Since 1981, the National Committee has administered the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program to China on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between it and the Chinese Ministry of Education. This program, the first of its type, is designed to give American educators an introduction to China’s history, culture, and society.

During the course of the four-week seminar, lectures and briefings by Chinese experts in a variety of fields are complemented by site visits to make the discussions more tangible. Following their return to the United States, all participants create curricula based on their experiences, which are made available as a resource for other educators around the globe.

Generally one group of educators goes to China each summer under the program. The focus is generally on Chinese history and culture or history and transformation. In 2004 and 2007, additional seminars were added – one on higher education institutions serving minorities, and the other on native and foreign language instruction and training.

Seminars usually consist of 16 K-12 educators; in alternate years, college educators make up a portion of the delegation.