frontier and the Terra Cotta Warriors that stand guard in Xi'an. Yet in recent years, as China has become an economic powerhouse and political heavyweight, Americans are increasingly interested in China's future. With this meteoric rise come new environmental, social and political challenges as China strives to integrate sweeping economic change with its ancient traditions and socialist political legacy. Study abroad students of all academic levels and fields of interest are drawn to this dynamic country.

Education has played a major role in China's cultural history and economic development. The Cultural Revolution disrupted China's educational programs for nearly a decade, but following Mao Zedong's death in 1976, the government began a review of these policies. In response, Deng Xiaoping launched the "Four Modernizations," which recognized that higher levels of training were necessary for the advancement of science and technology, agriculture, industry and national defense.

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