<p>[Why</a> the Chinese are flocking to U.S. colleges - CNN.com](<a href=“http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/31/opinion/bennett-china-us-schools/index.html]Why”>http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/31/opinion/bennett-china-us-schools/index.html)</p>
<p>American higher education is in the cross hairs of a heated national debate over the value and cost of a college degree. Yet in China, our fiercest global economic competitor, the popularity of American colleges and universities might be at an all-time high.</p>
<p>I just returned from a trip to Beijing, where I spoke with Chinese parents about the value of American education, where we excel and where we fall short. Not surprising was the extent to which the Chinese value education, especially primary and secondary education, and yearn for their children to attend American universities, and if possible, stay in America.</p>
<p>When I engaged Chinese parents about their children, they would often say, “My son (or daughter) is going to Princeton (or fill in the elite American university).” I would respond, “Great! What year is your son or daughter right now?” And they would say, “Three years old.” . . . (continued)</p>
<hr>
<p>Bill Bennett, the former Secretary of Education writes here about the perception of American colleges by Chinese parents.</p>