CCIP is an internship programs that focuses on the niche where East and West practices fuse. Since Elizabeth Kay made the first big step and brought the program to life, CCIP has gained the support of a number of established universities and has been calling on its strong network of host companies which all together believe deeply in the vision and mission of CCIP: of bridging the gap between these two lush cultures. I saw today that CCIP is in full bloom and still growing.

In my interview with Elizabeth Kay, I threaded along the lines of the story behind CCIP , the glaring obstacles and why despite the odds it is still ever so dedicated to looking beyond the bottom line of a business, and — despite the critics — continuing to believe in nurturing these young Asian students to explore an experience beyond their boundaries.

Q: Elizabeth, before going further, can you tell me a little more about your initial involvement with the training/internship field? >

A: My first job wasn't advertising but training. About 13 years ago, I was involved with a government-funded Title V Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Then about 6 years ago, I met two girls from Hong Kong coming to the US for an internship in a summer. At first, they had only good things to say, but as we swapped stories about the blackout that hit the city that year, it struck me how each felt when there was no one to turn to. The two interns received training, but the whole time, they were alone. In them, I saw the need for a structured and practical training program.

Q: But it takes a lot more than a dream to start a program. Didn't you need the resources and the contacts in the beginning?

A: About two months after the blackout, I attended an event organized by the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office where I met the Principle of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and it all started from there. To my surprise, the university already had a solid internship program in place. Eager and ready to mentor the next generation, I did not hesitate to join the program as a host company. Then later, I officially launched CCIP.

Q: You were there at the right time to seize the opportunity. It seems things couldn't have gone better.

A: Oh no (laughs), there were a number of things to consider. Internships in the US are different from those in Asia. It is easier to associate Asia internship with immediate gratifications such as salaries and hard skills. Conversely, in the US, the benefits are rather intangible. Without a personal experience, Asian students may not necessary agree with or see the importance of these benefits. Also, there are quite a number of issues need to be worked out. For example, J1-visa, housing, cultural gap, accessibility (you basically can't survive in many cities without a car) and local support (many US companies typically have a higher preference on taking local interns).

Q: I've always thought that there was a demand for Asian interns. Is it easy to find host companies in the US?

To us, finding companies joining the program isn't a challenge. Many companies that we have on hand were connected based on my personal connections (especially in the beginning). Our pool includes both American and Asian-relevance companies so that we can flexibility help each student find a suitable placement based on his/her background, English proficiency, preference and personality.

Q: What about the other aspects of the internship, such as housing? Why the Flushing YMCA?

A. The J-1visa aside, housing is an issue. Since participants are students, I'd be more concerned about safety, convenience and cost issues. Situated between the Chinatown and Koreatown, Flushing makes a perfect sense. Students are safe and have easy access to everything from inexpensive, quality food and entertainment to convenient transportation. Also, after comparing local prices and different options, you'll start to see that $40 a day is an incredible value.

Q: Have you ever doubted your vision on this program?

A: Just like you, I came here having to adjust to a hugely uncertain environment. The experience was difficult yet incredibly valuable. Also, it felt as if I were doing something inspiring — of life-changing value for students. I want to continue doing so.

Writer's Comments: CCIP has grown with experience and has found the importance and value of opening students to the subtle "soft" skills that weren't emphasized in our studies. It is true for us and anyone for that matter that we were initially blinded by misconceptions when we first arrived. However, if it takes an experience like this to make us realize that there is more to what we already know in this world, than being here in New York, interning in this cosmopolitan city has definitely opened my eyes.