CCIP Session B students who had arrived before their program start date had an event-filled week, during which they had the opportunity to meet the departing and soon to be departing Session A and C students.

They had arrived just in time to attend the 2014 CCIP Recognition Ceremony at Citi Field on July 8, an event in which supporters of the Exchange Visitor program gathered to celebrate the success of CCIP in its cultural initiative. Due to the good timing of their arrival, Session B students were able to take part in the most important event of the year for CCIP.

"I'm glad that I was able to be a part of the ceremony. Just by seeing everyone at the event, I realize that the New York and overseas Asian communities really care about CCIP and its mission," said Queenie Chan, a second year journalism student at Hang Sang Management College.

The following day on July 9, Session B students made their way to Ellis Island, the group's first experience of seeing a national American monument together. From the ferry, they marveled at the Statue of Liberty, which was given to the United States from the French in commemoration of the US – France coalition during America's fight for independence.

Students not only saw and took photos of Lady Liberty, but they also visited the immigration museum on the island. As they roamed through the museum, they gained new knowledge of America's history through visual displays of the 1800 and 1900s.

"It was great to see the symbol of freedom and democracy in person," Ryan Chan, a second year City University of Hong Kong studying creative media.

With this first taste of American history, the students continued their journey through national history on July 11 with a trip to Washington, DC, the city of vistas and arguably, the most historically significant capital in the US.

The students went on a tour organized by the Student Advisory Board (SAB), eager to visit DC's iconic locations, including the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and the White House. Students wished they could have stayed longer in DC because of its many attractions, but there was still so much more planned for the weeks to come!

"I can't believe we did so much in such a short time," said Diane Xie, a second year Business Design and Innovation student at the University of Hong Kong, who also was one of the leaders of this trip. "I think this was a great way to start the program and get exposed to American history and culture in a fun and exciting way."

Students returned from their trip exhausted, but with a newfound appreciation for America and its history.