1. Introduction: The Builders and the Better Angels -- 2. A Reckoning -- 3. The Clarity of Retrospect 2000–2020 -- 4. Camelot 1960–2000 -- 5. A Beckoning 1945–1960 -- 6. Blueprints and Foundations 1900–1945 -- 7. Origins of Scholarly Exchange Before 1900.

This book tells the story of America’s legendary rise in the field of international education exchange, its recent stumble during the pandemic era, and its current resurrection. America brings to its shores more foreign students than any other country, and their presence is the most critical indicator of its exceptional quality of scholarship. Achieving this level of distinction has required public, private, and civic organizations, in league with generations of inspired individuals. Recently there were indications of a fall, mostly attributed to the pandemic, but also to a host of volatile social and geopolitical issues. Unchanged, however, have been the overarching goals of intercultural understanding and world peace. As the field resurrects, some worry that deeper degeneration may still be looming. Others foresee a bright future and predict an aggressive new rise in the field of international education exchange.