People to People?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-1998
People to People?
18
Mon, 01-14-2008 - 7:39pm

My daughter is going on a People to People student ambassador trip this summer. Has your child ever done this or anything similar?


I am very happy with the quality of the leaders, and from what I've seen, of the kids in her group. However, I'm a little anxious about my dd's lack of life experience. She's very mature for her age and really pursued this, so I know she's ready, but she's rather clueless about a lot of things.


I'd love to hear from others whose kids have gone abroad without their parents. Also, do you have a good source for teen-friendly travel clothing you can wash in a sink? (There won't be any opportunities to wash clothes in a laundry and she's limited to one bag for a 3 week trip.)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-1998
In reply to: ashmama
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 5:24pm

Their recruiting methods have been widely criticized because they imply that everyone who receives a letter is somehow specially chosen, which is not true. However, the process of being chosen to go is somewhat selective (basically, any mature kid who can cough up 3 recommendations, do well in an interview and fork over a truckload of cash can go.) They also weed out kids who don't seem ready during the mandatory orientation sessions, and they send kids who violate the rules home.


So I do feel comfortable with the caliber of student going, as well as with the leaders, who are required to be certified teachers. IOW, no 19 year old "counselors."

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-1998
In reply to: ashmama
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 5:27pm

The chaperones are all certified teachers with many years' experience. They have a 1:10 ratio for the middle and high school levels, higher for the 5th and 6th graders. They also have a system in place in every country to ensure that the kids are safe and that things go smoothly.


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-1998
In reply to: ashmama
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 5:35pm

Yes, those invitations aren't as "special" as they imply. But I was pretty happy with the application process and I really like the leaders. They definitely know this age group and run a tight ship.


I have the sense that while the program is educational, (and at this age, with so little life experience, any type of trip is educational), they also seem to travel in style, which is one reason it's so costly.

Community Leader
Registered: 12-16-2003
In reply to: ashmama
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 5:46pm
My dd has been invited to Australia and Europe.

Ramona  Mom to 2 great kids and wife to one wonderful hubby since 1990!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-1998
In reply to: ashmama
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 6:05pm

I found some disposable undies online, but they were expensive. I may try the dollar store. She's picky about the tags and whether they itch, though.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-31-2007
In reply to: ashmama
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 7:14pm

It has been a while my oldest is a sophomore in College lol I never let him go unfortunately because it made it sound like the chaperons were people we didn't know . So I was to paranoid to let him go. Looking back on it What a great opportunity! I told him now once he graduates he better be making some money and he can pay for himself to go.


Good luck and I wish everyone a safe journey. Where are they going every year is different?



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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
In reply to: ashmama
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 8:20pm

Dd has gotten letters from them in the mail for several years now.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
In reply to: ashmama
Wed, 01-16-2008 - 7:52am

I know several kids who have done it.

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