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What is People to People Ambassador Programs? |
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People to People Ambassador Programs offers students in grades 5–12 the opportunity to change their world through international travel. Our unique, behind-the-scenes access (in destinations on all seven continents!) enables students to enhance their education while they also build confidence, initiative, and cross-cultural understanding. Journeys are typically two to three weeks in length, and feature numerous opportunities for hands-on learning, immersion, adventure, community service, and personal exchange with the local people.
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How did People to People Ambassador Programs start? |
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President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched the People to People movement in 1956, believing that "peaceful relations between nations require mutual respect between individuals." In 1963, the first People to People Ambassadors gave life to this mission on in-depth international journeys. Since that time, more than 500,000 Ambassadors have changed their world for the better. |
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How do you keep my child safe while traveling? |
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The health and safety of our Student Ambassadors is always our top priority. After nearly 50 years helping students explore their world, we are well equipped to anticipate and meet nearly every situation. Our knowledgeable OnCall staff is available 24/7 during the travel season to assist students, leaders, and parents. Delegation leaders are thoroughly trained to help the students in their care, and the delegation managers, who are experts in the destination, are with the delegation at all times. Learn more about how People to People ensures students' safety. |
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Does Student Ambassador travel really help you get into college? |
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People to People Ambassador programs offer many benefits that can help in the college admissions process. Student Ambassadors in grades 9–12 are eligible to earn high school credit through the Washington School of World Studies; the cost for this credit is included in the program tuition, and the unique transcript becomes part of the student's resume. Participants in grades 7–12 may also choose to earn early university credit at an additional cost. But perhaps the most valuable benefits come without a transcript—including independence, initiative, and a growing awareness of the world. Past Ambassadors often report that their admissions essays centered on an experience from their Student Ambassador travels. |
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How do you choose the teacher leaders who chaperone the students? |
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We choose teacher leaders in much the same way we select Student Ambassadors: through applications, recommendations, and personal interviews. Delegation leaders must also pass a background check, be certified in CPR, and complete extensive pre-travel training. We have a large group of leaders who return each year, and some have more than 20 years' experience in leading student delegations. Meet a few of our outstanding leaders. |
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How much does the program cost? |
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For families' peace of mind, each program's tuition includes all accommodations and meals, all international transportation, and all substantial costs; learn more about everything that's included here. Tuition varies by program. Please refer to the Application Booklet for the tuition for your chosen destination. |
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How can I become a Student Ambassador? |
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First, apply online. Next, collect three recommendations from teachers and other adults who know you well. Your local Student Ambassador leaders will review your application materials and contact you to set up an interview. After your interview, we will notify you about your acceptance as a People to People Student Ambassador. If accepted into the program, you will attend four to six orientation meetings, which will provide all the details you'll need to embark on your journey. |
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I have events already scheduled for the summer. Can I choose my departure date? |
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If you want to travel with Student Ambassadors from your area, your departure date will be assigned to you. We will schedule the program to depart after all school closures in your area, normally between the first week of June and the end of July, but this date is not customizable. |
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How long will I be away from home? |
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Most Student Ambassador journeys are between two and three weeks long, depending on your grade level and the countries you'll be visiting. Programs for high school students and for returning Student Ambassadors tend to last about three weeks. Programs for fifth and sixth grade students are usually about two weeks in length. |
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How can I communicate with my child during the trip? |
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As a parent you have many ways to get in touch with your Student Ambassador. Your child is free to call home during the journey, and during the pre-travel orientation, your teacher leaders will advise you of the best times and ways to contact your child. We remind parents not to worry if you don't hear from your child during the first few days of the journey; Student Ambassadors have full schedules and are often too excited by the activities to stop and call home. |
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How do you handle homesickness when my child is so far from home? |
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A focus on friendship and a packed schedule of educational activity can do wonders to ward off homesickness. Your child's teacher leaders will watch for signs of worry and encourage any homesick Student Ambassador to call home. A quick phone call to a positive, reassuring parent is often all a homesick student needs to return to the fun and adventure of a Student Ambassador journey. |
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My child has specific medical needs. Can you accommodate my child's needs during travel? |
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We are able to manage a wide range of needs and conditions during travel. Parents are asked to disclose all diagnoses and treatments for their child. After reviewing these forms, our Medical Team may contact the family for more information. The teacher leaders will be advised of your child's health needs. While they cannot administer medication, leaders will keep a watchful eye throughout the program; we also encourage parents to share any helpful information about their child with the leaders prior to travel.
After Student Ambassadors are accepted, we will provide information about how to carry and plan the dosage of important medications while traveling. |
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What if there is a discipline problem? |
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Our selection process is designed to ensure that every Student Ambassador delegation is made up of well-mannered and self-disciplined students. And our leaders are educators who have the classroom and youth leadership experience to handle their delegations appropriately and effectively. During the pre-travel orientation, Ambassadors and parents will learn about our Standards for Success and the specific consequences for any violations. In the event of a serious violation, the parents of the offending delegate will be notified immediately, and the Student Ambassador will be escorted home as quickly as possible. We aim to ensure that no single participant's behavior interferes with the positive opportunities for committed Student Ambassadors to learn and explore on their exciting educational adventure. |
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How was my child invited to participate in the program? |
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Many students are nominated for the program by their teachers or by former Student Ambassadors and their parents. We also believe that every deserving student who wants to see the world should have the opportunity to become a Student Ambassador. For this reason, we work with student listing organizations to send invitations to students who may be interested in the program. Students can also request an invitation online.
Regardless of how they are invited, all students must submit three letters of recommendation and be interviewed by local delegation leaders. We rely on this selection process to help us ensure that students are appropriate candidates for the program. |
