Has anyone got any info about this program? My son was invited to go to Australia, but I've gotten several invites from other programs that were questionable. Just wondering if anyone has experience or info about it. Its part of People to People.
Thanks for the input. I see its mostly positive for anyone involved, so we may take a look. My son sounds like he doesn't want to go. Wish I could!
Hi S.,
I had a student go with Student Ambassadors to Australia and had a wonderful experience a few years back.
I also received a letter recently about my daughter that is now in the fifth grade, but I have been so busy I have not researched this any, I would also love to know if anyone else has responded to this. Thanks
Hi S.. I know some excellent things about People to People. I have never been involved personally, but BOTH my parents have been leaders/chaperones for 2 different trips. It will be an excellent opportunity for your child! if you wish, I can give you my parents' emails and they can give you more insight!
S.
Hi S.,
I have a cousin that is one of the teacher leaders for this organization. It is definitely legitimate! She has taken groups to Australia, Italy, England, France, and around the US for the past 4-5 summers. The program sounds fantastic! My daughter has also been invited but the cost and my husband's reservation to send our daughter on trip like this - I've not explored it any further. My cousin did mention that fundraising options are available. Other in our school have gone and spoke very highly of their trip. Hope this helps!
P.
Yes my grandaughter went to China with them and had a wonderful experience! She was only fifteen years old but responsible, so we gave it a try and happy for her we did. There were curfews and aldult supervision at all times. We spoke everyday on the cell phone. She did get home sick, that's because of the family closeness. She's ready to go again it cost but I'm almost sure one more trip during her senior year. To be an honor student and recommended by your teachers and peers, how bout that. not every student is worthy or able.
Yes, my daughter has been invited to go to Wales, and two other cities this school year. One of my co-workers' daughters participated in the trip to Australia and she said it was a very educational experience.
My son was a student ambassador for People to People and he also went to Australia. He was 11, I believe and it was a great experience for him. The receive high school credit for the time they spend before the trip learning about Australia and they even have to do small reports about different things that they are learning about. It is pricey, but you can have fundraisers and even get donations from companies to help with the cost.
It was a great experience for the children and they get to go places that they wouldn't get to go if they were just going as tourist. They get to go to a school while they are there and meet other children from Australia and see how schools there are. They got to go to the Olympic pool and swim and to the Sydney Opera House and go to special areas and to an opal place and snorkling on the Great Barrier Reef.
I would suggest at least going to the information meeting that they have and you can listen to the other people there and to the delegation leaders that will be going on the trip and ask any questions that you may have at that point.
If you have any questions before then, feel free to write back to me and ask away. I will even let my son answer some of your questions if he would do a better job.
I got one of those too for my daughter. I think it's a scam, and it'll prorbably cost a fortune! We scheduled a date for Orientation, but I don't think we're going.
Hi S.,
I have had 3 nieces who particited in People to People. Two have gone to Australia and I to Europe. Being a former teacher, I would highly recommend this program for your son. Granted it is expensive, but a life time experience for a student. I would recommend the meetings prior to commiting to this program to make sure your son is ready for this type of trip. It's an honor to be selected for this program, so if it all works out for you it will be a great opportunity to see the world and socially interact with other students from around the nation. Congratulations to your son!
My cousin`s daughter went to Europe this past summer and she had the time of her life!!! She had a couple of fund raisers-can collecting-etc...but she had a great time! I can give you her email address so you can talk to her more about it if you`d like!
Good luck!
K.
I went to this program when I was younger. I loved it. It is a little expensive but worth it. I learned so much about the culture of Europe. You even have the opportunity to stay with a host family and get the experience of what's it like to live in that particular location. If you are interested the first meeting is just a meet and greet. There they will give you a overview of the foundation of the program and what is in store for the trip your son is invited to partake in.
I am a teacher in the Warren Woods Public Schools. Colleagues of mine have attended People to People programs in the summer of 2006 and 2007 as teacher chaperones. One colleague went to Europe with a group of students and the other two went to Australia and New Zealand. They returned and had said how wonderful an experience it was. Several students from our middle school also attended the Europe trip. People to People has been around a long time. I have only heard good things about it.
I am on a national homeschool list, and this has been a topic the past few weeks. It seems a mass mailing has gone out for this program. Those on the list feel it is way overpriced, and that it does not match the quality of other exchange type programs. They made suggestions of seeking out other programs. This company seems kind of like the "who's who in high school" books that are solicited each year. Definitely do a lot of background checking! Good luck!
My Mom (a retired school teacher) is a chaperone for People to People Student Ambassadors. She has gone with them to Australia twice. It is an EXCELLENT program!! I can't say enough about it!! It is the opportunity of a lifetime for kids. If you would like to email my Mom about it, let me know and I can give you her email.
The only experience I have is from about 15 years ago. My brother who was in high school at the time went to Australia with the People to People program. He had a great time, and still talks about it to this day. The fact that it's still being offered after all these years should be some indication that it's reputable.
S., It is a FANTASTIC PROGRAM! 3 of my children have gone, loved it, learned a lot! It is an honor to be invited, it means your child has leadership skills, outgoing, and shows independance! Go for it! K.
I know someone who went on a trip with People to People more than once. Sorry, that's all I know...!
My son is now 28yrs old and still talks about his trip. He spent 2wks. in Australia and 1wk. in New Zealand when he was in 7th grade. He loved it and they the organization is wonderful. You'll go to meetings and meet the other parents and the chaperones, while your son will get to meet the other young people that are going. I won't lie.....it's a little expensive. The experience that he'll get though is wonderful. They get to see many things that just a normal tourist wouldn't. My son said the worst part of the whole trip was the really long flight. Good luck with your decision.
S.,
My friend's daughter went to Australia a couple of years ago though People to People. It was expensive (she held alot of fundraisers), but it was completely legit. If you don't get any responses back from people with personal experience, write me and I'll get you in touch with my friend.
T.
