This past Sunday, a second group of CCIP (www.theccip.com) exchange visitors returned to the Statue of Liberty. For most of them, it was their first chance to visit the iconic and world-renowned national monument in person.

Donated to the US by the people of France and officially dedicated on October 28, 1886, Lady Liberty is located on an island in Upper New York Bay and attracts four million people a year. The hot, breezy day was perfect for riding a ferry out into the bay.

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. The students enjoyed not only a chance to explore the monument, but a day out on the water.

The activity was organized by two student leaders, Pavendeep Kaur from the City University of Hong Kong and Calvin Huang from the Open University of Hong Kong.

"Serving as an activity leader is quite an experience,” Paven said. “There were a lot of details to manage -- getting a group of over 20 people on and off a boat on time is not always an easy process. The trip was a good reminder that I always need to plan ahead."

After visiting the statue, the tour continued on to Liberty Island, where the student visited the museum commemorating more than 12 million immigrants who arrived in the US between 1892 and 1954. The history of countless American families began at the island, where arrivals had to undergo an admission test and where surnames were often Americanized by immigration officers.

"The museum is full of information, stories, and artifacts,” Calvin commented. “It makes me appreciate my own family history and value my stay in the US."