New York is a melting pot of a wide variety of cultures that come from all walks of life to either work, live or study. This includes J1-Visa exchange students, who come from around the world to have the opportunity of being exposed to the American way of life while interning in a wide array of industries.

Three lucky CCIP students and other fellow J1-Visa interns were fortunate enough to be part of a discussion with Richard Stengel, the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, to share on their experiences and take back from their program.

The event titled ‘Leadership for young global professionals today’ was also aimed at strengthening relations with J1-interns and promoting future leadership development opportunities in the US should they wish to return. During the event, Mr. Stengel candidly shared his wonderful experience as Managing Editor of TIME magazine, as well as his notable work on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography.

Overall, the event was an exciting opportunity to engage and learn from other international students' experience, as well as to improve the students' understanding of the overall work of the UN.

Topping it off was definitely the location of the event, held on the 22nd floor of the U.S. Mission to the UN, where everyone marveled at the spectacular helicopter views of the nearby United Nations as well as the Brooklyn Bridge!