People to People Student Ambassador Program

[2canSAM]

Just got a letter today that my child has been selected to go on an overseas trip with this program. I have a friend that did this when he was in school and his son has gone on a trip to D.C. with them, and is looking to go to Europe this summer. My Friend speaks highly of them. When I asked him how they select students he said they have to be recommended by teacher, alumni of the program or an administrator. However a quick google search turns up some not so favorable comments. Is anyone here familiar with the program?

 

[FoBoT]

one of my kids was invited
we didn't do it for 3 main reasons

1-cost, not that it was outrageous, we just didn't have the money
2-concern about proper chaperonage
3-we'd rather take our kids to Europe ourselves as a family vacation, but due to #1, that isn't going to happen for a while

i can't tell you it is good or bad, just that we chose not to send our kid on it

 

[2canSAM]

Yeah trip to Australia is 6,000.00. Pricey from what I have checked out and would love to make the trip as a family.

 

[effowe]

I actually went on 2 P2P trips back around 94-95. I met some great friends and have some great memories of traveling. The chaperons were nice enough (trying to take care of 30 12-13 year olds is quite the task I'm sure.) You would have to put in quite a bit of work as well, as there's a whole interview process, followed by meetings leading up to the trip. They require you to write essays and journals as well.

I remember them pushing the trip as something that would look good on college applications (the Student Ambassador title.) This turned out to not be the case. If you have the money and want to send your kid, I say go for it. As others have pointed out though, you could probably get a family vacation together for the same cost or less. You would have to take care of all the logistics of planning the trip and the sites you would see, but it would be more bang for your buck. P2P is expensive, and the trips are long (3 weeks a piece) but everything from site seeing to transportation to meals is all inclusive.

 

[Crono]

I got that. Didn't go because it was expensive and sounded scam-ish.

 

[Fern]

Just got a letter today that my child has been selected to go on an overseas trip with this program. I have a friend that did this when he was in school and his son has gone on a trip to D.C. with them, and is looking to go to Europe this summer. My Friend speaks highly of them. When I asked him how they select students he said they have to be recommended by teacher, alumni of the program or an administrator. However a quick google search turns up some not so favorable comments. Is anyone here familiar with the program?

My son received an invitation earlier this year, we assumed it was because of some kind of achievement etc (he's 12 yrs and taking college in the summer classes at Duke university).

However, I researched the organization thouroghly and they are a scam. Nothing but a trumped up, over priced travel company. If check into enough you'll find they really aren't who they say. The original org was started by Truman (or whoever, can't remember now) but was closed/dissolved after about a year when they declared they met their goals. Next year some other guys come along and refile using the same name and trying to capitalize on Truman's efforts.

They are under investigation in numerous states for fraud etc.

Long dead kids and even cats have received their letters/offers claiming they wer enominated etc.

Google their name and the program and you'll find all kinds of crap against them.

I wouldn't touch them with a ten foot pole or give them any money, much less send my son along under their care.

Fern

 

[manlymatt83]

I did the program in High School (2000) and it was one of the best experiences of my life.