On May 19, a group of CCIP (www.fusia.net) exchange visitors boarded a boat to visit the Statue of Liberty, one of NYC’s most famous attractions. The word “iconic” may be overused today, but if any monument is iconic, it is this imposing statue.

For the exchange visitors, it was an opportunity to get close to a feature of the New York skyline that has been photographed countless times by millions of visitors each year. The group took plenty of their own photos while riding the ferry and standing beneath Lady Liberty.

Group leader Natali Ghui from Singapore Institute of Management, said “I’ve seen the Statue of Liberty in movies, pictures, and even cartoons. It was amazing to actually be there and see it myself."

More than just a great tourist site, the Statue of Liberty is an official national monument and a symbol of the United States’ history as a welcoming home for people from all over the world. The group’s visit also included Ellis Island, the historical first stop for over 12 million immigrants to the US from the end of the 19th century to 1954.

Nanyang Technological University’s Jocelyn Chua, another group leader, responded strongly to Ellis Island. “So many people took risks to come to America from all over the world. It’s very moving to hear their stories."