Cultural Activities

On June 26th, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) officially welcomed more exchange visitors to New York City. The group of 12 students met in the Blue Room at the Flushing YMCA to discuss planned group activities and finalize program preparations.

The post-arrival orientations are opportunities for the new arrivals to get to know their fellow interns. For the next two to three months, the interns will live together at the YMCA, travel as a group throughout the region, and visit some of New York's most iconic sites.

As members of the Student Advisory Board, Jiaying Xie (Karwing) and Yinfei Xue (Sandra) led the orientation by discussing the current plans for the group, including a trip to Niagara Falls and Boston the following week.

"I'm excited for everything I have ahead of me," said Sandra, who studies at Macau University of Science and Technology. "Not only will my internship give me valuable experience, but there are a lot of fun activities planned that will let me see more of America."

At the orientation, the students gathered together for a group photo, all wearing the CCIP t-shirt which bears the slogan, "We're all in the same boat."

"Throughout all of the preparations," explained Karwing, a fellow MUST student, "it was really emphasized that CCIP is a group program. We work together so that everyone succeeds. I think that's very important to remember as we're preparing for our future careers."

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As the end of the summer approaches for the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com), students are enjoying the last of the remaining group activities. This past Sunday, many of them traveled together to Woodbury Commons, one of the largest outlet centers in the country. It was a chance to shop for deals while also enjoying one of the final weekends in New York.

"It's really hard to believe that the internship is already almost over," admitted Jingyun Cao (Cara) who will be returning to Macau University of Science and Technology next semester. "It went by fast, but in the process I made a lot of great friends and had such a good time. I really feel like I have a better idea of what I want to do in my career after my internship." Cara is interning with C & L Accounting, Inc., and is studying business administration in Macau.

Woodbury Commons is located in Central Valley in the town of Woodbury, New York. With 220 different shops that offer discounted prices on major name brands, all in a massive outdoor shopping plaza, the center attracts countless shoppers, both local and abroad.

The CCIP exchange visitors traveled by bus, a one and a half hour trip that was organized by both Cara and Li En Chua (Leanne), who studies at Nanyang Technological University.

"There were so many stores at Woodbury Commons," Leanne said. "I could have spent a whole day there, but I still found a lot to buy." Thinking back on her summer, she added, "I've really enjoyed the variety of activities we've done this summer. Seeing Broadway shows and attending a real Native American powwow were highlights."

CCIP's final week ends on August 27th, at which time preparation will begin for 2017.

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The Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) spent the weekend in Flushing Meadows Park attending the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, the largest multi-cultural festival in the state. Celebrating the fifth month of the lunar calendar, this annual event includes a parade, Asian folk arts and crafts, a food court featuring a variety of ethnic cuisines, and the US Dragon Boat Open Championship Races. The CCIP exchange visitors formed teams to compete in the races.

In the weekends leading up to the festival, CCIP's volunteer racers met up to practice. Despite the races being a new experience for the group, they came together as a team to compete and have fun. At the festival, the team wore the program's t-shirt bearing the motto, "We're all in this together."

Yang He (Anne), a student at the University of Hong Kong, served as a team captain for the races and saw just how well the team united to compete. "We came to the races to have fun," Anne said, "but we also wanted to do our best. Even if no one expected us to win, we wanted to prove that we are a good team."

Ying Huang (Rain), the other team captain, and a student at Macau University of Science and Technology, agreed. "This program is teaching us the skills to succeed in our careers. One of the most important lessons is that working together gets us further. You can't win a race if everyone is going at their own pace."

Beyond the races, the festival was represented by the diverse offerings of various cultures from Asia, Europe, and more. There were numerous musicians and dancers for entertainment, and even exhibitions of martial arts. The CCIP exchange visitors manned a booth together, meeting with locals and giving a fun introduction to their own culture to the children in attendance.

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CCIP returned to the Flushing branch of CCIP on August 3rd so that a second group of CCIP students could learn about the American banking system and how it compares to the systems in Hong Kong and China. As they did previously, a representative of the bank took the time to discuss the unique facets of banking in America and detailed how TD Bank stands out from other banking institutions in America.

"TD Bank has a very interesting business model," remarked Mingchen Sun (Victor), a business law student at Macau University of Science and Technology and one of the activity leaders. "The speaker explained what helps them stand out, like their extended hours and more open branch layouts."

TD Bank was founded in Canada and is now one of the top ten banks in the United States. Along with staying open later and having hours on Sunday, the banks stand out from their competitors by being designed with no glass between the tellers and customers so that the branches feel more welcoming. The students also had the opportunity to tour the bank facilities to see how things work behind the scenes.

Another activity leader, Yiyang Shi (Cardo), who studies Economics and Finance at the University of Hong Kong, also had good things to say about the visit, "It was nice getting to know the bankers and how the company works, especially because they are allowing us to bank with them while we're here in the US. It feels good to know they are committed to helping the community."

The students have opened short-term accounts with TD Bank so that they can have easier access to their money while in New York.

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The CCIP students had a chance to visit one of New York City's most famous destinations when they traveled to Broadway to see the extravagant musical, "Cats." The activity was organized by student leaders, Jia Duo (Emerald) and Yilin Wang (Linda), who arranged for the exchange visitors to see one of the most popular shows in the city.

First opening in 1981, "Cats" is the fourth longest running show in Broadway's history, and has grown into a global phenomenon. Bringing together the music of Broadway legend, Andrew Lloyd Webber, with the poetry of T.S. Eliot, the musical returned for its Broadway Revival this July.

Linda, who studies at Macau University of Science and Technology, was wowed by the production. "It's such a spectacular production, the costumes and designs were a lot of fun," she said. "This is one of those shows that everybody knows about. To see it on Broadway, in such an amazing theater, was like a lifelong dream."

"Coming to Broadway to a see a show was very important for me," said Emerald, also a student at MUST. "I am so grateful that I had this opportunity and could do it with my friends in CCIP. This program has allowed me to not only visit New York, but really experience it."

Groups from the CCIP (www.theccip.com) have also seen "Les Misérables" and "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway this year.

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Over the weekend, students in the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) took a chartered bus to visit New York's neighboring state, New Jersey. Their first destination was the campus of Princeton University, a renowned Ivy League school and one of the nine colonial colleges founded before the American Revolution.

Huixin Wang (Ivy) and Jiaying Xie (Karwing), two student leaders, were in charge of organizing the activity. Ivy, who is interning at Padilla & Company, LLP, enjoyed how the university and the small town community felt so interconnected. "It's a very pretty campus and the entire town feels like it's part of the school," she said. "Princeton has a great reputation for its academics and research facilities, and I can see why so many people would want to come study here."

The trip wasn't all about the university, though. Before returning to New York, the students stopped in Elizabeth to visit Jersey Gardens, the largest outlet mall in the state, and an ideal spot for the exchange visitors to find great deals on gifts.

"Jersey Gardens was really big," marveled Karwing, who is interning at FUSIA Communications. "We walked all over the mall for hours and we still didn't see everything. I like walking by all the stores in New York, but everything is so expensive there. It was great to be able to find things here that I can take home with me."

After shopping, the students returned to Queens where, in a couple of weeks, many of them will participate in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.

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On July 21, exchange visitors from Asia in the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) visited prominent government organizations throughout New York City. Led by five members of the program's Student Advisory Board, the group's Government Day taught them about the political culture of the United States.

Starting in the morning, the first stop for the students was the United Nation, the international organization that currently includes 193 Member States from around the globe. They met with international leaders and were able to hear different points of view.

"One of the main reasons I wanted to do this program was to know more about international politics," said Sifan Jiang (Yolanda), a student from the University of Hong Kong. "It's important to not have a limited perspective."

Following the UN, the students continued on to the Consulate-General of Indonesia on 68th Street where they met with Yomi Eka Putra, the Vice Consul for Information and Cultural Affairs. While discussing the operations of the consulate, the students were given traditional Indonesian food to snack on.

University of Hong Kong student, Chun Wei Cheung (Matthew), found the consulate visit very thought provoking. "We talked about what it was like to work and live internationally. There are a lot of challenges. I've enjoyed the time I've been here, but it's only for a short time. It would be very different to move away from home."

The day continued with visits to two US senator's office. The group split at 2 pm, with some of the group touring the office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and other visiting Senator Chuck Schumer. Representatives from the offices spoke with the students about operations, daily challenges, and their governing goals.

"The United States government involves so many poeple" said Hei Yin Man (Angela), a student from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. "Hearing about all the work that goes into even small projects was a good reminder that governing requires bringing together people from very different backgrounds."

With the presidential election occurring, the students enjoyed the chance to gain a better understanding of the United States' political system. "We hear about the election all the time," Angela said, "but meeting people in government gives those news stories more context."

The final stop for the Government Day was an afternoon visit to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York. HKETO-NY is one of three offices of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) in the United States.

"The world is changing a great deal, and we need to embrace the way politics and cultures can blend together," Yifei Xue (Sandra), who studies at Macau University of Science and Technology, said.

After a full day of seeing how different government organizations operate, the students felt like they had a better appreciation for international politics.

"We live in a global society," Sandra added. "I want to take every opportunity I can to experience as much of it as possible. That's why I joined CCIP."

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The Cross Cultural Exchange Program (www.theccip.com) has returned to Broadway, this time to see the world-renowned musical, "Les Misérables," based on the novel by Victor Hugo. The show, in its current run since 2014, is playing at the Imperial Theatre, which opened in 1924. The story is about a French peasant in the early 19th-century who is hounded by a police inspector, yet despite the bleak plot, the musical is one of the most popular in the world and is the second longest running show in Broadway's history.

Twenty-seven students attended the activity on July 19th, which was lead by Ying Huang (Rain) and Mingchen Sun (Victor), both students from Macau University of Science and Technology.

"I've been here for a month now," Victor said, "and I feel like I'm starting to understand the city better. Helping to organize this activity was a good test for us and I think Rain and I passed. I feel really good about what I'm learning not just at my internship but in the program, too."

The students were able to get discounted group tickets to the show which made it possible for more of them to experience one of New York's most famous attractions.

"Seeing a show on Broadway is one of those things that everyone should do at least once," Rain said. "I had been looking forward to this night ever since I arrived, and it did not disappoint. The acting and the costumes were very impressive. This was the best show I've ever been to, and I'm very glad I get to check this off of my to-do list."

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This past Sunday, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) returned to the Statue of Liberty. For most of the exchange visitors, this was their first chance to visit the iconic and world-renowned national monument in person. It was a hot, summer day, perfect weather for riding a ferry out into the bay. The activity was organized by two student leaders, Yinfei Xue (Sandra) and Jiaying Xie (Karwing), both students from Macau University of Science and Technology.

"Organizing this kind of activity teaches me a lot," Karwing said. "There are a lot of details involved in getting together a group of more than 20 people. Figuring out the subway was extra difficult because there were so many people out in the city. It was a good reminder that I need to always plan ahead."

The tour took them to Liberty Island where the students were able to take pictures at the pedestal and see the impressive landmark up close. Many selfies were taken with Lady Liberty watching from above.

Sandra said, "Everybody wants a picture in front of the Statue of Liberty. Even in Asia, it's one of the most famous statues. It will be great to look at them years later and remember how much fun we had today."

After visiting the statue, the tour continued on to Ellis Island where the students visited the museum and heard about the history of the island. From 1892 to 1954, more than 12 million immigrants arrived at Ellis Island before they were allowed to officially enter the country. The history of countless American families began at the island where surnames were often changed by immigration officers.

"It would have been really interesting to have been here back then," Karwing commented. "It makes me want to look back at my own family history and learn more than what I know now."

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Dressed in matching shirts and gloves, a group of students from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) returned to Cunningham Park in the morning on July 16th for a second day of volunteering. The park, located in central Queens, is 358 acres of trees, trails, and fields ideal for a game of baseball on a sunny summer's day.

On this warm Saturday morning, more than 20 CCIP exchange visitors arrived to give back to a community that has welcomed them in for the summer. Volunteer activities included gardening, trash pickup, and spreading fresh soil. They were joined by members of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation who worked alongside the students, teaching them gardening techniques while sharing what they love about the city.

"New Yorkers love their parks," Lujun Zhen (Cathy) commented. Cathy was one of the activity leaders and studies at Macau University of Science and Technology. "There are so many more than just Central Park. All of the green space is really beautiful, especially when you come across it in the middle of such a big city. It takes a lot of work to keep the parks so nice. I'm happy I could help, even if it was just a little."

Another activity leader, Nam Hei NG (Cato), was impressed by how much the group accomplished in only a few hours. "A big focus of CCIP is the idea that we are all in this together," said Cato, a student at the Hong Kong Institute of Education. "That idea is really clear when we're all working together towards a common goal like cleaning up the park. By the time we had finished for the day, the lawn looked like a brand new space."

He added, "I understand why they need volunteers, because there is too much to be done by only a few people."

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With new sessions beginning every few weeks, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) returned to the Museum of Modern Art for their UNIQLO Free Friday Night promotion. From 4pm to 8pm every Friday night, there is open admission to all galleries, exhibitions and films. The MoMA, which was founded in 1929, includes some of the most adventurous art exhibits in the world, providing a culture experience that is hard to match.

Li En Chua (Leanne) and Yinfei Xue (Sandra) were the activity leaders for this visit to the MoMA that was followed by a trip to the Empire State Building. It was an opportunity for them both to learn how to organize a large group of people and handle the logistics of keeping the group together as it moved across the city.

"One of the best parts of CCIP is the opportunity to build my leadership skills," Sandra said. "There are a lot of different chances to plan events and problem solve. It wasn't easy getting a group of 30 people across New York, but Leanne and I managed."

The group took the elevator up to the observatories of the Empire State Building, the third tallest building in New York City, to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The group ate dinner together and spent the evening getting to know each other better while taking in the sights.

"As fun as it was to see the city from so high up," Leanne said, "the best part for me is how much I'm getting to know everyone in CCIP. It feels like a family. We each go to our internships and learn so much during the day, and then we come together on nights and weekends and explore all the great things that New York has to offer."

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With the help of the New York Police Department, CCIP organized a safety briefing to educate the new arrivals about personal safety tips for reducing instances of crime and spotting potential scams. With their safety being a top priority, this was a great way for the students to learn how to navigate the city's streets and subways without becoming a victim.

Officer Semler spoke for about an hour, explaining what types of behaviors make visitors most susceptible to thieves and other criminals. He illustrated his talk with stories about past victims and explained how a few simple precautions could have made all the difference.

"When you hear about New York City, you are always told it's a big city and there are a lot of dangers," said Tsz Ki Tang (Crystal), a student leader from Hong Kong who is interning at CMP. "It was very reassuring to have the officer give advice on how to stay safe and how to avoid scams."

The briefing lasted around an hour and then the students returned to their evening. With many plans for the rest of the summer and a lot of opportunities to travel around the city, the students were clearly happy to have good advice for staying safe.

"I wouldn't want to miss out on enjoying the city just because I was worried about something bad happening," Crystal added. "There's just too much exciting stuff here."

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Meeting at the Oo Bar & Lounge, a rooftop bar in the One Boutique Hotel in Flushing, the student interns from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) shared laughs and discounted food and drinks. Organized by three members of the CCIP's Student Advisory Board, the gathering allowed the exchange visitors to unwind after a day at their internships while getting to know their fellow interns better.

The bar's happy hour runs weekdays from 5pm to 8pm and provides extensive views of Queens. "It was a lot of fun to just relax with friends and get a new view of the city," Tsun Kin Chow (Jesse) said. Jesse was one of the activity leaders and is interning at Sing Tao New York this summer. "Whenever I thought of living in New York, I imagined having a great job and enjoying the nightlife with friends, so this was perfect."

Yichao Ma (Katrina), another activity leader and an intern at Liberty Land Abstract, Inc., is enjoying all the new experiences that CCIP has allowed her to partake in. "I've already had so many firsts during my time here. Now I can say I sat on a rooftop in New York and had dinner with friends. These are the kinds of experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Of course, CCIP is about more than just hanging out with friends. The program gives students from all over Asia a chance to experience American culture while getting a deeper education in their areas of study. Chuqi Ye (Owen), who is interning at Djam Insurance Brokerage Inc. and is a student at Macua University of Science and Technology, reflected on what he's hoping to gain while he's here.

"As I sat in the bar, I couldn't help but notice all the different cultures that were represented in there. That's something really unique about America and I'm excited for this opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. I don't want to waste any chance to expand my understanding of the world."

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On July 12th, a second group of students from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center site. Opened on September 11, 2011, the tenth anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, the memorial commemorates the lives lost. Two reflecting pools now sit in the base where the Twin Towers once stood, while the museum displays pictures of the fallen along with multimedia displays and other archives.

Tuesday evenings are free at the museum, but visitors must arrive early to get the limited amount of available tickets. The 27 CCIP visitors included activity organizer, Jiaying Xie (Karwing), who took on the responsibility of arranging for the students to get their museum tickets. She recruited a number of volunteers to show up early and wait on behalf of the whole group.

"I really wanted this visit to be a good activity for the group, because I know it would be something we all remembered," Karwing said. "There were a lot of details to figure out with getting everyone's schedule figured out, but it was worth it. I think everyone had a great experience and I gained a lot of valuable leadership experience."

The museum is 110,000 square feet and includes numerous exhibitions. The Memorial Exhibition includes walls of photographs of the fallen along with artifacts donated by the families of the victims. The Historical Exhibition stands in the location of the former North Tower and presents the events that occurred on September 11, 2001, while also providing the historical significance of the World Trade Center.

"It's hard to know what to say," Karwing admitted after visiting the museum. "It was such a huge tragedy, and yet the people of New York have found a way to recover and stay strong. It's inspiring to learn about people's stories and know that it is possible to rebuild after a great loss."

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The Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) welcomed the last remaining sessions of interns with a post-arrival orientation on Sunday, July 10th. Gathering at the YMCA in Flushing where the students will live during their time in New York, the students discussed planned activities, reviewed important program topics, and came together for a group photo.

"We are going to do a lot this summer," said Jingyun Cao (Cara), a student at Macau University of Science and Technology, and a member of the Student Advisory Board. "I look forward to getting to know the other interns over the next couple months. It feels like a really good group."

CCIP students spend between seven to twelve weeks at internships throughout the city. In addition to real world training in their fields of study, the students participate in a variety of activities designed to fully immerse them in American culture while also giving them opportunities to share their own experiences with local residents.

Sifan Jiang (Yolanda), who is interning at Colon & Peguero LLP, joined CCIP because it would expose her to a broader culture. "New York City is known for being a melting pot of people. I can't think of a better place to learn and gain experience."

Over the next few weeks, the exchange visitors will visit the Museum of Modern Art and the Empire State Building and will attend showings of "Les Misérables" and "Cats" on Broadway.

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For their first visit to Broadway, the exchange visitors of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) attended a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera." One of the most famous musicals in the world, "The Phantom of the Opera" is the longest-running show in Broadway history and currently plays at the Majestic Theatre.

For the July 6th performance, 35 students bought discounted tickets through a group package. The activity leaders were Chun Wei Cheung (Matthew), who is studying at the University of Hong Kong, and Li En Chua (Leanne), who is studying at Nanyang Technological University. Together, they collected payments and arranged a meeting time for the group.

"I had never been to a big Broadway type play before," Leanne said. "It was very exciting. The show has so much spectacle and the theater was beautiful. I can understand why these shows bring in so many crowds year after year. This will definitely be one of the most memorable parts of my trip."

Later this month, the CCIP students will attend performances of "Les Misérebles" and the Broadway revival of "Cats." These three musicals are a few of the most popular and widely acclaimed in Broadway's history. Broadway is one of the hallmarks of New York City's famous art scene and is responsible for over a billion dollars in revenue every year. For the visiting students, this was an opportunity to experience something that makes the city truly incomparable.

"You can see the Phantom all over the world," Matthew acknowledged, "but seeing it on Broadway feels like a cultural event. My time in New York will be short, so I'm glad that CCIP is providing me chances to do as much as possible. I can now say I've seen a Broadway show, which is pretty special to me. There is still a lot of summer ahead of me, and I'm excited for everything else we're going to do.

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J-1 Designated Sponsor FUSIA Communications hosts the
2016 CCIP Recognition Ceremony at Citi Field

Foreign and local government officials, community leaders, and 75 elite Asian Pacific exchange visitors come together to celebrate accomplishments and efforts in the field of cultural exchange.

FUSIA/CCIP J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (The Cross Cultural Internship Program, www.theccip.com) celebrated another year of accomplishments, bringing together key supporters of its cultural initiative with the exchange visitors themselves to hold the 2016 Recognition Ceremony at Citi Field, home of the Mets, on July 5.

Over 140 guests, including exchange visitors, local and foreign government representatives, university partners, and host representatives, attended the event. The event, entitled "Culture Exchange Event," celebrated the joint efforts of the greater New York City community and students from Asia and Pacific nations to promote cultural exchange through the CCIP.

To recognize the efforts of all the participants in this cross cultural initiative, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer declared July 5, 2016 "Cross-Cultural Internship Appreciation Day".

Government officials attended the event to show their support and honor the achievements of the program:

- NYS Senator Toby Ann Stavisky
- NYS Assemblyman David Weprin
- NYC Councilman Peter Koo
- China Consul Chang Quansheng
- Singapore Consul Eugene Ng
- Kevin H. Crowley from the US Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs

Various government offices also presented greeting letters or commendations to recognize the efforts of the involved parties as well as the achievements of the program in its cultural endeavors:

- US Senator for New York, Senator Charles Schumer
- US Senator for New York, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
- Congresswoman Grace Meng, whose office is also one of the internship host organizations
- Congressman Joseph Crowley
- NYS Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, whose office is also one of the internship host organizations
- NYS Assemblyman Ron Kim, whose office is also one of the internship host organizations
- NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio
- NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer
- NYC Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer
- NYC Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams
- Public Advocate for the City of New York Letitia James
- NYC Councilman Rory Lancman

Mr. Gene Eng (GC Eng & Associates, PC) and Ms. Jolander Headley (Joe's Music Center & Performing Arts Inc.), both program hosts, shared how having the J-1 interns from the Exchange Visitor Program enriched their respective offices.

The event also honored supporters from the community. Honored guests included:

- NYPD Community Affairs for giving safety talks to the exchange visitors
- TD Bank Downtown Flushing Branch for helping students open bank account
- The Flushing YMCA for providing lodging
- Friends of Cunningham Park for facilitating volunteer and community outing experiences

Also in attendance were three former CCIP participants and recent graduates who shared how the program benefitted them.

As a token of appreciation to the host organizations for helping the FUSIA/CCIP exchange visitor internship program further its mission, the students presented handmade plaques to each host.

The program was then commemorated with a video presentation, short films, and a musical performance. Produced and created by the students, these presentations gave the guests a view into the program and the fond memories the students made this year.

It was a pleasure for all the program participants to hear the stadium filled with enthusiastic cheering and applause. They knew they had built meaningful relationships with each other and the community at large.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Marc A. Haken who serves as the Youth, Education, and Library Committee Chair of Community Board 8 in Queens (CB 8Q) and President of Friends of Cunningham Park, as well as a program advisor. He thanked all parties for their collaborative efforts, which contributed immensely to the success of CCIP in its goodwill initiative.

After the Ceremony, the Spirit Award was presented by the Mets to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the local and global communities, which included the FUSIA Communications/CCIP J-1 Intern Exchange Visitor Program. FUSIA/CCIP was specifically honored for its work in bridging relations between the US and Asia as well as developing future global leaders. FUSIA Communications is one of 95 J-1 Visa-designated sponsoring organizations for the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program. FUSIA sponsors students primarily from partner universities in Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau.

A baseball game between the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins followed the ceremony, providing students with a beloved and classic American experience to end the night. While the ceremony marked the end of the program for the first wave of this year's CCIP participants, it is only the beginning for Session B students who have seven exciting weeks in the US to look forward to.

About

Since 2008, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) has taken place every summer from May to August. CCIP is a social enterprise program dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial East-West cultural exchange, tailored to the needs of exchange visitors from Asia and the Pacific region nations.

CCIP is a dynamic transcultural collaboration that brings global communities together. Through CCIP, exchange visitors and host organizations exchange their individual insights, ideas, and experiences from their unique backgrounds. The program allows for exchange visitors to acquire practical knowledge and cultural experiences and for host organizations to connect with the international community and stay abreast of trends in the global marketplace.

CCIP is organized by FUSIA Communications, a designated visa sponsor of the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program (J-1 Intern). Participants in the Exchange Visitor Program fulfill their roles by interning and participating in immersive cultural experiences that facilitate a greater understanding of American society.

This year, 75 participants were selected out of nearly 1000 applicants and were matched to 20-plus host organizations including government district offices, law firms, media firms, ad agencies, real estate agencies, and more, all located in the greater New York City area.

CCIP partners with 10 prominent accredited degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary Asian or Pacific region academic institutions:

Hong Kong:
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU)
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST)
- Hang Seng Management College, Careers Office (HSMC)
- The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIED)
- The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK)
- City University of Hong Kong, College of Business (CITYU)

Singapore:
- National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Macau:
- Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST)

Participating hosts for 2016 include:

- Aithent Inc. - aithent.com
- APartnership - apartnership.com
- BoConcept New York - boconceptny.com
- C & L Accounting, Inc. - claccountants.com
- CMP - cmpny.org
- Colon & Peguero LLP - cplegalny.com
- Crystal McKenzie, Inc. - cminyc.com
- District Office of Assembly Member Nily Rozic - assembly.state.ny.us/mem/nily-rozic
- District Office of Assembly Member Ron Kim - assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Ron-Kim/
- District Office of Congresswoman Grace Meng - meng.house.gov
- District Office of NYS Senator Toby Ann Stavisky - www.nysenate.gov/senators/toby-ann-stavisky
- Djam Insurance Brokerage Inc. - djaminsurance.com
- Fusia Communications, Inc. - fusia.net
- GC Eng & Associates, PC - gceng.com
- Harry Nurses Registry, Inc - harryhomecare.com/
- Joe's Music and Dance Academy - joesmusiccenter.org
- Liberty Land Abstract, Inc. - LLAbstract.com
- Mary Nittolo, Inc. (the Studio) - studionyc.com
- Padilla & Company, LLP - padillacpa.com
- Sing Tao Newspaper New York Ltd. - nysingtao.com
- Trans Express USA - transexpressusa.com
- Yu & Associates, Inc. - yu-associates.com

For more, visit www.theccip.com or contact the organizer, FUSIA Communications, at 718-643-0311 ext. 18.

Copyright (c) 2024 | All rights reserved | FUSIA Communications

Over the Fourth of July weekend, students in the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) took a break from New York City to visit Niagara Falls and Boston. Chartering a bus, the group left early Friday morning for the nine hour drive up to Niagara Falls, a collection of three waterfalls that sit along the border between the United States and Canada.

Plans for the trip were arranged and finalized by four members of the program's Student Advisory Board, including Dongqing Liu (Cathy), who is a student at Nanyang Technological University. "There is so much of America that I want to see. I knew when I first read about this trip that I wanted to take part because seeing the Niagara Falls in person was something I always wanted to do. They are far more beautiful than any picture could capture."

In addition to taking a walking tour of the Falls, the students also rode a boat for more impressive views of one of the continent's most famous natural wonders.

Cathy's co-leaders for the trip included Chi Ching Lau (Safrina), from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Wing Yan Li (Priscilla), who attends City University of Hong Kong, and Yinfei Xue (Sandra), from Macau University of Science and Technology. Together they arranged meeting times, ensured travel arrangements were set in place, and helped determine what the students did while visiting Boston.

"Once we got to Boston, there was so much to do," Priscilla said. "It's not as big as New York, but it's quieter and I feel like I could have spent many more days there." Among the sites that the students visited were MIT and Harvard University, as well as the famous Quincy Market where they shopped and enjoyed all kinds of food among the crowds of locals and visitors.

"It was cool to be in Boston for the Fourth of July weekend," Sandra added. The current capital of Massachusetts served a central role in the American Revolution and is steeped in history, signified by the Freedom Trail that runs through much of the downtown area. "It's interesting because America is a young country but there is still a lot of history to learn about."

After walking much of the city and watching the fireworks, the students returned to the bus to come back to New York City. On the way, they made a stop in New Haven, Connecticut to visit the prestigious Yale University. There they took pictures and appreciated the beautiful campus which features beautiful architecture and unique works of art.

"It was a long trip, with a lot of details to figure out," said Safrina. "I really think opportunities like this are very important. Not only did I see more of the country, but helping to plan this trip taught me a lot. We had to work together and I needed to trust that my fellow activity leaders would all do their part. I really think this trip was a great success, and I'm so happy I went."

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On June 26th, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) officially welcomed more exchange visitors to New York City. The group of 12 students met in the Blue Room at the Flushing YMCA to discuss planned group activities and finalize program preparations.

The post-arrival orientations are opportunities for the new arrivals to get to know their fellow interns. For the next two to three months, the interns will live together at the YMCA, travel as a group throughout the region, and visit some of New York's most iconic sites.

As members of the Student Advisory Board, Jiaying Xie (Karwing) and Yinfei Xue (Sandra) led the orientation by discussing the current plans for the group, including a trip to Niagara Falls and Boston the following week.

"I'm excited for everything I have ahead of me," said Sandra, who studies at Macau University of Science and Technology. "Not only will my internship give me valuable experience, but there are a lot of fun activities planned that will let me see more of America."

At the orientation, the students gathered together for a group photo, all wearing the CCIP t-shirt which bears the slogan, "We're all in the same boat."

"Throughout all of the preparations," explained Karwing, a fellow MUST student, "it was really emphasized that CCIP is a group program. We work together so that everyone succeeds. I think that's very important to remember as we're preparing for our future careers."

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Over 40 students from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) traveled to the nation's capital, Washington DC. The city is the base of the federal government, with all three branches - the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial - centered there. This visit offered the exchange visitors greater insight into the American government and a chance to expand their cultural experience.

Organized by six members of the group's Student Advisory Board, the students boarded a chartered bus early on Friday morning in order to arrive in DC to watch sessions of both the Senate and Congress.

Yilin Wang (Linda), who is interning with FUSIA Communications and was one of the activity's leader, was excited to see the process by which the US government passes laws. "In Asia, we hear a lot about the US government and the presidential election," Linda said. "Visiting DC in person made it feel more."

The students then met with Congresswoman Grace Meng, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives for New York State. She was available for a meet-and-greet in which the students had their pictures taken and were given a more detailed explanation of what a member of congress does. It was a chance to learn about the process of American democracy while gaining an understanding of the role of a politician.

After touring Capitol Hill, both the home of Congress and one of the city's most historic and famous neighborhoods, the group saw more of DC. "It's a beautiful city," said Wing Yan Li (Priscilla), an intern at Crystal McKenzie, Inc. "There aren't the tall buildings like New York has, so you can see a lot more of the city. Just knowing that the president of the United States lives here makes it feel special."

With cameras in hand, the students relished seeing the famous landmarks and visiting DC's many world-renowned museums. The capital is frequently ranked as the best city in the country for museums. With free admission at most of the museums and galleries of the Smithsonian Institution, everyone could find something that met their interests.

Yiwen Dong, one of the activity organizers, felt like the trip was a great success. "We did so much in just a couple of days. Planning this activity for such a large group, we wanted to see as much as possible and I think we did that. The group took a lot of pictures, so it will be fun to look back on these memories of this trip."

After two days in DC, the students returned to New York City where they are interning at various companies throughout the city, including engineering firms, advertising agencies, and government offices. Over the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, the students will travel to Niagara Falls and Boston.

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The New York Philharmonic played a concert in Cunningham Park this past Monday evening. After finishing their day at their internships, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) exchange visitors traveled to the park to experience the music along with the fireworks show that took place after the concert.

The concert series, which has been an annual event since 1965 and is presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, is a great opportunity for visitors from across the region to enjoy a relaxing night in the park and listen to the classical music of some of America's most respected composers, including Leonard Bernstein, John Philip Sousa, and George Gershwin.

"It was a beautiful concert," said Chun Yip Chan (Anson), a student from Hong Kong University. "It was nice to lay back on the grass and hear these great American songs play. It was the first time I'd heard any of this music played by a live orchestra."

The concert also provided an opportunity for the exchange visitors to mingle with the diverse crowd.

"There were children running all around with families everywhere. But there were also older people and even teenagers. I feel like I saw a whole spectrum of classical music lovers," said Tsz Kwan Kong (Tiffany), one of the activity leaders for the event along with Anson.

Once the concert had finished, the evening concluded with a brilliant fireworks display that filled up the night sky. It was a dazzling way to end the show and a chance for the attendees to talk while they enjoyed the warm summer air.

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The CCIP exchange visitors had one of the more unique experiences of their summer this past weekend when they traveled to Coney Island for the annual Mermaid Parade. As one of the most eclectic and iconic events held in the city, the Mermaid Parade is led by King Neptune and Queen Mermaid and includes an assortment of revelers wearing all manner of colorful and shiny costumes.

"This may be the most unusual thing I've ever gone to," said activity leader, Mingye Li (Zooey). "We had talked about what the event would be before we got there, but I still wasn't prepared. I can see why people come back year after year."

The event, which draws hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators, is the largest art parade in the country and mixes ancient mythology with honky-tonk for a truly unique experience. Since its inception in 1983, the parade has become one of the most talked about summer rituals in the city. The parade also provides a showcase for over 3,000 artists from the five boroughs to display their art.

"I really enjoyed the art," said Yifeng Yang (Ethan), the other activity leader. "Some of it was bizarre and some of it was really beautiful, but all of it was fun to look at. It would be impossible to group it under one label, other than 'American.'"

"I don't think I could describe the Mermaid Parade to my friends back home," Zooey added with a laugh.

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On Tuesday night, the CCIP exchange visitors met to enjoy the Museum Mile Festival, one of Manhattan's most idyllic events. Stretching up Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th streets, the Mile connects seven different museums along tree-lined walks with views of Central park.

The students spread out to explore what the festival had to offer, which included street entertainers, musicians and food vendors. The museums, ranging from The Metropolitan Museum of Art on 82nd Street to El Museo del Barrio on 104th street, were also open to the public.

Yifeng Yang (Ethan), activity leader and student at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said the event was a personal favorite. "I've done quite a few things since coming to New York, but the Museum Mile Festival was by far the most fun. The museums are some of the most diverse and interesting I've ever been to and all the street performers were great to watch."

The festival, which has drawn millions of visitors since it was launched in the seventies, was filled with people from all over the world.

"The diverse crowds really showed how New York is a melting pot," said Ziyu Zhou (Joyce), activity leader from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "I heard so many different languages being spoken. I felt like it was just as much a cultural experience walking up the streets as it was visiting the museums."

At this point, the students have been at their various internships for a week or longer, so having events like the Museum Mile Festival to break up their evenings can be a great way to rejuvenate.

"Coming to this festival was a good reminder of why I wanted to intern in New York in the first place," Joyce added.

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This past weekend, the exchange visitors of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) took a bus to one of New York's best destination for shopping deals, Woodbury Commons. Opened in 1985, the sprawling outdoor outlet center covers more than 800,000 square feet and has 220 different stores offering discounts on some of the most famous brands in the world, including Armani, Burberry, Coach, and Gucci.

Helping to organize the day trip was Macau University of Science and Technology student, Yueran Yang (Jessie). "Manhattan is wonderful and lot of fun to explore, but everything is very expensive. I found a lot of great deals at Woodbury Commons, so I was able to buy gifts for my family and get things for myself. There were so many people there, it was like an amusement park."

Woodbury Commons is located roughly 60 miles northwest of Queens and takes about an hour and a half to reach by bus. Helping Jessie organize the event was Yinjie Hua (Joyce), a student from Nanyang Technological University. Serving as an activity leader involves a variety of tasks that include setting meet up times, ensuring transportation is arranged, and collecting any necessary fees.

"We've done some great things together," Joyce said of her time so far at CCIP. "We traveled to Princeton and went to the Empire State Building. Everything we do gives me a better appreciation of New York and America. I wanted to be on the Student Advisory Board so I could help plan the summer and see as much as possible while I was here. I'm learning a lot but also having so much fun."

Among the many activities planned for the CCIP exchange visitors this summer are three Broadway musicals and a trip to Washington DC to visit Capitol Hill. Each activity is led and planned by one or more of the students and many are optional for them to attend.

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Though New York City is known for its towering skyscrapers, the five boroughs are also home to many of the country's most impressive city parks. Cunningham Park in northeast Queens is 358 acres with baseball fields, bike trails and plenty of open space. It's a place of pride for the local residents, and it takes a great amount of effort to keep it clean and inviting for all visitors.

The CCIP exchange visitors came to Cunningham Park this last Saturday to do their part as volunteers by raking leaves, picking up trash, and helping with the care of the lawns. This was an opportunity to learn about the spirit of volunteerism, a central tenet of American culture, while also gaining a greater appreciation for the community that they are living among.

"We were told that volunteering is very important in the United States," said Hui Xian Sim, an activity leader who is studying at Nanyang Technological University. "There is a lot of work to be done in a big park, and there aren't enough park employees to do all of it. It felt really good to know that I was able to contribute to the community today."

As they cleaned and did lawn work, the students had a chance to talk and joke with other volunteers and members of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It was an opportunity beyond their internships for the exchange visitors to learn about the culture while also gaining valuable experience as both leaders and volunteers.

Sze Ki Hung (Silky), a student from the University of Hong Kong and an activity leader, enthusiastically reflected on what this experience meant to her. "When I walk into such a big park, it's hard to imagine that I could have any impact. But after only a few hours, it was obvious that all of us together had made a big difference. It's a perfect example of how much people can do when they work together."

After they finished their volunteer work for the day, the group attended a performance at the Big Apple Circus.

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On June 11th, after spending the morning volunteering in Cunningham Park, students from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) attended the Big Apple Circus, a nearly two hour show that set up its big tent in the park from May 15th to June 12th. This year, the circus, an annual event and New York landmark, was titled, "The Grand Tour - A Circus Extravaganza!"

"What an amazing show!" That was the opinion of Hui Xian Sim, one of the activity leaders. "Seeing a circus in person was so much fun. To see all the acrobats and animals performing tricks, it seems like it can't be real. I felt like I was a little kid again watching all of the acts."

The circus, which has been active since 1977, is a favorite of locals and tourists. This year's theme was set in the 1920s and included jugglers, aerialists, and domestic and rescue animals, along with a seven-piece band. The performances took place in a giant, white tent, which was 140 feet in diameter and 63 feet high at the very top. It accommodated more than 1,700 people. Started humbly as a circus school in lower Manhattan, the Big Apple Circus has entertained millions of visitors over the decades.

Sze Ki Hung (Silky), a student from the University of Hong Kong who also served as an activity leader, was happy that the group was able to see the show together. "In the morning, we helped clean up the park, and then afterwards we went to this show. I like doing these group activities because I feel like it brings us together. I've gotten to know my fellow interns really well already and I'm very excited about everything else we will do this summer."

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Through a collaboration with UNIQLO, Friday nights at the Museum of Modern Art are free. A group of students from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) took advantage of this opportunity to see some of the most unique and interesting art in New York City. This outing was organized by Jia Duo (Emerald) and Geng Hao Teng, who arranged for the students to meet at the museum at 6.

"I enjoy planning our activities because it's a great opportunity to learn organizational skills while having fun," Emerald said. "Visiting MoMA was one of the highlights of my time in the United States, so far. I loved the art and was happy that we could make it such a successful trip for everyone."

The MoMA was founded in 1929 and features art from all over the world that represents the most current and forward looking movements. Exhibitions included paintings, sculptures, photography and many other forms of avant-garde work.

After enjoying the MoMA, the group headed to the Empire State Building where they went up to the observatories for 360 degree views of New York City and enjoyed dinner together. The Empire State Building is 103 stories tall and was the tallest building in the world when it was officially completed in 1931. It's currently the third tallest building in New York City.

"I already thought this was an amazing city, but seeing it from all the way up there gave me a completely new perspective," Geng Hao said. "We all took so many pictures and had such a great time together. I think we're all starting to feel like New York is our home."

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After a long day at their respective internships, the Cross Cultural Internship Program's (www.theccip.com) group of exchange visitors came together at Oo Bar & Lounge for some happy hour revelry. Located in the heart of Flushing, Oo Bar is situated on the rooftop of the One Boutique Hotel and offers great views of the city. Happy Hour, which runs from 5pm to 8pm, is a nice time to gather for discounted drinks and food while chatting about New York life.

Organized by three student leaders, Jia Duo (Emerald), Yinjie Hua (Joyce), and Sai Hong Ng (John), the students gathered on a Thursday evening, returning to Queens after their internships which are spread throughout the boroughs of New York City.

Joyce is interning at Colon & Peguero LLP with a focus in commercial litigation and business law. It's a demanding but rewarding experience. "Being here in New York and getting firsthand experience in my field is a dream come true," Joyce said. "Having this group in the CCIP going through these experiences with me makes it even better, because I don't feel alone and we can do fun things like happy hour together."

"We had a lot of fun at the bar," said John, a student from the University of Hong Kong. "There is so much to do in this city and I'm excited for our trips to Boston and Washington DC. But for me, a relaxing night spending time with friends and telling jokes is just as great. We're coming together as a group and getting to know each other."

Organizing an activity like this is good experience, said Emerald who is learning about integrated marketing at Sing Tao New York. "I joined the Student Advisory Board because I want to develop as a leader. I have many opportunities while I'm here to improve my leadership skills and get better at time management. These are skills that will only make me stronger when I start my career."

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On Thursday evening, exchange visitors of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) had a unique opportunity to learn about the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Singapore, one of only two permanent missions that Singapore maintains. Students from Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore spent the evening meeting with Joseph Teo, the Deputy Permanent Representative of UN Matters.

Mr. Teo spoke with the students on a variety of topics that relate to his duties at the United Nations as well as the particular challenges and cultural particulars of the mission. Singapore joined the UN in 1965 as the 117th member and, in addition to New York, has a permanent mission in Geneva.

This activity was organized by NTU student, Hui Xian Sim, who is interning at Aithent Inc. for seven weeks. Hui Xian is a member of the Student Advisory Board, which is tasked with helping to organize the various activities that the group does, whether they be group gatherings, an evening outing to Broadway, or trips out of the state.

"Mr. Teo was very informative," Hui Xian said. "It would be fascinating to be in his position, living in a foreign country but still having a connection to my home. The Mission helps people from Singapore who come here have an easier transition. I think it's very important work that Mr. Teo does here."

The group of Singaporean students join others from Hong Kong, Macau, and China in the internship program, which seeks to bridge the gap between cultures so that everyone involved gains a greater acceptance of the global community. In July, the students will attend the 38th Annual Grand Mid-Summer Pow Wow to experience Native American culture firsthand.

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To ensure the safety of the interns while they are here in New York, CCIP organized a special safety briefing with the New York Police Department so they could learn how to avoid being the target of crime and the best ways to protect their property.

NYPD officer Semler spoke with the group, providing tips for riding the subway or walking at night, and explaining the types of scams the students should be looking out for when they are out in the city.

"Living in New York does make me a little nervous," admitted Jiaen Yu (Joy), an event organizer who is interning at Trans Express USA. "But Officer Semler's advice made me feel better about my safety concerns. The biggest thing that he stressed is that I just need to pay attention to my surroundings."

It was an hour briefing, and students had the opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions once Officer Semler had finished his talk. Now more vigilant and aware of what to look out for, the students are looking forward to all the opportunities for fun and exploration that New York City has to offer.

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The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is located at the site of the World Trade Center. The memorial pays tribute to those who lost their lives in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. Two reflecting pools, each nearly an acre in size, sit at the base where the former Twin Towers once stood. The museum has 110,000 square feet of exhibition space dedicated to multimedia displays, archives and artifacts from the attacks.

On June 7th, a group of 20 CCIP (www.theccip.com) students visited the memorial and museum. The activity was organized by Tsz Kwan Kong (Tiffany), a student from the City University of Hong Kong. The museum is free to visitors on Tuesday evenings, so Tiffany arranged for a small group of students to arrive early and wait in line for tickets for the whole group.

"It was good that students could help me out," Tiffany said. "It was a good lesson for me to understand that a leader knows when to ask for help. I felt like this was an important activity, so I'm very happy that everything went so smoothly and I learned a lot."

While the group was excited to see the memorial for themselves, and even took a group photo before traveling to the site, they also understood the solemn nature of the memorial. Standing next to the reflecting pools, they gained a better understanding of the massive scale of destruction. The wall of photos inside the museum also reinforced just how personal the attacks were.

Tiffany reflected on the visit: "Hearing the stories of those who lost their lives was very touching. It was sad at times, but there is also such a feeling of peace and understanding being in there. It's a good reminder to value the people in your lives. I know it made all of us in the program feel closer together."

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There is no New York icon more recognizable than the Statue of Liberty. Donated to the US by the people of France and officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, Lady Liberty is located on an island in Upper New York Bay and attracts four million people each year.

On June 5th, after the second post-arrival orientation, the CCIP (www.theccip.com) exchange visitors headed to Liberty Island. They first gathered for lunch before taking the train to lower Manhattan to ferry over to the island.

"This was easily one of the activities the group was most excited for," said Yuhuan He (Thomas), one of the activity leaders. "Everyone wanted to take as many photos as possible in front of the famous statue. I thought the stories we heard were really interesting, especially how both New Jersey and New York fought to claim the statue as theirs."

More than just a great tourist site, the Statue of Liberty is an official national monument and a symbol of the United States' history as a home for people from all over the world. The group's visit also included Ellis Island, the historical first stop for over 12 million immigrants from the end of the 19th century to 1954.

"Being at the museum on Ellis Island was a really special experience," said fellow activity leader, Yang Le Lim, who is studying at Nanyang Technological University. "I immediately felt like I was part of history standing where so many people had entered the country. I can't even imagine what it must have been like for all those travelers."

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After the arrival of more students on May 28th and June 4th, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) held its second post-arrival orientation. The program's founder, Elizabeth Kay, who is also a designated visa sponsor program officer, conducted the session with the help of two student leaders, Yueran Yang (Jessie) and Yilin Wang (Linda).

Starting the session at 10 am, Kay welcomed the group to New York and went over some important reminders of items covered at the pre-departure briefing in early April. The orientation also included discussing matters in relation to the J-1 Intern visa program. Afterwards, the meeting was turned over to the activities leaders so they could provide updates on the planned summer activities and answer any questions from the group.

"I've now been at my internship for three weeks and this is my second time attending the post-arrival orientation," said Linda, an activity leader. "The information is very helpful, especially because we covered topics that I know many students won't have thought about yet. There are a lot of mistakes to be made, so it's good to have some guidance."

She added, "I already feel like I've seen and learned so much at my internship."

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On June 4th, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) chartered a bus for a visit to Princeton University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. The trip, which also included visiting Jersey Gardens, allowed the exchange visitors to experience more of the region.

Located in a small New Jersey town, Princeton's lush campus features classic architecture standing alongside modern buildings. As a member of the Ivy League, Princeton is world-renowned for its educational rigor and research, as well as its many notable alumni. The CCIP students relished the chance to explore one of the country's most recognizable schools.

"I was very impressed," said Jia Due (Emerald) who is studying at Macau University of Science and Technology. "Besides for its reputation as a great place to study, it's got a wonderful campus. I can see why so many people would want to come here."

After exploring Princeton, the students saw a different side of New Jersey on their way back, stopping in to Jersey Gardens. It is the largest outlet mall in the state, with 230 different stores and restaurants. The students shopped for hours, filling shopping bags with gifts for people back home and picking up goods that would be more expensive back in Asia.

"The prices for many things in the United States are so much cheaper than they are in Hong Kong," said Chi Yu Yeung (Howard), a student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong who helped organize this activity with Emerald. "The mall was very big. It was a little overwhelming, but I still had a great time."

With much of the summer still ahead of them, the students have many more trips and activities to look forward to, including visits to Washington DC, Boston, and Niagara Falls.

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On June 3rd, The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) exchange visitors went to the office of Councilman Peter Koo to gain valuable insight into the local and international political culture of the United States.

Councilman Koo was elected to the New York City Council in November 2009. As a local businessman and community activist, Councilman Koo has been affectionately called the "Mayor" of Flushing because of his involvement in civics, his accessibility to the public, and for his philanthropic endeavors. He immigrated to America from Hong Kong in 1971. Among the most interesting topics for the students was how the councilman succeeded in America.

"New York, as a port city of immigrants, has many minority communities with very different needs," said Chun Yip Chan (Anson), a student at the University of Hong Kong. "So the councilman is very important for them. I felt this activity was more meaningful because of that."

Even though participation for this activity was optional, there were still many participants. "Thanks to this opportunity provided by CCIP, I was able to have a face-to-face discussion about the Hong Kong community in America with the councilman," said Sai Hong NG, (John), one of the activity leaders for the event along with Anson.

Everyone was happy to talk with Councilman Koo. The CCIP exchange visitors gained a greater understanding of the role of a United States' council member, and what role they play in community affairs. It was also a chance to see the differences between Hong Kong and the United States.

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With most of the CCIP participants having only arrived the previous weekend, the Memorial Day celebration on May 30th was a great opportunity for them to get a sense of both the culture and history of their temporary home. The sunshine also made it a perfect day to appreciate New York City in the spring.

The students had the opportunity to attend the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade. This annual parade has been held since 1927 and is considered the largest in the nation. Starting at 2 pm, the parade wound through the neighborhoods of Queens as crowds gathered to honor both veterans and those who had fallen in combat.

"I think the parade was a great way to honor this country's heroes," said Zhijing Jin (Maggie), a student from the University of Hong Kong who is a group and activity leader. "I feel like being a part of the celebration helped me appreciate America's history and the pride of those that are from here. This is a part of America that I've never known about."

At the parade, the students had the chance to meet Americans from different generations and hear their stories, making it a day to see different perspectives and gain all new insights.

"As a citizen of Singapore, a period of service in the uniformed services is compulsory. At this parade, I saw a very different side of military service and I felt a connection to those who served in this nation, " said Yang Le Lim from Nanyang Technological University who is interning at the District Office of Assembly Member Ronald Kim.

"It was fascinating to hear about the veterans' experiences and how much things have changed since they went to war. What they went through was so different from me that it really made me feel like I could understand a whole different life, " said Zhutian Yang (Skye) from Nanyang Technological University.

With the rest of the day, the students had more time to get to know each other. For most of the students, this was only their second week in the United States, so they enthusiastically compared notes on their first experiences here. The following day, the students returned to their internships with a fresh appreciation for their surroundings, and maybe a few sunburns.

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One of the core missions of the Cross Cultural Internship Program is bringing together people from different backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and experiences. To that end, on May 27th, the CCIP students had the opportunity to talk with a group of local teens at the Flushing YMCA Beacon Center Program on the topic, "Living Outside of America."

Zhutain Yang (Skye) and Yang Le Lim from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore spoke with the teens about what it is like to grow up in Singapore, explaining the history and some of the differences in the government system, schooling, lifestyles, and culture between the two countries.

Chun Yip Chan (Anson) from the University of Hong Kong and Tsz Kwan Kong (Tiffany) from the City University of Hong Kong discussed the government structure of Hong Kong, as well as what school and personal life are like. After sharing their perspectives, they answered questions.

Finally, Yueran Yang (Jessie) and Yilin Wang (Linda) who are both from China and study at Macau University of Science and Technology, shared the history of their home country and discussed the cultural differences between Chinese people living in China and those who live overseas.

Skye said, "All the teens were really interested and asked a lot of questions. I was nervous at first to talk with them, but it ended up being great and I'm happy I did this."

Jessie added, "This experience reminded me that we all have our own unique lives. It was a lot of fun to talk to these teens about my home and to hear about theirs. I hope they learned a lot because I know I did."

The Beacon program, with over 80 centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, offers after school and weekend youth programs for students ages 8 and up. There were around 30 participants that came for the presentation.

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On May 26th, a group of CCIP students visited the Flushing branch of TD Bank for a chance to learn about the American banking system and how it compares to the systems in Hong Kong and China. The bank's representative graciously took time to discuss TD Bank's history with the students, detailing how the company achieves community engagement and the ways in which branding has helped it stand out from other banking institutions.

"In Asia, we only discuss American banks when there is a financial crisis," said Dongqing Liu (Cathy), an activity leader and mechanical engineering student from Nanyang Technological University. "I felt like this gave me a completely new perspective, and I really appreciated hearing about the different ways that the bank helps out in the community."

Founded in Canada, TD Bank has extended banking hours and is open seven days a week. Their branches are designed without windows between the tellers and customers to create a more open environment. At the talk, students learned about how the bank distinguishes itself from its competitors through its unique business practices and niche positioning.

The visit also included a walkthrough of the facilities, with a description of the rationale behind each design and an opportunity for the students to ask questions. Overall, it was a useful time for students in both financial and unrelated majors to gain insight into the operations and branding of a banking institution in the United States.

Zhijing Jin (Maggie), another activity leader and engineering major from the University of Hong Kong, said, "Getting to learn about a new financial perspective and seeing how things work behind the scenes was fascinating. Being able to open a bank account with them is also great, because I can experience the bank firsthand. The bank staff were very personable and professional, while the design really does make the bank feel more open and personal than other banks."

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On May 22nd, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) welcomed the second group of student interns. Along with those who arrived on May 8th, the students went through a post-arrival orientation in the Flushing YMCA's Blue Room. With nearly 30 students from many of Asia's top universities, the room overflowed with excitement and anticipation as the students got to know each other and prepared for the summer ahead.

In the orientation, students reviewed a variety of topics ranging from program rules and internship expectations to safety tips and how to get around in New York City. It was obvious that these students were rearing to explore their new temporary home and couldn't wait to see what one of the world's most prominent cities had to offer.

"There is so much I want to do and see here," said Yilin Wang (Linda), a student from Macau and one of the orientation group leaders. "I can't pick one thing I'm most excited for, I just know I am going to do as much as possible while I'm here."

The orientation was also a time for the students to plan ahead for their time in New York. The student leaders went over some of the summer activities, which will include trips to Washington DC, Boston, and the Niagara Falls, legislator visits, and the 2016 Recognition Ceremony to be held at Citi Field near the end of the program.

Jia Duo (Emerald), a student leader, added, "There has been a lot of thought put into planning events that will be both fun and informative. Personally, I look forward to getting involved in as much as possible. I know this summer will fly by, so I don't want to miss out on anything. I always remind myself, 'You must try the things you think you cannot do.'"

The orientation culminated in a group photo, a memento that will surely conjure up treasured memories in the future.

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After the first week of their internship, the May 8th arrival group settled in and explored New York City. On Saturday, May 14th, they crossed the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan before enjoying ice cream at the pier and visiting the DUMBO location of Fusia Communications, the organizer of CCIP.

"The Brooklyn Bridge was a must see for me," said Yang Le Lim from Nanyang Technological University who is currently interning at Assemblyman Ronald Kim's office. "Its views from over the East River of both Manhattan and Brooklyn were gorgeous, and I was even able to spot the Statue of Liberty from up there."

Program founder, Elizabeth Kay, joined the group as they journeyed back to Flushing and enjoyed Tebasaki chicken wings. While eating, they chatted about a range of topics encompassing culture, history, and politics.

"This feels like a great time to be here because of the presidential election. Everyone is talking about it and the fierce debate is fascinating to me," remarked Yinjie Hua (Joyce), a fellow Nanyang Technological University student.

The following day, the group headed to the 9th Avenue Food Festival to fill up on an assortment of local fares. Afterwards, they visited the American Museum of Natural History, one of the world's largest and most famous museums, spanning four city blocks with artifacts and specimens from all over the globe.

"The museum was magnificent," admired Dongqing Liu (Cathy) from Nanyang Technological University. "It was like a window to the beginning of time with all the dinosaurs and the amazing African mammals. I wish we could have explored even longer."

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The 2016 Cross Cultural Internship Program had its soft launch on May 8th with the arrival of the first six students. Starting their programs in the second week of May, they gathered at the Flushing YMCA.

"I have high expectations for this program," said Dongqing Liu (Cathy) from Nanyang Technological University. "I am excited about all the challenges and look forward to exploring New York." She is interning at GC Eng & Associates, an engineering consulting firm based in Chelsea that has operated in New York City since 1993.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people," said Yang Le Lim, another student who came from Nanyang Technological University. He is interning at the Office of Assembly Member Ronald Kim, where he is gaining insight into the politics and cultural diversity of the United States. "I think it will be interesting to work in a political office, especially with the elections so close. I will be able to have firsthand experience of the elections from the point of view of a politician."

Following the arrival briefing, students settled in and explored the local area. First they set off to grab a bite to eat among the area's many eateries. Afterward, they took care of errands that included opening accounts with TD Bank and purchasing MetroCards to prepare for the start of their internships the next day.

"Flushing is very accessible, and the food in the area is so good," commented Xiongyi Tang (Bale) from Nanyang Technological University. "Not only is it tasty, but the price and variety are great."

This first group is also anticipating their post-arrival orientation on May 22nd after the students for the second session arrive.

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This year, the Cross Cultural Internship Program selected 75 strong participants from nearly 1000 applicants.

In April, the program's director and founder, Elizabeth Kay, traveled to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau for the pre-departure orientations. Program alumni also joined in at the various gatherings to welcome the new students into the CCIP culture. They shared their experiences from their time in the program and happily answered questions to provide their seasoned perspectives.

"It was a short trip with a tight schedule," Elizabeth explained, having spent Thursday and Friday at the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, followed by three sessions in Hong Kong on Saturday and Sunday, and concluding the trip in Macau. "Though they were brief visits, they were very beneficial and a great opportunity to meet face-to-face so the program could get off to a good start."

Clarissa Eyu, an alumni from 2015, joined an orientation at the National University of Singapore. "Meeting the new students made me feel rather nostalgic," she said. "I couldn't help but reminisce about my days as a wide-eyed participant, eager to set off towards new experiences. I am so happy that others will get to experience the same wonder I did as they prepare to see the great city of New York!"

As the program start approaches, the students are all happily looking forward to the summer and excited to begin their adventure.

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Time flies when you are having fun. Laughter, food, and photo-taking filled the last weekend in New York for CCIP participants at a Cunningham Park barbecue. After weeks of training and cultural-exchanging, CCIP participants gathered on Sunday for an outdoor party marking the official end of the 2015 program.

The CCIP group, working with Marc Haken, President of Friends of Cunningham Park, were able to secure a spot in the park for a farewell barbecue. Cunningham Park, the premier park in northeast Queens, is a 375 acre park that includes a national hiking trail, the only mountain bike trail in Queens and many recreational activities including tennis, basketball, cricket and baseball

"I loved getting close to nature and enjoying the flora and fauna which I never expected to see in the middle of such a big city. We were so lucky to be able to have our barbeque there", said an excited Claudia Hui, a student from Hang Seng Management College.

Leaders of the party prepared food and games, making sure everyone could have fun once more before leaving the city. "We had so much fun. Thanks to the leaders who prepared all of this. I am going to miss everyone here. We all bonded quickly when the program started and supported each other throughout the internship. I will definitely treasure our friendship," Kelly Shum from The University of Hong Kong said with gratitude.

We were so pleased that Marc Haken, who is also an advisor to CCIP as well as President of Friends of Cunningham Park, and Elizabeth Kay, the organizer of the CCIP, stopped by to join with us to share our barbeque.

The 2015 Cross Cultural Internship Program was such a great success as it has given us such a deep insight into American culture, history, government and people.

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