On Sunday, June 2, the second batch of the 2019 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) interns gathered at the Flushing YMCA to attend the Post-Arrival Orientation.

This year, the program received over 1,300 applications. The 75 interns were chosen out from a highly competitive pool. All interns attend the program in the summer with four arrival times. This Sunday's group was the second batch.

The orientation began with a group photo of both students who arrived two weeks ago and the new arrivals. Mr. Eric Hung from the Flushing Bank opened bank accounts for the system and shared insights into US banking.

The session also featured student leaders who briefed their colleagues on program activities, followed by an overall program briefing by Elizabeth Kay, the Responsible Officer, as well as the Student Advisory Board (SAB or the student leadership) briefing by Minton, one of the group leaders from Nanyang Technological University who had begun his internship two weeks ago.

Additional leaders of the day's activity included Minton from Nanyang Technological University, Gary from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Kimmy from the City University of Hong Kong.

"It is interesting to live in NYC. I can see the multi-cultural living style in NYC. We can have a taste of the very localized Asian food in Flushing. Yet we can have a taste of local NY food here too," said Kimmy. She added, "Walking around the street can see the remixed buildings and street view of old and modern buildings. It is a totally different feeling than Hong Kong."

Jessica from the University of Hong Kong commented, "CCIP provides us with a lot of opportunities to meet friends from different universities since day one. We got chances to share our thoughts on professional internship with each other in the orientation which provides skills that are applicable to the future workplace. On the very first day, we already gained some insight into the American society and professional workplace culture, before realizing the practical skills."

Evan also from the University of Hong Kong commented, "I think the logistic of the orientation is very organized. Also, there is clear instruction on internship such as proper attitude, decent communication skills and preparation works before the internship. The culture of New York is explained in detail. I am looking forward to experiencing new things in the future month."