On Wednesday, January 16, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) officially kicked off its second recruitment period for New York City summer internships with a round of info talks and interviews at partner universities in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau within the two upcoming weeks.

This recruitment trip to Singapore featured a special guest – Ms. Jolander Headley, owner of Joe’s Music Center & Performing Arts. She made the trip to Asia to share her experience as an internship host and to join alumni as they interviewed prospective students.

"It was my pleasure to mentor students at Nanyang Technical University (NTU) in Singapore as they prepare for their international experience in New York City," said Jolander. “They are excited about coming to New York and it’s great to feel the group’s positive energy.

"I enjoyed interviewing students individually and collectively. Our meetings give them a sense of what they can achieve with exceptional opportunities from CCIP and host organizations," added Jolander. "Our joint effort with CCIP is wonderful! We've definitely got rhythm."

Applicant response was high, especially at NTU. Almost 10 proactive students completed their applications ahead of time and were invited to early final interviews conducted right after the intro interviews.

Singapore is where CCIP has its largest group of J-1 alumni, who meet few times each year to share memories and updates and who enthusiastically interview new prospects. Alumni reunions are always a pleasant occasion for conversation, catching up with old friends, and making new ones.