American study programs in China were assessed, based on interviews with American undergraduate or graduate students studying or doing research at various China institutions during the 1980-81 academic year and with Chinese administrators from the institutions. Four channels exist through which American students can arrange placement in China: national competition, institution-to-institution links, individual application (either to a Chinese university or the Ministry of Education), and short-term study programs packaged in the United States. Somewhere between 70 and 100 formal exchange agreements to facilitate the sharing of academic resources have been concluded between U.S. and Chinese institutions. A list of American institutions reporting such agreements is appended. Data are presented on the distribution of American students at Chinese universities during the 1980-81 academic year (excluding short-term language programs). In all the arrangements (except for the summer language programs), the majority of those going to China are American graduate students who are either taking coursework or doing dissertation research. Several small groups of undergraduates participate during the academic year, mainly in language programs. A summary is presented on general curricula, language classes, research difficulties, and field research. In addition, the following concerns are addressed: socializing with Chinese, housing, travel, supervision of students, university administration, credit and grading, and summer language programs. Appended materials include: U.S.-Chinese Institutional agreements, summer language programs in China, and a bibliography on U.S-China educational exchange. (SW)