Stepping out of his comfort zone and gaining confidence in new skills was completely unexpected for Fucia’s CCIP J-1 intern, Bruce Lin, during his internship at the Tech Incubator at Queens College/CUNY Research Foundation this summer. Bruce found himself fully adapting to the American lifestyle, relishing the opportunity to gain new perspectives through cultural immersion. His discussions comparing the flexibilities in American and Singaporean working cultures and opportunities further enriched his experience, prompting him to highly recommend the program to future participants seeking similar personal growth.

Bruce speaks fondly of his host, who not only guided him patiently through unfamiliar tasks but also fostered a familial atmosphere within the team. This supportive environment enabled Bruce to develop skills in communication, website design, app development, and social media platform management. Particularly impactful was his hands-on experience crafting social media posts, which significantly bolstered his confidence in digital marketing—an opportunity not typically afforded in Singaporean companies.

Reflecting on his time at the Tech Incubator, Bruce values the practical skills gained and the lasting connections forged with his host and colleagues. His internship not only broadened his professional horizons but also solidified his passion for exploring cultural nuances and applying them creatively in his work. Bruce’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of international internships in cultivating both technical expertise and cross-cultural understanding, experiences he would not have encountered without this opportunity.