Autumn is an exciting and busy time for the New York-based Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net). Though 2019's program only ended in August, the weeks since have been spent gearing up for 2020's program. In September, CCIP announced the official opening of the first window for applications and interviews

Interviews began on September 30 at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and continued through most of October. The interviews were conducted by the program's Responsible Officer, Elizabeth Kay, and were held on the campuses of partner schools across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Since the first window opened, CCIP has already received over 700 applications, with the program planning to accept roughly 70 applicants. In addition to initial interviews, Kay also oversaw information sessions with the help of program alumni from 2019 and previous years. The focus of these info talks included an emphasis on CCIP's core principles, teamwork and cooperation.

While the first window involved many hours of interviews and traveling, there was still plenty of time for catching up. For some, it was a reunion with friends who they hadn't seen since their program ended. Numerous group photos were taken and stories from past programs were shared.

Alumni from the program came from all over the region to assist, and not just at their former universities. Calvin and Emily flew from Hong Kong to conduct sessions with Singapore students, while Win Ee, a resident of Singapore, traveled to Hong Kong. Calvin also traveled with Carol from Hong Kong to Macau.

The program would like to express appreciation to those alumni, as well as to the following students for their support and insights during the info talks and interviews: Minton and Win En from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore; Tim, Levinna, Tony, and Brian from the University of Hong Kong; Emily, Calvin, Gary, Jovia, and Charlotte from the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology; Kimmy and Kenji from City University of Hong Kong; Young from Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; Emma from the Open University of Hong Kong; Carol and Joyce from the Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Rita, Louis, Samco, and Leslie from Macau University. Their perspectives as former members of the program provided invaluable information to the prospective students.

CCIP plans to announce the results of its first round of interviews by the end of October. Students who are still interested in applying can contact CCIP via WhatsApp (1 917-244-2600) and apply as late applicants through February 2020 (admissions will stop once the program reaches its quota).