Ambassador for People People to Program - anyone know...

Sharon - posted on 07/29/2009

That is so cool!! Well, we'll keep our minds open regarding this program and just keep looking for more information and testimonials.

Lori - posted on 07/29/2009

that is weird! ! she started at 12, she's now 16, and now she loves travelling so much and has learned to love other countries, that she is currently in Africa volunteering at an orphanage. this other group she's with is not P2P and its not as professionally handled. BTW my daughter to this day has kept in touch with the kids from her first trip and they make an annual reunion party. gotta love the internet! but they all bonded so well.

Sharon - posted on 07/29/2009

Thanks for posting Lori - that wouldn't answer how they got my son's name either - as they didn't use his legal name. Very weird.



How old was your daughter on these trips?

Lori - posted on 07/29/2009

oh, our school also hadn't heard of them, but when I called the P2P to ask how they got my daughter's name, because I too was sceptical, they said it could've been from national testing rankings.

Lori - posted on 07/29/2009

my daughter did 3 trips with them and it was terrific!. she went all over Europe on 2 different trips and to the Presidential Inauguration on her 3rd. It has alway been professional and organized. She's taken other trips with other groups, the P2P was the most organized.

Sharon - posted on 07/29/2009

No worries. Some people are oblivious to anything but direct harsh words. This forum seems to have some truely thick headed people. But I'm glad you got a giggle out of it. Um its goofy - but sometimes I crack myself up.

Krista - posted on 07/29/2009

LOL! Sharon, I'm sorry and this has nothing to do with this post, but sometimes you make me burst out laughing with your harshness towards some people.

Sharon - posted on 07/29/2009

Thank you ladies! We (hubby & I) haven't dismissed this yet. We're still doing some research. We agree that it sounds like a great opportunity but he is a rather shy & sensitive child when he is alone so we're undecided. However he has a year before a real decision has to be made.

Denise - posted on 07/28/2009

My daughter went to Holland last year to play Volleyball for the USA! She loved it!! Their group stayed in a hotel, along with their sponsors. She was invited to go to Austria this year but we didn't get the fund-raising needed to go. It is quite expensive but it is also an amazing experience for the kids!

Sapphire - posted on 07/28/2009

I nominated a student to participate and he had a blast. But like someone said, it is pricey, and takes a lot of fundraising and tax credit dollars. I chose this particular student becasue he relates well to his peers and adults. He is academically gifted, but also emotionally gifted: he perceives issues, shows empathy, and problem solves at an adult level. This student had an wonderful experience and is on the path for leadership in his future. I just know it! But from the parent perspective, it is always something to be leary about in regard to soliciting your child. Somehow or some way your child's misspelled name got onto their mailing list and you state that the teacher did not refer him. To me, that's a red flag. How does your son feel about the program? Did you research it together for credibility? Is it possible that a church group submitted his name?

Sharon - posted on 07/27/2009

lol I'm not surprised. its a really small school. I did google it but their website is down, I should google for reviews....

Deanna - posted on 07/27/2009

I would really look into how they got his name! It is only 3 weeks in the summer. People to People is a reputable program but I was under the impression that the school had something to do with the kids being reccomended. I will call a few people tomorrow to get the correct info and I promise I will post more info tomorrow sometime!! It just suprises me that his school has never heard of the program!! I am from the Hudson Valley in New York and most of the districts around here participate, you should Google it to get some general info, but I will look into it and get back to you!!!

Minnie - posted on 07/27/2009

My husband was a student ambassador when he was 14. He absolutely loved it. They spent a few weeks in Europe, he even attended school while he was there. It was a few grand 12 years ago, but it was worth it.

Sharon - posted on 07/27/2009

Yes she did. My paper said "1 year" it also says a "summer of study abroad". I'm waiting for clarification of the "1 year" part. But kudos to you for being able to read!

--- - posted on 07/27/2009

she said 3 weeks in the summer. not a year

Sharon - posted on 07/27/2009

HHMMM I may be blinded by the "prestige" of it all. I'm not sure my son would flourish living with strangers for a year. Especially if they aren't considerate of his higher sensitivity. Now my oldest child - he makes friends with everyone & everyone and LOVES meeting new people and LOVES new & unusual foods.

How does this organization find these kids? My son's school & teacher say they didn't sign him up, the program didn't use his legal name and misspelled his first name, and heck the school & teacher say they've never heard of it.

Deanna - posted on 07/27/2009

It is a very prestigious student exchange program. My neice and neighbors daughter both joined people to people and studied abroud for about 3 weeks during the summer. Be prepared for a lot of fundraising and a lot off expenses!! There is also a lot of homew`ork on top of regular studies as this is an educational experience!! Try to find out the country that your students group will be visiting ahead of time as you may not be interested in participating! My step son was invited to join people to people however the group was visiting Japan that year and he had no interest in visiting this country, and I was concerned about the language barrier. My neice went to Austrailia and loved it, however she became very homesick and lost a lot of weight because she hated the food there!! It is my understanding that they live with other families for a majority of the time they are visiting. Good luck, If he can handle being away for a period of time it will be the experience of a lifetime!! I was fortunate enough to go and visit some family in England when I was 14 and I remember it was an awesome experience and one I will never forget. I did get homesick as I was only with my grandparents, however I will always cherish that time in my life!!