Teresa Brawner Bevis Knihy

The book explores the evolution of higher education from its ancient origins to the post-World War II era, highlighting the United States as a hub for critical thinking and innovation. It emphasizes the historical role of international students and scholars in shaping educational exchanges, illustrating how curiosity has driven individuals to seek knowledge across borders. By detailing the rich history of educational exchange programs and the global spread of American scholarship, it showcases the profound impact of these interactions on societies worldwide.

Focusing on America's journey in international education exchange, the narrative explores its impressive growth, challenges during the pandemic, and hopes for revival. The influx of foreign students signifies the nation's academic excellence, achieved through collaboration among various organizations and individuals. Despite setbacks linked to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the enduring goals of fostering intercultural understanding and world peace remain. While concerns about potential decline linger, optimism for a robust resurgence in this field prevails.

The narrative explores China's pivotal shift from isolation to seeking education abroad in the wake of the Opium Wars and internal strife during the mid-1800s. It highlights the motivations behind this historic decision by imperial leaders and examines the implications of higher education exchanges with the United States. Rather than debating the impact, the book focuses on the significance of this educational pursuit in transforming China's approach to modernity and global engagement.

Focusing on the aftermath of 9/11, this book examines the evolution of higher education exchanges between the U.S. and the Middle East. It highlights changes in U.S. immigration policy and student tracking systems that affected Middle Eastern student enrollments in American institutions. Additionally, it covers American study abroad programs in the region, profiles of Middle Eastern leaders educated in the U.S., and provides current enrollment statistics along with insights from experts on emerging trends as we approach mid-century.

Higher education exchange between America and the Middle East is a comparatively recent development, but the colorful history of circumstances and events that preceded the relationship is ancient and deep. Here, Bevis explores the multifarious and intriguing story from antiquity to the end of the twentieth century.