Twenty Cross Cultural Internship program (CCIP) students visited Princeton University -- one of the eight Ivy League universities in the US, on Sunday, July 17, 2011. The event was aimed to provide students an opportunity to experience university life in the US as well as broaden their cultural understanding.
Students started the day off early, already prepared and gathered in front of the Flushing YMCA at around 9am in order to catch the 1:00 pm Orange Key Tour.
Betty, a Princeton undergraduate student, guided the CCIP students on their tour, showing them points of interest such as the Chapel, the Firestones Library and the Art Museum.
After the Orange Key Tour, the students were broken up into 4 groups and allowed to roam around the beautiful campus on their own
"It’s so big and quiet. I can’t believe that the Princeton students could study in such a beautiful campus, I really envy them," said Kai (Carl) Song, a third year student of Macau University of Science and Technology.
"I got a lot of useful information from the guide about Princeton University and the students’ life here. I’m now considering applying to Princeton university for my postgraduate study, I hope I can have that chance," said Kai (Dillon) Yan, a first year student of Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Responses and comments from students who attended the visit were overwhelmingly positive. Some found the experience so enriching, they did not want to leave. Others are already looking forward to the other activities scheduled during the second session.
Joseph Smith of CCIP commented, "It's always rewarding to have the students respond so positively to the events in the program. The goal of CCIP is to broaden their horizons and expand their cultural knowledge. What good is it, though, if the students aren't having a good time as well? To have them respond so well, and to see the excitement for future events like the Dragon Boat Festival, means we're doing our job."
