2010-06-08 - Over 50 CCIP Session A students took part in the annual Museum Mile Festival yesterday.

With over 31 years of history, 9 museums including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and more along Fifth Avenue collectively open their doors from 6PM to 9PM for New Yorkers and visitors for a mile block party and visual arts celebration. The Museum Mile, a traffic-free, music and art-filled celebration, packed the streets and sidewalks of Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th Street.

After interning, students gathered at the 103rd Street and Lexington Avenue subway station. Because there were many museums to visit but little time, after a group photo, students broke off into smaller groups and sampled the varied cultural flavors of the festival on their own terms.

Monica (Qiushi Wang), a student of Lingnan University said, "I read about it; I talked about it. Now I am actually walking along the real Fifth Avenue. Doing this and being able to see all the museums for free was a blast. I am glad that I came."

Joe (U Hang Leung), a student of the Chinese University of Hong Kong commented, "With the pressure and responsibilities of the internship slowly arising, I'm just happy for this chance to… relax."

Ryan (June Kit Fan), a student of the University of Hong Kong who arrived just in time to catch the end of the festival had this to say, "No way was I going to miss this. I am glad that I made it. It was worth it."

Most students stayed up until the end of the festival and then headed back to the housing facility, echoing Ryan's sentiment.

On Friday, June 4, a group of Session A students gathered a FUSIA to go over their process. The roundtable is a CCIP tradition for CCIP and students still fresh in their internships and new to New York City, gathered to share their observations and experiences.

The roundtable consisted of two parts. In the first, students took center stage, speaking about what they gained and observed after their first two weeks of training. Students were asked to share their views on the difference between the place that they imagined and the real New York City, evaluate themselves and their peers, and discuss gains from each assignment. "I'd never expected to have my lunch breaks in front of the Manhattan skyline. The experience was totally unexpected and exhilarating ", a student of Lingnan University commented.

In the second part, students were asked to partake in a discussion that encouraged them to think outside of the student perspective. When asked why the program requires all students, including those who have relatives and friends in New York, to stay together at the Flushing YMCA, Rachel Hoi Ling Yeung, a student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University answered with applause following, "What's the difference between staying at the YMCA and staying at a dorm in Hong Kong? This is absolutely an opportunity to stay close by our peers so we can share our experiences and get through this together. And that will make our internship in New York significant."

Allen Qi Liu, another Lingnan University student added, "I am impressed by my supervisor. The positive attitude he showed us is going to be ingrained in our minds for good. Working with such a down-to-earth person has been an inspiration to us all."

About the program: The 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (www.exploreinternship.com) brings together university students from Asia and host companies all around New York City, and prepares them for the new challenges posed by the global marketplace. Founded by FUSIA Communications (www.fusia.net), with the support of 34 host companies and 7 universities, the 2010 program has 130 university student participants. For more information, visit www.exploreinternship.com.

Over 50 CCIP Session A students took part in the annual Museum Mile Festival yesterday.

With over 31 years of history, 9 museums including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and more along Fifth Avenue collectively open their doors from 6PM to 9PM for New Yorkers and visitors for a mile block party and visual arts celebration. The Museum Mile, a traffic-free, music and art-filled celebration, packed the streets and sidewalks of Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th Street.

After interning, students gathered at the 103rd Street and Lexington Avenue subway station. Because there were many museums to visit but little time, after a group photo, students broke off into smaller groups and sampled the varied cultural flavors of the festival on their own terms.

Monica (Qiushi Wang), a student of Lingnan University said, "I read about it; I talked about it. Now I am actually walking along the real Fifth Avenue. Doing this and being able to see all the museums for free was a blast. I am glad that I came."

Joe (U Hang Leung), a student of the Chinese University of Hong Kong commented, "With the pressure and responsibilities of the internship slowly arising, I'm just happy for this chance to… relax."

Ryan (June Kit Fan), a student of the University of Hong Kong who arrived just in time to catch the end of the festival had this to say, "No way was I going to miss this. I am glad that I made it. It was worth it."

Most students stayed up until the end of the festival and then headed back to the housing facility, echoing Ryan's sentiment.

On Friday, June 4, a group of Session A students gathered a FUSIA to go over their process. The roundtable is a CCIP tradition for CCIP and students still fresh in their internships and new to New York City, gathered to share their observations and experiences.

The roundtable consisted of two parts. In the first, students took center stage, speaking about what they gained and observed after their first two weeks of training. Students were asked to share their views on the difference between the place that they imagined and the real New York City, evaluate themselves and their peers, and discuss gains from each assignment. "I'd never expected to have my lunch breaks in front of the Manhattan skyline. The experience was totally unexpected and exhilarating ", a student of Lingnan University commented.

In the second part, students were asked to partake in a discussion that encouraged them to think outside of the student perspective. When asked why the program requires all students, including those who have relatives and friends in New York, to stay together at the Flushing YMCA, Rachel Hoi Ling Yeung, a student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University answered with applause following, "What's the difference between staying at the YMCA and staying at a dorm in Hong Kong? This is absolutely an opportunity to stay close by our peers so we can share our experiences and get through this together. And that will make our internship in New York significant."

Allen Qi Liu, another Lingnan University student added, "I am impressed by my supervisor. The positive attitude he showed us is going to be ingrained in our minds for good. Working with such a down-to-earth person has been an inspiration to us all."

About the program: The 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (www.exploreinternship.com) brings together university students from Asia and host companies all around New York City, and prepares them for the new challenges posed by the global marketplace. Founded by FUSIA Communications (www.fusia.net), with the support of 34 host companies and 7 universities, the 2010 program has 130 university student participants. For more information, visit www.exploreinternship.com.

2010-08-30 - With this year's students finishing up and on their way home, Wei (Karen) Dai of the Macau University of Science and Technology, Sheng (Summer) Cao of Baptist University, Po Yi (Bowie) Leung and Ling Shuet Cheung of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shirui (Sherry) Wong of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kam Lin (Karen) Chung and Chung Tat (Michael) Chan of the Lingnan University, Szelong (Sean) Yin and Man Kwok (Clarence) Hon of the University of Hong Kong, as well as So Mun (Moon) Ng and Aisha Zaman of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have left a very special gift for all past, present and future CCIP students: 7 student articles offering advice inspired by the lessons they learned during their 7-week internship experience.

The series is part of the CCIP Student Journal. Very soon you’ll be able to read it right here. Check below for a preview of the topics and stay tuned!

(1) Where to intern
(2) How to be prepared
(3) What we saw
(4) What we did
(5) How to man the student board
(6) What we did with our free time
(7) What we should pay attention to

2010-08-29 - Students and guests of the Host Company Appreciation and Networking Reception have been asking about when they can re-watch the video produced by Jessica and Nelson. Well, Jessica has just returned to China. Let's give her some time to settle back in and convert the file into a compatible video format. Once the video is ready, you will be able to watch it here. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, have a look at the photos taken by Session A students.
Students and guests of the Host Company Appreciation and Networking Reception have been asking about when they can re-watch the video produced by Jessica and Nelson. Well, Jessica has just returned to China. Let's give her some time to settle back in and convert the file into a compatible video format. Once the video is ready, you will be able to watch it here. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, have a look at the photos taken by Session A students.

2010-08-26 - FUSIA Communications, both the program organizer and host company yesterday (Thursday, August 26) hosted an employee appreciation and intern farewell dinner at Bubby's in Dumbo, New York.

Elizabeth Kay, on behalf of FUSIA and the program, offered her appreciation for the hard work of the interns and employees. In thanking them, Kay noted their "great contribution and the role they have played in bonding between the company and students in the program."

In response, So Mun (Moon) Ng, a PolyU student remarked, "The first week was a nightmare. Nevertheless, it was worth it and it has been a fantastic time to intern for FUSIA."

Wai (Karen Dai, a MUST student nodded and added, "EK (Kay's nickname) is tough, but I have really learned a lot from her." She went on to assure that she would continue to improve her English and computer skills.

Sin Lun (Thomas) Chan, another PolyU student also praised the hospitality of FUSIA and thanked EK for praising his strengths and pointing out his weaknesses nicely and eloquently in this evaluation.

Joseph Smith of FUSIA and Sheng (Summer) Cao of the Baptist University joined in late. Summer added, "The location is cool. I will always have a place in my heart to remember."

After the speeches, students and staff members enjoyed the southern American style luncheon.

2010-08-25 - A group of global professionals-to-be representing seven universities in Asia gathered at the Flushing YMCA and accepted their Certificates of Achievement from the 2010 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP). The students were recognized for the successful completion of their seven-week internships in New York.

During this internship program, the students showed great enthusiasm, tremendous pride, dedication and teamwork.

"Students helped each other and built friendships that will last long after they return home," said Elizabeth Kay, Founder and Head of the CCIP program.

Kay praised the two students who won this year's STAR award: Yongben (Ben) Liu, a student of The Macau University of Science and Technology, and Aisha Zaman, a student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Kay commended Ben for his drive to help others. Throughout the program, Ben always volunteered to accompany students from the subway station back to the dorm in the late evenings. Ben responded to the recognition by thanking Kay for her tireless efforts with students to soften the blow of culture shock.
After the award, Aisha suggested that students stay in touch to expand their connections, something that will prove very useful in their future careers.

Last but not least, Kay asked everyone to thank the students who interned at FUSIA. These very special students dedicated their spare time to coordinate and make sure that everything ran according to plan from the student end. In short, the FUSIA students were another vital link between the program and it's students. Their work formed the backbone of the program.

2010-08-19 - The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) successfully hosted an appreciation and networking reception at the Cornell Club in Midtown Manhattan. More than 30 student representatives attended the reception, and expressed their gratitude towards the New York and New Jersey business communities.

Organized by FUSIA Communications (www.fusia.net), the CCIP program provides an opportunity for students get a glimpse of the globalizing marketplace by interning at different host companies in the program. This year, the program has reached 130 students and 34 participating companies.

The reception, organized by the CCIP students, aimed to express appreciation for the meaningful opportunities given by the host companies. More than 40 host company representatives were present. In addition, Zamruni Khalid, the Malaysia Consul; Samuel Pierre, Brooklyn Borough Director; Byron Lee, Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and Raymond Yeung of the Chinese University Alumni Association also came to the reception to show their support.

The reception lasted almost two and a half hours and kicked off with an appreciation ceremony and a video produced by the students. The video documented the students' gratitude to the host companies and their experiences in New York. It was well received and ended with applause and laughter from the audience.

The video was followed by a speech given by Elizabeth Kay, the founder of the program. Elizabeth hoped that students not only gained training experience, but also learned to appreciate those who have contributed to their growth.

Samuel Pierre, a Brooklyn Borough Director, gave a speech on behalf of the Mayor's Office in New York City. He began his speech by saying "Ni Hao" ("Hi" in Chinese). He praised the program's efforts by taking students from Asia and showing them a whole new world.

Raymond Yeung, another speaker and representative of the Chinese University Alumni Association, was impressed by the students' video. He praised the program for providing the Chinese University students with overseas internships through its Global Internship Program

In addition, three host company representatives shared their experiences. This included Leith ter Meulen of Landair Project Resources. She gave credit to the program for benefiting not only the students but herself as well. Bee Gee Summers of The Knot, Inc. highly recommended the students' performance. Walter Rivera of Rivera & Colon, another speaker, was deeply impressed by the maturity and professionalism of law students from the University of Hong Kong

The ceremony ended with the song 'Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)' presented by CCIP students. It expressed the students' sincere gratitude to their host companies, CCIP and the New York and Jersey City business communities.

2010-08-09 - Students of the Cross-Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) took part in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival on Sat, August 7 and Sun, August 8. The festival took place at the Flushing Meadows Lake and attracted over 10,000 spectators. This year, the festival celebrated its 20th anniversary and had its highest number of participating teams.

Students hosted a booth (Chinese Cultural Workshop) and raced in the competition. The racing team, made up of 14 CCIP students and FUSIA staff members, embodied the spirit of cooperation which spanned different cultures. Each participant wore a unique T-shirt featuring a five person icon symbolizing diversity and the synergy of unique differences through teamwork to accomplish great things.

The team took part in four races, including the 250 meter and 500 meter races. Yan Yi (Teresa), a student of the University of Hong Kong was the team captain. She said, "Our team was brilliant! It was our first time rowing. It was a boost to our confidence when the time we set was must faster than our trial. We couldn't have done it without the dedication of our rowers, drummer and steering man. As everyone was fresh, we did encounter some problems in our practice, but it turned out to be a memorable learning experience."

Aside from the races, 12 CCIP students manned the booth: a cultural workshop teaching kids three activities: Japanese origami, Chinese paper-cutting and using water-painting and finger-painting techniques to draw on hand-made fans.

Bowie was involved from the very start of planning. She commented, "We started the planning in April before we arrived. At that time, we had no idea about New York, so it was especially challenging. It is not so much about the achievement, but our participation. I am very delighted that all the volunteers were so friendly and helpful. Even the rowers helped out to in manning the workshops. In short, the weekend was great. We had as much fun as the children did in the workshops."

In addition to the booth and race activities, a group of enterprising business students devised the idea of raising money to cover the booth's expenses by selling burgers. The goal was $310. The students had successfully raised $259.

Hon Man Kwong (Clarence), a student of the University of Hong Kong majoring in Economics and Finance, not only took part in the racing, but also the burger team. He commented, "If you only focus on the figure, you may think we didn't reach our goal. But the friendships we have made, the joy we brought to the kids, and the experience we came away with definitely can't be measure in money."

2010-08-06 - On Friday, August 6, Professor Naijiu Chan of the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) paid a visit to the CCIP students.

When Professor Chan arrived, students gave him a warm welcome. Before the meeting, the students took Professor Chan on a tour of the Flushing YMCA, where the students reside. During the tour, Professor Chan asked students to talk about their living and internship experiences in New York. Hao Bijie, a sophomore student of MUST commented, "Life in New York is absolutely amazing. I'd love to say here." Professor Chan was deeply pleased that the students had made such a smooth adjustment.

After the tour, the students took a group photo with Professor Chan. It was then followed by a meeting at the Flushing YMCA's conference room and then a dinner. During the dinner, the students shared the experiences. They were satisfied with their gains and grateful for the opportunity. Students felt that their experiences in New York gave them something that can never be learned from the books.

Yongben (Ben) Lu, a Year 3 student at MUST, said with a smile, "This is an excellent opportunity to understand different cultures. The experience has not only made me realize my shortcomings, but also has helped me better set my future career goal."

Delighted with the students' positivity, Professor Chan commented, "I hope you all remember the three things I said before you left.

The students then shouted out loud, "Be confident, be friendly, and be proud of a student of MUST!"

Professor Chan also appreciated the opportunity and the support given by FUSIA. Elizabeth Kay, the head of the program, replied, "MUST students are proactive, friendly and cooperative. I am glad that the students had a great time here, but importantly, had gained from their internship experiences in New York "

2010-07-26 - Friday afternoon, FUSIA Communications organized a tour to The Metropolitan Museum and The Museum of Modern Art for CCIP (Cross-Culture Internship Program) students who have already been interning in New York City for two weeks. Over 15 students from universities of Hong Kong and Macau participated in this cultural immersion activity.

The tour was well received by many of the CCIP students. Sherry (Wong Shirui), a student from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, was excited to share her comment. “Our Friday trip to MET was far beyond my expectation. I was so impressed by the sculptures in the garden of the Greek and Roman Art gallery as well as those world-famous Medieval and Impressionist oil paintings. Those masterpieces never failed to capture the heart of the audience though we might have already seen them for a thousand of times from books or the internet. Printed photographs can hardly illustrate all the details of an artwork in a 2D dimension. I was totally amazed by Met and will definitely revisit there one day.”

“I was deeply impressed by the handsome amount of paintings collections in MET,” added Sean (Yin Sze Long) from The University of Hong Kong, “Those are all inspiring, especially the ones from René Magritte and Monet. The collection of Neo-classical paintings is awesome as well.”

While some students enjoyed the beauty of the classical art, others were lingering around the modern art gallery. Ivy (Xu Huiwen) from The Macau University of Science and Technology commented that she was amazed by the exhibits in MOMA. “As a science student without profound knowledge in history and religion, I did not quite understand the stories behind those paintings and sculptures, but I could tell that modern artworks are truly the "art" of creative design glittered with the sparkle of life with deep affections embedded.

This museum trip offered students a chance to feel the vibrant culture in New York City. Many students found this experience inspiring and enjoyable. It is hoped that there will be more cultural activities of the same sort to be introduced by FUSIA in the future.

2010-07-15 - FUSIA Communications will again take part in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York as a creative sponsor.

In addition to having a racing team made up of FUSIA staff member and student participants of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP), FUSIA will run a booth in collaboration with the Flushing YMCA promoting fitness and providing a variety of free services and activities.

The booth will also feature three workshops run by student participants of the CCIP program and representatives from the Flushing YMCA. The CCIP students attend universities in Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, etc. and come to New York for a seven-week internship program. They will serve as cultural ambassadors and embody the spirit of giving to the community and personal growth.

The workshops are intended for children age 3 to 14 and cover three topics: origami, Chinese paper cutting and customizing paper fans with water color and finger-painting techniques. Materials such as paper and water color paint will be provided. Children interested in joining the workshop are suggested to bring a used CD as materials for the hand-made paper fan.

In addition to the workshops, the students will also teach children some basic Chinese phrases and share stories with the children and parents. Representatives from the Flushing YMCA will conduct a health screening, give away free membership trials, offer fan dance and tai chi demonstrations, etc. Both workshops and activities will be free of charge.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will take place on Sat, Aug 7 and Sun, Aug 8 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The FUSIA booth will be located by the right-hand-side of the stage and run from 10AM to 3PM on both days.

2010-07-13 - 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (Session B) students attended the working knowledge training session yesterday on Mon, July 12. The session was hosted by the organizer and took place at the Flushing YMCA.

The session aimed at helping students gain a more realistic picture of workplace expectations and a better understanding of some common computer software. The session put an emphasis on providing students with working knowledge training.

During the session, the instructor shared tricks and tips with students on four common computer programs: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Adobe Illustrator. Examples included using short-cut keys, processing image files, and etc. Additional topics included soft skills, layout and formatting, writing resumes, and etc.

More than 30 students took part in the session. Karen Chung, a student of Lingnan University, commented, "I am really glad to be a part of the session which was practical and insightful."

Hiu Wan (Fanny) Tse, a Hong Kong University of Science and Technology student, added, "I especially liked the topic on how to design a simple flyer with Adobe Illustrator. The knowledge on output and bleeding was very useful."

2010-07-12 - The second half of the 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program took place at the Flushing YMCA on Sunday, July 11.

Elizabeth Kay, head of the program, kicked off the Session B Orientation by welcoming students and special guest, Mr. Herman Chan, Director of Careers and Placement at the University of Hong Kong, who took time off from his busy schedule and shared insights with the students.

Ms. Kay went over the objectives of the program and some important highlights with the students. She clarified on the definition of an internship in which host companies voluntarily provide a platform and an opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge and gain practical experience. She asked students to view themselves as "global professionals-to-be" and commented, "Students need to have a different mind-set, take off their 'Asian glasses' and be more open to new things."

When Ms. Kay roused students to be more proactive, Mr. Chan added, "Competition is tough in the real world. For example, in a Bloomberg interview, a topic was tossed in by interviewers. It was up to the interviewees to elaborate on it. Students should have the best work capacity to stand out," he said.

Sze Long (Sean) Yin, a CCIP alumni and joining the program for the second time, inspired the students to be more open-minded and flexible in order to gain more. He will be attending his second internship at Frontier Financial Advisors located on Wall Street.

After the orientation, the program gave an induction ceremony. Mr. Chan, students and staff members then gathered outside the Flushing Y for group photos.

2010-07-09 - I. The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) today announced the Session B activity agenda. Below indicates the program activities:

Post-Arrival Orientation (Week 1): The program will kick off the second session with the post-arrival briefing taking place at the Flushing YMCA on Sun, July 11. The briefing will be divided into three sessions running from 8AM to 2PM, followed by group photos at 2:15PM.

Working Knowledge Training (Week 1): Students who are interested in strengthening their computer skills and software knowledge (such as Photoshop, Illustrator, website building, etc.) will meet at the Conference Room from 7PM to 9PM. The session will focus on working knowledge training. Don't forget to bring your laptops.

Dragon Boat Practices (Week 2): Students rowing in the FUSIA team at the Dragon Boat Festival will be attending two mandatory practice sessions on Sat July 17 and Sun, July 18. Students will meet in front of the Flushing YMCA at 11AM and walk over to the boathouse located at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park for practice sessions.

Museum Tour (Week 2): The program will organize a museum tour featuring the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on Fri, July 23 from 6:15AM to 11:50PM. Attendance is not mandatory. Students interested in joining, however, will be required to sign up and submit the non-refundable deposit of $16 for the first visit (the second visit will be free) at the orientation.

Mid-Session Gathering (Week 3): The program will be holding the mid-session gathering on Thu, July 29 from 8PM to 10PM for students to discuss their experiences face-to-face. Participation is not mandatory. Refer to upcoming emails for further details.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (Week 4): This year's Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (http://www.hkdbf-ny.org/) will take place on Sat, Aug 7 and Sun, Aug 8 at the Flushing Meadows Park. We will have a racing team, made up of 14 CCIP students and FUSIA staff members, and co-host a booth with the Flushing YMCA and CCIP student volunteers.

Host Company Appreciation and Networking Event (Week 6): As a token of appreciation for host companies' support and valuable opportunities, the program will host the Host Company Appreciation and Networking Event at the Cornell Club on Aug 19 from 3PM to 5PM. Representatives from both current and prospective host companies, as well as friends and select students of the program, will be invited.

End-Session Gathering (Week 7): Session B students will meet and collect their certificates, evaluation forms and stipend checks (if applicable) at the end-session gathering on Wed, Aug 25 from 9PM to 10:30PM at the Flushing Y's Assembly Room.

II. The following activities are organized by the students:

Students who are interested in visiting DC and Boston can consider going together. At the orientation, we will help interested students form groups.

Students will submit a non-refundable deposit of $30 per event at the orientation. They will decide whether to rent a charter bus (at $1600 plus $100 tip for DC or $2000 plus $200 tip for Boston, price according to information provided by a travel agency; max: 55 students) or take a bus ride that costs about $30 per student. Further details will be arranged by the SAB.

One-Day Self-Guided Tour: Washington, DC (Week 2)

Two-Day Self-Guided Tour: Boston (Week 6)

2010-07-09 - FUSIA Communications yesterday announced the formation of its racing team for this year's Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York and took a group photo yesterday.

The racing team, made up of 14 CCIP students and FUSIA staff members, embodies the spirit of cooperation which spans across cultures. Each student and staff member will wear a unique T-shirt featuring a colorful design and the slogan "we're all in the same boat" symbolizing cultural diversity and the joining of unique differences through teamwork to accomplish great things.

Taking the FUSIA motto to heart, to think above and beyond, the team sees this occasion as more than just a sporting event. It's a celebration of diversity and a triumph over cultural barriers. FUSIA will take to the waters in the spirit of tradition, good-willed competition, summer joy and much more.

The goal isn't just winning. It's realizing that even after the festival is over, we're still in this global race together. And we're all in the same boat.

The team will attend two practice sessions this Sat and Sun, July 17 and 18, and race on Sat and Sun, August 7 and 8 at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York at the Flushing Meadows Park.

Let's cheer them on!

2010-07-08 - Dear Laura,

Thank you for having me in Design and Source. I feel that what I’ve gained through these seven weeks cannot be pinpointed down into sections and spread out in a sheet. For the bulk of what I’ve learnt, was not from the various projects completed on the computer screen, but by merely being in Design and Source. It is the people, and the environment, that give me such inspiration.

I remember you reading out Design and Source’s mission statement in one of our weekly meetings, and although I don’t remember it that well anymore, having just heard it once, I remember having an instant pang of admiration. You mentioned that while building a business, you wanted to not only provide decent jobs for a small group of people, but to contribute to the world in a small way. And with this, to me, you are one of the most successful people I know.

From this internship I take away two lessons. 1. The importance of an amiable office environment. 2. The value of determination, strong will, and charisma. I was brought up to think and prepare for a future where work would be stressful and harsh, and I had always believed that “a happy office environment” was just a myth in which companies tell their employees to aim for. Design and Source showed me how different things could be; I was amazed not only by how nice and patient everyone was, but by how closely knitted your family is. I think having dogs in the office sort of sums up that. People are not colleagues, but friends, and even sisters. I guess this is only possible by having honesty, respect, trust and understanding. Everyone works as hard as ever, and most importantly, though work may be stressful at times, everyone still holds some level of contentment. In other words, people are happy. Though I might not go into Business in the future, you have shown me the beacon of what I should strive to achieve in the work place. And you have given me faith, that yes, it is possible to work and be like a family.

In fact, I think what defines you is not how great our sales are, but how your colleagues see you, and I remember William telling me the first day I came how you are the most gracious boss he has ever worked with. You are the biggest inspiration I’ve gained from my days here. As I‘d told Claudia and Lin, to me you are the perfect combination of grace and charisma. It amazes me how you can direct a business and seem to make it so effortless, all the while knowing how much discipline and strength you must possess within. I remember Robert Frost saying “Being the boss everywhere is lonely. Being a female boss in a world of mostly men is especially so.” I can’t imagine how much determination and strong will it must have taken for you to achieve what you have achieved. Many women of my generation are just starting to rise above those archaic social preconceptions; and yet you are way ahead of your time. Your incredible foresight in Terraskin, your respect for us even when we are merely interns, your strength, all these show me how excellence and true success is accomplished. I see so many flaws in myself in your limelight, may I be half the person you are in thirty years. I wish I could have known you better, and I’m sure I would have been inspired even more, but I’ve learnt so much just by have you as my boss for 7 weeks. Thank you for that.

This has truly been an amazing experience, which makes it hard to say goodbye. As life goes on, we must learn to let go, and move on. Yet my memories remain, and forever will I remember Design and Source.

Thank you so much for having us.

Love,
Oma

2010-07-08 - FUSIA Communications, both the program organizer and host company yesterday (Wednesday, July 8) hosted an employee appreciation and intern farewell dinner at Kam Kung Sang restaurant in Flushing, New York.

Both staff members and interns of FUSIA attended the event. Elizabeth Kay, president of FUSIA and head of the program, kicked off the dinner by offering her appreciation for everyone's support and dedication. She especially acknowledged the interns' contributions and the role they played in creating a strong tie between the company as the program organizer and the other students attending the program.

Ms. Kay asked all the interns to share their experiences interning for FUSIA. Joe (Hoi U) Leung, a student of the Chinese University of Hong Kong said, "It has been a fantastic time and I have really enjoyed interning for FUSIA. The internship allowed me to learn more about myself, both my strengths and weaknesses."

Ollie (Tianzhe) Liu, a student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, also praised the hospitality of FUSIA and noted that "It has just been an extraordinary opportunity interning here. My internship has given me a lot of wonderful ideas for my future career."

After the speech, staff members and students enjoyed the Korean atmosphere and cuisine. The evening concluded with a basketball game between Joseph Smith of FUSIA and the students.

See the photo gallery for related photos.

2010-07-08 - The program was giving the pre-departure briefing to Session A students concluding the 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program.

KAY: Good evening. Once again, thanks for attending this gathering. I am glad that many of you had great and fulfilling experiences. Many host companies have been very vocal in their praise on students for their dedication and accomplishments. Here, I want to recognize these students by sharing with you the following remarks.

From DSNYC, "The experience with Oma & Stanley have been fantastic! They have been a true asset to our team and we are sad to see them go. We will miss them very much!"

Hamilton Madison House stated that all three of its interns were enthusiastic, professional, and overall, outstanding.

Victor also received positive comments from Rivera. The supervisor never expected that high a level of English proficiency, professionalism and dedication from a Year 1 student.

SCO's Gloria also received high praise from her supervisor for her proactivness and dedication.

Solera commented that Daniel was a joy to have in the office. In fact, they contacted me personally to let me know how good their experience was.

When asked to nominate students who made great achievements, Envirolution immediately picked Esther, the only winner of the STAR award this session. Esther, please come forward and accept this award.

Congratulations, Esther.

[Esther is given the STAR award]

It's time to hand out the evaluation forms. Students attending the University of Hong Kong please look into your envelopes to find your stipend checks, if applicable. The checks also include the $50 subsidy to your school, which the school has requested that we pass on to the students to cover their expenses. For all other students, please speak to your school contact about the subsidy arrangements.

[Handing out evaluation forms to students]

KAY: Look at your evaluation forms when you get them. You will notice that you're one of the many others who have received praise from the host companies. Even though you haven't been mentioned, that doesn't take away the fact that you have done well.

Next order of business, certificates. We will now distribute the certificates to students who have completed the program in good standing. Because of limited time, instead of calling students one-by-one, please raise your hand when we call your name.

Hold on to your certificate. We will need them a little later when we take the group photo.

[Handing out certificates to students]

KAY: Now, questions and answers. Please speak up if you have questions or experiences you want to share.

[Questions and answers]

KAY: Last, please walk up to the front with your certificates. We will be taking a group photo to conclude the session.

[Taking group photo]

KAY: Before you go, I would like to wish you all goodbye and good luck. May you find success at the end of all your endeavors.

[Session adjourned]

2010-07-07 - To me, the working part in this program is always not the most important section. I joined this internship because I want to boarded my horizons and see the American culture and how the world is like outside Hong Kong. To achieve the most here, I tried to do two things.

First of all, I try to meet new friends as much as I can, including participants of CCIP and strangers. So far, I have made friends with different nationalities and they all have different backgrounds and their own stories. There are so much that I learnt from these people For example, I met a French guy called Will here, he came here to learn English and meet girls. From him I realized what sociable means, he can talk to anyone! He can make anyone laugh. Another example is a Japanese girl called Konago, who comes here to learn dancing. She came by herself with no friends and relative here. She told me how difficult it was at the beginning with her poor English, people barely understand what she was saying. From her, I can see the passion and determination for dancing. I also learn about culture of their countries when I talked to a Spanish and a Mexican who both live on the same floor as me do.

Another thing that I do to make the best use of the trip is joined New York Cares. New York Cares is the city's leading volunteer organization, bringing vital volunteer support to thousands of nonprofit agencies, public schools, and other deserving organizations.

There are dozens of projects in New York Cares that you can choose from. So far, I had been in two projects. One of them is reading bed-time story to children in family shelters, this is really a big challenge for me as I tell a story in an interesting way in a language that is not my mother-tongue. Another one, which I like more, is to give computer skills tutoring in a Spanish computer center, which is comparatively easier to me and also allow me to talk to other volunteers in the sections.

Tips for future participants are: be prepared:

You should be prepared in both attitude and knowledge.

You should have a correct attitude before joining the program. Make sure you know what the program is for and what you can get from the program, do not have an unrealistic expectation. Another thing is you should do research before you come here and try share it with other participants, you will always find out important things that you have missed through sharing. Be prepared! And you will enjoy the program very much!

2010-07-07 - Interning at Envirolution, I was exposed to a plethora of information on energy efficiency and weatherization. As my project for the summer was to develop the education curriculum for training sessions, I was constantly involved in the training process by creating practice questions and schematics for Powerpoint presentations. I was also able to attend numerous conferences and events related to aspects of the green industry, which provided me with a more complete understanding of what my host company did.

As a student with limited working experience prior to CCIP, I feel that this program has been monumental in developing my practical working knowledge. My internship placement has provided me with many opportunities to learn new things and build upon my conversational skills. Additionally, I have also had the chance to improve my leadership skills, both by being involved in the Student Advisory Board and through opportunities and assignments presented over the course of my internship.

While being able to experience the working life in NYC, I have also been able to absorb the cultural aspects of the city when not in the office. Had I not applied to this program, I believe that I would not have had such a comprehensive experience.

During my internship period, there were times when I had to travel around NYC to attend training sessions. At these trainings, I was able to talk to people participating in the sessions (students, teachers, and other training staff), where they learned that I was an intern from Asia. These interactions often led to interesting conversations about cultural differences between the East and West, and even travel recommendations in both Asia and the US.

Throughout the program, I have represented myself in a mature manner, always being conscious of my actions and words. I have tried to set a positive example for other students in the program by being thoughtful and considerate – both in the office and in our living accommodations.

From my participation in the Student Advisory Board, I was able to gain insight on the importance of the involvement of students in the planning process of activities. The program aims to meet the needs of the students, while also helping them to learn and develop practical skills in the working world – without input from student representatives, it is difficult to achieve this.

An internship experience in the US is certainly different than the experience you would get from interning in Asia. In Asia, the focus is placed on the work and generating an end product, whether it be a report or a project. However, in the US, the office environment calls for the development of communication skills and networking abilities. This difference is instantly noticeable when you begin interning.

The advice I would give for future participants is that you need to keep an open mind. We are all here to learn, and without being open to new ideas and experiences, you may miss out on opportunities. Furthermore, students should be proactive. If you have nothing to do at work, don’t sit around and wait for your supervisor to come around and ask if you have enough to do. I believe that supervisors appreciate students who take initiative in the workplace, and those who ask questions to clarify assignment details.

Lastly, the most important piece of advice I have to offer future participants is to take every opportunity you have while living in NYC to go out and explore. The city is waiting for you!

2010-07-02 - As part of the End-Session Roundtable series, the last group of Session A students congregated at FUSIA to go over their final evaluations and internship experiences on Friday, July 2. The previous groups have already attended the roundtable sessions conducted at the Flushing YMCA on Wednesday, June 23.

The Friday's roundtable consisted of three parts. During the first part, Elizabeth Kay, the group director, reviewed the overall comments from host companies with the students. According to Kay, she had discussions with most host companies in the program. Most host companies were impressed by the students' performance, especially their dedication and hard work.

In the course of the second part, students were asked to share their gains from the seven-week internship. Most students felt challenged in their new environment. Interning in New York City opened their eyes to the cultural similarities and differences between the East and the West.

Additionally, quite a few students mentioned the emphasis on soft skills in the US. "It’s the other way in Asia. The work environment here is really different. Companies here focus a lot on teamwork and results," said Hoi Ling (Rachel) Yeung, a Hong Kong Polytechnic University student.

Last but not least, Kay shared some common issues with students and asked them to share their suggestions.

Wing Sum (Sandra) Ip, a Chinese University of Hong Kong student said, "I think it is important to manage the students' expectations. Taking me as an example, my company stresses on soft skills. It is not so much about working but I like it a lot and was expected. During the interview, I was given two choices, one for soft skills and the other for hard skills. I had a good idea of what was expected."

Chun Yiu (Samson) Lee, a Hong Kong Polytechnic University student, suggested that students be broken into smaller groups at orientation. "Asian students tend to be more conservative. It would be better to have us in smaller groups so we can speak more freely."

2010-06-29 - CCIP Session A students buzzed with excitement as they gathered on June 25, 2010. Around 40 students stood at the entrance of Columbia University, marveling its Baroque style building. As Ollie (LIU Tianzhe, HKPU) stepped onto the flagging he said, "It looks like a town, you know, really not planned or constructed with a formula. But Columbia is to some extent designed in a certain way, its own way."

As an Asian-American living in New York City, Columbia definitely has its perks. It is the only Ivy League in the city. It is one of the top academic and research institutions in the world, making breakthroughs in various fields. It includes three undergraduate schools, thirteen graduate and professional schools, and a school of continuing education.

Two current undergraduate students led the international students on a tour of the campus. They explained that Columbia had humble beginnings as a schoolhouse in lower Manhattan and evolved to encompass two principal campuses: a historic neoclassical campus in Morningside Heights and a modern Medical Center in Washington Heights. "Wow, this is breath taking. I am more than excited to be here. As a student of Journalism, this is a dream for me," Sheng Cao said.

Walking all along towards International Studies center, the tour guide Tracy, who is majoring in Art History, introduced Columbia's roots. It was founded in 1754 as King's College by the royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. Since the creation of the Nobel Prize in 1901, Columbians --- including alumni, faculty, adjunct faculty, researchers and administrators --- have won a Nobel Prize in every field for which an award is given. With this resounding accomplishment, it is no wonder that Columbia University has a place on everyone's college list.

2010-06-29 - CCIP Session A students had quite the journey on June 25, 2010. After a breath-taking campus tour of Columbia University, they made their way to the United Nations Headquarters. As the only freestanding skyscraper in New York City, its tall slim building seemed to dominate the skyline. Cerine (Wing Chu) Lau couldn't help but notice the plethora of flags surrounding it: "All the flags here really illustrate the unity that CCIP helps promote by bringing people of different cultures and backgrounds together."

To add further to the melting pot, the tour guide was from Venezuela and introduced the structure of the United Nations. It is composed of 191 Member States which make up the General Assembly. The "President" of the assembly is Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. As the UN spokesperson, he is responsible for bringing international problems to light and taking the concerns of Member States into consideration. Students were given a chance to visit the General Assembly Hall which is the only conference room with the UN emblem, a world map flanked by olive wreaths. There are rows and rows of seats for representatives from all over the world to discuss internationally relevant problems. A student said, "This gives you an idea of the UN's significance. I can't even imagine seeing that many people in one room trying to solve a problem."

A vital component of the UN is the Security Council. It has five permanent members (China, France, Russia, England and the United States) and ten members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The council holds the important power to maintain international peace and security. It is given the right to make decisions that Member States are obligated to carry out. One topic of interest that was brought up is the use of landmines. The UN is currently pushing for all Member States to cease the use of landmines and revoke existing ones. Peacekeeping Forces have been sent to some countries to rid the roads of these unsuspecting weapons.

Students were fascinated by this and enthusiastically asked questions. After a round of Q and A, they returned to the real world to take some photos to commemorate the visit. As the day concluded, Ollie (Tianzhe) Liu said, "This experience has been surreal. I'm beginning to realize the scope of the UN's role in preserving harmony in society".

2010-06-11 - Not long after the Museum Mile Festival, the second CCIP Session A activity, Roundtable: An expert's views on the effects of healthcare reform, was held today (June 11, 2010) in the Flushing YMCA's Assembly Room.

Mr. Jeffrey Meena, an expert in the healthcare industry, the Field Sales Manager of Atlantis Health Plans, as well as internship mentor to three CCIP students, served as guest speaker of the roundtable. He gave a presentation on the continuing debate over the healthcare reform act and the healthcare industry.

The roundtable began in the evening. Students and Mr. Meena sat in a circle and expressed their views in an involved and relax setting. Mr. Meena was well-prepared and distributed detailed handouts to each student, helping them understand the complexities of healthcare reform.

Toward the end of the session, students participation was strong with many offering their comments and raising questions. Mr. Meena responding with great poise, addressing the entire group as a whole, and answering questions one-on-one.

One student asked about the level of acceptance and degree of support for healthcare reform in the market. Mr. Meena replied, "Everyone wants it as long as it is free. Even if you don't really care for it, you will still want it because it is free!" Everyone was cheered by his interesting comments.

Sandra (Wing Sum) Yip, a student of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and also one of the students mentored by Mr. Meena, commented, "Jeffrey always communicates with us in a relaxed manner. This helps make everything easier to understand."

Wong Chi Wai, a student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, commented that he was very intrigued by the discussion topic. He will continue to follow the healthcare reform debate after he returns to Hong Kong.

The roundtable came to a close at seven that evening. Students' gratitude for the enriching learning experience showed in their applause. Before Mr. Meena and the students parted ways, the commemorated the experience with a group photo.

2010-06-08 - Over 50 CCIP Session A students took part in the annual Museum Mile Festival yesterday.

With over 31 years of history, 9 museums including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and more along Fifth Avenue collectively open their doors from 6PM to 9PM for New Yorkers and visitors for a mile block party and visual arts celebration. The Museum Mile, a traffic-free, music and art-filled celebration, packed the streets and sidewalks of Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th Street.

After interning, students gathered at the 103rd Street and Lexington Avenue subway station. Because there were many museums to visit but little time, after a group photo, students broke off into smaller groups and sampled the varied cultural flavors of the festival on their own terms.

Monica (Qiushi Wang), a student of Lingnan University said, "I read about it; I talked about it. Now I am actually walking along the real Fifth Avenue. Doing this and being able to see all the museums for free was a blast. I am glad that I came."

Joe (U Hang Leung), a student of the Chinese University of Hong Kong commented, "With the pressure and responsibilities of the internship slowly arising, I'm just happy for this chance to… relax."

Ryan (June Kit Fan), a student of the University of Hong Kong who arrived just in time to catch the end of the festival had this to say, "No way was I going to miss this. I am glad that I made it. It was worth it."

Most students stayed up until the end of the festival and then headed back to the housing facility, echoing Ryan's sentiment.

On Friday, June 4, a group of Session A students gathered a FUSIA to go over their process. The roundtable is a CCIP tradition for CCIP and students still fresh in their internships and new to New York City, gathered to share their observations and experiences.

The roundtable consisted of two parts. In the first, students took center stage, speaking about what they gained and observed after their first two weeks of training. Students were asked to share their views on the difference between the place that they imagined and the real New York City, evaluate themselves and their peers, and discuss gains from each assignment. "I'd never expected to have my lunch breaks in front of the Manhattan skyline. The experience was totally unexpected and exhilarating ", a student of Lingnan University commented.

In the second part, students were asked to partake in a discussion that encouraged them to think outside of the student perspective. When asked why the program requires all students, including those who have relatives and friends in New York, to stay together at the Flushing YMCA, Rachel Hoi Ling Yeung, a student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University answered with applause following, "What's the difference between staying at the YMCA and staying at a dorm in Hong Kong? This is absolutely an opportunity to stay close by our peers so we can share our experiences and get through this together. And that will make our internship in New York significant."

Allen Qi Liu, another Lingnan University student added, "I am impressed by my supervisor. The positive attitude he showed us is going to be ingrained in our minds for good. Working with such a down-to-earth person has been an inspiration to us all."

About the program: The 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (www.exploreinternship.com) brings together university students from Asia and host companies all around New York City, and prepares them for the new challenges posed by the global marketplace. Founded by FUSIA Communications (www.fusia.net), with the support of 34 host companies and 7 universities, the 2010 program has 130 university student participants. For more information, visit www.exploreinternship.com.

2010-06-08 - On Friday, June 4, a group of Session A students gathered a FUSIA to go over their process. The roundtable is a CCIP tradition for CCIP and students still fresh in their internships and new to New York City, gathered to share their observations and experiences.

The roundtable consisted of two parts. In the first, students took center stage, speaking about what they gained and observed after their first two weeks of training. Students were asked to share their views on the difference between the place that they imagined and the real New York City, evaluate themselves and their peers, and discuss gains from each assignment. "I'd never expected to have my lunch breaks in front of the Manhattan skyline. The experience was totally unexpected and exhilarating ", a student of Lingnan University commented.

In the second part, students were asked to partake in a discussion that encouraged them to think outside of the student perspective. When asked why the program requires all students, including those who have relatives and friends in New York, to stay together at the Flushing YMCA, Rachel Hoi Ling Yeung, a student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University answered with applause following, "What's the difference between staying at the YMCA and staying at a dorm in Hong Kong? This is absolutely an opportunity to stay close by our peers so we can share our experiences and get through this together. And that will make our internship in New York significant."

Allen Qi Liu, another Lingnan University student added, "I am impressed by my supervisor. The positive attitude he showed us is going to be ingrained in our minds for good. Working with such a down-to-earth person has been an inspiration to us all."

About the program: The 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (www.exploreinternship.com) brings together university students from Asia and host companies all around New York City, and prepares them for the new challenges posed by the global marketplace. Founded by FUSIA Communications (www.fusia.net), with the support of 34 host companies and 7 universities, the 2010 program has 130 university student participants. For more information, visit www.exploreinternship.com.

2010-05-27 - The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) with special thanks to Columbia University, the United Nations and others, is proud to announce the list of student activities for the first session of its 2010 summer program in New York. This also marks a very special step forward in student involvement: students were given the opportunity to suggest and then decide themselves on the activities that would be made available.

This summer, the Cross Cultural Internship Program will be providing four very special activities for Session A students. The activities will include a tour of the United Nations, a campus visit to Columbia University, a walk along Fifth Avenue for the Museum Mile, and a roundtable on healthcare reform.

The first activity, at the Museum Mile Festival, is scheduled for June 8. It will have CCIP students experiencing an art celebration with over 50,000 others and breathing in a big breath of New York as they go down from 105th to 82nd Street, touring nine of the country's finest museums.

The next two activities, both scheduled for Friday, June 25, will be a visit to the Columbia University campus and then a dash back downtown for a tour of the United Nations. The Columbia University campus tour will once again be back on the activity roster due to positive feedback from CCIP's 2009 students.

Students will then trek to Morningside Heights and gather on the steps of the Low Memorial Library. From there, they will receive their first glimpse of one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state of New York. Afterwards the students will head down to midtown for a guided tour of the United Nations. There, CCIP students will come to understand the work of the UN as it is presented to them through young guides of worldwide backgrounds not unlike their own.

In addition, there will be a roundtable given by Atlantis Health Plan taking place at the Flushing YMCA on June 10. Jeffrey Meena, a seasoned healthcare consultant with over 20 years of experience in both the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, will be leading the discussion. He will be giving a presentation on healthcare reform, one of the most talked-about topics in America today.

Special thanks go to Esther Chi-Ting Wong of Hong Kong University, who helped the program come up with the 2010 activities. For her efforts, Esther was recognized at the Session A orientation and given two tickets to the Queens Botanical Garden. Student's choice and these activities all represent a very special step forward in student involvement. This will undoubtedly push CCIP's evolution and growth forward in new and exciting ways.

About the program: The 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (www.exploreinternship.com) brings together university students from Asia and host companies all around New York City, and prepares them for the new challenges posed by the global marketplace. Founded by FUSIA Communications (www.fusia.net), with the support of 34 host companies and 7 universities, the 2010 program has 130 university student participants. For more information, visit www.exploreinternship.com.

2010-05-25 - The 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) officially kicked off with the orientations, both the pre-arrival and post-arrival briefings, which took place in Hong Kong and New York.

Taking place every summer from May to August in New York City, the program emphasizes East-West cultural exchange and brings together university students from Asia and host companies in New York City, and prepares them for the new challenges of the global marketplace.

Divided into two seven-week sessions, the program has placed students in companies all around the NYC area which specialize in a variety of fields such as advertising, product design, pharmaceuticals, real estate, finance, law, nonprofit, etc.

Leith Ter Meulen, the President of Landair Project Resources, a company specializing in real estate and a second-year host company participant commented, "We had a wonderful experience with the interns last year. They were bright, inquisitive, and ready for whatever challenge we put before them. They also taught us important cultural lessons about doing business in China that we applied right away. Our whole team is so excited about participating in FUSIA's internship program for our second summer and we are eagerly looking forward to accomplishing a lot of work with the new interns between now and August."

This year represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the program. It has grown to 34 host companies and 130 students of the program's partner universities such as the University of Hong Kong and the National University of Singapore along with the newcomers such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Macau University of Science and Technology.

"What makes this year more exciting is not just the increased participation but that the program is receiving more support from companies and universities working hand in hand to foster the growth of the next generation of global professionals from Asia," said Elizabeth Kay, founder of CCIP and the President of FUSIA Communications, Inc.

About the program: The 2010 Cross-Cultural Internship Program (www.exploreinternship.com) officially kicked off its summer internship program. The program brings together university students from Asia and host companies all around New York City, and prepares them for the new challenges posed by the global marketplace. Founded by FUSIA Communications (www.fusia.net), with the support of 34 host companies and 7 universities, this year's program has 130 university student participants. For more information, visit www.exploreinternship.com.