People To People/Summer Abroad Programs?

[allison443]

You could look into other programs as well. My dd went to Spain in the summer following junior year. I think about eight from her school went, so she knew some people on the trip. She took a class at the University of Madrid and then traveled around Spain the rest of the time. The trip was a little over three weeks. The kids received college credits from a particular college-dd is in college now and the credits did transfer.
I believe the cost was around $3500 for airfare, accomodations, transportation around Spain, all meals, and the six college credits.
Her school has had students go on these trips every year, we were comfortable with the person in charge and the level of supervision.

As for PTP, I agree with the other posters-it is a travel program that tries to tell people what an honor it is to be nominated I also don't like the way they call the kids "student ambassadors" and the way they trot out President Eisenhower's name. Plus the way they tell the kids to beg for donations to pay for the trip. That said, we do know kids who have gone on the trips with PTP and they all had a great time.

Any way your kid gets there, I'm sure it will be a great experience!!

 

[allison443]

This is the part of the whole program that gets me the most--fundraise from OTHER people so your kid can go on a trip--um, sorry, no WAY would I contribute to something like that. I am glad your kids were able to do that but I would NEVER even be able to ask anyone for money for something like this.

I completely agree!

I have seen letters in our local newspaper from kids asking for donations/"sponsorhips" from individuals and businesses so they can go represent the US as "student ambassadors" and of course they throw in President Eisenhower's name...

 

[MM27]

People to People is more a travel company than anything else. They make it sound like your child was chosen because of their academics or leadership skills, but anyone that can pay can go. And they are pricey. If your child doesn't care so much about travelling with other kids, you very well may be able to go on a family vacation for what it costs one child to do PtoP

As a teacher, I get something from PtoP every year. They are looking for student information so they can send the letters to the families. I trash it every year.

I have a friend from college that is also a teacher and she works in the summer as a chaperone for PtoP. She gets to travel for free, as they don't get a salary but everything on the trip is paid for for them. She has said that the only groups she would chaperone at this point are the elementary and middle school students. She did high school a few times, but said there are always issues with them, lots of sexual promiscuity amongst the kids and she didn't want to be bothered with all that.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Heather- You were our topic of conversation at the restaurant tonight. I asked my daughter if she knew of your book series, and it became a 20 minute conversation! Apparently we DO have your books, and my daughter is looking forward to the next one coming out! She absolutely is a BIG fan! Small world.
Funny thing she said....."Mom, why is someone as famous as her on your boring Disney site?"

LOL

 

[Inigo]

I just want to say it is absolutely NOT an honor for a child to get "selected" for the People 2 People program. My daughter got letters several years telling her she was selected for the program. Not only did she get the letters, so did the made-up name she uses when she signs up for things on the internet.

Ame (the made-up name) does not exist, but she is so wonderful and special, she was nominated for the trip.

How special is this nomination when non-existent entities get nominated?

 

[golfgal]

I just want to say it is absolutely NOT an honor for a child to get "selected" for the People 2 People program. My daughter got letters several years telling her she was selected for the program. Not only did she get the letters, so did the made-up name she uses when she signs up for things on the internet.

Ame (the made-up name) does not exist, but she is so wonderful and special, she was nominated for the trip.

How special is this nomination when non-existent entities get nominated?

My DD got an invite for her supposed athletic prowess on the soccer field. She had played exactly ONE season of soccer and spent most of it on the sideline. I would think that if she was SO good the coach would have actually played her in a game .

 

[squirrlygirl]

DS just got "nominated" for People to People, too. But the letter didn't even have his name! It just said "your son" (and we have two). While it would be great for him to travel abroad, it won't be with this company. His school will have some optional trips available in high school; I'd be much more comfortable looking into those.

 

[pyrxtc]

I second ACIS. We ahve hosted 2 students from there. the first did not work out so great but the 2nd is wonderful. we still talk to him even though his country won't let him come visit not would they let him come back for college in the US. He was a wonderful thoughtful kids and is turning into such a nice young man. I can't wait until my kids are in high school and can do trips like this.

I am hoping that the summer after 8th grade that my DD can spend at least a month in germany with relatives and take it all in. I would love to go too but I cna't leave the boys for that long. My mother might go but I know my Aunt can deal with a young girl for a month. My DD will have to learn some German before she goes tho. Nothing like total immersion when it's family who grew up there.

 

[clovergirl5]

My dd13 went to Washington D.C. with People to People Leadership program last year. She loved it and learned alot. They are pretty strict and expensive imo. We actually made it into a family vacation, she did her thing with ptp while we went on our own through D.C. One of the best vacations we have had. We were able to visit her every morning before they left for the day. We have had invites for abroad trips, but that isn't going to happen with her being only just 13 and the expense of it.

 

[clovergirl5]

I just want to say it is absolutely NOT an honor for a child to get "selected" for the People 2 People program. My daughter got letters several years telling her she was selected for the program. Not only did she get the letters, so did the made-up name she uses when she signs up for things on the internet.

Ame (the made-up name) does not exist, but she is so wonderful and special, she was nominated for the trip.

How special is this nomination when non-existent entities get nominated?

DD13 was nominated by her 7th grade teacher who only nominated 1 other student. We feel it was an honor for her. We were told it was because of her leadership skills and excellent grades that she was nominated. We have received many invites as an alumni since her trip last year. So much so that its feeling like they just want the $. We still feel it was a great experience for her and she enjoyed it. We feel thankful to her teacher for thinking of her to nominate her. And we still feel honored.
I did also find out that really anyone can go, you just need referrels so to speak.

 

[clovergirl5]

Im not sure if this has been mentioned or not, but this program is run by the grand daughter or neice of Eisenhoure(sp) I believe. I could be wrong about what relative of what president, but its a female relative of a President. I find it hard to believe that this program would be fishy. Did you contact the program and question them about the non existant name, Inigo? Im curious, what did they say?

 

[NYPDwife]

My son really, REALLY wants to go to Japan, but it looks like the only local meeting focuses on Australia. Ah well...we'll still go and I know he loves the idea of Australia too (just not as much as Japan).

How old is your DS? DD received a letter for Australia and we're interested and I'm trying to find corporate sponsors. Did you find out anything about that?

 

[NYPDwife]

apparantly a trip chaparone only needs a highschool diploma, a clean criminal background and must be able to pass a drug test).