Michelle Obama heads for China on Wednesday

WASHINGTON (AP) — When Michelle Obama arrives in China later this week, she will stress the message that she's carried on past trips outside the U.S.

It's about the importance of education for young people around the world, and the role Mrs. Obama says education played in helping her get ahead in her own life.

She departs Wednesday on her third solo international trip as first lady.

The weeklong journey to China includes stops in Beijing and two other cities where she is to meet with school and university students, as well as tour some of China's historic cultural sites.

The White House is encouraging students across the U.S. to follow Mrs. Obama's trip online.