On Saturday, August 24, 2019, interns of the Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP, www.theccip.com) attended a debriefing in Flushing Bank. All of the students were melancholy as their summer internship has come to an end. After all the time spent with new friends from different backgrounds, it was finally time to travel home.

Charlotte from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said, " The CCIP did not only grants us chance to immerse in American local cultures, but also provided us a chance to make new friends. The friendships I gained here are irreplaceable. I hope we all can keep in touch even though we live far apart. "

Tim who studies at the University of Hong Kong added, "I am grateful to have met new friends, especially my roommate who is from Singapore. He is a knowledgeable university graduate and his experiences in the army turned him into a more mature person. Talking to him will always give me new insights. I understand that once we say goodbye, we may never see each other again. However, I believe that we will keep in touch and become lifelong friends. "

Emily from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said, "I could never imagine how much we could grow in two months. Leaving our home and living in another city was a great challenge. We had to step out of our comfort zones and immersed ourselves into local American cultures. Two months of professional training made me realize that the work is more than we expected. Hong Kong is just a tiny dot on the globe. We should not restrict and narrow our possibilities and mindsets. On top of that, this program enabled showed me my weaknesses and gave me opportunities to face them. I will try my best to explore my potentials and possibilities."

After spending a summer in New York City, the students attained new perspectives and polished their professional skills. As each student grew, they also shaped many irreplaceable friendships. Thanks to the CCIP, the students are now prepared to head back with their professional growth to contribute to society.