People to People Student Ambassadors, anyone have experience with this group?
 

Does anyone know/have experience with People to People's Student Ambassadors???? My son has gotten letters from the group to travel, this year it is Australia.

I don't know anything about them, but my kids get that stuff, too. My gut feeling is that it's just another big money making racket.

I own a gymnastics club and 2 of my students in the past 2 years have gone to Australia with People to People. They had unbelievable experiences and great opportunities. The sightseeing and diversity they experience is great for kids. They would do it again if they could. The money didn't seem outrageous to me for an oversees trip and they could ask for sponsors from local businesses.

The son of one of my best friends in Portland OR went on this trip when he was in high school about four years ago and had a wonderful experience. It's legit.

A friend of my daughter's did this to Europe 3 or 4 years ago. At the time she would have been going into 8th grade. I think the cost was reasonable and she loved the trip!

The daughter of a good friend of mine went last year. She loved it. It's very legit, and they encourage letter writing to local sponsers for fundraising for the trip (she got me for $50.00!). She was able to fund a good chunk of the trip that way and grandma picked up the rest. Some kids didn't even try to collect from sponsers for whatever reason and the parents ended up footing the bill.

I know two young people who went - one to Portland, Oregon and one this past summer to Australia. They both loved the experience! Yes, it is pricey, but what isn't when it involves travel?

My cousin went last summer to Europe with this group, and he loved it! One of his jr. high teachers also went, which was nice. They went lots of places, did a homestay in Spain, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learned a LOT. It was a great opportunity for him, and he will remember that trip for the rest of his life.

Both my daughters were "chosen" as special ambassadors...at first we felt special, but a little investigation revealed that this is no bargain, no scholarship, not even a discounted hostel-type trip. Sorry, but if I'm paying full retail (it was thousands of dollars) it's going to be a family experience, and we're all going to go! Afterwards my daughter was invited to a "car wash fundraiser" for a friend. You guessed it: she got to work all day long to send some other kid on an all expense paid trip to Australia. Just doesn't sit well with me. I agree with Jayne1973.

Joan has a very good point. Just to follow up, even though everyone loves the trip, personally I wouldn't let my kid go because I thought it was very overpriced. Besides, too may parents have this "once in a lifetime" opportunity thing when it comes to their kids. Please, I didn't go to Europe for the first time until I was 31 and could pay for it. I hardly feel my childhood was deprived!

My step-daughter received one a few years ago (also for Australia). It's quasi-legit, but a bit of a racket at the same time (sort of like the Who's Who books).

There is no real criteria for selection--they just buy lists of high school students. And it does not bring any additional weight to the college application process. Most admissions officers are familiar with the organization and its so-called "Ambassador" program and see it for what it is--just another option for student travel.

I went to Russia with People to People Student Ambassadors in 1992. (I am only 24).
I had a GREAT experience. However, I think much of the learning I did was due to the destination. I think it was a great way to see a country in transition.

I would recommend the program, but not to go to the "typical" places like Western Europe or Sydney/Melbourne Australia, which I would want to do as a family. Educational tours to other less-developed or countries in transition are more beneficial for this type of program IMHO.

My daughter received an invitation 2 years ago, and, although she is a 4.0 student, it doesn't seem to go by grades, because a lot of other students with lower grades also received invitations, including my other 2 children who did not have the best grades at the time. Actually, one of her classmates did end up going to Australia and had a wonderful experience, but asking for donations to fund a trip is not my cup of tea.

Also, you can go to the website and they will send information to any student via mail simply by giving them your address, so I am almost positive that although it may be a great student opportunity, that it is also a moneymaker. I agree with elle that it is on the order of the Who's Who book, which we also didn't participate in. I don't think any of it helps with the college process or scholarships.

I am surprised people have the perception that you need to be a great student to be invited-- is that on the brochures now???

Although I had a 4.0 and was very involved in school/sports, I never considered it to be an honor to be
invited and surely didn't include it on my college scholarship applications or resume.

Elle and MSS are right about Who's Who and P2P with college admission. I am an admission counselor, and we do know that Who's Who is a big ploy. I laugh when I see that listed on a prospective student's resume. As for P2P, travel is a good thing for children in general, but very rarely will admission officers/interviewers ever ask about a student's experiences before high school. P2P offers great travel and life experience, but don't rely on it to increase your child's chances at college admission.

Our son was "invited" last year and we went to the first informational meeting, then I investigated a bit. First, the price is outrageous. I'm pretty sure our family trip to Paris cost less than what they were charging for one kid.

Way back in the old days, when people my age (46) went, it was a bigger deal...it seems like it always included visits with a congressman or an ambassaor or something. But the program was sold...I think to the Uberoth (sp) family... and now it's pretty much a high priced travel agency.

My young cousin went to Europe with P2P, as did the daughter of a good friend. They both had outstanding times. When I was in Europe this summer with my kids, we talked to several students and chaperones traveling with P2P. They were having a great time and commented on the excellent planning, the full days of activities, and the opportunities to meet people. However, I never let my own children participate in P2P when they were invited. Too expensive, and I was really turned off by the way the organization helps kids "beg" for money from friends and family. I despised the personalized "form letters" I got from young relatives who were trying to raise money for P2P. It was so obvious they hadn't written the letters themselves. I'm glad to help relatives when I can, but I think kids would learn a lot more from their travel experiences if they earned the money (or at least some of it), by working and saving rather than by asking for handouts. I also don't like the pretense that kids are being invited because they are special. Anyone whose family looks like it has enough money for such things gets invited.

My kids get those letters all the time. While my kids are teens, I would rather travel to Europe, etc. as a family.....they can save those trips abroad with friends for the college years. I think it's ridiculous to send a 14 year old on a trip like that without family. You only have your kids around for so long....I'd rather take the People to People Trip money and invest it in something you can do together.

Those letters come across saying how "you have been chosen" but isn't it funny how so many of us have heard of someone or have children ourselves who has also received the invitation. Travel is important but I agree with Lesliec1 and most particularly Becker on this matter.

Hi,
It is legit.

My cousin who's a neurotic worrier and consumate researcher looked into it before allowing her son to go. He went a few years back and absolutely loved it. I do know that the trips are somewhat costly for the kids but you also have to understand that the chaperones volunteer their time. They receive NO salary for chaperoning. Those involved spend MONTHS organizing and getting ready for each and every trip. The chaperones commit time throughout the year--and the majority are full-time, certified teachers. I know this because I am a public school middle school teacher and my coworker has been part of People to People for several years. I've seen what is involved on her part. The kids from my school that have received an invitation are the 'good kids'. They're not necessarily the straight-A students--they're the ones who are involved in the school, work well with others and show that they might be mature enough to travel abroad.

If I had a kid, I would feel proud that they were offered this opportunity...whether or not I could afford to send him/her would be another matter all together!! Personally, I think I'd rather spend money for my teenager to experience international travel than to go to sleep-away camp. (Could that be because I love traveling more than I loved camp??)

Debbie