Princeton University, the globally respected private Ivy League research university in New Jersey, was the destination for a group of CCIP exchange visitors curious to explore its unique collegiate atmosphere and role in American academic culture. Princeton was the fourth chartered institution of higher education in the American colonies and is thusly one of the nine Colonial Colleges established before the American Revolution, cementing its role on the global stage as an enduring symbol of higher education.
Event leader Stephanie, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and currently interning at Genesis, noted the small-town atmosphere surrounding the large college. "Princeton is an interesting small town because the university is such a great part of everyone's lives…all the local businesses and people are somehow tied to the university. It makes the whole place feel very worldly," she said.
"The University itself is amazing," she continued. "It makes studying seem really enjoyable!"
After lunch, the exchange visitors went to Jersey Gardens, a large outlet center in Elizabeth, NJ, known for its specialty retail shopping and large department stores.
Event co-leader Sibyl, a student at the Hong Kong Institute of Education who is currently interning at Chinatown Manpower Project, liked the Jersey Gardens experience.
"It's such a large place, but the retail stores are accessible, and it's easy to find anything you want to buy," she said.
Upon returning to the housing facility in Queens, the exchange visitors started resting and getting ready for the next day's event: a volunteering session at Cunningham Park.
