Optimistic outlook

While interacting with the students during his lecture, Xie asked them a serious question: "Are you more of a pessimist or optimist when it comes to Beijing-Washington relations?"

Walton said after the class that he was pessimistic about relations, but not because of the Chinese people.

"The problem is when we experience stuff and try to make a change after going back, we are criticized. And then we are part of the 'enemy'," he said.

Monday said she is in the minority back home when it comes to attitudes toward China. "I had a difficult time talking about what I observed in China because people who have never experienced the culture are so set on thinking that those who come here are being brainwashed," she said.

"I'm optimistic about the way China is handling this, but as far as the way the US can receive it, I just don't know," she added.

Despite the challenges, the younger generation is more open-minded and willing to embrace ideas, the students said.

Monday said at college, "the majority of people would be very open to strengthening the relationship. In general, younger people are more open to it than older people who already have their mindset".

Tu Xiliang, one of the program organizers from BFSU, said the exchange in May is the first phase of the Discover China Program, which aims to open a window for international students to experience China.

As the number of US students studying in China has decreased in recent years, Tu said he hoped the program would attract more international students to pursue further education in China and discover the country for themselves.

Apart from BFSU, several high schools and universities in China are planning exchange programs under the initiative during the upcoming summer vacation.