Touring Asia, U.S. Delegation Promotes American Higher Education.

The article reports on a November 2006 trip taken to Asia by a delegation of senior U.S. government and higher-education officials, intended to communicate the message that the U.S. still welcomes foreign students to its colleges and universities. In what Margaret Spellings, the U.S. secretary of education, said was the first time a cabinet member has conducted such a mission, she traveled to Japan, South Korea, and China, accompanied by an assistant secretary of state, Dina Habib Powell, and 12 American college presidents. The positive response from educators and students in visited countries is highlighted, and statistics related to the enrollment of Chinese students in U.S. institutions are presented and explored. Specific issues covered throughout the tour are explained.