<p>Okay, so I've started getting invitations to stuff for Summer '08. So far I've gotten:</p>
<p>-People to People Student Ambassador Program in England/France (I have friends who have done this so I know it's pretty good)
-Global Young Leaders' Summit in China (I've been to this organization's programs before and enjoyed it as well)
-LeadAmerica conference (I attended one of these last summer and LOVED it even more than the GYLS-type thing)
-Junior Statesman Program</p>
<p>Anyone who can offer insight on any of these programs?</p>
<p>instead of selecting from a list of programs that have solicited your money -- try to decide what you want out of this summer. Do you need to strenghten any academic skills -- like writing or math? Do you need to add a class to your transcript to make you more attractive to the schools you are interested in (for instance -- you have biology and chemistry, but you can't fit physics into your schedule). Do you want to increase your fluency in a second language? Do you want to do some volunteering or travel? Is there an interest you have that you want the opportunity to explore in more depth -- or something you have never tried and you want to?</p>
<p>Once you have figured out what you are looking for -- spend some time looking for several programs that fit your needs. Most summer programs are interesting and enjoyable, but if you find one that meets your goals it will be that much better.</p>
<p>I'd looove to travel, which is why I'm not really looking at any of the CA programs. especially since it's my last summer before college. ^_^</p>
<p>If you want to travel, the real issues should be where you want to travel. Do you want to go to China? Or would you rather go to France? There are plenty of other travel-based summer programs; it really depends on where you want to go.</p>
<p>I think I'll probably go to LeadAmerica again. I had an absolutely amazing time last year, and I can't go to China because my graduation is RIGHT in the middle of the program...and I don't particularly want to go to England/France (I do, but not with strangers).</p>