CCIP Session B students visited Princeton University—one of the eight Ivy League universities in the US on Saturday, July 18, 2009. This visit was one of the two school visits of this session's activity agenda which aimed to provide students an opportunity to experience university life in the US as well as broaden their cultural understanding. 14 students of this session took part in this visit.

Participating students started the day off early, prepared and already gathered in the 1st floor lounge. They left the Flushing YMCA as scheduled around 9AM and to their shock, they had arrived too late for the 1PM Orange Key Tour.

"It took over three hours to get from Queens to Princeton. We were given a map, but that didn't help. I and my friends rarely used them in Hong Kong. I am glad that we finally found our way though. Getting lost and figuring things out on our own turned out to be great lesson," said Chloe Cheah, a Year 2 student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Fortunately, the students were able to reschedule for the 3PM tour.

Mike, a Princeton undergraduate student, guided the CCIP students on their tour, showing them points of interest such as the University Chapel, the Nassau Hall (the first and oldest of Princeton's buildings), the Harvey S Stone Memorial Library and more.

"I was amazed when I took my first step on Princeton University soil. The architecture was captivating and different. I wish I could study in a place like this," said Fiona Xiao Di Yuan, a Year 2 student of the Hong Kong University.

"I thought I had landed in Europe!" commented Sarah Niin Mun Thian, a Year 2 student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

One the same day, a wedding ceremony took place at the University Chapel. "This chapel is reserved for Princeton University's students. Couples have to wait three to four years to hold their wedding here. Don't be surprised to see freshmen putting their names on the wedding list on the first day of enrollment," explained Mike.

Mike then led the students behind the University Chapel to the building that housed the professors' offices. He commented that the university pays serious attention to its undergraduate studies and that professors give the same amount of attention. He continued to say that students would line up in front of professors' offices to meet with them before assignment deadlines.

"This would never happen in Hong Kong universities: professors prepare envelopes and students drop off their assignments. Simple as that. Our Professors tend to concentrate on research rather than focusing on undergraduates students. I can definitely see that Princeton works differently. I admire these professors' dedication," said Chloe Cheah, a Year 2 student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Students ate then toured a bit on their own before rejoining the afternoon tour. When they returned, they saw many tourists taking photos. "It's wild that Princeton is the tourist attraction! The scenery is incredible. I really wish I could study here!" one student said.

"The infrastructure was beautiful. How a university integrates academia, scenery, architecture and a social element was absolutely a fascinating experience," commented Sarah Niin Mun Thian, a Year 2 student of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"This place is very different from New York City. The area is scenic. There are trees and this beautiful architecture everywhere. I'm not surprised this is a tourist attraction, but I am surprised with how many tourists there were," commented Ka Yue Lo, a Year 2 student of the Lingnan University in Hong Kong.

Many of the students enjoyed this session's visit, and have already been suggesting that CCIP continue with these kinds of activities next year.

Joseph Smith, Project Manager of CCIP commented, "as long the students continue finding surprises that help them see their world in a different light and allow them to come away with experiences that help them expand their cultural knowledge and grow, CCIP is ready to oblige them."

Special thanks to student volunteers of this event: Chloe Cheah and Shiyang Yan (Hong Kong Polytechnic University) and Ka Yue Lo (Lingnan University)