FUSIA Communications. held the 2009 CCIP Orientation for the second session on Sunday, July 12, 2009. The orientation took place at the Wingate Hotel, and was attended by 51 participants of Session B.

Continuing on the theme of the previous CCIP orientation, this one aimed to address and provide solutions to the challenges arising from cultural displacement the students would experience.

The students were treated with a special speaker. Morgan Jones, Marketing Coordinator of the Flushing YMCA, shared his own working experience in China for five years, and how he coped with cultural differences. Students were amazed by his Chinese fluency.

"When I heard Morgan speak, and when he switched to perfect Mandarin, I was blown away. He was fun, and full of honest insights and stories. He really helped me understand what cross-cultural means. Now all I have to do is experience all this things for myself. I can't wait!" said Wen Sing Cheah, a Hong Kong Polytechnic University student interning at FUSIA Communications, Inc.

Additionally, he also shared his special insights, the importance of being adaptable, and he helped answer students' questions about the differences between working in the US and China.

"I had dreadlocks. Everybody wanted to touch my hair, and regardless of my very American need for at least three feet of personal space, they did. That was my culture shock in China," said Morgan to the laugher of the students. "But you learn to deal with it."

Students then asked Jones about the differences between working in the US and China to which he replied, "Now this my opinion on what I've experienced. Don't be surprised if you end up working less here. China has more people, more competition and truthfully, the productivity is higher. American companies tend to be more laid back and most don't micromanage. If you feel that you don't have enough to do, relax, get some fresh air; try using the time to learn more about your companies. And if you know you can do something well, don't be afraid to offer your help."

Jones continued, "In China all the steps you take to doing a job are important. People here are more result-oriented. That means your boss will tell you what he needs, and you will need to be creative in figuring out how to do. You're going to find a multitude of differences between companies from both sides. It's up to you open your eyes and see."

When the speeches were over, the students broke for refreshments, and the opportunity to meet one another face-to-face and mingle with the participating supervisors.

Elizabeth Kay, the President of FUSIA Communications said, "this is a wonderful opportunity. Again, I cannot stress how good an experience this is going to be for these students. They are special people to be flying across the world and landing in the midst of completely different world for an internship. This experience is going to surprise them, challenge them, but most importantly, it's going to allow them to grow."