This past Sunday, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) returned to the Statue of Liberty. For most of the exchange visitors, this was their first chance to visit the iconic and world-renowned national monument in person. It was a hot, summer day, perfect weather for riding a ferry out into the bay. The activity was organized by two student leaders, Yinfei Xue (Sandra) and Jiaying Xie (Karwing), both students from Macau University of Science and Technology.

"Organizing this kind of activity teaches me a lot," Karwing said. "There are a lot of details involved in getting together a group of more than 20 people. Figuring out the subway was extra difficult because there were so many people out in the city. It was a good reminder that I need to always plan ahead."

The tour took them to Liberty Island where the students were able to take pictures at the pedestal and see the impressive landmark up close. Many selfies were taken with Lady Liberty watching from above.

Sandra said, "Everybody wants a picture in front of the Statue of Liberty. Even in Asia, it's one of the most famous statues. It will be great to look at them years later and remember how much fun we had today."

After visiting the statue, the tour continued on to Ellis Island where the students visited the museum and heard about the history of the island. From 1892 to 1954, more than 12 million immigrants arrived at Ellis Island before they were allowed to officially enter the country. The history of countless American families began at the island where surnames were often changed by immigration officers.

"It would have been really interesting to have been here back then," Karwing commented. "It makes me want to look back at my own family history and learn more than what I know now."