Over 500 students from nine partner universities in Asia got the chance to learn more about what the 2012 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) has to offer. With official registration for the program still more than a month away, students jumped at the opportunity to participate in the info sessions and pre-admission interviews.

At the information sessions, Program Founder Elizabeth Kay outlined the aims and scope of the 2012 program. Students were provided with a sneak peek of the 2012 host companies, as well as other cultural exchange options.

The students learned that the program unique in its focus on goodwill and designed to promote cultural exchange between Asia and the United States. Students also learned how important exchange experiences are in today's competitive global market.

"Students looking to compete can't be lazy," said Kay. "Many of our past participants have a full portfolio of at least to six international experiences including volunteering, working locally and regionally, participating in academic exchange and overseas internships, and attending international conferences."

Students were given the opportunity to attend a pre-admission interview face-to-face with the program director after the info session. Approximately 250 students participated. Interview sessions were in two parts. First, students introduced themselves and discussed strengths and weaknesses under a strict time limit. They were then given the chance to interact with their peers in timed group discussion on various topics.

Since CCIP relies on university partners and alumni to help spread the word, the exceptionally high turnout can be credited to those who shared their experiences with others and showed such overwhelming support for the program.

"My friend joined the program last year and she said the experience was really great. I knew this year would be competitive but I didn’t want to miss my chance," said one of the candidates from The University of Hong Kong.