People to People Student Ambassador program

» sfranci - People to People Student Ambassador Program

My daughter went on the European Odyssey trip this past summer. She worked for 10 months to fund raise and raised all but $200.00 of the tuition. We looked forward to an experience of a lifetime. That she got, however not all positive.
She and another child were put into a homestay in France. For the girls it was a nightmare. The family was volatile, screaming and carrying on. They PUSHED alcohol on the girls and not just champagne as would be the pride of their culture but any alcoholic beverage they were imbibing in. When the girls used the code word for an emergency to the leaders they were berated and insulted by the leaders. Not once did any of the 3 leaders physically check on them. In fact upon their return to the group they were made an example of,teased and singled out by the leaders.I got a frantic call from my daughter, they were scared to death and there was nothing that I could do. It was the most helpless I have been as a parent in my daughters almost 14 years of life.
I have contacted the organizations office with my concerns, especially the fact that I do not believe the family was screened and have not received proof that they were. All I received is a lame letter from delegate services and my concerns an theinformation that I requested were not addressed.
This a lot of money to spend to have the trip end up as such a nightmare, and to have safety precautions not acted on. We were mislead in many ways. I do not want any other delegate or family to have to go through what we did. I would think long and hard if you are considering sending your child.
This is my first posting on Internett and Iwill continue to post as many as I can. Please heed this warning.

-- posted by sfranci

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» sfranci - Re: Re: Re: Questions about the program

If you are concerned your daughter is not ready DON'T send her. If I had to do it again I would not send my daughter period, but certainly not until she was entirely self sufficient. Please read my posting.

-- posted by sfranci

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» thirth - Re: People to People Student Ambassador Program

I am so sorry that you had this experience. This is definitely not an occurrence that happens on any regular basis. Please continue to voice your concerns with PTP and make sure you are heard. Unfortunately, there are a few leaders who do not do their job. They are taken out of the program and not allowed to travel again. My first priority as a leader is to keep the kids safe, and I can tell you that any leader that I know would take the mention of a code words extremely seriously and be in contact in person with the hour. No program is perfect, and I hope that you continue to speak with PTP so they can make sure this does not happen again.

-- posted by thirth

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» P2PHoper16 - Concerns

I went to my interview today and they asked me about the pleadge and i said i don't say it and don't believe in it.Will they not let me go on the trip because of this?

-- posted by P2PHoper16

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» P2PHoper16 - Concerns

I went to my interview today and they asked me about the pleadge and i said i don't say it and don't believe in it.Will they not let me go on the trip because of this?

-- posted by P2PHoper16

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» StudentAC55 - My interview was today.

My interview was today. It went well and I got found out tonight that I got accepted to go to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you for all of your help. Many people I know have participated in People to People programs and loved them. It seems like a wonderful opportunity.

-- posted by StudentAC55

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» thirth - Re: My interview was today.

Congratulations! I hope you have a wonderful experience. I did the Australia/New Zealand trip in 2004, and it was incredible. Just take some warm clothes, because New Zealand is COLD!!

-- posted by thirth

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» tina1798 - People 2 People Student Ambasador

My 12 1/2 year old daughter just had her interview and was accepted to go to Australia summer 2006 yesterday. We are excited for her. I to have had some skepticism, it this legit. Why don't they tell you who recommended you? Are they buying lists from the schools? It sounds as if your child is "qualified" and you make them feel special, then they find out everyone got the letter. Anyway, we are sending our daughter. The money is kind of tough, but there is no way we could afford to go as a family and she may never have this chance again. After meeting the delegation leaders, I have no qualms about the fact that she will be in good hands and that Safety is first and foremost. If I didn't think she was mature enough, that would be a different story. I do understand that maybe P2P does not quite present themselves for what they are "a travel agency", but I believe this is a once in a lifetime experience for my daughter and I have no hesitations.

-- posted by tina1798

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» thirth - Re: People 2 People Student Ambasador

Congratulations on your daughter going on the program! I can tell you why I don't always want students to know that I nominated them; I do not nominate all of my classroom students, and I don't want anyone's feelings to get hurt. We have a choice when we nominate - to let our names be known or not. I choose not to so I don't have parents asking me why I nominated so-and-so and not their child. Does that make sense?!

I can tell you that they do not buy lists from schools. And I can also say that not everyone that is selected to be interviewed ends up going on the trip. I truly do not feel that this is a travel agency - when you start attending the monthly delegation meetings, you will learn what the program is all about! Have Fun!

-- posted by thirth

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» thirth - Re: Concerns about the Pledge

If you do not say the Pledge because you do not believe in God, I would say that I would overlook that as a leader. If you do not say the Pledge because you do not pledge allegiance to the United States, I would not accept you. The purpose of this program is to promote world peace and to be ambassadors from the United States. We go to other countries hoping to break the stereotypes that have been formulated about Americans. If you cannot pledge allegiance to the United States, this program is not for you.

-- posted by thirth

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