This weekend served as the start of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) for a new group of exchange visitors. Each summer, students from Eastern Asia arrive in groups to participate in CCIP and intern with organizations across New York City. On their first weekend in the city, the interns attend a post-arrival orientation.

At the orientation on Sunday, the new arrivals opened bank accounts with the help of a representative of Flushing Bank. They also reviewed important information, discussed program activities, and got to know each other. This group of new arrivals will be interning for eight weeks with their respective organizations.

Emily, who is interning with FUSIA Communications, arrived from Hong Kong. She helped organize the post-arrival orientation.

"We're all feeling so many emotions being here," Emily said. "Most of the participants have never been to America before, and we’re excited to start our internships. There are some nervousness too, of course, but mostly we can’t wait to see what this summer will offer."

"A fruitful day marks the beginning of the internship program. A briefing conducted by E Kay which taught us how to be a qualified intern in a new environment, which is to be: humble, and hungry to new knowledge. Besides, we spent an afternoon to hang around Flushing, familiarizing ourselves in the community we live in," added John from the University of Hong Kong.

"This is also a good opportunity to make new friends! This is my first-time meeting people from all walks of life, where some of them are from other Hong Kong universities, as well as mainland China and Singapore, which is a rare opportunity," said Anson from City University of Hong Kong.

Evan from the University of Hong Kong commented, "I think the logistic of the orientation is very organised. Also, there is clear instruction on internship such as proper attitude, decent communication skills and preparation works before the internship.I am looking forward to experiencing new things in the future month."

Most of the new interns arranged to arrive in the United States early so they could attend CCIP’s Recognition Ceremony at Citi Field on Friday, June 28. This annual event is a special occasion to recognize those in the community who make the program possible. The exchange visitors helped put the evening together, which included speeches from local community leaders and special presentations.