The 2015 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) kicked off yesterday with the arrival of students for the program period beginning on May 9. This initial group consisted of six students from the Nanyang Technological University and one student form the City University of Hong Kong. Over the summer, approximately 70 students will be arriving from Asia to take part in the program.

At the Post-Arrival Orientation, the group's Responsible Officer, Elizabeth Kay, welcomed students and revisited important points such as safety precautions, contingency measures, and cultural and internship expectations. Though she had previously met with the students several times in Asia and had chatted via Whatsapp and Skype almost every day, it was still a remarkable occasion to see the excitement and anticipation of the first exchange visitors to arrive.

"The participants are well-prepared for their coming internships, and they are looking forward to the cultural immersion that they will experience this summer," Kay stated.

Though most had just finished their finals, students were communicative and enthusiastic in asking and answering questions.
Sampson, the youngest in the group at age 18 studying at the Nanyang Technological University, had just arrived right before the orientation. He commented, "It has been a long and thorough process to arrive here after the application process coupled with my academic commitments, but I am very happy to be starting my summer experience in New York. I am ready to achieve and exceed expectations."

Mirana, a Business Analytics major studying at the City University of Hong Kong, echoed Sampson's sentiments: "I was the last student to join the program in April. Throughout the joining process, I am glad that I didn't feel lost at all. I greatly appreciate the support in preparations given by the program."

All of arrivals expressed a positive outlook for the summer ahead of them; they will be interning at various New York-area companies in intern roles that reinforce their academic pursuits while also exposing them to the hard- and soft-skills necessary to be a valuable professional.

Another orientation welcoming the other 25 students arriving for the first session will be given Sunday, May 24, at the Flushing, Queens YMCA.

Yesterday, May 23, 2015, the second group of 2015 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) students arrived and checked in at the Flushing YMCA. They join the first group who had arrived on May 9.

This second group, about 20-plus students, comes from nine partner universities throughout Singapore and Hong Kong. Along with the others, they will intern at one of the 20 host organizations, which include law offices, ad agencies, publishing companies, congressman/state assembly district offices, transportation, brokerages, real estate firms, and other enterprises in various fields.

"Though I just arrived, I don't feel any culture shock because many topics were repeatedly covered in our pre-internship weekly meetings. We met online every weekend since winter to go over updates, orientation chapters, etc. At first, that felt like so much work, but now in hindsight, it was all quite worth it," said Laiwei Fan from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

In addition to discussing important cultural topics related to the coming summer experience, Responsible Officer Elizabeth Kay also reviewed rules and regulations related to the Exchange Visitor Program, host-related points, etiquette, workplace norms, and safety precautions. The orientation was also an opportunity for activity leaders to collect money and answer questions related to the activities they are overseeing.

"I am glad that this program has put so much effort into organizing and consolidating group activities so students don't need to find things to do on their own. When we do things as a group, we also save money and promote friendship and safety. I am also glad that I am one of the SAB leaders, which lets me take charge of the experience instead of following others. This is a very important form of leadership training for me!" said Rui Jie Erwin Wan, a National University of Singapore Student.

The orientation ended with the traditional group photo. Everyone smiled big and exuded happiness about the coming summer.