People to People Student Ambassadors, anyone have experience with this group?
Jan 1st, 2005, 01:53 PM
#41
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My kids have received similar P2P mailings. After student ambassador, you'll get sports or other related ones too. Be a sports ambassador with a soccer team, hockey team, baseball team etc.
I agree with some of the other posters in that the price could pay for the whole family to experience a country and meet people along the way. We didn't go for it.
I agree with some of the other posters in that the price could pay for the whole family to experience a country and meet people along the way. We didn't go for it.
Jan 1st, 2005, 02:19 PM
#42
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My nephew went to Australia last summer with P2P and had a great time. He was nominated by a teacher at his school. I think they interview the students so that they are good ambassadors for our country. He had a wonderful trip and made some lasting friendships. It was expensive, but they also did many activities that justified some of the cost. He got to snorkle on the Great Barrier Reef, hot air balloon, and spend a night in the outback. He did some fundraising on his own and fortunately Grandma and Grandpa could help too. He now has the travel bug like his aunt and uncle!
As a side note, I did a trip to Germany in high school and it was the highlight of my youth.
As a side note, I did a trip to Germany in high school and it was the highlight of my youth.
Feb 23rd, 2005, 05:30 PM
#43
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Apparently, the various People to People organizations and programs (People to People International, People to People Student Ambassadors, People to People Sports Ambassadors, etc.) are non-profit. However, there is a very strong tie between them and Ambassadors Group, Inc (http://www.ambassadorsgroup.com/), which is a profit-making company. The following quote is from one of Ambassadors Group, Inc's financial statements.
"The business of Ambassadors Group, Inc. ... has been active since Ambassadors International, Inc. (Ambassadors) was founded in 1967.
We are comprised of several specialized private-label travel programs, including (i) the "People to People Student Ambassador Programs," which provide opportunities for grade school, junior high, and high school students to visit domestic and foreign destinations to learn about the history, government, economy and culture of such countries, (ii) the "People to People Sports Ambassador Programs," which provide opportunities for junior high and high school athletes to participate in domestic and international sports travel programs, and (iii) the "People to People Ambassador Programs," which provide foreign travel expenses for professionals, with emphasis on meetings and seminars between participants and persons in similar professions abroad.
Pursuant to agreements with People to People International, we organize and promote educational travel programs for students, professionals, and athletes....
We have the exclusive right to develop and conduct student programs for kindergarten through high school students using the People to People name. We also have the non-exclusive right to develop, market and operate programs for professionals, college age, and athletes using the People to People name."
Consequently, I think many people are misled (intentionally or unintentionally) about the non-profit status of the program their child participates in. All of the travel programs are promoted and run by Ambassadors Group, Inc.
Many people feel the programs are unnecessarily expensive. Based on the assumption that the programs are non-profit, their feelings are justified. A large percentage of the “travel” expenses go to sales, promotion, and administrative expenses, as well as profit to shareholders.
Take a look at the financial reports for Ambassador's Group, Inc. http://www.ambassadorsgroup.com/EPAX/
Approximately 60-65% of what your child pays for the program pays for actual trip expenses. The remainder, 35-40%, goes to the profit-making company Ambassador's Group, Inc. Most of what they take is used for sales and promotion! A nice size chunk winds up in shareholders pockets. I don't know if this is what President Eisenhower had in mind when he set up the program.
I’m not questioning whether children find their experiences valuable. I’m just pointing out that the program could be much less expensive if it were run by a non-profit organization.
"The business of Ambassadors Group, Inc. ... has been active since Ambassadors International, Inc. (Ambassadors) was founded in 1967.
We are comprised of several specialized private-label travel programs, including (i) the "People to People Student Ambassador Programs," which provide opportunities for grade school, junior high, and high school students to visit domestic and foreign destinations to learn about the history, government, economy and culture of such countries, (ii) the "People to People Sports Ambassador Programs," which provide opportunities for junior high and high school athletes to participate in domestic and international sports travel programs, and (iii) the "People to People Ambassador Programs," which provide foreign travel expenses for professionals, with emphasis on meetings and seminars between participants and persons in similar professions abroad.
Pursuant to agreements with People to People International, we organize and promote educational travel programs for students, professionals, and athletes....
We have the exclusive right to develop and conduct student programs for kindergarten through high school students using the People to People name. We also have the non-exclusive right to develop, market and operate programs for professionals, college age, and athletes using the People to People name."
Consequently, I think many people are misled (intentionally or unintentionally) about the non-profit status of the program their child participates in. All of the travel programs are promoted and run by Ambassadors Group, Inc.
Many people feel the programs are unnecessarily expensive. Based on the assumption that the programs are non-profit, their feelings are justified. A large percentage of the “travel” expenses go to sales, promotion, and administrative expenses, as well as profit to shareholders.
Take a look at the financial reports for Ambassador's Group, Inc. http://www.ambassadorsgroup.com/EPAX/
Approximately 60-65% of what your child pays for the program pays for actual trip expenses. The remainder, 35-40%, goes to the profit-making company Ambassador's Group, Inc. Most of what they take is used for sales and promotion! A nice size chunk winds up in shareholders pockets. I don't know if this is what President Eisenhower had in mind when he set up the program.
I’m not questioning whether children find their experiences valuable. I’m just pointing out that the program could be much less expensive if it were run by a non-profit organization.
Feb 24th, 2005, 01:09 PM
#44
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We have gotten our share of invitations at our house. I think I saw right through the "selection" process and saw it for what it was/is. Granted, may be a great experience for these kids. What did not set well with me was when an old friend sent me a letter written by her daughter asking for money to go on the p2p program trip. The letter made her out to be "in line for the throan". I did not feel I should pay for this child to go on this trip. But, I felt bad for feeling this way. Of course, the parents probably thought their child had received a major honor. The whole thing is a bit underhanded if you ask me even if the kids do have a great experience. Reminds me of Amway. Products may be good, but dishonest marketing.
Feb 24th, 2005, 01:57 PM
#45
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Firstly, I have twin daugters, one invited, one not. The one invited receives much better grades. However, when I went to the meeting and talked to the advisor about my daughter that was not invited she stated that as long as my univited daughter could obtain the appropriate recommendations she was welcome. The invited daughter did attended the trip the other chose not to.
When making a decision about sending my daughter I looked past the implication that my child received the invitation because she was "special". I don't believe any action should be based on this. I have my own ideas about where and what my children should be doing in life to become a good person and that's what counts.
As for the expense, everybody is at a different income level and point in life and this is a very subjective topic. We all have our own opinion of what the experience would be worth.
I believe the cost of the trip for 3 weeks to Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland was about $1,800.00. I (out of principle) required my daughter to work (not ask for donations) for half of the cost which she was willing to do. I don't expect anybody else to pay for her "experience". P2P leaves that decision to each family.
As for the trip, my daughter did many things that we would not have done as a family. It was also an opportunity for her to learn some independence but still be supervised. We are lucky enough to travel often as a family so this experience was much different.
She came away from this trip with new understanding of how different travel can be. WIth the family, we go where we want, when we want and stay in the nicer places. With P2P she had to learn to travel with a group of people that did not have the same interests or background as her and stay in many different types of lodging, from nice hotels, to dorms, to family homes.
In addition, she came away with some friends that to this day she keeps in touch with.
To this day, this trip has been one of the best remembrances in her life.
Every family needs to judge for themselves if the expense is relative to the experience and base the decision on that, not "How much is the company making off of me".
For our daughter, it was, very much worth it. For your child it may not be worth it. We would, and she would, recommend it.
GOod luck with your decision.
When making a decision about sending my daughter I looked past the implication that my child received the invitation because she was "special". I don't believe any action should be based on this. I have my own ideas about where and what my children should be doing in life to become a good person and that's what counts.
As for the expense, everybody is at a different income level and point in life and this is a very subjective topic. We all have our own opinion of what the experience would be worth.
I believe the cost of the trip for 3 weeks to Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland was about $1,800.00. I (out of principle) required my daughter to work (not ask for donations) for half of the cost which she was willing to do. I don't expect anybody else to pay for her "experience". P2P leaves that decision to each family.
As for the trip, my daughter did many things that we would not have done as a family. It was also an opportunity for her to learn some independence but still be supervised. We are lucky enough to travel often as a family so this experience was much different.
She came away from this trip with new understanding of how different travel can be. WIth the family, we go where we want, when we want and stay in the nicer places. With P2P she had to learn to travel with a group of people that did not have the same interests or background as her and stay in many different types of lodging, from nice hotels, to dorms, to family homes.
In addition, she came away with some friends that to this day she keeps in touch with.
To this day, this trip has been one of the best remembrances in her life.
Every family needs to judge for themselves if the expense is relative to the experience and base the decision on that, not "How much is the company making off of me".
For our daughter, it was, very much worth it. For your child it may not be worth it. We would, and she would, recommend it.
GOod luck with your decision.
Aug 5th, 2005, 12:59 PM
#46
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I know a lot of posts have said it is not a mass mailing list but sent to people who are recomended. But today I got three letters in the mail - 1 for my son who is going into 5th grade - 1 for me saying I am going into the 5thor 6th grade ( I am 35 years old!) and 1 for my son named Alex who does not even exist and never has. So it is not possible these letters are from recommendations!
I think we will just stick to our family vacations!
I think we will just stick to our family vacations!
Aug 5th, 2005, 04:25 PM
#47
My daughter received a P2P in the US for Washington DC. She was recommended by her Social Studies teacher. This would be during the next school year and would be one week in DC(We live in central VA)and would count as high school credits. She is just 12 and so I did not sign her up. Only a few kids in her school were recommended. This particular teacher was very tough and my daughter worked very hard in her class. So, I can honestly say, some kids are recommended for a reason. But today, I received in the mail a letter requesting money for a P2P in Austrialia for a kid we barely know!! The dad went to college with my husband. We met the kid once? It had a resume and a picture. Now, I know they don't have a lot of money, but I thought it was rather bold to send out this letter and I was turned off. IF you are 16 and want to go overseas, get a job. That is just my opinion.
For my family, I think we will continue to travel as a family especially outside the country the way the world is today, until they get older.
I went at 15 with our high school, not P2P and we were pretty much free to roam Europe. Luckily, I was a good kid during good times in the world.
For my family, I think we will continue to travel as a family especially outside the country the way the world is today, until they get older.
I went at 15 with our high school, not P2P and we were pretty much free to roam Europe. Luckily, I was a good kid during good times in the world.
Sep 7th, 2005, 11:19 AM
#48
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PTP is part of a publically traded company. see website: http://www.ambassadorprograms.org/
The experiences are supposedly wonderful and everything I've read and heard first hand had nothing but positive things to say. Granted; the meetings set it up so that you feel your child is special and is serving a higher purpose of international ambassadorship, therefore communities would want your child to go oversees and represent them and woul help pay for the experience. The children who are accepted are required to have letters of recommendation from teachers and adults in the community. None of this is a scam, or false advertising, but to each his own re: what they want for their children and whether they think the cost is worth it or not. Beggers, I would agree would turn me off, but raising money by a car wash or a bake sale, or whatever is acceptable IMHO.
The experiences are supposedly wonderful and everything I've read and heard first hand had nothing but positive things to say. Granted; the meetings set it up so that you feel your child is special and is serving a higher purpose of international ambassadorship, therefore communities would want your child to go oversees and represent them and woul help pay for the experience. The children who are accepted are required to have letters of recommendation from teachers and adults in the community. None of this is a scam, or false advertising, but to each his own re: what they want for their children and whether they think the cost is worth it or not. Beggers, I would agree would turn me off, but raising money by a car wash or a bake sale, or whatever is acceptable IMHO.
Sep 11th, 2005, 12:50 PM
#49
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My son is 16 and has recieved one of these letters. I've read alot of things from this program.The only thing I need to know is where do they stay during the time they are overseas I know they're going to Europe, but will they be in hotels or someones home or something like that.
Sep 11th, 2005, 01:02 PM
#50
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They stay at hotels. My son's friend went this year. He thought the group was annoyingly big and he felt like he was herded around. Other kids have really liked it. Probably if they have no other way to see Europe, and you can afford to send him/her, it might be worth it.
Sep 22nd, 2005, 01:40 PM
#52
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I went this past summer with P2P to Australia. I agree that this is a decision that is left up to the families. My family does not have the means to set up a 4 person, or 1 person trip for three weeks to australia. It is nice being able to pay for a trip that is set up for you with all fee's included. I had a blast and made a lot of new friends and really did learn a lot. I also got to do something that many people to not get to do. I dont care how students were picked, everyone in my group was smart and well behavied. I didnt feel crowded or anything. If any of you would liek to see a P2P trip through the eyes of a student visit the site that I made. www.tekcities.com/nycrem91101/index.html
Sep 24th, 2005, 05:32 AM
#53
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From my research, this organization is essentially a very profitable high priced travel agency specializing in international travel for kids. No honors involved, you pay your money and don't have a criminal record, you get to go. They do a good job of organizing interesting and well-planned trips, but don't be fooled into thinking that this is an honor bestowed upon your child. They also have another 'division' - sports ambassadors - so the athetically oriented child can also be 'honored'. Of note, the CEO of Ambassadors Group Inc (the for-profit arm of P2P) was paid in excess of three million dollars in compensation last year; $278K in salary, $730K in bonus, $870K in below-market options, and $1.3M in restricted stock - a total compensation package more than 200 of the Fortune 500 CEOs; more than the CEO of companies such as UPS, Xerox, Ebay, Goodrich Tire, Rite-Aid, Office Depot, Campbell Soup, General Mills, Lowe's, Texas Instruments, Starbucks, Nike, Boeing, etc, etc. For comparison, this is 5 times what the CEO of the American Red Cross is paid. So it is pretty clear where a good chunk of your $5000 - $6000 is going.
Sep 24th, 2005, 05:46 AM
#54
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dmjmd, very interesting.
I've always been extremely
leery of this group and
personally think you're right,
its just a travel agency.
But I would like your source
as I would like to quote you!
Thank you.
I've always been extremely
leery of this group and
personally think you're right,
its just a travel agency.
But I would like your source
as I would like to quote you!
Thank you.
Sep 24th, 2005, 01:21 PM
#55
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Wow, look what google found:
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=epax
And if you click on "key statistics" it shows a 30% profit margin. Sweet.
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=epax
And if you click on "key statistics" it shows a 30% profit margin. Sweet.
Sep 24th, 2005, 01:42 PM
#56
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My daughter got letters from them every yr she was in High School--telling her she had been nominated or was especially recommended to be a "student ambassador" or something like that. We went to one mtg, which wsa packed with kids and families. "WHAT A RIP OFF!!!" was our impression. It was outrageously expensive (to Europe). They butter you up. tell you it was started by Dwight Eisenhower's family but it's just a big moneymaking program that takes advantage of people under the guise of kids being "ambassadors." It IS a great idea (for kids to travel , see and meet people form other countries)but there are other programs for student travel/exchange that are more honest and less $ than this one.
Sep 24th, 2005, 04:07 PM
#57
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There is some vaguely unsettling similarities in several (not all) of the postings raving about this program - in syntax, spacing, sentence structure. I wish I had the skills to confirm my suspicions.
Even if my paranoia is unfounded, after acting as a host family this summer for a similar type organization (students from Spain), I doubt I would send my daughter on a trip such as this. We were so minimally screened as host families it would have made me nervous if I were the parent on the other end. No one ever did a criminal record check on us, barely interviewed us, and 2 days before the group arrived and they still needed host families, the qualification for hosting was that one be breathing.
The amount of money allotted for the group leader to spend on activities for each kid was pitiful.
I know this was a different organization, but when I started to look for a reputable program for our daughter, it is clear that there are many "foundations" fronting for for-profit organizations. Buyer beware.
Even if my paranoia is unfounded, after acting as a host family this summer for a similar type organization (students from Spain), I doubt I would send my daughter on a trip such as this. We were so minimally screened as host families it would have made me nervous if I were the parent on the other end. No one ever did a criminal record check on us, barely interviewed us, and 2 days before the group arrived and they still needed host families, the qualification for hosting was that one be breathing.
The amount of money allotted for the group leader to spend on activities for each kid was pitiful.
I know this was a different organization, but when I started to look for a reputable program for our daughter, it is clear that there are many "foundations" fronting for for-profit organizations. Buyer beware.
Sep 24th, 2005, 05:12 PM
#58
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I traveled with P2P in 1993 to Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Belarus. I was between my sophomore and junior years in high school (makes that pretty easy for someone to determine my age). The trip was 3 weeks long. I think that the cost was about $5,500 and included all airfare (from DFW to DC, DC to St. Petersberg, Moscow to NYC, and NYC to DFW), all meals, all accomodations, all tours, all museum admissions, AND college credit for a sociology class and high school credit.
While it may be overpriced, and may not be non-profit, it's definitely not a rip off.
The experience that I had was worth so much more than what I paid whether that's what it really cost the company or not. And why wouldn't I expect someone to make a profit off of it?
The trip would not have been nearly as beneficial if I had taken it with my family or if I had taken it at a later time in my life. It was a life changing experience in so many ways that I can't even begin to describe, but I'll try...
The initial meeting that you go to is of course going to try to sell you on it...if they didn't try to sell the program, then who would go?
From that first large meeting, if you decide that you are interested, you go through and application and interview process. I know for sure that there are people who applied and were not accepted.
The DFW group ended up being about 25-30 students. We went to several meetings before leaving that involved our parents and allowed us to meet each other, learn about Russian culture, some language, travel tips, etc. It really prepared us for the trip.
On travel day, we all met at the airport and went to Washington, DC and attended seminars and did sightseeing for about 3 days.
Then we took a charter plane to St. Petersberg. We stayed in some of the best hotels available where we were traveling (it's Russia though, so not luxurious, but safe). We did have 2 homestays, but they were day only - not overnight. At each new hotel, we were assigned to a new roommate so that by the end of the trip, I had roomed with every girl on my bus at least once.
We met with government officials and toured inside buildings that are not available to the average tourist.
Even if this is "overpriced" and the cost would pay for a family trip overseas, I would send my own high-school child in an instant.
I traveled with a group of peers that I only knew from the pre-departure meetings. I met other bright students your age from across the nation. Traveling with such a greatly organized and responsible group at that age WITHOUT family was a great growing experience. I took advantage of the college credit course which enhanced my traveling experience greatly and resulted in one less class to take in college (worth $1000). My school awarded high school credit to match the college credit. I grew in so many ways in that 3 week period that I can't even describe. I learned how to manage money on my own, learned to support a group of peers that I hardly knew, learned leadership, and learned how to be more independent. It was the first time that I spent that much time away from my family for such a long period of time (3 weeks seemed really long then) and it caused me to grow and appreciate my family more - having my sisters around and understanding how much my parents do for me. It gave me a great sense of independence (although there was always a counselor watching over us), sense of accomplishment, and faith in myself. It also gave me the travel bug and the confidence in being able to plan my own adventures anywhere in the world.
I know that cost is relative to every person's finances, but my parents really couldn't afford it either. I did get some sponsors, had an article written about me in the main Dallas paper, and raised money through a few fundraisers. I also worked a part-time job to help pay for the trip and save up any money that I wanted for souvenirs.
You aren't paying for just the trip - you are paying for the entire experience (although that word seems to have negative connotations here) and for the amount of growing that your child will go through if they are made to work for it, work hard to learn about where they are going, and work hard to learn while there. If your child wants to go, then they should (in my opinion) be made to work for it because they will cherish the experience more, learn the value of money, and will make sure that they behave so as not to be sent home (yes, they will send you home if you cause problems or create a safety issue for the group - we had one student sent home after our first night in Russia).
Now, whether its really the same to travel to Australia as it was to travel to Russia is questionable. There are so many things that we were forced to deal with in Russia that we wouldn't have had to deal with in Australia. And (forgive me if I'm wrong since I really don't know the history of Australia)..Russia is much more historical and has cultures that are very new to the average American high school student. To me, it seems like Australia is not as educational...I realize that it has educational value, but not like Russia.
This trip was the highlight of my high school years and I cherish the memories.
To all who have questioned the non-profit / for-profit status of this organization in comparison to other student exchange organizations, you should note that people make money in the non-profit organizations, too!! I know because I work for one. Just because the ORGANIZATION is non-profit doesn't mean that the people who run it and work in it aren't making a decent profit.
If some head guy at P2P made millions of dollars, then congratulations to him for doing well in business!!
As a side note, my sister also traveled overseas with a high school group when she reached the same age (she is a little younger than me), but not with P2P. While she had a fun experience, it was nothing like the educational life-changing experience I had with P2P. Also, they just drove by so many attractions rather than getting out, touching, seeing, learning....just being.
While it may be overpriced, and may not be non-profit, it's definitely not a rip off.
The experience that I had was worth so much more than what I paid whether that's what it really cost the company or not. And why wouldn't I expect someone to make a profit off of it?
The trip would not have been nearly as beneficial if I had taken it with my family or if I had taken it at a later time in my life. It was a life changing experience in so many ways that I can't even begin to describe, but I'll try...
The initial meeting that you go to is of course going to try to sell you on it...if they didn't try to sell the program, then who would go?
From that first large meeting, if you decide that you are interested, you go through and application and interview process. I know for sure that there are people who applied and were not accepted.
The DFW group ended up being about 25-30 students. We went to several meetings before leaving that involved our parents and allowed us to meet each other, learn about Russian culture, some language, travel tips, etc. It really prepared us for the trip.
On travel day, we all met at the airport and went to Washington, DC and attended seminars and did sightseeing for about 3 days.
Then we took a charter plane to St. Petersberg. We stayed in some of the best hotels available where we were traveling (it's Russia though, so not luxurious, but safe). We did have 2 homestays, but they were day only - not overnight. At each new hotel, we were assigned to a new roommate so that by the end of the trip, I had roomed with every girl on my bus at least once.
We met with government officials and toured inside buildings that are not available to the average tourist.
Even if this is "overpriced" and the cost would pay for a family trip overseas, I would send my own high-school child in an instant.
I traveled with a group of peers that I only knew from the pre-departure meetings. I met other bright students your age from across the nation. Traveling with such a greatly organized and responsible group at that age WITHOUT family was a great growing experience. I took advantage of the college credit course which enhanced my traveling experience greatly and resulted in one less class to take in college (worth $1000). My school awarded high school credit to match the college credit. I grew in so many ways in that 3 week period that I can't even describe. I learned how to manage money on my own, learned to support a group of peers that I hardly knew, learned leadership, and learned how to be more independent. It was the first time that I spent that much time away from my family for such a long period of time (3 weeks seemed really long then) and it caused me to grow and appreciate my family more - having my sisters around and understanding how much my parents do for me. It gave me a great sense of independence (although there was always a counselor watching over us), sense of accomplishment, and faith in myself. It also gave me the travel bug and the confidence in being able to plan my own adventures anywhere in the world.
I know that cost is relative to every person's finances, but my parents really couldn't afford it either. I did get some sponsors, had an article written about me in the main Dallas paper, and raised money through a few fundraisers. I also worked a part-time job to help pay for the trip and save up any money that I wanted for souvenirs.
You aren't paying for just the trip - you are paying for the entire experience (although that word seems to have negative connotations here) and for the amount of growing that your child will go through if they are made to work for it, work hard to learn about where they are going, and work hard to learn while there. If your child wants to go, then they should (in my opinion) be made to work for it because they will cherish the experience more, learn the value of money, and will make sure that they behave so as not to be sent home (yes, they will send you home if you cause problems or create a safety issue for the group - we had one student sent home after our first night in Russia).
Now, whether its really the same to travel to Australia as it was to travel to Russia is questionable. There are so many things that we were forced to deal with in Russia that we wouldn't have had to deal with in Australia. And (forgive me if I'm wrong since I really don't know the history of Australia)..Russia is much more historical and has cultures that are very new to the average American high school student. To me, it seems like Australia is not as educational...I realize that it has educational value, but not like Russia.
This trip was the highlight of my high school years and I cherish the memories.
To all who have questioned the non-profit / for-profit status of this organization in comparison to other student exchange organizations, you should note that people make money in the non-profit organizations, too!! I know because I work for one. Just because the ORGANIZATION is non-profit doesn't mean that the people who run it and work in it aren't making a decent profit.
If some head guy at P2P made millions of dollars, then congratulations to him for doing well in business!!
As a side note, my sister also traveled overseas with a high school group when she reached the same age (she is a little younger than me), but not with P2P. While she had a fun experience, it was nothing like the educational life-changing experience I had with P2P. Also, they just drove by so many attractions rather than getting out, touching, seeing, learning....just being.
Sep 24th, 2005, 05:24 PM
#59
Join Date: Sep 2005
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gail..
The organization I work with is probably very similar to the organization that your Spanish student is traveling through. These organizations are required to do more than make sure the host family is responsible and trustworthy - and for the most part, the current federal rules (if followed) will ensure that the student is in a safe home. However, there are always a few host families that turn out to be something other than originally thought -- and the organization is required to make sure the student is moved out of that home and into a safe home. These organizations do operate under the rules of the US Department of State. There may be some organizations that don't fully comply, but if you contact CSIET and ask them about the organization you are going through, they can let you know whether that organization is meeting standards. Please don't try to turn everyone off to the entire student exchange practice -- it really doesn't help us (the organization) when it comes to finding decent host families.
The organization I work with is probably very similar to the organization that your Spanish student is traveling through. These organizations are required to do more than make sure the host family is responsible and trustworthy - and for the most part, the current federal rules (if followed) will ensure that the student is in a safe home. However, there are always a few host families that turn out to be something other than originally thought -- and the organization is required to make sure the student is moved out of that home and into a safe home. These organizations do operate under the rules of the US Department of State. There may be some organizations that don't fully comply, but if you contact CSIET and ask them about the organization you are going through, they can let you know whether that organization is meeting standards. Please don't try to turn everyone off to the entire student exchange practice -- it really doesn't help us (the organization) when it comes to finding decent host families.
Sep 24th, 2005, 05:26 PM
#60
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Sorry...
"These organizations are required to do more than make sure the host family is responsible and trustworthy"
should have been
"These organizations are required to do more than make sure the host family is just breathing - they have certain guidelines that they follow to see that the host family is responsible and trustworthy - you just may not see it."
"These organizations are required to do more than make sure the host family is responsible and trustworthy"
should have been
"These organizations are required to do more than make sure the host family is just breathing - they have certain guidelines that they follow to see that the host family is responsible and trustworthy - you just may not see it."
