The Flushing YMCA was thrown into a festive mood yesterday (31 May 2012) as FUSIA Communications officially kicked off the 2012 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) (www.fusia.net)with a sumptuous Barbeque dinner and get-together. Group photos were taken and everyone had a lot of fun.

Councilman Peter Koo, a member of the New York City Council representing City Council District 20, graced the BBQ event and welcomed the students to the city. He shared his story about the tough days when he arrived at America as a young man, opening his business and becoming a councilman to serve the community. He hoped that the students could draw valuable lessons from living in New York like him, and wished us well. Other hosts joined in welcoming the interns.

Soon after, a delicious spread of food laid out across the barbecue pits. Everyone gathered to cook the food together, having a great time mingling with each other for a time of letting their hair down. Most amazingly, the food and drinks never seemed to run out as everyone ate and drank heartily.

Like every happy occasion, there was a common sense of forlornness as the night drew to a close. The festive mood still lingered in the air as the students departed for their rooms.

"I'm just so sad that the night seemed to pass by so quickly!" Yu Xuan Ng, a student from the National University of Singapore, commented. "The barbecue was really such a great opportunity for me to get acquainted with new friends. Making and getting to know new Hong Kong friends really lets me brush up my Cantonese! I'm really looking forward to the days to come! I'm sure I will make more friends and learn a lot of new things!"

Indeed, without the support of the most dedicated ones, the event would not have been possible. Special thanks go to all hosts, supporters and friends who attended the barbecue:
-Morgan Jones from the Mayor's office
-Raymond from the Chinese University of Hong Kong United College Alumni Association
-Max and Kari from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Alumni Association
-Marc Haken, Linna Yu, Angela and other host representatives from Global English Academy
-Gene Eng from GC Eng & Associates
-Andy Lun from Toto Group
-Olga from DJAM Insurance Brokerage Inc
-Viola from Padilla & Company LLC
-Mr. Edward Plesnitzer, Fernando and other staff members of YMCA who so graciously offered their help in barbecuing
and everyone who helped make the barbecue and the program possible in one way or another.

The first few days of CCIP have been fun and illuminating for the students, and greater things are in store for them in the days to come.