For two weeks each year, outstanding senior high school students from the United States and China put down their books and see firsthand what life is like in the other country.

Former University of Texas professor Edward Rhoads gives a lecture on his new book Stepping Forth into the World about the fascinating history of the first 120 Chinese students to study in the U.S. at the end of the 19th century.

For fifteen years, the U.S.-China Teachers Exchange Program has promoted cross-cultural education. Sending American K-12 teachers to China and bringing Chinese secondary school teachers to the United States, the program has fostered the development of language and culture programs at schools across the United States and China.

Administered by the National Committee since 1981, this program sends American educators to China for four weeks each summer. It provides educators with the opportunity to gain valuable insight into a culture that is increasingly becoming an important element in American curricula.

Twice annual education delegations visit American schools, federal government agencies, and education-related NGOs to learn about innovations and challenges in the U.S. education system, with an eye toward applying this knowledge in a Chinese context.

A cross-section of educators, hand- picked by the top students in the United States, learn more about China and U.S.-China relations at the annual Master Teacher China Seminar.

An exchange of American and Chinese museum professionals, specialists and government officials to share experiences and ideas on how museums can best engage young audiences and serve as educational resources.

Committee-organized study tour program supplements the academic training Chinese scholars and students already receive while studying at U.S. institutions by giving greater exposure to America’s history, culture, and key institutions.

Academic exchange with the People’s Republic reaches new heights as U.S. delegation visits China, and is received by then Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping.

A one-hour docu-mentary on the history and work of the National Committee created by The Visionaries will air in two parts starting in January, 2012.