<p>gsp - I agree to some extent... but I guess I'm a product of our society and assume that most intelligent people do what I do: research things -especially things where paying money is concerned. I never take brochures, ads, etc. for face value... Actually, when we'd received the P2P letters (starting when my son was in 5th grade, I believe).... I actually thought it was a real scam! I also had no interest in sending my child away that young, so I tossed the letters into recycle. Later, when he was 15, I looked into the program - thoroughly!! (My son's welfare was my first concern, money my second). It turned out to be a pretty good program. And turned out what I thought it would be... for the most part.</p>
<p>If a person is smart and looks into things BEFORE signing up or getting involved...and finds out the real deal, then they will not feel cheated or feel as they've been scammed. No different than READING the LABEL on a box of Cereal that advertises it's phoney health benefits OR what politicians spew out! Get the facts... period - then no surprises (usually :-))</p>
<p>I speak from a place where two students I know have recently been invited to participate in P2P and are now out in the community trying to raise money. They and their families are so excited because they were "nominated" by school staff, and there is perceived status and prestige because that nomination process..."the program must be legit, no matter what, if my teacher, counselor or principal nominated me." </p>
<p>One of the students was invited to go to Australia, which adds to the (hype) excitement. I think there is a $3k-$5k price tag, and know that this student's family can put that type of money to much better use!</p>
<p>A lot of people don't research, especially when they get one of those "Who's Who" type invitations, especially when they were nominated by a legitimate source (i.e. school staff), especially if they have never been anywhere or done anything before, especially if the marketing material makes the program sound so prestigious.</p>
<p>I am not saying that someone can't get value from participating in People to People, but the $3k-$5k price tag with no guaranteed return on the investment leaves me skeptical.</p>
<p>gsp, I agree with you again - I was very disgusted when the P2P program encouraged families to fund-raise for the cost of the trip. That is wrong, no 2 ways about it! It's like my family planning a trip and asking others to help fund it! TACKY, TACKY TACKY! If a family couldn't afford it, encouraging the student to get a part time job and pay for it would be the right way to go. For what it's worth, I even hate when school teams, clubs, etc. ask for donations too... To make money, I believe the students should actually PARTICIPATE IN EARNING THE $ by hosting and working a car wash, bagging at a grocery store, shoveling snow, etc. Really giving something of themselves... not peddling a stupid product (candles, in our P2P situation) that no one really wants, but feels obligated to buy. </p>
<p>As for the price tag, we paid $4500 (from what I remember) for my son to go to the UK for 19 days. This included airfare, accommodations, food, tours, guides, transportation within the countries - ferries, busses, museum/theater/activity fees... EVERYTHING except souvenir money. To be honest, I really think that is a bargain for what was received!!</p>
<p>..yea i went to the NYLF summer session in 05'....it was ok, u meet a lot cool ppl, but yea if u dont get to go on some of the good trips and what not, u def. get screwed for ur money!!...like me</p>
<p>
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Not when I went. I tried to meet with my congressman, and NSLC couldn't even get that right.
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</p>
<p>Hazhulkhen, you had to send your own letter and schedule that, it was not NSLC's jobd to fix everything up for you. 80% of that program is taking advantage of oppurtunities. We had to work through cancellations, building to building, to three different offices to finally work everything out, but it's all worth it.</p>
<p>Only thing NSLC ensured was that they'd get you their and provide the letterhead, which was very familiar to many offices in D.C.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any imput on the value, waste, benefit or not of the NYLF. They have a fancy invitation, want a lot of money.... please, any experience, comments, opinions.
Thanks</p>
<p>i went to NYLF medicine at emory last year. it was really fun and i met lots of cool people and i learned a lot more about medicine. my group visited a med school, hospital, and pharmacy school. we also learnd a lot more about the process of MCATs and med school and residency and stuff. we also talked about ethics and had debates and stuff. i had a really good time and it has made me really think about wanting to become a doctor</p>
<p>yea I went. It was a fun trip, and I guess I learned a little about our government. But even though I didn't get to meet my senators or representative, I got to meet thier staff, and that was just as good of an experience. If you get a chance, sit down and talk with some of the staff. Not only do they no the ends and outs of DC they also can give you other good information. I met one who went to the college Im going to next year and she gave me all kinds of good info on what classes and professors to take</p>
<p>I did the Stanford National Forensic Institute (debate camp). I never expected a ticket into Stanford.</p>
<p>I went because it was a respected debate camp in a fantastic campus. I was excited to go, I learned a ton, I had a good time, and I've benefited from it.</p>