As Session A enters its final weeks, CCIP exchange visitors held an informative, thorough briefing that outlined the procedures for their remaining time in New York. With the final weeks in mind, the visitors were able to ask questions and get information about the conclusion of their culturally and professionally enriching experience in the US.

Jessie, a student at Hong Kong University, was happy to attend the briefing. "I'm always glad when we can come together as a group because I realize that so many of us have similar questions, and the answers are always simple and straightforward," she commented.

The briefing soon turned to a paper-cutting session in which the exchange visitors made intricate paper-cut designs that will be given as gifts to host organizations and individuals who have contributed to the program. An art form that dates back many thousands of years, traditional Chinese paper-cutting is an intricate, sophisticated process that produces one-of-a-kind handmade works of art.

After the paper-cut session, a group of CCIP exchange visitors went to New York's annual gay pride parade, which this year had an extra air of celebration since it coincided with the Supreme Court's historic ruling acknowledging the validity of gay marriage.

"The parade was so exciting. Everyone was so proud of the accomplishments of gay Americans after years of inequality," remarked Mira, a student at City University of Hong Kong. "It was such a lively event, and the parade itself was so colorful and artistic."

The participants are already looking forward to the coming Fourth of July celebrations, planned trips to Boston and Niagara Falls, and upcoming visits to the Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Museum.