On Sunday, two new exchange visitors arrived to begin their summer with the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net). They attended a Post Arrival Orientation with the program administrator, Elizabeth Kay, who reviewed with them important information for their internships as well as the best ways to appreciate living in New York City.

The two new arrivals were both from the University of Hong Kong. Ada Chan is majoring in American Studies while Catherine Chain is studying to be a civil engineer.

Ada is interning at the office of New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim, who has been a host with CCIP for many years. She will learn about American government while doing various tasks for the office, including interacting with constituents.

“I’m fascinated by American culture and government,” Ada said. “I feel very lucky to get this chance to see for myself how government really works in a foreign country.”

Catherine is also interning at a long-time CCIP host, Yu & Associates, Inc, an engineering firm located in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. During her internship, she will learn directly from experienced engineers and be tasked with completing assignments on her own.

“Engineering is a competitive field, so I need something to set myself apart,” Catherine said. “Interning with Yu & Associates will help me develop skills that will give me a leg up back home.”

Both Ada and Catherine signed up for ten-week sessions as opposed to the seven-week sessions that most of the exchange visitors have. These longer internship sessions allow extra time for more extensive training.