<p>Anyone know anything about this organization or have personal experience?</p>
<p>D. received an "invitation", but both the letter and the website are very un-informative. (no mention of cost, who "nominated" her, etc.). To find out more information you must register via mail (or web), to attend a special information session -- which of course has limited seating! (Buy Now...)</p>
<p>My initial reaction is to throw it in the pile of expensive programs that claim to be an honor, but are in reality expensive programs (ie. Who's Who type of honors). My s. received info. on several similar "Leadership" programs in past years. I don't want to only criticize these, as I recognize that some students have attended, and thoroughly enjoyed them. However, my tendancy is to question any type of "honor" that has a large price tag attached. However, I do recall hearing about students in the People to People, program in the distant past (but unfortunately cannot remember from whom).</p>
<p>My D. also just received an invitation for the program in France, Italy and Greece next summer. We knew her history teacher nominated her last year, because the teacher told her so. One of D's friends went a few years ago to England and Ireland. She had a great time. The program is very expensive, around $3,000-$4000 for 3 weeks plus spending money. We're debating whether to let our D. go, primarily due to the large expense with college not far off (D is a junior).</p>
<p>My 2 older kids were "nominated" every year in Middle School, and so far my 7th grader has been selected last year and this year. On the other hand I know a young lady who went on two of their trips and had a wonderful time. I think study abroads in college are a better use of time and money.</p>
<p>My DD's friend received this 'honor' - it required her to have/raise several thousands of dollars to participate and it was a 3 week trip to Australia - great opportunity but.....personally I would rather have invested that $$ for a semester abroad in college had it been my DD.</p>
<p>During the process of this program - many of the initial participants had to withdraw due to the expense involved. Would certainly think twice aobut it.</p>
<p>What I really hate about it is that they apparently encourage kids to "fundraise" to pay for it, with the students presenting it to the community like it's some sort of selective community service activity, rather than what it is, an entertaining trip. A family in our community presented it that way, and I felt like I was considered kind of scroogish for not "contributing".</p>
<p>My S went on a 2 1/2 week trip to Australia and New Zealand after 8th grade. It cost around $3500. He had a ball, learned alot and met some neat kids that he has kept in touch with throughout hs by IM. We didn't consider it "an educational" experience or a "resume type thing", in fact he didn't even put it on his college apps. We sent him because he really wanted to go (and my H and I have secretly harbored a wish to go there too, so were able to live vicariously through him). He had been going to a summer camp every summer that cost about the same, so it was his choice to do this instead. He didn't go door to door asking for donations, I also think that is weird. He was invited on trips every year after that, but after that summer, he got involved with things that kept him busy. I thought it was a great experience for him, it was really well run and I felt safe about letting him go.</p>
<p>My son went on one of their trips in the summer of '04... he loved it and it was very well run. The kids and their parents met one day each month 6 months prior to departing to get to know each other (including the teachers that would be chaparoning) as well as do some research - (and presenting it to the group) on the places they'd be visiting. The kids had also done a community service project prior to going.</p>
<p>The trip itself was basically teens touring foreign countries. They saw and experienced many interesting cultural things...including homestays. And while it was a wonderful experience (traveling to interesting places with a group of your peers is a wonderful educational experience in itself)... they were not acting as ambassadors or people doing community service. True, while there, they had one afternoon that they participated in an environmental project... but the bottom line is it is a TRIP (with plenty of time for SHOPPING) for teens that can afford to travel.</p>
<p>All throughout the prep period (the 6 months), I found it DISGUSTING that they promoted fundraising... selling stupid candles, etc. to help raise funds so they could cover the cost of going. I HATE fundraising and asking anyone for anything... (I'm all in favor of kids DOING a service such as in a car wash - and EARNING $ for a cause)... but to put people on the spot to "donate" money or buy some stupid item (that everyone knows they don't want - but feel obligated to buy) so a teenager can go on a luxury trip is insane... and I'm surprised so many kids and THEIR PARENTS feel justified in asking others to pay so their kids can go. </p>
<p>It is a shame that People to People does that... they should just be up front and bill it the way it is... a wonderful chance for teens to see and experience the culture of other countries with a group of their peers...and if you can afford to send your kid... fine... if not, take a family trip someplace more economical.</p>
<p>The program had local kids meet for 2 months prior to trip and study and present topics related to countries they were visiting. Some children went who were on full scholarships. I perceived it as another teen tour, but with a different kind of person. </p>
<p>I never did fundraising nor expected S to go soliciting; except grandparents. Bought the silly gift wrap myself and just gave money rather than eat stale candy bars. Now, girl scount cookies I buy from everyone.</p>