The CCIP (www.fusia.net) exchange visitors come to America to learn about international business and government and see world famous sites. In the midst of all of that, though, they also hope to find time to shop, which is just what they did this last weekend at Woodbury Common.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is an outlet mall in Central Valley, New York, about an hour and a half north of New York City. The mall is a favorite destination for locals and tourists looking for amazing deals on items from Barneys, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and so much more. With more than 200 stores, Woodbury Common is a shopper’s delight.

“I would have spent five or six times as much on everything I got at Woodbury if I bought it back home,” explained Doris Yiu, a student at the City University of Hong Kong. Along with Stephanie Yu, Doris was the activity coordinator for this day trip. “I bought presents for my family, and, of course, for myself.”

Outings like the trip to Woodbury Common offer opportunities for the exchange visitors to organize and plan their own activities. The coordinators are responsible for arranging transportation, taking payments, and making sure everyone gets to and from the destination on time.

“I like the responsibility,” Stephanie said of being an activity coordinator. She made arrangements with a local bus company to have the group picked up from and dropped off directly at the group’s residence. “There are organization skills that I’m learning, and I think it’ll make me a better leader as I go further in my career.”

During the week, the exchange visitors intern at companies and organizations throughout New York City, including engineering firms, accounting agencies, and government offices. This is the tenth year for CCIP, which has helped hundreds of students from across Asia have their first overseas internship experience.