Via <a href="http://tschang.net/2003_12_01_archive#107068348981671173" title="The Washington Post has a has an article about the Chinese government spending $1.4 million to create an Advanced Placement program for the Chinese language.">TS Chang</a>, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A38312-2003Dec5?language=printer" title="washingtonpost.com: China to Help Create Classes for U.S. Schools">China to Help Create Classes for U.S. Schools</a>:

<quote>The majority of students in China study English, but only 50,000 American students study Chinese, a language spoken by 1.5 billion people, according to a statement from the College Board. In contrast, 1 million American students study French, which is spoken by 70 million people, the statement noted.</quote>

How come they didn't have this stuff when I was a kid?  I guess that's what happens when you're ahead of the curve.