The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) J-1 interns visited the long-running NBC morning talk show, Today. Also known as The Today Show, the program has been on the air since 1952 and is a cultural institution. The show films live in a studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and covers news, entertainment and other events.

One of the hallmarks of Today is the live audience who stands outside the studio and can be viewed in the background of most shots. Fans and tourists gather outside the windows in hopes of being seen on TV, often with signs and other props. The CCIP interns were in attendance for the show that taped and aired on Saturday, June 29.

Sherry Ang helped organize the visit to the show. “It is not easy to wake up at 6am but it was my first experience,” said Sherry Ang, who is interning with SOVAS. “To be able to see what’s behind the scenes of the local America TV show, the crew, cast and equipment, it gave me another perspective. The weather was great. We could design signs and took TODAY badges back home as a souvenir. After the show, I also had a great breakfast with my friends nearby at Times Square.”

During the week, CCIP participants intern with organizations throughout New York City. These internships with private companies, nonprofit entities, and government offices are designed to provide the interns with professional experience. Outside of their internships, the visiting students have numerous opportunities to experience local culture.