On June 8, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) welcomed the newly arrived Session C students with an orientation at the Flushing YMCA's Blue Room. These students from top partner universities in Asia gathered to kick off their seven-week internship in a room buzzing with their excitement and laughter.

Students reviewed useful information about living in New York as a CCIP participant, with the orientation covering topics such as housing guidelines, program rules, and safety tips. With 24 host companies providing professional mentorship and training to these bright, young students, and with many fun-filled community activities and enrichment events planned for them, all students were encouraged to make the most of their time in New York.

"I can't believe how lucky I am to be here," said Helen Dan, a third year Hotel Management student of Macau University of Science and Technology. "I'm definitely going to be involved in as many activities as possible. I know this will be a valuable and unforgettable experience.”

In the midst of the orientation, Student Advisory Board (SAB) leaders from Session A also met in the Blue Room to greet the new students and also to start paper cutting decorative designs for commendation plaques that would be given to noted community members at the 2014 Recognition Ceremony. A few of the SAB leaders chimed in during the orientation, giving advice and encouragement to Session C students and lastly, prepping the students for the exciting line-up of events for their seven-week stay in New York.

Hearing of all the activities planned for them, students chatted about the events that most excited them while they mingled after the program briefing session.

All Session A and C students then gathered outside the YMCA for a group photo, marking the beginning of a new journey together in the Big Apple.