WASHINGTON - First Lady Michelle Obama has encouraged more American students to study in China in a bid to build better ties between the two countries.

Obama, at a Howard University Forum on Wednesday, spoke to students about the importance of building relationships with their peers in China and creating a mutual understanding around the world.

Recalling her college years of what she said "getting in, getting through and getting out", rather than "finding opportunities" of studying abroad, she told the students to get out of their comfort zones and take a step forward to "develop the habit of cooperation" by immersing in other cultures.

"Studying in countries like China isn't only about your prospects in the global marketplace," she said.

"It's not just about whether you can compete with your peers in other countries to make America stronger.

"It's about the friendships you make, the bonds of trust you establish, and the image of America that you project to the rest of the world."

During the forum, Chen Naiqing, the wife of China's ambassador to the US Zhang Yesui, talked about educational exchanges.

"The number of American students has increased rapidly in recent years and reached almost 20,000 in China in 2009," said Chen, due to the great opportunities created by both sides.

Ann Stock, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, said the State Department sends more Americans to study abroad in China than to any other country.

"Students who study abroad learn firsthand how critical international exchange programs are to developing the next generation of global citizens," she said.

China is among the top five countries for Americans studying abroad. During the forum, a panel of students shared their experiences in China.

Nicole Baden, a senior in the School of Communications at Howard University, who studied in Beijing, talked about the awkward experience at dinner with her host family in China when she was not very comfortable with the language.

"We look at ourselves differently, but we really are similar," she said.

During US President Barack Obama's 2009 visit to China, he announced a "100,000 Strong Initiative", a program designed to send 100,000 Americans to China over the next four years.

On Wednesday Michelle Obama announced more than $2.25 million in private sector pledges to support the initiative to increase the number and diversity of American students studying in China.

"The fact is, with every friendship you make, and every bond of trust you establish, you are shaping the image of America projected to the rest of the world," Obama said.

China Daily