CCIP exchange visitors made two weekday afternoon trips to see two quintessentially American cultural locations: the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Museum.
The 9/11 Museum proved to be a somber but enriching experience for the group, led by Claudia and Kelly. The Museum details the events of both the 1993 and 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and also focuses on the global and cultural implications of terrorism.
"It is a very thorough museum," remarked Claudia, a student at Hang Seng Management College. "It was informative because of how it traces the causes and effects of terrorism and how America has been transformed by these experiences in its history. It was a good thing to experience as a group. There were 18 of us who went, and it meant that we had a lot to discuss and consider after we left. It made an impression on all us."
Also leaving a lasting impression on the group of students was their afternoon visit to the Statue of Liberty the next day. Jin, who led the student group and helped organize the afternoon, commented about the Statue's role in America's reputation abroad.
"Everyone has seen the Statue of Liberty on TV or in movies," Jin said, "but seeing it in person was different because it is so culturally linked to New York and America as a whole. It is so famous but also so meaningful."
The CCIP exchange visitors are now looking forward to the annual Recognition Ceremony, to be held this Friday night at Citi Field in Queens. It is a large-scale event, and representatives of the entire CCIP network of participants, hosts, and contributors are expected to be on hand.
