Yesterday, May 23, 2015, the second group of 2015 Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) students arrived and checked in at the Flushing YMCA. They join the first group who had arrived on May 9.

This second group, about 20-plus students, comes from nine partner universities throughout Singapore and Hong Kong. Along with the others, they will intern at one of the 20 host organizations, which include law offices, ad agencies, publishing companies, congressman/state assembly district offices, transportation, brokerages, real estate firms, and other enterprises in various fields.

"Though I just arrived, I don't feel any culture shock because many topics were repeatedly covered in our pre-internship weekly meetings. We met online every weekend since winter to go over updates, orientation chapters, etc. At first, that felt like so much work, but now in hindsight, it was all quite worth it," said Laiwei Fan from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

In addition to discussing important cultural topics related to the coming summer experience, Responsible Officer Elizabeth Kay also reviewed rules and regulations related to the Exchange Visitor Program, host-related points, etiquette, workplace norms, and safety precautions. The orientation was also an opportunity for activity leaders to collect money and answer questions related to the activities they are overseeing.

"I am glad that this program has put so much effort into organizing and consolidating group activities so students don't need to find things to do on their own. When we do things as a group, we also save money and promote friendship and safety. I am also glad that I am one of the SAB leaders, which lets me take charge of the experience instead of following others. This is a very important form of leadership training for me!" said Rui Jie Erwin Wan, a National University of Singapore Student.