People to People Student Ambassador program

Top 89. Sep 25, 2005 11:31 AM

» thirth - Re: Re: People to People

I am not sure of the amount of students that are invited to travel. Usually at the middles school invitational meeting for my area, there are around 150 middle schoolers that attend. Out of that, I usually have 55 - 60 that actually go. When the group reaches 45 or 46, another group is formed and they travel on the same itinerary, but with another set of leaders and another time frame. We take a lot of time interviewing the students and checking recommendations. I have had a few students that we did not accept to travel because their recommendations were not that great and/or during the interview, we were concerned with their behavior or answers/reactions to the strict guidelines for behavior we have on the trip. The trip is around $5,000. This amount covers everything, and you could actually send your child with absolutely no spending money, and they would be fine. What I suggest to the parents is to sit down before the trip and make a list of people they need to buy gifts for and to come up with a budget. During the monthly meetings we go over all of this and how to do it. My suggestion for carrying money is this: purchase some of the country's money ahead of time so they will have some with them at the beginning of the trip. How much is up to you. Then, I have found the best thing to do is to get your child a Visabuxx card. This is a Visa card that you put money on for them to use, and you determine how much goes on it. It works just like a Visa card. And the best thing is - you can look online to see how much they are spending and what they are spending it on. So if they go through $100 in three days and call you for more money, you can see if they have been just buying snacks or legitimate gifts! The web site is visabuxx.com. People to People has a whole book on fundraising ideas. You can request to have one sent to you. I have known students who raised the whole amount, I have known students who raised all of their spending money, and I've had some who raised $2000 of the cost. Good luck!

-- posted by thirth

Top 90. Sep 25, 2005 1:26 PM

» Parents - Re: Re: Re: People to People

We are very excited about this opportunity for our daughter. I really like the idea of a visa card and being able to see how/where she spends her money. Thank you very much thirth, you have been very helpful.

-- posted by Parents

Top 91. Sep 25, 2005 6:26 PM

» thirth - People to People

You are very welcome. I am very passionate about this program, and am happy to answer questions!

-- posted by thirth

Top 92. Sep 25, 2005 9:25 PM

» StudentAC55 - I'm having my interview in the next few weeks, and I was wonder

I'm having my interview in the next few weeks, and I was wondering how many people on average get interviewed, and how many actually get asked to go on the trip(they said they'd be taking about 40 students from my area). I have my recommendation letters and very excited about this opportunity. I'm just worried about the interview. Is there anything extra I should do to prepare?

-- posted by StudentAC55

Top 93. Sep 26, 2005 5:44 AM

» thirth - Re: I'm having my interview in the next few weeks, and I was wo

Here are some sample questions you may be asked at the interview - I am sure you will do fine, and good luck!

What school are you currently attending? What is the most positive aspect of your school? What
changes could be made to your school to make it better?
How do you spend most of your free time?
Tell us about your activities outside of school. What have you gained from these activities?
Why do you want to be a Student Ambassador? How will these experiences help you in your
future?
Have you ever faced disciplinary action by your school, community, or state? If so, what and why?
How would you deal with being a guest for dinner in someone’s home and they served you a meal that did
not appeal to you?
How would you deal with your luggage being lost for a day? A week? The entire program?
Have you ever been away from home for a period of time without your parents? Where? How long?
How did you cope?
What kind of roommate would you be?
What would you hope to gain from this program?
How do you plan to prepare for this program?
In what ways have you shown your ability to be a leader?
Tell us about your travel experience. Where have you traveled? What did you like best about your
previous travels? What were the problems that you experienced during your travels?
What qualities do you have that will contribute to the other students on this program?
What aspects of yourself do you like the best? What aspects would you like to improve?
How important is getting good grades to you and why?
Tell us about the town you are from. Is it a good place to live? Why or why not? What would you
want people overseas to know about your hometown?
What have you done that you are most proud of?
If you were given $100 and told to have fun with it, what would you buy?
How would you try to seek help in a strange city?
What are you most interested in seeing on your People to People program?
Tell us about the happiest day of your life.
How would your friends describe you?
How would your teachers describe you?
How did you celebrate your last birthday?
What is your favorite song? Why?
What is your favorite novel? Why?
Who is the best teacher that you have ever had? What made that person the best?
Name one person who has had the greatest influence on your life. How has knowing them made
you a better person?
Describe a typical Saturday for you.
How would you get to know someone new to your school?
What is the difference between a tourist and a Student Ambassador?

-- posted by thirth

Top 94. Sep 26, 2005 3:32 PM

» Giovanni05 - Re: Re: I'm having my interview in the next few weeks, and I wa

In response to Re: I'm having my interview in the next few weeks, and I was wo posted by thirth:

That's alot of questions! Well I received a letter today saying that I had been nominated by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or taken from an academic list to go overseas. They told me If I wanted more info to go online, put my code and see where my meeting was going to be. My question was on the first day do you take the recommendations or do they ask you about your interview and ask for recommendations later.

-- posted by Giovanni05

Top 95. Sep 26, 2005 4:01 PM

» thirth - Re: Re: Re: I'm having my interview in the next few weeks, and

Don't worry! We don't ask all of the questions! Those are just the sample questions you MIGHT be asked!

When you attend the invitational meeting, you will receive a handbook. In the handbook will be your recommendation forms, as well as an application (you can also apply online). At the invitational meeting you will sign up for an interview time; you need to bring your recommendations to the interview. You will also need to fill out the interview questionnaire, which is also in the handbook.

Go to the invitational meeting and learn all about the program. Afterwards, if you want to go (I KNOW YOU WILL!!!), then you can concentrate on the interview and the recommendations!

GOOD LUCK!

-- posted by thirth

Top 96. Sep 29, 2005 10:22 AM

» mcoleman65 - Re: People to People

In response to People to People posted by thirth:

Im a middle school counselor. I have a student who wants info. on fundraising for the p2p trip to the UK. Any ideas?
Matt

-- posted by mcoleman65

Top 97. Sep 29, 2005 4:00 PM

» thirth - Fundraising

Have your student call People to People at the
1-800 number that they should have with their application, or they can send an email to info@studentambassadors.org. People to People has an extensive booklet on fundraising ideas that they send out when requested.

-- posted by thirth