After an analysis of the changing numbers of Americans studying Chinese abroad and of Sino-American academic exchanges after the Tiananmen events of 1989, this paper reports on visits to summer language programs. Enrollments were down by 13 percent between the summer of 1988 and 1989, but down by 50 percent between 1989 and 1990. The following programs are described: the Taipei Language Institute in Taiwan; the Chinese University of Hong Kong; and eight university-related programs in the People's Republic of China (PRC). At each site information was solicited on the numbers and types of students, career goals, level of language study, reasons for selecting the program of choice, etc. Not all information was obtained at all sites. It is noted that the quality of the language training offered is the least important issue to be considered, and that a more significant one is the degree to which the overseas program is compatible with the students' home program. It is concluded that the increase in the number of students studying Chinese abroad in the summer has resulted in an affluence of short-term programs about which insufficient information is available. Most students do not have adequate knowledge about the suitability of the various programs to their personal needs. The importance of informing new or rekindled overseas programs about American needs is emphasized. (LB)