This year, the Cross Cultural Internship Program selected 75 strong participants from nearly 1000 applicants.

In April, the program's director and founder, Elizabeth Kay, traveled to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau for the pre-departure orientations. Program alumni also joined in at the various gatherings to welcome the new students into the CCIP culture. They shared their experiences from their time in the program and happily answered questions to provide their seasoned perspectives.

"It was a short trip with a tight schedule," Elizabeth explained, having spent Thursday and Friday at the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, followed by three sessions in Hong Kong on Saturday and Sunday, and concluding the trip in Macau. "Though they were brief visits, they were very beneficial and a great opportunity to meet face-to-face so the program could get off to a good start."

Clarissa Eyu, an alumni from 2015, joined an orientation at the National University of Singapore. "Meeting the new students made me feel rather nostalgic," she said. "I couldn't help but reminisce about my days as a wide-eyed participant, eager to set off towards new experiences. I am so happy that others will get to experience the same wonder I did as they prepare to see the great city of New York!"

As the program start approaches, the students are all happily looking forward to the summer and excited to begin their adventure.