Mr. Stephen Smith, director of the Washington Metro Area Office of the American International Education Foundation, said Chinese students and their parents can talk face to face with representatives of educational institutions, and collect the latest and most accurate information to help them make informed choices.

"US education is widely recognized by Chinese students and parents as among the best, with high quality education resources, internationally recognized qualifications, and simple application procedures for both study visas and post study work visas," he said.

The exhibition also gave visitors the opportunity to learn about different cultures and lifestyles in different countries, and returning Chinese students were also on hand to answer questions and share their experiences of studying abroad.

"On the one hand, we cannot deny the negative influence of the global economic crisis on the education market," Smith said. "But on the other hand, the crisis has to some extent boosted demand. It's a bad time for people to look for a job, but maybe a perfect time for them to further their studies."

He predicted the education market in China this year would expand even faster than before despite worldwide financial difficulties. He told China.org.cn that studying in the US is the premier option for international students and an ideal choice for Chinese students.

"Last year, more than 80,000 Chinese students went to US, increasing about 20 percent over 2007," Stephen said. "I think this year, there will be a new peak in the Chinese overseas education market."

Chen Min, a new graduate from Beijing Normal University, said, "Because of the poor global outlook, even the job market in China is difficult. It's hard to find a good job. So I'm better off furthering my studies."

"The value of the yuan is rising. It means an overseas education is getting cheaper. I think it's a good time to go abroad. About 65 percent of my classmates are thinking of studying abroad," he said.