The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) hosted two orientations over the past weekend (Sat, July 9 and Sun, July 10), welcoming the arrival of the program's Session B students. The orientations took place at the Flushing YMCA's conference room.

Session B is hosting 68 students from a wide variety of backgrounds and universities in Asia, including National University of Singapore, The University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Macau University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University and South China University of Technology.

The program's representatives, Elizabeth Kay and Joseph Smith, welcomed the students by giving a warm introduction and briefing on what the students should expect in the upcoming weeks. They stressed the importance of safety, professional etiquette, activities, etc. in a fun and upbeat atmosphere.

During the orientation, Muhammad Umar Yaqub, a student from the University of Hong Kong, stopped by to share his experience. "The first thing I have learned was problem-solving skills," he said. "The key is, "Don't give up." Umar was a Session A student. His internship was delayed by four weeks because of VISA issues, which caused his internship to span into the second session.

"Before I came to New York, I was nervous. Now, I feel more relaxed. I'm ready for the battle," said Fan (Hawk) Fan, a student from the Macau University of Science and Technology.

After the orientation, students stayed after to share thoughts and ask questions. They were all eager to begin their 7-week journey.