On Sunday, May 19, 2019, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) welcomed the first batch of 2019 participants by hosting its first Post-Arrival Orientation at the Flushing YMCA.

This year, 75 J-1 exchange interns are participating in the program. These students were selected from a pool of 1,292 applicants attending universities in Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau. They come in four groups with the first – consisting of 20 students mainly from Singapore – arriving in May.

At the orientation, Elizbeth Kay, the Responsible Officer welcomed the first arrivals. She gave students last-minute briefing covering important highlights, and her staff members helped students complete administrative tasks and visa validation.

In addition, Mr. Eric Hung – Vice President and Branch Manager, Murray Hill Branch from the Flushing Bank – was present to share some insights of US banking and help students open local bank accounts which tremendously bolstered safety and convenience.

Minton Tiew, a student of mechanical engineering from the Nanyang Technology University in Singapore, is one of the first arrivals. He said, "It's quite a huge leap out of my comfort zone, having my first internship be in the States. However, I'm sure that this challenge can help me develop character, and teach me how to adapt to a unique work culture." This summer, Minton will intern for YU & Associates in New Jersey.

CCIP strongly emphasizes student leadership encouraging students to not only to excel in their internships, but also to take charge of their experience by serving as student leaders. Minton, along with over 25 others, participate as leaders in the Student Advisory Board (SAB) working in tandem with the organizer to run the program.

In addition to facilitating communications and lending a helping hand to other participants on a daily basis, the student leaders play a significant role in running program activities such as visiting elected officials and volunteering for Cunningham Park – together, they and their fellow students fulfill the exchange visitor mission by truly immersing themselves in American communities.