People to People International Exchange program...what's Your Experience?

I remember seeing a story on this organization and it exposed some shady recruiting/marketing tactics. I'm sorry I don't remember all the details but when I read this post is sent up a red flag in my mind. Please do a GREAT deal of research.

I went on a People to People program to the former Soviet Union when I was 17 (so twenty years ago). It was fantastic. We flew into Finland, took a train to Leningrad/St.Petersburg, then visited Estonia, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, Siberia, and Moscow, and then left via Amsterdam. I learned so much, made great friends, and have amazing memories of a place that practically doesn't even exist anymore. It really broadened my perspective on the world and on how people live. That said, I think 11 might be a bit young. If you wait 4-5 years he might appreciate it more and understand the cultural differences better than he would now. The kids in my program were 14-18 and it was hard on the 14 year olds to be away from home in a very foreign country for almost five weeks.

And yes, it is expensive. But I think it's worth it if your child is interested in foreign countries/travel/languages, etc. I ended up majoring in International Relations in college, so this was right up my alley.

My son, now 19, went between his jr and sr year of high school. He was 16 (almost 17) when he went to China. He loved it. It was an experience of a lifetime. As expensive as it was, we could not have afforded to send him on our own, certainly not have afforded all of the family to go nor would the experiences been as enriching. The group he went with had wonderful leaders. Unfortunately, the one leader got pulled from the trip before they went because she ended up having to be a leader for another group going elsewhere. That and flight delays (due to storms) were the only negatives. The delays then caused them to miss connecting flights so they didn't get everywhere on time but it was a definately a positive experience.

I don't know that I would have let him go at age 11 but I am definately glad I let him go.

If you decide you're ok w/ him going, start fundraising right away. Bake sales, yard sales, spaghetti dinners, you name it....partner with some others and split it. That helped us a lot.

I was invited to go every year for almost 5 years, but could never go because it was too expensive.

My brother went on it when he was a teenager. 11 might be a little young. Either way, my brother LOVED it. He went two summers with P2P then did one summer with him and some friends because they wanted to go back.

Both of my daughters have been nominated/invited to People to People exchange experiences. We attended one informational meeting on the British Isles trip, 3 years ago. The cost was outrageous, something like $8,000. We looked into taking a family of 4 and could basically do the same trip for all of us for the same cost or less. We couldn't justify the cost. We've also read on some shady dealings on the company's part. Several students have had health issues that were not addressed by the sponsors and I remember reading about 1 or 2 that have died while on a trip. Do your own homework and go with your gut instinct. Personally, I could not justify the cost, especially when it is something the entire family could do for the same price or less.
Just my two-cents.

It is a reputable organization. I know and have heard many of the comments about it being a rip-off, safety concerns, etc. I guess they do sound expensive, but when they say 'all inclusive' they mean it.

My daughter has been on 2 People to People trips. The first one when she was 11 and she went to Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. The second was last year, 2010 when she was 15 and she went to Australia. She thoroughly enjoyed both trips, learned a lot, and made life long friendships. The same summer she went on the P2P trip to Australia, one of her high school teachers also took a group of kids to Australia. She did kind of look at that trip because it sounded more affordable. But we would have to pay extra for this and that, and so many meals. By the time you added it all up it really wasn't that much cheaper. And it would NOT count toward her Congressional Medal.

She also was working on her Congressional Gold Medal and the People to People trips are recognized by Congress and count as part of the medal requirements.

I highly recommend the the experience & organization. Message me if you want any more info.

I went to England as an exchange student in 1988 during my Senior year. The cost of my college covered it.

If your son goes to college, he can be an exchange student in the countries that the college is partnered with, and depending on where, it may be covered in his school costs. I'd be more comfortable with my kid going abroad when they had more "street smarts" if they were going without me.

Cheryl, do a google search on this company. It seems that it might be a bit questionable. If you're looking at foreign exchange, check out Youth for Understanding. It was started in the 1950s and is very reuputable. I lived in Japan as an exchange student and have nothing but positive things to say about my experience.

Two of my sisters went on exchange programs. One's experience was fantastic. The other's was a nightmare, and she came home early. We had an exchange student in our home, and it was horrible. So, my experience says yes and no. I really think it depends upon the person.

my hubby went to a meeting for it with our oldest......personally i think it is a ripoff