<p>What are some worthy summer programs with travel opportunities, particularly to Europe? What was the cost and did they offer any financial aid? Any background information, from the program to the students, and advice is also welcome.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Any advice?</p>
<p>Bump please!</p>
<p>NOT worth it. I went to Japan for 8 weeks..but I STAYED WITH A HOST FAMILY..now that is an experience of a lifetime. I'm sure the cost is comprable (though I paid nothing..I got a schlorship) but the experience is incredibly more unqiue and worthwhile. While I was there, my host family hosted another girl for like 2 days as an american through like People to People or something..and she said it was fun..but too much structure and not enough culture..But really think about it, if you are with a group of 30 american kids, being shuffled from city to city, you are NEVER going to experience the culture or even get a real feel for the city. Its too fast, and too much "American". She said it would just get old, and seem liek the same thing over and over. Plus, they had an insane sechdule, and they'd be out from like 7-12. Look into summer host programs, those are INCREDIBLE. I can't even begin to describe it, it was a life changing experience, these travel programs are too gimmicky and you will NOT get a feel for the international-ness of the country</p>
<p>Look into CCI and YFU, all offer finaid. I've heard good things about Putney .. but thats not Europe, and its more volunteering (I think)</p>
<p>Any more advice?</p>
<p>NOT People to People. My cousin went there, and it's just a bunch of middle school kids doing touristy things. Not to mention it costs over $6,000.</p>
<p>Well most programs are approx that much, but its what you get out of it..People to People does NOT give $6000 worth, others do. And there's always aid.</p>
<p>Well, which ones are worth the thousands?</p>
<p>I think it is hard to find a a summer program to europe not based around touristy things.
I think the more worthwhile and less expensive way to go is to stay with a family. I spent a month in spain my sophmore year and went to a university in Madrid. It requires a lot more effort on you part a little bit more self-confidence (metting new people in forgein country!), but it was a really great trip and I learned a lot.
What exactly are you looking for? study/ touring/ volunteering and what countries I think that makes a big difference too.
This summer I went with a group through my church and backpacked through the Fijian Highlands doing sanitation work. That was an even more amazing oprotunity, but it was also really putting yourself out there. I think the more willing you are to just do somthing off the wall, the better things will be. Maybe even think outside of Europe!<br>
With that said, if you want a very stuctured touring program People to People does have a good reputation, but it is not for everyone.</p>
<p>Well, since it will be my first time traveling by myself and my parents will be very strict about where I go and who I go with, I definitely want and need structure. So, if that's the case, would People to People be a reputable source for what I want?</p>
<p>Sorry somtimes I forgot everyones parents aren't hippies :)
Sure, People to People is great for Europe, but I think it is more of a middle school thing.
If you could convince them of letting you go outside of Europe check out Rustic Pathways. They have a tendency to go to slightly more out there places, but still structured and very safe.</p>
<p>Putney, CCI YFU</p>
<p>Now, do all summer travel programs require you to stay with a host family?Are there any in which you travel with a group of people around a particular place? BTW, thanks to everyone who's helped!</p>
<p>I think a lot of them do, but for programs like People to People its only like 2 days. It is a great experience to live with another family, but if you are a little concerned there are programs that offer it in small doses.</p>
<p>High-School</a> Programs</p>
<p>Summer "Study Abroad" Programs from Florida State University for high school students.</p>