Information concerning students and scholars from the People's Republic of China (PRC) currently in the United States was obtained through a survey of U.S. colleges and universities where the Chinese are studying or conducting research. Responses received from 133 of the 168 U.S. institutions that were sent questionnaires indicated that there were 982 PRC students and scholars on their campuses. Of this number, 67.4 percent were visiting scholars, and 32.6 percent were undergraduate or graduate students. Information is presented on the states and regions where the PRC students and scholars are located, sponsors and institutional affiliation in China, academic backgrounds and credentials of th PRC students and scholars, admission to U.S. institutions, and English language skills. The main deficiency in the academic backgrounds of PRC students and scholars is insufficient knowledge of the English language. Most often mentioned deficiencies were speaking and listening comprehension, with writing problems being next, followed by insufficient vocabulary. Other problems noted occur because of unfamiliarity with American idomatic usage and cultural behavior and with technical terminology in the field of study. Additional areas of consideration include living stipends, health insurance, housing, visas and arrivals, and exchange formats. Detailed information concerning visas for PRC students and scholars is appended. (SW)