People to People Student Ambassador Program ??

[my3kids]

Is anyone familiar with this program? The literature we received for our child said it was founded by Pres. Eisenhower and Pres. Bush is this year's honorary chairman.

Has anyone sent their child on one of their study abroad programs?

Any information about the program or your child's participation would be appreciated.

 

[WDWAurora]

I went to an information session, and it sounded like a lot of fun (this was about 6 or so years ago, keep in mind). I decided against it however because of the price. I could either go with my parents as planned on a cruise and still take some little trips to local amusement parks etc with my friends, or I could go to Europe and do no cruise and no side trips, etc. Not a hard decision for me. So know before you get there that it's quite expensive. I think you can find sponsorship, but that was too hard in my rural area.

 

[Joyciemc]

I didn't go, but my brother did in 1994. I believe it was his sophomore year of HS. He went to Europe for 3 weeks. I believe they went to UK, France, Netherlands (each student stayed with a Dutch family for a couple nights), Germany, and I'm probably missing something. He loved it and made a lot of friends... I've been jealous since then! Sorry I can't give you more specific details, I was only 14 and didn't ay much attention other than the to the fact that I wasn't going

 

[DoeWDW]

We are in the process of getting our son registered for one of their programs. It does look like it's fun and educational, but the price tag is pretty steep. They recommend that the kids do some fundraising to help pay for the tuition, but I feel strange asking other people to help pay to send my kid on a trip, even if it is an awesome opportunity.

 

[my3kids]

I noticed on the information letter and on the website, there is no mention of fees.....Just how much are we talking about?????

 

[DoeWDW]

Sent you a PM.

 

[Patabel]

My DD, Karen (krnb on the boards) went to Russia as a sophomore in HS about 11-12 years ago with the People to People program and we/she thought it was great. It is expensive, and there were fundraisers and sponsorships that some kids undertook to help defray the expenses. Some kids got sponsorships from the local VFW, etc. and the repayment was for the student to come back and spend an evening talking about their experiences, etc.....so that added to the overall experience. Also, depending on the type of work each student puts in, there can be transferable college credits obtained from the U of Washington. Karen earned about 5, I believe.

I've heard of People to People having trips from junior high aged kids, but I don't think, knowing what I do about the program, I would want my child that young going. However, I would HIGHLY recommend it, if the program is still the same, to any responsible HS student. The time each student spends with the families and people of that specific country really aids in helping international understanding from both sides of the ocean!

I would certainly be happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

[MICKEY88]

my daughter went when she was 15 or 16..had the time of her life,, local businesses donated money towards her trip..
hers was to England , Norway, Denmark, and Sweeden...

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

My cousin's DD went to the information meeting a couple weeks ago. I'm quite excited that she's been posed with the opportunity to travel to Australia next summer. I'm crossing my fingers that she can raise the money she needs. She'll need $400 to send in with her application.

 

[my3kids]

Thanks everyone!

It seems this might be more expensive than other study abroad programs. It it more, or am I just stuck in an 80's time warp on pricing?

 

[Blondie]

Both of my sons were invited to attend the information sessions, one was in 5th grade at the time, the other was in 6th grade at the time. It's very expensive!

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Can someone please PM me and let me know the costs involved? Or just post it here? Both of my sons have been invited several times.... we are now just getting to the point where they are old enough to consider actually going. They are in 8th and 6th grades right now.

Any info you can provide would be appreciated!

Thanks!!!

 

[glo]

My oldest daughter(12) went to their "Tail of two cities" excursion this past summer. She visited England and france, concentrating on London, and Paris. I highly reccommend the program. We paid about $3500 for 10 days. It included all the excursions, all her food, transportation, accomodations and airfare. All she did was bring spending money.

She was very well supervised, and I can't believe all the things she did. Even more than the stuff they listed as doing. I was very impressed.

PM me if you need any questions asked.

 

[SoonerKate]

I went when I was younger and I loved it. I'm not sure how much it cost, but as my first program was 8 years ago, I'm sure it's changed by now!

There's another thread on this that's quite detailed -- I'll dig around and try to find it for you.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Thanks for your help, everyone!!

 

[Mom-to-3]

DD#1 received an invitation for 3 weeks in Australia and New Zealand next summer.

$6000 !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KrnB]

I posted some info about my trip on the other thread, so I'll just say "Ditto" to what my mom said above - I had a fantastic time and it was well worth it (of course, I didn't pay for it so that helps )

Here's the thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=424071

I would definitely recommend the program. I learned so much while I was there and continue to have an interest in Russian culture and history. And having those 5 credits going into college was great!

 

[disneyjunkie]

There was talk about this program at my son's school last year. Son heard about it and of course he wants to do it. I was thinking of letting him do it when gets in the 10 grade. (he's in 7th now) However, I had no idea how much it would cost.

 

[SoonerKate]

Thanks for finding that thread, KrnB!

 

[ellenec]

Hi, I'm a primary leader with the People to People program. This will be my 6th year traveling with the program. It is a wonderful opportunity although it can be costly. This year I will be traveling to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. If you have any questions just let me know- Ellen