People to People Ambassador Program -- Sued over death of student

<p>Every year we have posters asking questions about the Student to Student Ambassador Program. Some students have attended and enjoyed the experience and others claim it is a scam. From recent information, it is clear that the program is a money-making venture using deceptive information to lure in unsuspecting students with more concern for appearances and making money than the safety of their charges.</p>

<p>People</a> to People Faces Wrongful Death Lawsuit</p>

<p>They are being sued over the death of a student while on their program -- and if you read the article (there are multiple articles about this) I don't see how they have any defense. They ignored his repeated requests for medical attention, even after he had been vomiting blood for hours and had been sick for days. They didn't even notify the parents he was ill until he was brain-dead. Talk about neglect! They did take the time, however, to call his parents from Japan to let them know he broke the rules by holding hands with his girlfriend.</p>

<p>As a parent whose kids do many different summer programs, it reinforces my belief that you not only need to check out the programs (and that doesn't always work -- they are good at hiding the bad stuff) but make sure you child has a method of contacting you (cell phone, free 800# to home, calling card) and knows that no matter what other adults tell them, it is always ok to call home.</p>

<p>Another link regarding some issues with the People to People Ambassador Program:</p>

<p>People</a> to People: How Selective Is It?</p>

<p>Oh my goodness. That's absolutely HORRIBLE. </p>

<p>I was invited to go abroad with P2P this summer, but I didn't have any interest in it...and now I am SO glad I'm not going.</p>

<p>That makes me feel so fortunate to have the good experiences I've had both with the NYLC and LeadAmerica programs. At either of these, anytime anyone got sick the people in charge were caring and responsive. I can't IMAGINE what those people were thinking in denying him treatment. My heart goes out to the young man's friends and family.</p>

<p>Wow, that is awful. Prior to my knowing of P2P's misgivings, I was sad that I wasn't able to go because it cost so much. Now that I know about their profit-hungry mentality and disregard to the kids, I'm glad I didn't go.</p>

<p>What an expose... we should spread this article.</p>

<p>That is terrible. I didn't go for monetary reasons. But, a friend of mine went on a similar trip and wasn't notified of this, despite the fact that it happened, right before she went. I'm disgusted by the fact they took so little action.</p>