2019-10-24 - Autumn is an exciting and busy time for the New York-based Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net). Though 2019's program only ended in August, the weeks since have been spent gearing up for 2020's program. In September, CCIP announced the official opening of the first window for applications and interviews

Interviews began on September 30 at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and continued through most of October. The interviews were conducted by the program's Responsible Officer, Elizabeth Kay, and were held on the campuses of partner schools across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Since the first window opened, CCIP has already received over 700 applications, with the program planning to accept roughly 70 applicants. In addition to initial interviews, Kay also oversaw information sessions with the help of program alumni from 2019 and previous years. The focus of these info talks included an emphasis on CCIP's core principles, teamwork and cooperation.

While the first window involved many hours of interviews and traveling, there was still plenty of time for catching up. For some, it was a reunion with friends who they hadn't seen since their program ended. Numerous group photos were taken and stories from past programs were shared.

Alumni from the program came from all over the region to assist, and not just at their former universities. Calvin and Emily flew from Hong Kong to conduct sessions with Singapore students, while Win Ee, a resident of Singapore, traveled to Hong Kong. Calvin also traveled with Carol from Hong Kong to Macau.

The program would like to express appreciation to those alumni, as well as to the following students for their support and insights during the info talks and interviews: Minton and Win En from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore; Tim, Levinna, Tony, and Brian from the University of Hong Kong; Emily, Calvin, Gary, Jovia, and Charlotte from the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology; Kimmy and Kenji from City University of Hong Kong; Young from Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; Emma from the Open University of Hong Kong; Carol and Joyce from the Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Rita, Louis, Samco, and Leslie from Macau University. Their perspectives as former members of the program provided invaluable information to the prospective students.

CCIP plans to announce the results of its first round of interviews by the end of October. Students who are still interested in applying can contact CCIP via WhatsApp (1 917-244-2600) and apply as late applicants through February 2020 (admissions will stop once the program reaches its quota).

2019-08-26 - The 2019 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) has officially ended with the conclusion of Session B. The Session B interns have had to say goodbye to friends and colleagues that they will surely continue to talk to for years. They now return to their homes equipped with new knowledge, skills, and memories.

Each summer, the second batch of student interns feel the pressure to live up to the first group’s success and the expectations of their host organizations. This year, that was no problem as the group quickly acclimated to their new surrounds and the American working environment. They traveled to their internships in high spirits every day, full of enthusiasm and curiosity.

America attracts people from all over the world to develop new skills and experience its exciting culture. The CCIP gives students from Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore the opportunity to live in a vibrant, global city. Over two months in the city, they grow considerably, gaining a greater understanding of the world and their place in it. Participants in CCIP leave with a stronger sense of the direction of their futures.

Of course, nobody can express that better than the interns themselves.

Levinna, a student leader from the University of Hong Kong, said, "Joining CCIP gave me rewarding experiences, not only in terms of professional development but also in personal growth. I interned with Yu & Associates, a consulting engineering firm, and the people there are fantastic. They entrusted us interns to do technical and professional tasks: calculations, reports, proposal write-ups, client interactions, and using civil engineering-related software. The company offers a strong kinship and learning environment. Beyond my internship, I met wonderful people. I want to give special recognition to CCIP’s staff who were very helpful and friendly. I joined the program to have a summer internship, but I gained a new family and incomparable experiences as well. It was a wonderful way to spend my summer!"

"This summer, I got the unique opportunity to intern at Admerasia in NYC,” said Jovia, a student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. “I had the pleasure of entering into the advertising industry with a group of friendly, professional, and dedicated people. Through assigning me various tasks – making contracts, tracking our competition’s marketing strategy, attending meetings and contributing my own ideas to clients – my colleagues taught me numerous workplace skills. The purpose of social media marketing is to combine and utilize marketing and social management skills to enhance the company’s public presence. It requires effective interaction with customers and promotion of brand-focused creative content to attract a larger audience. Through this first-hand experience of the advertising industry, I saw how there are big opportunities for people who are both creative and analytical and can manage a fast-paced environment. That is exactly the kind of career I can see myself having."

Yet another student at the University of Hong Kong, Tim said, "Joining this program has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only did I gain invaluable knowledge and experience in my field, I also made friends of various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Plus, the internship took place in New York City, a non-stop metropolitan city unlike any other, where different cultures blend together seamlessly. I would definitely recommend this program to people who are looking to expand their knowledge and discover new things."

"This was so much more than an internship,” explained Win Ee, a student of psychology at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. “My six weeks here have been a kaleidoscope of beautiful memories, spontaneous adventures, encounters with truly special people that have left an indelible mark, and unique experiences that have changed me as a person and shaped my perspective about the world and how I want to live. Professionally, the strides I took at Colón & Peguero LLP have given me so much confidence, I believe I will be able to excel anywhere. Having professional experience in Manhattan will no doubt be a huge step up in my career. As a program, I don’t think you can find a better visa sponsor than CCIP. They went above and beyond to take care of my needs and safety, even replying at 2 a.m. My only lament is that I can’t stay longer. I would do CCIP twice if it were possible. You won’t find a better internship experience than this."

"Quality internships are essential to gaining skills that can't be taught in a classroom,” stated Chinese University of Hong Kong student Carol. “CCIP provided me hands-on practice to gain professional experience and develop my skills, including communication, working within a diverse workspace, multitasking, and meeting deadlines. CCIP also provided a great way to network with people in the industry. My boss and colleagues greatly supported me and have given me tips and contacts that will surely improve my future career!"

2019-08-26 - Session A of the 2019 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) began on May 18. It included a total of 40 students, with 15 from Singapore, three from Macau, and the remainder from Hong Kong. Over a period of 6-8 weeks, the students experienced memorable internships while living in one of the world’s great cosmopolitan cities.

What makes CCIP stand out from other internship programs is its tremendous variety of activities. The program is sustained by active group leaders and participants who, through cooperation and positivity, preserve CCIP’s close-knit group culture. Just over a month ago, Session A's interns left NYC to return home, but the group remains in close contact. Their shared experience continues to unite them even across great distances.

Even though the program was less than two months for most participants, life-long friendships were made, personal growth was attained, and global mindsets were developed. Not only does CCIP provide a platform for learning about an entirely different culture, it brings about experiences that will have far-reaching impacts for the participants’ futures.

The interns are best equipped to explain the impact CCIP had on them.

Minton, a student leader from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, said, "The internship experience taught me how to manage a diverse group of people during the program activities, making compromises based on the different attitudes and expectations of individuals in an entirely different country. Even the simple act of commuting to work highlighted the daily challenges that New Yorkers face. It offered me a fresh perspective for evaluating Singapore's transport infrastructure. Being part of an American company has been an enriching experience as well, as I learned to form professional relationships in a welcoming environment. Though I had to complete substantial administrative work to be part of the program, my experiences were well worth the effort. The organizers offered comprehensive guidance from the very beginning to ensure that the whole program was a success for me."

“It was a wise choice to join CCIP this summer,” echoed Gary, another student leader. He is studying civil engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. “The program provided me a unique internship opportunity in New York that allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. Beyond the internship, I met so many interesting people in New York and made some new friends. I’m very happy I joined CCIP."

Another student from Nanyang Technological University, Sherry Ang said, "The Cross Cultural Internship Program was a wonderful way to spend my first summer in NTU! My time here combined an enriching internship and a two-month holiday in New York City. I interned with the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), a non-profit organization dedicated to serving aspiring and working voice actors. My supervisor, Rudy Gaskins, and his wife, Joan Baker, are two amazing and passionate people who made me feel really welcomed. They entrusted me with meaningful tasks such as improving the website's exposure through Google Analytics and drafting proposals to grantors. Whenever I gave suggestions, Rudy listened sincerely and even incorporated some of my ideas into the organization's current activities." Sherry, who is studying business, added, "In addition to my internship, CCIP has given me an opportunity to make new friends and explore NYC. Whether it was going to a laundromat or visiting Harvard University in Boston with my friends, these two months have been full of laughter and life-changing experiences. It was rewarding to be immersed in the culture here. Even though I came for the internship, it really felt like a holiday for me!”

"I can’t say how grateful and thankful I am to have joined CCIP!” exclaimed Joyce, who is a student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. “Interning in NYC has been such a fruitful and memorable experience. Not only did I gain insights into the operation of a non-profit organization, I also gained practical experience for adapting in a workplace in a different culture. More than that, I really enjoyed building friendships with my fellow program attendees while being immersed in the sights and sounds of New York City. If you want to make the most of your summer break, join CCIP!"

Charmaine, another Nanyang Technological University student, added, "CCIP gave me my first overseas professional workplace experience. I enjoyed first-hand contact with a culture very different from my own. I not only gained a greater understanding of New York culture, but I also learned so much about what it takes to be a working adult. I’m so glad I was able to be a participant in this unique program. Seeing myself change as an individual has made me realize just how important it is to take chances and try things far from home. I think everyone should try it, at least for one summer."

2019-08-24 - On Saturday, August 24, 2019, interns of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) attended a debriefing in Flushing Bank. All of the students were melancholy as their summer internship has come to an end. After all the time spent with new friends from different backgrounds, it was finally time to travel home.

Charlotte from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said, " The CCIP did not only grants us chance to immerse in American local cultures, but also provided us a chance to make new friends. The friendships I gained here are irreplaceable. I hope we all can keep in touch even though we live far apart. "

Tim who studies at the University of Hong Kong added, "I am grateful to have met new friends, especially my roommate who is from Singapore. He is a knowledgeable university graduate and his experiences in the army turned him into a more mature person. Talking to him will always give me new insights. I understand that once we say goodbye, we may never see each other again. However, I believe that we will keep in touch and become lifelong friends. "

Emily from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said, "I could never imagine how much we could grow in two months. Leaving our home and living in another city was a great challenge. We had to step out of our comfort zones and immersed ourselves into local American cultures. Two months of professional training made me realize that the work is more than we expected. Hong Kong is just a tiny dot on the globe. We should not restrict and narrow our possibilities and mindsets. On top of that, this program enabled showed me my weaknesses and gave me opportunities to face them. I will try my best to explore my potentials and possibilities."

After spending a summer in New York City, the students attained new perspectives and polished their professional skills. As each student grew, they also shaped many irreplaceable friendships. Thanks to the CCIP, the students are now prepared to head back with their professional growth to contribute to society.

2019-08-17 - On Saturday, August 17, 2019, the interns of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) came to their last stop in New York– Woodbury Premium Outlet.

On the hour-long bus ride to the outlet, the students could not contain their eagerness to shop. They had been waiting for this moment for several weeks.

Woodbury Premium Outlet is the largest outlet in East Coast and is renowned for its large variety of stores. What makes this outlet outstands from others is its beautiful architecture. While walking through various shops, the students admired breathtaking views of the area.

"I enjoyed shopping there. Unlike the shopping malls in Hong Kong, I can enjoy the view when I am shopping. The only downside was that Woodbury is so big, I did not have enough time to visit all the shops that I like, " added Jovia from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

When the day ended, each student was ready to leave the outlet with their handfuls of shopping bags. This rewarding trip was the perfect way to end their summer internship in New York City.

2019-08-15 - On Thursday, August 15, 2019, the interns of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) gathered in the conference room of Flushing YMCA, to attend a presentation by Mr. Mark Ricca, who has expertise in finance, law and management.

Throughout Mr. Ricca's career, he stressed on core values which include high ethics, high expertise, results, teamwork and fun.

Mr. Ricca was most recently the President and CEO of the Municipal Credit Union, and before that Mark served as President and CEO of First American International Bank and as CFO and Chief Administrative Officer of Carver Federal Saving Bank. Mark has extensive experience developing and leading corporate strategic direction, personnel development and community contributions in New York City, including NY’s Chinese-American community.

The students who participated held great interest in finance and banking sectors, career development and personal development. Mark was kind enough to answer all the questions and also helped each student build interest, understanding, and confidence about the financial market.

Emily who studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology commented, "It is my pleasure to listen to Mark's talk. At first, I expected him to be a conservative and introverted person. Unexpectedly, he is an enthusiastic and lively man. In his speech, I can feel his endless passion towards his career. He is a great mentor. "

2019-08-11 - On the weekend of August 10, 2019, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) J-1 interns visited Boston to explore the history and cultural aspects of the US.

Boston is known for the prestigious universities, Harvard and MIT. Furthermore, it is known for its rich history of America's struggles for independence which led to the American Revolutionary War.

The first destination was the Freedom Trail which was planned in 1951 by a journalist named William Schofield. It was created to help visitors locate and learn about the major sites of American History. The Freedom Trail starts from Boston Park and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument. Along the way, there were buildings from the 17th and 18th century and sites of milestones from the American Revolution which displayed the development of Boston's history.

Jovia from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said, "The road to freedom contains relics along the way and let us enjoy the scenery. We can feel the hardships of people when they were moving towards freedom. I have always lived in Hong Kong. I am very grateful for everything I have, freedom and happiness. I never thought about what it would be like if I lost that freedom. It is hard to imagine living in a time of repression."

After visiting the Freedom Trail, the students went to Quincy Market. The market contains many restaurants, shops, and buildings with historical value which makes it a tourist attraction.

Students who were not interested in shopping visited the famous Harvard University. This impressive university has educated many geniuses who became elites of various companies. The students who visited were awed by Harvard's academic atmosphere and its beautiful campus.

The trip to Boston allowed the interns to view the struggles of the past and admire today's amazing educational institutions which has and will be nurturing many future generations.

2019-08-10 - On August 10, 2019, the third batch of J-1 interns from the Cross Cultural Internship Program 2019 (CCIP, www.fusia.net) said their goodbyes. It was difficult for everyone to say farewell after spending so much time together during their internships.

The students gathered at Flushing Bank for a debriefing. For many of them, time flew by so quickly that arriving to New York City for their internships felt like yesterday. However, the end of their program has come and they must prepare to return to their countries and back to their old lives.

There, the interns cancelled their bank accounts and listened to a brief talk. After understanding their tax obligations, the students left the bank to prepare for their departures.

Throughout the summer, the interns gained sincere friendships and irreplaceable experiences. The growth from their internships and new connections will allow them to discover ways to give back to society and better the future.

2019-08-08 - On Thursday, August 8, 2019, the interns of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) watched the famous Broadway show, Chicago. It is the second longest running show on Broadway after the Phantom of the Opera and has been playing since 1996.

Student leaders Emma from Open University of Hong Kong and Leslie from Macau University of Science and Technology organized the activity.

Emma said, "The play made me feel like I was part of the 1920's because of the elaborate wardrobe and the splendid display of music."

"I enjoyed watching the plot unfold along with the dances. Those talented performers made the show so mesmerizing," stated Leslie.

2019-08-04 - Celebrating cultural diversity and community at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York

For 29 years, the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York has been a must-attend cultural event for the region. Transporting the Hong Kong tradition to New York City, this two-day event took place on August 3 and 4 in Flushing Meadows Park. It is the largest multicultural festival on the East Coast and brings together thousands of people for dragon boat races, food, and festivities.

The first day of the festival included an opening ceremony with a Dragon Dance and a progression of teams holding flags as they marched from the lake to the stage. In attendance were government representatives from both the US and Hong Kong. A ceremonial dotting of the eye on the dragon head of the dragon dancers marked the official start of the festival.

This year, more than 20 young and passionate exchange interns form the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) participated in the races and festivities. The CCIP participants all wore a t-shirt with a colorful design and a slogan that highlights the program's mission of advocating for teamwork and diversity: "We're all in the same boat."

Elizabeth Kay, the founder of CCIP and the President of FUSIA Communications, said, "It's inspiring to see the group take our motto to heart. The team sees this occasion as more than just a sports event. Despite cultural barriers, CCIP took to the water in the spirit of goodwill, friendly competition, and sportsmanship."

We overcome together, from beginners to winners

All CCIP exchange interns are students from elite universities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau. Their backgrounds vary, though, especially in their fields of study, which include engineering, political science, law, business, and many others. This variety is showcased in the wide range of New York organizations the group is interning with this summer.

The program has two main sessions, with the first beginning in May and the second kicking off in mid-July. Participants of the Dragon Boat Festival all came from the second session. This added an additional challenge to the participants as they had little time to prepare for the race.

"Our practice time was very short. We had just two weeks, which was barely enough time for us to get to know each other," said Samco, one of the team captains and a student at the University of Macau. "Despite the time restrictions, though, everyone worked hard so we could make the best showing possible. That involved practicing as early as 7:15 in the morning on the weekends. It wasn’t easy, but I’m very impressed by the results we achieved with so little time."

Another team captain, Kenji, who studies at the City University of Hong Kong, echoed Samco’s sentiments.

"It was, indeed, a short time to prepare. It was also a lot of hard work. We were warned by previous participants of how difficult the races can be, and their insights were invaluable. I can say this with confidence, a lot of friendships were made in the process. There was some frustration at times, but we overcame it, together. It wouldn’t have been possible to complete a race like this without a supportive team with the same goal."

"I consider myself a fairly athletic person," said Carol who is pursuing a master’s in law at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "But I was not prepared for how hard racing actually was. We had to row in rhythm and as a team. It ended up being pretty difficult, but I’m very proud that we made it!"

"I want to offer a special thanks to Good Jean and her peers at the Wall Street Lions Club Team," said Levinna, a University of Hong Kong student, originally from Indonesia, who was a drummer for this year’s team. "The majority of our team had no experience, and Good Jean volunteered to coach us. She gave us basic knowledge, such as how to hold the paddle and the right rhythm to play. She and Gary were great instructors and two of the most amazing people I’ve met in New York. We wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without them."

The story of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York

Dragon Boat festivals are a vital part of Chinese culture and are celebrated all over the world. Wherever they're held, the festivals commemorate the famous Chinese scholar, Qu Yuan. In exile after being falsely accused of conspiracy, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River. The people, who admired him for his great intellect, searched for his bodies in boats, establishing the foundation for the Dragon Boat festivals.

In New York, the festival is organized by the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, Inc, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. The main sponsor of the event is the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in New York.

"The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York is one of the largest multicultural and sporting events in the city," explained Henry Wen, president of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, Inc. "Over 2,000 athletes and 50,000 spectators attended our event last year. It is a unique event comprised of programs on water and land. The success of the festival shines a light on Hong Kong culture and draws people who otherwise would know very little about that culture."

More than just races

In addition to the dragon boat race team, many of the CCIP interns ran a booth at the festival. The group organizers came up with games to play with the children who were in attendance. It was an excellent opportunity for people from different cultural backgrounds to interact and get to know each other in a fun and festive environment.

The CCIP interns who oversaw the booth helped cheer on their racing compatriots while also entertaining festival guests. There were eight booth managers who played games and gave out goody bags with relevant literature and promotional items. Those items were donated by various festival hosts from across the community.

"The theme for our booth was, 'Giving to and Getting from NYC Communities,'" explained Emily. Emily is interning with FUSIA Communications, which organizes CCIP. She is also a student activity leader for the program and served a dual role at the festival as a booth manager and racing team manager.

"The whole festival was a great experience," added Leslie, who is studying at the University of Macau. "Interacting with people from all over the country was a lot of fun. Especially because I had the opportunity to share about my own culture to people who have never been to my country."

The internship experience in NYC

All participants from CCIP are here on a J-1 Intern visa. The J-1 visa program is an exchange visitor system with 14 different categories (one of which is internships). It is run by the US Department of State's Office of Private Sector Exchange.

The program provides students with an opportunity to obtain work-based experience through a short-term, structured, and guided internship. In addition to professional experience, CCIP also aims to expose participants to American culture through different activities, including concerts, Broadway shows, and meetings with political figures. The program participants will also volunteer locally in order to understand volunteerism’s importance as a central value in American communities.

2019-07-29 - On Monday, July 29, 2019, Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) exchange visitors visited the One World Observatory. The Observatory is located on floors 100-102 of One World Trade Center, the tallest skyscraper in this hemisphere. It officially opened to the public in 2014.

The visit to the observatory came after many of the program's interns visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. After witnessing the destruction of the 9/11 attacks, going up in the One World Trade Center was a celebration of New York City's rebirth after tragedy. The interns were impressed by the building's grandeur.

"The views from the observatory were truly impressive," said Emily, a student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. "New York City is such an amazing city, and seeing it from high above it was something I will never forget. I’m so happy we did this as a group."

Young who studies at Hang Seng University helped organize this event as one of the program's activity coordinators. Interns with CCIP are given numerous opportunities to lead events and arrange activities. It allows the students to gain real-world leadership experience outside of their internships.

Young commented, "We're getting a lot of chances to see different parts of New York. We're living in Queens, but interning all over the city, and we’re doing a lot of activities too. I’m really enjoying everything we’re getting to do here."

2019-07-28 - On July 27 and 28, 2019, the 2019 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) Dragon Boat Team prepared for the upcoming races on August 3 and 4. They practiced at World Fair Marina and Meadow Lake during the weekend for the past two weeks.

The students have been preparing for this since mid July with the help of Coach Gary and Good Jean. Over the past couple of weeks, they learned how to paddle, work together as a team and build up stamina for the race.

2019-07-27 - On June 29, 2019, the second batch of the J-1 interns participating in the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) visited the Today American talk show on NBC.

The Today Show is a popular show by NBC since 1952. The morning show provides a wide range of news such as weather reports, local and international news, and interviews.

Along with the news that is broadcasted, a live audience can also be seen on the show. Every day tourists and fans hold signs while standing outside the studio in order to be seen on television. During this activity, the students created their own signs and experienced the behind the scenes as part of the live audience group.

This activity was led by student leader Emily, Dawn, and Samco. Students woke up early at 5:30am in order to stand outside with their own signs.

Samco, one of the student leaders who studies psychology at University of Macau said, "I was surprised by the amount of people that showed up and stood outside of the studio so early in the morning. It was interesting to see the set up of the show and how many hardworking crew members helped run it."

Another student leader Dawn studies accounting at the University of Hong Kong. He commented, "I enjoyed creating our own signs to express ourselves on television. I hope that my family at home will see this."

2019-07-27 - Sûre, and I also want to include the friendship I established unexpectedly with the 81 year old man. “In this social event, I got the opportunity to chat with people from diverse background, and was able to meet a great friend with wisdom. Through conversations, I knew more about the stories and history of this country, and could see this city with a local's lens.”

The Thunderbirds' 41st Annual Grand-Midsummer Powwow is New York City's largest Native American celebration which takes place in Queens County Farm. On Saturday July 27, 2019, the J-1 interns of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) were able to experience the Native American culture.

Every year, as many as 40 different Native Americans nations participate in this event and bring in many visitors. During this ceremony, the participants dressed in their traditional costumes while they danced, sang, and drummed. Along with this, the interns were able to taste traditional Native American foods and admire the exhibits with Native American arts.

Student Stella from the University of Hong Kong commented, "I did not expect to see something like this during my internship. It was very different from the other activities I experienced here. The performances from today left a lasting impression of the diversity of New York City."

"I got the opportunity to chat with people from diverse background, and was able to meet a great friend with wisdom. Through conversations, I knew more about the stories and history of this country, and could see this city with a local's lens," added Stella.

2019-07-25 - Interns of the CCIP’s (www.fusia.net) second session exchange visitors watched Phantom of the Opera on Thursday, July 25, 2019. This performance is Broadway's longest running show and won 70 major theatre awards. It has been playing since 1988 and attracted millions of viewers from around the world.

This event was coordinated by Emily and Leslie. Emily studies at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Leslie studies at Macau University of Science and Technology.

"The sets and costumes were beautiful. The musical made me feel as if I was part of the show and I really sympathized with the characters. I hope to watch another performance as magical as this one," said Emily.

"I've heard lots of things about this show before watching it. The descriptions do not do the play any justice because it is so much more to see it in person. Everyone should get a chance to watch this to see how marvelous it really is," said Leslie.

2019-07-24 - This past Tuesday (July 23, 2019), interns with the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) joined together at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Created to commemorate those lost during the 9/11 terror attacks, the memorial and museum were powerful experiences for the exchange visitors.

The CCIP interns spent the day at their various internships across the city before gathering at the September 11 Memorial. Their visit was a chance to see first-hand how the tragedy shaped not only the city but the whole country. Many of the interns were too young to have memories of the tragic day nearly 18 years ago.

Stella, a student at the University of Hong Kong commented, "It reminds us of why violence shall never be resorted and how precious peace is."

"We were shocked and sorrow about the tragedy," Dawn who studies at the University of Hong Kong added. "We were deeply affected by this anger and transferred this energy to protect our peaceful world."

Leo from City University of Hong Kong said, "It taught us not to give up hope in the different times. We can rebuild and recover as long as we support each others."

"The Memorial educated us that violence and terrorism is never an acceptable mean of resolving problems. People should join hands to work together, to make the world a better place," voiced Anson from Chinese University of Hong Kong.

CCIP is committed to providing cultural experiences outside the usual internship confines. In addition to this visit to the September 11 Memorial, the interns will attend meetings with local business and community leaders, see Broadway shows, and join in local celebrations and events.

2019-07-21 - Maintaining a healthy body is important for maintaining a healthy mind. This summer, all the interns engaged in different exercises.

Six J-1 interns from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) took advantage of the Flushing YMCA summer promotion which costs USD $300 for two students.

Emma, one of the student leaders commented, "There is a huge variety of food in NYC which is very tempting, so I have to do more to burn off the extra calories." She added, "It's also a plus that the venue is so close to the hotel."

Tony, majoring civil engineering, also used this offer to his advantage. He said, "The deal is worth it. The facility has all kinds of equipment plus a basketball court and swimming pool. Most of all, it's open to 10:30pm, which works well with my schedule."

In addition to his workouts, Tony and with few other fellow interns are on CCIP's dragon boat team. Over the past couple of weeks, they practiced at the World Marina and Flushing Meadow Lake. Brian who is also study civil engineering from the University of Hong Kong said, "Thanks to our YMCA summer membership, our team can build up our stamina and strength for the dragon boat racing."

Hunter, a computer science major from the University of Hong Kong, added, "I feel very prepared for the dragon boat race in August because of my workouts from YMCA."

In addition to YMCA, students also engaged in different kinds of sport activities such as dancing, badminton, and dragon boating.

2019-07-21 - Over the weekend, on July 21, 2019, group B of the J-1 interns of CCIP (www.fusia.net) visited the Statue of Liberty. This was the first time for many of them to view the impressive Lady Liberty up close.

The Statue of Liberty is located at Liberty Island which is in New York Harbor. It first arrived to the United States in 1885 as a gift from France and today it is one of the most famous attractions in the country.

The tour started out with a ferry ride to the island, where the students enjoyed the view of New York from the harbor. As the tour got closer, students took in the magnificent size of the statue and the rich history behind it.

Anson, who studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, "The Statue of Liberty looks great! It is a well-known landmark, and indeed, a symbol, of America. It denotes the American culture which celebrates freedom, democracy and civil rights. It is also often seen in Hollywood movie scenes like The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day – only that they were often destroyed by aliens or natural disasters, as a metaphor of the fall of civilization.On the cruise to Liberty Island, we have the chance of seeing the breathtaking skyline of Manhattan. It shows the vibrance and prosperity of New York. The Emperor State Building, the World Trade Centre and Trump Tower are readily visible from the ship. These are the fruit of the Americans’ hard work and, perhaps, the American dream!As the Statue of Liberty stands, it will back the world on seeking peace and liberty."

The event was organized by one of the student leaders of the program, Emily from the University of Hong Kong of Science and Technology.

"Learning about history by visiting this monument leaves a lasting impression and I would like to learn more this way. The view from above was amazing and I want to come back again!" said Emily.

2019-07-20 - The second batch of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) visited the American Museum of Natural History at the Upper West Side of Manhattan. American Museum of Natural History (namely AMNH) is one of the New York City's famous attractions. Every year the museum attracts millions of visitors with its diverse exhibits.

Session A visited beginning of June. This session 14 students led by student leaders Chelsea, Young and Carmen.

Carmen from Chinese University of Hong Kong one of the student leader said, "I was especially fascinated by the display of Barosaurus and Allosaurus fossils."

Admission cost was pay-as-you-wish, but certain exhibitions needed advanced reservation. This period, the museum showing Deep Oceans and the Ultimate Predator. Some students Emily, and Carmen signed up for the special exhibitions in advance.

In addition to the special exhibitions here there also year round exhibitions such as Hall of Biodiversity and Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.

Young, another leader took advantage of the exhibit. He commented. "I was surprised by the diverse amount of species that evolved from the ancestors of the T-Rex."

Emily who study Hong Kong university of science and technology commented, "The Unseen Oceans exhibit was one of my favorite parts of the museum. I enjoyed looking at the models of the biofluorescent marine species and the immersive screen with life-sized animations."

2019-07-17 - Yesterday, July 17, 2019, NYPD Officer Burger and his colleagues from the New York Police Department's Community Affairs Bureau gave Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) (Session B) J-1 interns a talk on safety in New York City.

Officer Burger reminded the students to pay attention to their surroundings at all times, especially when taking the subway. He cautioned students to always be careful with their personal belongings and stay aware of their surroundings. Officer Burger added that students should always travel in groups, avoid dangerous areas and avoid speaking to strangers.

Before the presentation, student leader Emily from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology welcomed the NYPD representatives. Like all members of CCIP, Emily is given numerous opportunities to assist the program and take on a leadership role.

"I'm really grateful to Officer Burger for speaking with our group," Emily stated. "It can be a bit overwhelming being here in New York. Having a better since of security has helped everyone feel calmer. "

2019-07-14 - This Sunday, July 14, 2019, marked the beginning of the fourth and final session of this year’s Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net). The newly arrived exchange visitors met at the Flushing YMCA for their Post-Arrival Orientation. The internships, which take place at organizations across the city, began on Monday.

The orientation is an opportunity for the newly arrived interns to get to know each other and be refreshed on their responsibilities. A representative from Flushing Bank was on hand to help the interns open bank accounts. Though the internships are unpaid, some organizations offer commute stipends. Also, having local bank accounts makes it much easier for the visitors to spend money while in the city.

Student leaders briefed their newly arrived co-participants on program activities. These will include museum visits, a Broadway show, and the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival held in Flushing Meadows Park. Throughout the summer, student leaders will help organize the activities and ensure everything runs smoothly.

"I can't wait to get started," said Kenji, a student leader and an intern with NYS Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman this summer. "There were a lot of nerves when we first arrived. I know there were for me. But now that we've all met and the program has begun, I'm just really excited to see everything there is to see in New York."

As always, the orientation also featured a welcome from Elizabeth Kay, the Responsible Officer for CCIP. Elizabeth does most of the initial interviews in person in Asia, so this was a chance for the students to get reacquainted with her. She serves the dual role as the RO for CCIP and the president of FUSIA Communications, one of the host organizations for the program.

Samco from University of Macau commented, "There were a lot of reasons I wanted to join CCIP. The first was that it was based in New York City, which I've always wanted to see. An international internship will look amazing on my CV too. And, of course, there are all the interesting opportunities to learn about American culture and expand my knowledge. As soon as I read about this program, I knew I had to be a part of it."

Every year, CCIP chooses participants from partner universities in Eastern Asia. For the 2019 program, a total of 75 interns were selected from 1,300 applicants. The program runs all summer, from mid-May through late August. The interns come in four groups and stay for anywhere between six and 12 weeks.

2019-07-13 - Last Saturday, July 14, the Session A J-1 interns of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) gathered at Flushing Bank for their end of session debriefing. The CCIP participants were saying goodbye to their host organizations, New York City, and each other, marking the end of a journey. For many, it was an emotional farewell.

At the debriefing, the interns were given time to take care of final program matters before their return home. The CCIP participants were briefed on their tax responsibilities in the United States and were also reminded to close their accounts with Flushing Bank. Bank officials were on hand to assist with these final steps.

The interns said their heartfelt goodbyes to their temporary housemates, internship colleagues, and fellow students. After nearly two months together, the group vowed to hold onto their new friendships upon their return to their respective homes. Their time in NYC created lasting memories and deep connections.

"Some days were challenging, some were frustrating, some were tiring, some were hectic, some were fun, some were amazing," shared Gary Lo, who spent the summer interning with GC Eng & Associates, an engineering consulting firm in NYC. "It's hard to describe these weeks of experience, but if I had to choose one word, it would be ‘enlightening’. I’ve grown, both professionally and personally."

Though the end of Session A was bittersweet, a new group of interns will soon arrive and begin their own journey. CCIP is excited to greet the new arrivals and help them as they take on the many challenges of an international internship.

2019-07-06 - J-1 interns from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) embarked on a journey of exploration to Washington, DC on July 6. Departing from Manhattan at 7 am, the participants made their trip to the capital of the United States by bus.

Once there, the students split into smaller groups with each touring points of interest such as museums, monuments, and landmarks.

One activity that all students partook in was the Capitol Tour, comprising of visits to the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. The tour showcased the rich history of the capitol.

Kimmy, a City University of Hong Kong student who interns at the America-China Public Affairs Institute, was a leader for the event. She said, "The capitol was huge. Just getting from one end to another, takes at least 30 minutes on foot."

Cassie, another student leader, commented, "I especially like the museums that offer free admission."

Calvin and Gary, both student leaders who study at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said, "The DC trip was a welcome change of pace. It was interesting to compare NYC with DC." Calvin added, "Even from this brief experience, I can tell that DC has its own unique vibe and character."

Levinna from the University of Hong Kong stated, "Coming to Washington DC exposed me to another side of the United States. While New York introduces me to the glamorous and metropolitan side, I learned more about the history, politics, and governmental systems." She added, "In the free time, we strolled around the city where they have magnificent urban plannings that are not only pretty but very inspirational for me."

2019-07-04 - July 4th is a national holiday in the United States. It's a celebration of the nation's independence in 1776.

The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) J-1 interns celebrated the holiday across New York. In Dumbo, Brooklyn, the main group watched the Macy's fireworks display under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Minton, the group leader for the Dumbo celebration said, "Even though the crowds and congestion were huge, all of us were awe-struck by the display of light and color that went on for 20 minutes. There was even a segment where sparklers gently cascaded down the side of the bridge, giving the impression of a waterfall." Minton studies Mechanical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. This was Minton's first time watching fireworks in NYC.

Another group, which included Calvin, Gary, Young, Eric, Sheron, Leslie, Emma, Levinna, and Emily, joined Stefan, a 2015 alumni, to celebrate on Jones Beach in Long Island and watch another fireworks display.

"The weather was beautiful, and with all the people hanging out together, the atmosphere was carefree and joyful. The experience was both relaxing and invigorating," said Emily, who interns this summer at FUSIA Communications, the organizer of CCIP. It was also Emily's first time visiting a NYC beach.

2019-07-03 - On July 3, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) J-1 interns gathered to watch an award-winning performance at the Broadway theater in Times Square.

Premiering in 2015, Dear Evan Hansen revolves around a teenager with social anxiety, trying to fit in with his community. During the show, the students were treated to a bedazzling display of song and dance, all accompanying a heartfelt and emotional story.

Levinna, a student from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), was especially impressed by the performance. She said, "Dear Evan Hansen was an exceptional show. It takes various sensitive topics around us that everyone can relate to. The award-winning performances bring audiences to an emotional roller coaster as the scene goes."

2019-06-30 - This weekend served as the start of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) for a new group of exchange visitors. Each summer, students from Eastern Asia arrive in groups to participate in CCIP and intern with organizations across New York City. On their first weekend in the city, the interns attend a post-arrival orientation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2019-06-29 - The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) J-1 interns visited the long-running NBC morning talk show, Today. Also known as The Today Show, the program has been on the air since 1952 and is a cultural institution. The show films live in a studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and covers news, entertainment and other events.

One of the hallmarks of Today is the live audience who stands outside the studio and can be viewed in the background of most shots. Fans and tourists gather outside the windows in hopes of being seen on TV, often with signs and other props. The CCIP interns were in attendance for the show that taped and aired on Saturday, June 29.

Sherry Ang helped organize the visit to the show. “It is not easy to wake up at 6am but it was my first experience,” said Sherry Ang, who is interning with SOVAS. “To be able to see what’s behind the scenes of the local America TV show, the crew, cast and equipment, it gave me another perspective. The weather was great. We could design signs and took TODAY badges back home as a souvenir. After the show, I also had a great breakfast with my friends nearby at Times Square.”

During the week, CCIP participants intern with organizations throughout New York City. These internships with private companies, nonprofit entities, and government offices are designed to provide the interns with professional experience. Outside of their internships, the visiting students have numerous opportunities to experience local culture.

2019-06-29 - For a group of Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) J-1 interns, the adventure has come to an end. This past week, the first group of interns, all students from Eastern Asia, wrapped up their multi-week internships with organizations across New York City. They will return to their homes and schools with new skills gained from their internships and the program.

Before the interns’ program officially ended, they attended an hour-long debriefing. At this end-of-session gathering, the interns were given certificates to acknowledge the completion of their internships. A select few of the group also received special commendations for their contributions to CCIP overall. The program relies on student leaders to ensure events and group outings run smoothly.

At the debriefing, Elizabeth Kay, the organizer of CCIP and president of FUSIA Communications, expressed her appreciation for the group. “This has been an outstanding group that has shown great resolve and dedication,” Elizabeth stated. “It’s always hard when a group leaves and I know I will miss them, but it also fills me with pride for the program and everyone involved in it.”

The debriefing was also an opportunity for the interns to take care of housekeeping matters related to their time in the United States. The interns learned about their tax responsibility and closed the bank accounts they had opened with Flushing Bank at the beginning of the program. These matters and other financial necessities were addressed before the group said their goodbyes.

“I gained a lot from my internship and my time with CCIP,” student leader Kevin said. Kevin will be returning to Nanyang Technological University this fall to continue his studies. “I know I’m better prepared for my future career now. But, also, I’ve gained a lot of new friends and I hope we all stay in touch.”

Throughout the summer, three more CCIP groups will complete internships lasting between six and 12 weeks.

2019-06-28 - J-1 Interns from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau Join the Local Community to
Celebrate the 11th Anniversary of the FUSIA/CCIP Exchange Internship at Citi Field

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer declared this day "CCIP Appreciation Day" for the sixth year since 2012.

NEW YORK, NY (June 28, 2019) – FUSIA Communication's J-1 Exchange Visitor Program (The Cross Cultural Internship Program, CCIP, www.fusia.net) celebrated its 11th anniversary at Citi Field, home of the Mets, on Friday, June 28, 2019.

The annual event has celebrated the success of international exchanges and J-1 internships since 2008. In attendance at this year’s event were over 120 guests, including J-1 interns, elected officials, community leaders, and internship hosts. They united to hail the collaborative efforts of local and international communities toward promoting and recognizing the continued growth of international exchanges.

The event began with a commendation presentation ceremony led by Marc A. Haken, the Youth, Education, and Library Committee Chair of Community Board 8 in Queens (CB 8Q) and the President of Friends of Cunningham Park.

Kevin Crowley, representing the U. S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and Jasmin Wee, the Consul General of Singapore in New York, greeted the interns and guests.

Numerous elected officials and representatives attended the event, including New York State Senators Toby Ann Stavisky and Senator John C. Liu, NYS Assemblypersons Ron Kim, David I. Weprin, and Alicia Hyndman (rep), Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer (rep), and NYC Councilpersons Peter Koo, and Rory Lancman (rep). These esteemed guests presented commendations in order to recognize the support of the organizations and individuals that further the mission of cultural exchange. Visit www.fusia.net/awards for the commendations.

As a token of appreciation for the support of the local communities, CCIP J-1 interns presented handmade souvenirs to the guests. The design was part of an ongoing series inspired by the Chinese Zodiac. This year, the theme was the Year of the Pig, symbolizing fortune and prosperity.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests headed onto the field for a group photo. The event was followed by a baseball game between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. Between innings 4 and 5, the stadium erupted in applause when a shout-out for CCIP’s 11th anniversary appeared on the scoreboard. The guests and interns enjoyed the quintessential American pastime as a cap to the night.

While the ceremony marked the end of the journey for the first wave of 2019 CCIP students, it also served as a welcome for the newly arrived July-session interns. The new group will have six-to-eight exciting weeks of learning, growth, and immersion in American culture.

2019-06-23 - Statue of Liberty has always been one of the iconic attractions in New York, United States. The year 2019 is a great opportunity for participants from the Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net), to experience one of the historical monuments of America.

Since its creation in 1876, it has proved to be a significant display of strong relationship ties between America and France. It also shows the date of the America declaration of independence, where ever since America has progressed to be one of the successful countries till date.

There are 3 levels to the Statue of Liberty, where participants can select the suitable level for them to view the historic site. The highest level allows visitor to have a great view of New York state, while having access to the finest architecture.

"This shows me a part of America history, which will not be taught in Singapore," said Josiah, who is a student at Nanyang Technological University. "I will definitely come back to remind myself of the great history of America in this attraction again."

2019-06-22 - Few events represent New York City's audacious spirit like the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island. The annual event, now in its 37th year, was attended by FUSIA/CCIP exchange visitors with the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net). These visitors, all from Eastern Asia, witnessed one of the region’s greatest traditions.

For almost four decades, the Mermaid Parade and Festival has drawn thousands of spectators from all around the world. Each year, a new King Neptune and Queen Mermaid are crowned, and they then lead the procession. This year’s royalty were Arlo and Nora Guthrie, major figures in the Folk music tradition of America.

Attendees dress up as mermaids and other sea creatures or exotic characters. It's a colorful, exuberant affair. The exchange visitors, who are all interning at organizations across the Five Boroughs, were in awe of the event. While they are in New York, the group will attend a number of cultural events and festivities. None of them, though, can compare to the Mermaid Parade for sheer spectacle.

"The parade was incredibly lively, with performers dressed up in all sorts of flashy costumes ," said Minton, who is a student at Nanyang Technological University. "Since the event was held right next to Coney Island’s theme parks, there was no shortage of things to do, especially during the intermissions. I managed to sample some street food, and even try out a roller coaster ride with a friend."

Connie, a student at Nanyang Technological University, said "I see people wearing bizarre dress, dancing and singing with a strong passion. The inclusive culture and diversity of this place is shown by the confidence of people in the parade. No matter black and white, young and old, short and tall, thin and fat, people all passionately and confidently join the parade."

Sherry, also a student at Nanyang Technological University, said "Mermaid parade is an entirely new and refreshing experience. Singapore has parades too but not to this extent. The costumes are amazing and the theme is something unique to the Asian eyes. People were really open and receptive. It’s great how there’s so many people who participated in the parade. The mermaids and mermans, the costumes and ideas were astoundingly beautiful and great."

2019-06-20 - Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) J-1 interns followed up their internships on Thursday by meeting with President of the America China Public Affairs Institute, Mr. Fred Teng. Mr. Teng, who has extensive experience in US-China relations, gave a presentation on communications, marketing, and networking skills.

Interns with CCIP are expected to participate in a number of extracurricular activities outside their internships. The meeting with Mr. Teng allowed the Eastern Asian students to gain insights into the global business atmosphere. In addition to his lecture, Mr. Teng took questions from the interns on a variety of business-related topics.

"It's a rare opportunity to learn from such a well-established businessman," said Kimmy who is studying at City university of Hong Kong. "Mr. Teng was an excellent teacher with so many interesting points. Knowing that all business is global, what he taught us will be very important for our careers."

In addition to his work with the America China Public Affairs Institute, Mr. Teng has worked extensively in the financial, telecommunications, and media industries. He is a Fellow of the Foreign Policy Association, a Counselor of the EastWest Institute, and a member of the National Committee on US-China Relations. He has also been a supporter of CCIP since the program’s inception.

Minton from Nanyang Technological University said, " Students were also given a chance to practice giving a formal introduction to their peers, with Fred providing feedback for improvement."

"Mr Fred Teng gave the interns a far-sighted presentation about how to cultivate our network with people," said Connie studying at Nanyang Technological University. "I thought this workshop would only guide us to build a professional relationship purposely, but it turns out that, the methodology and mentality that Mr Fred Teng shared with us do apply to all kinds of relationships and all aspect of everyday life."

2019-06-15 - Over the weekend, Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) FUSIA/CCIP J-1 interns traveled to Boston, Massachusetts. The trip was organized by student leaders, and included visiting historical sites and spending time at landmarks like Faneuil Hall. It was the first time in Boston for most of the group.

The group of interns traveled by bus, leaving from Manhattan early Saturday morning and returning Sunday evening. The two-day trip was an opportunity for the exchange visitors from Asia to see one of America's most famous cities. The group planned their own itinerary and took hundreds of photos across the city.

"Organizing a trip like this was a great learning experience," stated Kimmy from City University of Hong Kong, one of the three activity leaders for the trip. This summer, Kimmy is interning at AmericaChina Public Affairs Institute. "This extra responsibility really reinforces what I’m learning at my internship."

"The two universities, MIT and Harvard, are the highlight of our trip to Boston. We walked in the campus, appreciating the history of the schools and buildings, observing how people there read books on the lawn, enjoying the peaceful yet energetic way of life," commented Connie from Nanyang Technological University.

Patrick from City University of Hong Kong said, "This was a very interesting experience. Not only can we go to a museum together but we can also learn something about the US culture. It was fun also a good chance for all of us to build mutual trust and friendship. I really look forward to the next activity and that we can soon have fun together. Thanks to all the leaders. "

Later in the summer, more interns will take a trip to Washington, D.C. These trips, along with a variety of cultural activities, give the visitors insight into life in the United States. CCIP's goal is to provide its interns with a holistic experience that combines career training and cultural immersion.

2019-06-13 - Yesterday (Thursday, June 13), the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) FUSIA/CCIP J-1 interns had a true New York experience. The group attended an outdoor performance of the New York Philharmonic in Cunningham Park. The concert series began in 1965 and has thrilled local and international attendees ever since.

Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, this year’s series included four separate evenings of music by the New York Philharmonic. In Cunningham Park on Thursday, the interns joined thousands of fellow music lovers who brought blankest and picnic meals. The show included an arrangement of compositions by Rossini, Copeland, Rachmaninoff, and local young composers from the city.

"The music was beautiful, and the setting was even more so," remarked Kevin, who is interning with Aithent, Inc. this summer. Patrick who studies at City University of Hong Kong, who helped coordinate the activity, added, "Listening to classical music in a park in New York City is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life."

The previous Sunday, the interns had come to Cunningham Park as volunteers. The group helped with a variety of park beautification projects. To return later in the week and enjoy the park as temporary members of the community was a nice reward for their hard work. After the concert ended, attendees were wowed by a fireworks display.

2019-06-12 - On Wednesday, interns with the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) were guests of the 109th police precinct for the 109th Precinct Community Council’s annual BBQ. The 109th precinct covers a diverse area of Queens, including parts of Flushing where the CCIP interns are living in the Asiatic Hotel. At the BBQ, the interns met members of the community in which they are temporary residents.

Officers with the 109th precinct had previously given a Safety Talk to the interns upon their initial arrival in New York City. The BBQ on June 12 was an additional opportunity for the interns to get to know the people who are charged with watching over their neighborhood. Together, they enjoyed delicious food and shared stories about their respective cultures.

Helping to arrange the gathering for the CCIP interns were two activity coordinators, Ingrid and Sherry. Both are student leaders who are interning in New York for the summer, Ingrid who interns at NYS Assemblywoman Hyndman's District Office and Sherry who interns at SOVAS. They helped ensure that their fellow interns were able to get to the BBQ from their various internship locations.

"It was great to speak with the officers from the 109th precinct," stated Ingrid, who is studying at the University of Hong Kong. "Getting to know them and seeing that they are so active in the community makes me feel very comfortable here."

Sherry, a student at Nanyang Technological University, added, "I appreciate the additional responsibility that comes with being a student leader. There were a lot of internship programs I considered, but I wanted a program that would give me a fuller experience and really challenge me. Being a part of CCIP means being a leader."

2019-06-09 - As part of their time in the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net), exchange visitors spent the morning of June 9 volunteering at Cunningham Park. The visitors were given a variety of tasks by workers at the park. These beautification efforts included raking leaves, picking up trash, and pulling weeds.

One of the core purposes of CCIP is giving exchange visitors from Eastern Asia the opportunity to learn about American culture. Volunteering is considered a civic duty, one that is encouraged in communities across the nation. The time spent at Cunningham Park was a chance for the exchange visitors to get a firsthand experience of active citizenship.

Sherry from Nanyang Technological University said, "It was really a refreshing experience to volunteer at Cunningham Park. Besides being the first time volunteering at a park, this is also my first time raking leaves. Back in Singapore, I would not have a chance to do such a thing. Though it was a little tiring, it was a nice work out in the morning to be moving my body! The coordinator also told us more about Poison Ivy and gave us a brief lesson on them. Now, I know how to identify poison ivy, how they grow and where the poisonous secretions come from."

Kimmy from City University of Hong Kong mentioned," In the U.S., I have a chance to do a lot of activities that I have not tried in Hong Kong. Today’s volunteering work is a leave-cleansing activity. For most of the young generation does not have a chance for this kind of work because of busy school work. By experiencing this cleansing work, interns can understand the hard work of the underprivileged people; interns realize that we cannot take everything for granted, we need to pay effort for maintaining the comfort of the community. "

Connie also studies at Nanyang Technological University. She added, " We enjoyed the sunshine, the woods, the lawn in Cunningham Park. We had a tiring yet wonderful time with each other, and with uncle Tony. Before coming to this volunteer event, I thought collecting the fallen leaves was an easy job, but today’s experience tells me this piece of work takes a lot of sweat and collaboration."

After the students finished their volunteer activity at Cunningham Park, the group traveled to the American Museum of Natural History. While the students are in New York City, they will participate in a number of activities around the city, and even in other states. The students all have the chance to lead such activities if they choose.

2019-06-09 - Over the weekend, a group of J-1 interns with the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) visited the American Museum of Natural History. The museum, located on the picturesque Upper West Side of Manhattan, draws in millions of visitors from all over the world every year.

While visiting one of the largest natural history museums in the world, the interns saw many interesting exhibits. Favorites for the group included halls dedicated to biodiversity, North American forests, and the oceans. The group had spent the morning volunteering at Cunningham Park in Queens before traveling by subway to the museum.

All group activities for CCIP are led and arranged by activity coordinators. One of the three coordinators for the museum visit was Sherry. She said, "the American Museum of Natural History can't be explored in just one day. So far, my favorite exhibition is the one in Rose Center for Earth and Space, the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth. It's filled with interactive displays and tons of exhibits on the Earth and it's geological structures dating back tens of thousands of years ago."

"All the diagrams and explanations are helpful and it reminded me of the days I took geography when I was younger. You can feel the different textures of rocks here and how they are different from each other," she added.

Sherry studies at Nanyang Technological University. She interns at Society of Voice Arts‎ (SOVAS) int his summer.

Another student leader, Kimmy from City University of Hong Kong commented, " The museum is stunning with all the sculptures that shown as an example to illustrate the history. It is an excellent example of teaching the young generation of doing things in a more creative way and the way to attract people."

2019-06-08 - Over the weekend, Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) students traveled by chartered van to one of the region's largest shopping centers, Woodbury Commons. With over 200 outlet stores and dining options, Woodbury Common is an ideal location for experiencing the variety of American businesses.

Participants in CCIP travel to New York City to intern at various private, governmental, and non-profit organizations to gain practical experience. Beyond the internships, the interns have numerous opportunities to learn about the business and social cultures in America. Activities like the visit to Woodbury Commons allow for experiencing both.

The trip also provided a chance to leave the city and see more of the region. While here for the summer, CCIP interns will have a few opportunities to see more of the country, including visits to Boston and Washington, DC.

Hui Lun, who studies at Nanyang Technological University and interns at NYS Senator John Liu's district office said, "The Woodbury activity was really fun to plan and it was cool to see everyone enjoying themselves at the premium outlets. Everyone had a good time shopping at different outlet brands and spending time with each other."

Ingrid from the University of Hong Kong added, "I am glad to lead the fellow participants of CCIP to Woodbury by facilitating booking of vehicle. There, we could buy products of renowned brands with discount. We all had a nice time together."

Ingrid and Hui Lun are both students for this activity.

2019-06-07 - On Friday, June 7, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) exchange visitors took advantage of UNIQLO Free Friday at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Every Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m., admission to the world-renowned art museum is free to all visitors. The museum has millions of visitors every year.

As one of the foremost collections of modern art in the world, MoMA is not only a landmark in New York City, but an unparalleled cultural experience. The exchange visitors, who are all university students across Eastern Asia, saw some of the most influential modern works of art in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and much more.

Hui Lun from Singapore is one of the leaders in this activity. She said, "The experience I had in MOMA was breathtaking, we manage to see the different artworks from artists such as 'The Starry Night' by Vincent Van Gough and even the famous 'Campbell soup cans' by Andy Warhol. I think all of us really enjoyed our time there and we all have a chance to go around and admire the different paintings and art pieces around.”

Another leader, Gary Lo studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He commented, "MOMA is a great place that inspire people, and teaching art. It change people perception towards art. The conventional thinking of art is drawing or painting, but MOMA tells us that art can be everything around us like furnitures, cars, helicopters, bikes etc. Furthermore, we had an enjoyable evening and we all have a chance to discuss art with different people who are interesting in art."

Hanyuan, a student from Education University of Hong Kong stated, "When I went into the museum, I was surprised of the creators’ great image skills and creativity. The most interesting section is the painting shows which are on the 5th floor. Plenty of visitors crowed in front of the famous arts. I was so lucky that I could watch the well-know works closely."

New York City is famous for its respected art museums, and the visiting students were thoroughly impressed by MoMA’s diverse, often eccentric exhibits. CCIP is dedicated to providing a wide range of cultural and civic opportunities to its participants. Other activities this summer will include attending Broadway shows, volunteering at Cunningham Park, and meeting with government officials.

2019-06-06 - Yesterday, June 6, NYPD Officer Burger and his colleagues from the New York Police Department's Community Affairs Bureau gave CCIP J-1 interns a talk on safety in New York City.

Before the presentation, student leader Sherry from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore welcomed the NYPD representative. She said, "Officer Burger taught us how to report a 911 incident such as giving the street number and how to quickly take mental notes of the perpetrator if we were robbed such as height, built and clothing. "

Officer Burger reminded the students to pay attention to their surroundings at all times, especially when taking the subway. He cautioned students to always be careful of their personal belongings, such as an iPhone, laptop, wallet, etc.

Officer Burger added that added that students should always travel in groups, avoid dangerous areas and avoid speaking to strangers. Not only should students be wary of dark and isolated places but also crowded places such as Times Square.

Students were also informed about the different scams that is currently prevalent in New York City such as taking pictures with mascots who come up to people randomly.

Connie, another student at Nanyang Technological University said, "Police Officer Mr Mark Burger gave CCIP students a vivid talk about how to protect ourselves from potential safety threat. The most impressive case study was how to react to a gun shot. We should take the 'run, hide, fight strategy'. It is seemingly impossible to meet such an extreme cases, but we should always be alerted and remember that 'Not if, but when.'"

Lisa also studies at Nanyang Technological University. She said, "The NYPD safety talk conducted by Officer Burger was extremely informative. It gave me a better understanding of what I should do to minimise the risk of falling victim to crime, such as being vigilant of my surroundings and keeping an eye on my personal belongings at all times. He gave us real life demonstrations which was helpful to visualise and fully understand the scenarios."

Kanghong from the Shu Yan University in Hong Kong commented, "The life of being outside alone is not that safe, especially in NY, a strange city to the fresh. We, students, need to learn how to protect ourselves as well as our property. Thanks for the talk the NYPD gave tonight! It was fairly useful and helpful. From now on, I can cope with emergences, like robbery or theft more calmly and skillfully."

Hanyuan from the Education University of Hong Kong said, "The sharing is really useful and vital for us, because most of us live far from home and do not have enough information about America environment." 

2019-06-05 - On June 5, 2019, 18 students from the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net) visited the iconic Vessel at Hudson Yards.

This activity was recommended by the supervisor of one of the internship hosts, Aithent. It was planned by three interns – Clara, Connie and Kevin

The Vessel is an extraordinary structure of spiral stairways where people could climb up to enjoy different perspectives of the city and vantage points.

"The Vessel structure is really amazing, and it was truly a beauty. It's also great place for taking photos! " said Clara who studies Information Engineering and Media from Nanyang Technological University.

"We are thankful to our supervisor, Allister, for his recommendation and helping us through getting the tickets."

2019-06-05 - In May and of June 2019, CMP, a leading workforce and economic development organization, is offering a comprehensive entrepreneurial course aiming to equip attendees with the fundamentals to start and run a small business. The course spans 12 weeks, with each week focusing on a different topic, including business plan development, small business taxes, and marketing strategies.

Elizabeth Kay, the Responsible Officer for the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net), was one of the guest speakers. At a seminar on Wednesday, June 5, Kay spoke about strategic marketing while a number of CCIP members served as volunteers for the event.

Kay is a seasoned strategist and web programmer with diverse experience. She earned here MBA in strategic marketing and is the owner and principal of FUSIA Communications, a cross-cultural marketing company that Kay started in 2002.

Kay is actively involved in community projects and volunteering activities. She is currently a manager on the Board at the Flushing YMCA. This is the sixth year she has spoken at the CMP's business seminar.

Hanyuan Zhang, a student at the Education University of Hong Kong, was one of the student volunteers. She said, "It was a fantastic experience, both educational and inspiring as someone who hopes to have a long career and run my own business one day." Hanyuan is also a J-1 intern for CMP and is involved in different projects around New York City. " For me, it is a really wonderful opportunity, " she added.

Eric from the Open University of Hong Kong also volunteered at the seminar. He commented, "Volunteering at events like this is giving me invaluable experience. It’s the main reason I joined CCIP." Calvin currently interns at Admerasia, an ad agency specializing in multicultural marketing.

2019-06-04 - On June 4, 2019, Councilman Donovan Richards visited the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, where CCIP J-1 Interns Charmaine Low and Lisa Peh interned at.

Charmaine Low and Lisa Peh from the School of Art, Design and Media in Nanyang Technological University, joined the New York City arts and culture crowd rallying for financial support outside City Hall on May 21, 2019. Alongside David Bryne from the American rock band Talking Heads, Charmaine and Lisa held up their posters and screamed their lungs out in support for the arts and culture in the city.

"This was just the second day of our internship and we saw firsthand the rage and enthusiasm for arts and culture in New York City," Lisa explained. "The rally held a lot of importance to the people who work in the arts because a lot of museums, non-profit organizations, and culture centers are finding it hard to stay afloat."

Byrne also mentions in his powerful speech that these cultural centers lift up communities in the city and more importantly, there has been research showing that the more arts and culture programs for the community, the lower crime and obesity rates.

"As the speakers came up one by one to tell their story about how without funding they could not do the work they were supposed to, I felt the struggle in their voice and their undying love for arts and culture," Charmaine said.

2019-06-04 - The 9/11 Memorial Museum, opened on the tenth anniversary of the attack, stands in the shadow of the enormous One World Trade Center, commemorating the lost of 3,000 lives in the 911 attack almost 20 years ago.

On Tuesday, June 4, over 20 CCIP exchange interns (www.fusia.net) visited the museum and learn more about the history of the fallen World Trade Center towers and the people who lost their lives. It was a solemn visit, but also a reminder of the resilience of the city that has become their temporary home.

911 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

Sherry studying at the Nanyang Technology University of Hong Kong was one of the leaders at this activity, she commented, "Having to go through the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the authentic displays and collections painted a realistically horrifying image in my head. What happened was indeed a tragedy."

Kimmy was another leader in this activity. Kimmy currently studies at the City University of Hong Kong majoring in business. She said, " 911 Museum reminds people of the history of the terrorist event, the precious of peace. We should never take simple thing for granted. People went to 911 for understanding the past." Kimmy added, "As a young generation, we seldom notice the past and easy to forget the blood that the ancient paid for us. 911 museum reminds the interns of the duty for future development. Not to be individualistic but to be more open-minded and to care for the world."

Connie studies at Nanyang Technological University. She commented, "I learnt from the 911 museum that how catastrophic it was and it is to the families who lost their love, and how united that American people are when they are in face of terrorist threat."

Jiaze also studies at Nanyang Technological University. She said, "It is a great opportunity for us to explore what happened on the day and to understand the deep reason and grief behind the tragedy. Beside the twin towers, pentagon was also attacked. I was deeply moved by the people who told their loved ones 'I love you' before the plane crashed. I'm moved by the firefighters who sacrificed to save others. Though grief is the unavoidable theme, I believe is always the better explanation."

Patrick studies at the City University of Hong Kong. He said, "This was a very interesting experience. Not only can we go to a museum together but we can also learn something about the US culture. It was fun also a good chance for all of us to build mutual trust and friendship. I really look forward to the next activity and that we can soon have fun together. Thanks to all the leaders."

ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY

After the visit, the group continued the evening by going up to the One World Observatory. The One World Observatory atop the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan on floors 100-102 is the summit of the tallest building in the western hemisphere.

Sherry commented, "The view from the top of the One World Trade Center was indeed breathtaking. This enriching activity left me in having mixed feelings of somber. Definitely a must-go!"

Adela studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This summer, she interns for Congresswoman Grace Meng's district office in Queens. She said, "The One World Observatory was such a great experience! We saw the New York City skyline. I realized that New York looks uniquely different from different angles. I think it’s most interesting to get a glimpse of areas I haven’t even visited. It really does make me want to explore every part of NYC!"

Vin comes from National University of Singapore. He commented, "It was an emotional and enriching experience for us. We are truly inspired by how US has held itself strong since 9/11 and has built itself up again. The view from the top was beautiful and we found it really nice to see the view from where we stood. As the sun set and night came by, we saw a different side to New York as it lit up."

2019-06-02 - On Sunday, June 2, the second batch of the 2019 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) interns gathered at the Flushing YMCA to attend the Post-Arrival Orientation.

This year, the program received over 1,300 applications. The 75 interns were chosen out from a highly competitive pool. All interns attend the program in the summer with four arrival times. This Sunday's group was the second batch.

The orientation began with a group photo of both students who arrived two weeks ago and the new arrivals. Mr. Eric Hung from the Flushing Bank opened bank accounts for the system and shared insights into US banking.

The session also featured student leaders who briefed their colleagues on program activities, followed by an overall program briefing by Elizabeth Kay, the Responsible Officer, as well as the Student Advisory Board (SAB or the student leadership) briefing by Minton, one of the group leaders from Nanyang Technological University who had begun his internship two weeks ago.

Additional leaders of the day's activity included Minton from Nanyang Technological University, Gary from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Kimmy from the City University of Hong Kong.

"It is interesting to live in NYC. I can see the multi-cultural living style in NYC. We can have a taste of the very localized Asian food in Flushing. Yet we can have a taste of local NY food here too," said Kimmy. She added, "Walking around the street can see the remixed buildings and street view of old and modern buildings. It is a totally different feeling than Hong Kong."

Jessica from the University of Hong Kong commented, "CCIP provides us with a lot of opportunities to meet friends from different universities since day one. We got chances to share our thoughts on professional internship with each other in the orientation which provides skills that are applicable to the future workplace. On the very first day, we already gained some insight into the American society and professional workplace culture, before realizing the practical skills."

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

2019-06-02 - In 1965, thousands of American Zionist youth walked down Riverside Drive in support of the young State of Israel. This impromptu walk marks the beginning of today's Israel Parade that features marchers, floats, marching bands, among many other spectators and community leaders and dignitaries.

On Sunday, June 2, the 55th annual Celebrate Israel Parade was held, with marchers making their way up 5th Avenue.

The parade had the theme "Only in Israel" and was attended by thousands of people, including Hui Lun, who studies at Nanyang Technological University, participated in the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net). She joined her internship host, Senator John Liu, one of the first two Asian American New York State senators.

In 1965, thousands of American Zionist youth walked down Riverside Drive in support of the young State of Israel. This impromptu walk ended up becoming the annual Celebrate Israel Parade, which features marchers, floats, and marching bands. Every year, spectators from around the world join together with community leaders and dignitaries.

Hui Lun said, "I was amazed by the parade. I had no idea it would be so well-attended and such a huge event. I learned a great deal about Israel just by being there."

Cultural events and other opportunities to meet local community members are a big part of what sets CCIP apart from other internship programs. "The march and the parade was an incredible experience for me. Being able to be at the forefront in front of all the action to support State Senator Liu is definitely something that I do not get to experience every day. "

"Being here in New York, participating in one of the biggest parades in the year while interning is something that I did not expect to participate in. The parade was a display of support and pride for the Americans, I am very honored to participate and be a part of this event. This internship experience has been surreal, allowing me to experience and participate in events and activities that I will not be able to back home."

2019-05-27 - Seventeen CCIP (www.fusia.net) students participated in the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade for the fourth year on May 28, 2019. This year, CCIP exchange visitors marched with NYC Comptroller Scott M/ Stringer and local citizens to acknowledge veterans and fallen US heroes.

Held annually since 1927, the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is the largest of its kind in the nation. This year marks the parade's 92nd anniversary – celebrating the 205th birthday of the poem that became America's national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner."

Kevin from Nanyang Technological University and Alexandra from Hong Kong Shue Yan University were the leaders of this activity.

Alexandra stated, “When I was standing in the crowd holding the comptroller board, I felt quite honorable and cheerful. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending freedom and democracy. The scenes were really memorable as well as spectacular.”

Kevin claimed, "Being the youngest in this program give me a very good experience to learn new things from people who have more experience than me. I was in charge of the Memorial Parade Activity in which I learn how to manage things properly. This activity also allow us to know more about New York culture as we march."

"I marched with Congresswoman Grace Meng and got to experience celebrating Memorial Day with the local community in Queens. I heard speeches from elected officials and veterans. It was really a rewarding experience," said Adela from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

2019-05-25 - On Memorial Day weekend, the Cross Cultural I Program (www.fusia.net) participants went on a tour to Niagara Falls, one of the significant landmarks in the United States of America.

There are around 11 participants for this activity, where many shared that it was a memorable experience for them to see the majestic waterfalls in person.

Josiah, a student of Bachelor of Business from Nanyang Technological University, one of the leaders for this activity said, "It is definitely worth the long bus ride to view one of the memorable attractions resting on the borders between America and Canada."

Another leader, Minton Tiew from the Nanyang Technology University in Singapore, commented, “Photographs really cannot do the power and grandeur of Niagara Falls justice. On the boat, I could feel the water spray from the cascading waterfall even while we were still over a hundred yards away!"

Both Hui Lun and Lisa study at Nanyang Technological University.

Hui Lun commented, "The whole trip has been really fun and enriching, I got to learn about the history, geography and culture of the US. It was really nice to spend some time and tointeract with the other members. I think all of us really enjoyed this trip, the activities were well planned and were really engaging."

"It was a long bus ride to Niagara Falls, but it was all worth it once we stepped into the observation deck! The view was gorgeous and the immersive experience on the Maid of Midst made it all more memorial. Some of us also went aboard the Jet Boat which was a soaking wet thrilling ride along the Niagara River," Lisa added.

"The scene was absolutely gorgeous – beautiful rains in the midst, the colorful sky," echoed by Alexandra Xiong from Hong Kong Shue Yan University. Alexandra was also a leader in this activity.

2019-05-23 - The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a US government agency that administers social programs covering disability, retirement and survivors' benefits.

Throughout the summer, a number of J-1 interns with the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) applied for their Social Security cards from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They traveled in groups to the SSA office located in Jamaica, Queens.

The SSA is a US agency that administers social programs covering disability, retirement and survivors' benefits. Exchange visitors are not required to get a Social Security Number. However, all interns who are being financially reimbursed by their internship hosts must get one. Though this activity was not as entertaining as others that the CCIP interns did this summer, it was an important learning experience.

The first group went on Thursday, May 23, and was led by Minton, an at YU & Associates. Minton said, "the trip provided us with some insight to how Americans experience the Social Security system. I've read up about Social Security at a nationwide level before, but being able to experience the processes from an individual's point of view is a unique perspective which I would not have been able to gain without the program."

After the arrival of the second group of interns, Kimmy, a student at the City University of Hong Kong, led another group to the SSA office on June 6. "This is the kind of thing I would never do if not for this program," Kimmy explained. "It's teaching me a level of responsibility that I’ll need in my career."

To avoid interfering with their normal internship hours, each group arrived at the SSA office at 7 in the morning to beat the crowds.

Emily, a student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, led another group on July 3. Like, Milton, Emily had learned about the Social Security system and tax responsibilities from the Post-Arrival Orientation before coming to New York, but she appreciated experience the whole process for herself. "The whole application process wasn't as complicated as I imagined. We arrived at the venue at 7 am and managed to complete our applications within an hour."

The final group went to the SSA office on July 18. The group leader was Muskan, an intern at DJAM Insurance. "One of the selling points of CCIP is that it’s more than just an internship opportunity. It’s a chance to come to New York and really understand how people here live. I feel like managing Social Security is a big part of that."

2019-05-19 - On Sunday, May 19, 2019, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net) welcomed the first batch of 2019 participants by hosting its first Post-Arrival Orientation at the Flushing YMCA.

This year, 75 J-1 exchange interns are participating in the program. These students were selected from a pool of 1,292 applicants attending universities in Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau. They come in four groups with the first – consisting of 20 students mainly from Singapore – arriving in May.

At the orientation, Elizbeth Kay, the Responsible Officer welcomed the first arrivals. She gave students last-minute briefing covering important highlights, and her staff members helped students complete administrative tasks and visa validation.

In addition, Mr. Eric Hung – Vice President and Branch Manager, Murray Hill Branch from the Flushing Bank – was present to share some insights of US banking and help students open local bank accounts which tremendously bolstered safety and convenience.

Minton Tiew, a student of mechanical engineering from the Nanyang Technology University in Singapore, is one of the first arrivals. He said, "It's quite a huge leap out of my comfort zone, having my first internship be in the States. However, I'm sure that this challenge can help me develop character, and teach me how to adapt to a unique work culture." This summer, Minton will intern for YU & Associates in New Jersey.

CCIP strongly emphasizes student leadership encouraging students to not only to excel in their internships, but also to take charge of their experience by serving as student leaders. Minton, along with over 25 others, participate as leaders in the Student Advisory Board (SAB) working in tandem with the organizer to run the program.

In addition to facilitating communications and lending a helping hand to other participants on a daily basis, the student leaders play a significant role in running program activities such as visiting elected officials and volunteering for Cunningham Park – together, they and their fellow students fulfill the exchange visitor mission by truly immersing themselves in American communities.

2019-03-23 - End of March 2019, CCIP hosted its annual a series of on-campus pre-departure orientations and alumni gatherings in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.

For most 2019 participants, it was their first time meeting thier students in person. It was a momentous occasion signifying the start of the 2019 CCIP summer internship in New York City.

"I can't express how excited I am for the summer internship, " said Emily from the University of Science and Technology. "It sounds like a lot of information, but I am all ready for it." Emily was also a student leader in the program interning for FUSIA Communications, the organizer, this summer.

This year, CCIP held a total of five on-campus orientations with each session running for three hours conducted in an interactive format covering highlights from the five manuals – next step after getting the visa, living in the US, interning in the US, getting around in NYC, and getting ready for the internship in NYC.

The orientations, which all saw full participation, were conducted by the program's Responsible Officer Elizabeth Kay and Alternative Responsible Officer Henry Hong. In addition, alumni shared firsthand insights in each orientation.

As is customary, each orientation was followed by gatherings of CCIP alumni from across the years – with some from the 2008 program. They inspired an atmosphere of excitement at what the future would hold.

Special thanks to the following alumni present at this year's on-campus pre-departure ordinations: Parthiban (2018) at the Nanyang Technology University in Singapore on March 20; Grace and Cathy joined (2017) at the University of Macau session on March 22; Hayley and Austrid (2017) at the University of Hong Kong session on March 28, and Tony (2016) at the two City University of Hong Kong sessions on March 30.

2019-01-19 - CCIP’s Window 2 intern program recruitment launched January 19 in Singapore, then began recruitment in Macau. An unprecedented 50 students joined the info talk at Macau University of Science and Technology. Students were very enthusiastic, asking a range of questions and discussing the internships with three 2018 alumni who joined the group to share their experiences.

Presenter and Responsible Office Elizabeth Kay and program alumni stressed the importance of the program's unique admission process. It places stronger emphasis than other programs on applicants’ attitude, presentation, and follow-through, using AI to track their fulfillment of application requirements. Applicants’ actions, therefore, stand out above all other factors. Applicants’ demonstration of traits like willingness and ability to accurately complete application steps, punctuality, accuracy, open-mindedness and potential to grow are as important as the interview.

During the info talk, Ms. Kay shared important distinctions between J-1 exchange visitor programs. She clarified that J-1 has different categories, and pointed out that marketers often deceptively package the category "summer work and travel," in which students might work at McDonalds, as bona fide internships. She explained the difference between the two programs and advised students not to settle for deceptive offerings.

Ms. Kay also explained why the program application process is so stringent and thorough, outlined some impressive alumni achievements, and advised students on presentation. “Above all, show confidence when you speak English and with your gestures and facial expressions.” The students seemed excited and prepared for intro interviews the following day.

2019-01-18 - On Wednesday, January 16, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.fusia.net) officially kicked off its second recruitment period for New York City summer internships with a round of info talks and interviews at partner universities in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau within the two upcoming weeks.

This recruitment trip to Singapore featured a special guest – Ms. Jolander Headley, owner of Joe’s Music Center & Performing Arts. She made the trip to Asia to share her experience as an internship host and to join alumni as they interviewed prospective students.

"It was my pleasure to mentor students at Nanyang Technical University (NTU) in Singapore as they prepare for their international experience in New York City," said Jolander. “They are excited about coming to New York and it’s great to feel the group’s positive energy.

"I enjoyed interviewing students individually and collectively. Our meetings give them a sense of what they can achieve with exceptional opportunities from CCIP and host organizations," added Jolander. "Our joint effort with CCIP is wonderful! We've definitely got rhythm."

Applicant response was high, especially at NTU. Almost 10 proactive students completed their applications ahead of time and were invited to early final interviews conducted right after the intro interviews.

Singapore is where CCIP has its largest group of J-1 alumni, who meet few times each year to share memories and updates and who enthusiastically interview new prospects. Alumni reunions are always a pleasant occasion for conversation, catching up with old friends, and making new ones.

2018-10-17 - Monday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 18, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net) team conducted info talks and intro interviews at Nanyang Technology University (NTU) and the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). All sessions were well-attended and joined by alumni, who had great experiences to share with prospective interns.

Alumnus Parthiban from NTU participated in all info talks and intro interviews. He commented, "I joined the program last year in Window 2. My crew was upbeat, but this group had more students and was very enthusiastic. Some students had unrealistic views of NYC. We tried to set the right expectations ahead of time."

Alumna Jocelyn from NTU also came to the NTU info talks and intro interviews Monday through Wednesday. She shared many useful insights with interested students.

As usual, alumni gathered for dinner every evening. On Monday, Newton Hawker Center was the site of a convivial meal; on Tuesday, Old Airport Road Hawker Center was the place to be. Wednesday the group opted for Japanese. Alumni from many program years shared job-hunting stories and insights from post-program life, ending the evenings on a cheerful note as the CCIP Asia info talk drive began winding down.

2018-10-12 - Friday, October 12, CCIP held its last two info talks at Hong Kong Educational University of Hong Kong (EDUHK) and Hang Seng Management College (HSMC). Both events were well-attended.

Alumna Ceci attended both sessions, sharing insights with applicants and participating in interviews. Since these were the program's last two Hong Kong sessions, many students from other universities came to take part and ask questions about internships in New York City.

Next week CCIP wraps up its October recruitment drive with trips to Singapore Monday through Wednesday, then Macau on Friday and Saturday.

2018-10-09 - On October 9, CCIP conducted an info session and intro interviews at City University of Hong Kong (CITYU) and followed by an info session at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Both events had great attendance by excited students eager to participate.

Due to high demand, CCIP added two extra intro interview sessions at CITYU. Some students even joined the group from other universities, coming very early to catch the 9:30 am session.

Dave, the 2018 recipient of Star Excellence Award, attended the CITYU session, sharing his experience with the students and taking part in interviews. Sashi, who interned in the office of US Congressman Joe Crowley, and Catherine, who interned at Yu & Associates, took part in the HKU session. "I love coming back as an alum," said Catherine. "I can't recommend the internship experience enough."

2018-10-08 - On October 8, CCIP held an info session and interview at the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK). Kilash, recipient of the 2018 CCIP Star Excellence Award, shared his US internship experience with a students and took part in interviews. The event drew capacity attendance.

Kailash shared what makes an internship successful. "Students without clear goals easily burn out after a few weeks. It's important for students to take their internships seriously and identify goals to drive themselves -- it will help them stay motivated. One of my own goals was not only to improve my English but my attention to detail, and I achieved both."

Kailash was invited on the spot to be OUHK's overseas internship ambassador, and he'll be featured in the school's upcoming overseas internship booklet. The exposure adds value to an already exciting experience.

2018-10-04 - On October 4, CCIP conducted an info talk and interviews at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) on Friday October 5.

Both events were well-attended and made a success with alumni support. Macy and Joe from HKUST were interns in the summer of 2018, and they came to the talk and interviewed new participants. 2018 alumni Mandy and Ceci from HKSYU appeared at the HKSYU gathering the following day.

Macy and Joe both interned with New York State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic in CCIP’s July session. Macy served as a dragon boat co-captain and Joe was a group leader. Both valued experiences that went far beyond a routine traditional internship.

"One of my weaknesses is social skills, which I don’t get to practice much in school,” said Joe, “In the program I saw a lot of improvement in this area.”

Mandy and Ceci from HKSYU were there for the Friday event. Both felt many local students would benefit from the wider perspective offered by an overseas internship.

"Although academic exchanges have become popular, an overseas internship, especially CCIP’s in New York City, creates a very different experience. " said Mandy. "Academic exchange just feels like school at a different location. With an overseas internship, students are really doing something – day-to-day interactions with the boss and dealing with new responsibilities are a real growth experience and worth a lot on a CV.”

"Agree," added Ceci, who interned at Harry Home Nursing Registry. "Just being exposed to a different work culture with different people in New York City was valuable. People were so friendly and nice -- one staffer invited us to her house for dinner on the last day of my internship. And on the first day of the US Open, my boss went all the way to the stadium and bought me and another intern T-shirts. I felt that people really cared about us – it was wonderful.”

2018-10-03 - On October 3, CCIP kicked off its 2019 summer internship registration at Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The event drew great attendance, with 2016 alumni Jonathan, Serena and Owen joining to share insights with the group. Along with 2016 alumni Lauren, they participated in student interviews.

Serena, who interned in US Congresswoman Grace Meng’s office, shared her experience. "I appreciated my American hosts. They allowed room for interns to learn from mistakes. At the beginning I made a serious error -- giving incorrect information to a constituent. I ended up calling the constituent, asking her to come back, and admitting my mistakes to the constituent and my supervisor. I can imagine many in that situation would point fingers, but I chose to really fix the error and accept responsibility. I was praised by my boss and the incident set the tone for me to improve throughout the rest of the internship.”

While many interns attending the program for seven weeks can lose motivation after the first month, Serena stayed focused through the full 12 weeks. For her, the longer duration added special value to her experience. “When new interns arrived I helped guide them. I felt especially accomplished when I looked at them – I was in their position a few short weeks ago, but the extra time really made a difference."

Jonathan interned directly for Elizabeth Kay, CCIP’s responsible officer and info session host. "I learned a lot in my internship, especially how important people skills and professional relationships are in real life."

The info talk at CUHK kicks off two weeks for CCIP in Hong Kong, followed by Singapore on October 15-17 and Macau October 19-20.