People To People Student Ambassador Program Dishonest- not child friendly- anti - parent Ripoff Spokane Washington

OK. I've gone on these trips twice (Once to Australia and once to Europe) and I really think you have the wrong impression of this program. You're getting this whole conspiracy theory in your head when the fact of the matter is, People to People gives your child a great opportunity to experience aspects of a country that she could not experience while on a family vacation.

In regard to your research on the price of a trip to Australia: The money you spend on the trip will pay for your child's plane tickets, coach bus for the 3 weeks, hotels (most of which are very nice), 3 meals a day, and activities for the entire trip. While you might be able to find cheaper activities on your own, some of the more expensive activities offer a unique experience that can't be appreciated in any other way (i.e. the sydney harbor bridge climb - over $170 outside of PTP).

Anyway, sure you could go to Australia for cheaper, but in no way will your child experience a trip that compares to the trip PTP offers.

Well, okay. So I'll digress on the activities that she may experience with P2P as opposed to her family. However, the money aspect was only part of my post and I'd like to get your theory on a few more things in regards to P2P.

Explain the following please:
•Why were we lied to about our daughter being “nominated”?

•What is P2P trying to imply by using official looking seals on the announcement letters that are mailed to us?
•Why does P2P buy information regarding children?

•If this is such an exclusive privilege, why is it that when visiting the P2P website any person, regardless if they are children or adults, can send in “recommendations” and in turn be mysteriously “nominated”?

•This program for-profit so why does it mislead the public by dropping former Presidents names?

•Why won't P2P discuss money issues regarding the trip over the phone?

•Should loving parents take some one at their word when the first time a parent even hears about P2P they are lied too?

I received the letter today, intended for our 13 yr. old daughter. What is really freaky is that it is addressed to her last name as it was until she was 7. At this time her last name was legally changed, and I have not seen that on anything since then, until today. Although--we still have the same address since that time. That would mean that she was nominated at 7 or younger? Where are thsy really receiving these names? After reading these comments about the People to People program I am skeptical and feel this is a shady BUSINESS.

Carmen
Ridgeway, IA
USA

I recently sat through the same presentation where my 17 year old son had been "nominated." The fact is he is a good kid but lazy like most of us were at 17 and scraping by with a C average. Hardly the kid that you would think of to be chosen as an "Ambassador." Obviously, to me, there is a marketing machine behind this campaign.

I will set straight several facts:

1) This is a FOR PROFIT company. Place a call to their corporate office at 800-669-7882 and ask for yourself, just as I did.

2) The Parent Company API (Ambassador Programs International) "is registered or registering as a seller of travel..." They are simply a travel agency, apparantly, disguised as a governmental blessed organization of olive branch carriers. (See page 6 - the one they skipped in the presentation - Terms and Conditions 2nd to last paragraph)

3) The glitz and glamour sell tactic is what we call in the sales business the "take away" sell. You make someone feel like they may not be worthy enough for this, that they have to be "nominated" and "selected" and that person will generally fight harder (and spend more) to prove they are worthy.

4)Program Costs:
Our "Ambassador" costs presented to us were $6,399 (Tuition, Protection Plan Insurance, Zone Fare) before spending money, for a 20 day European Adventure trip. A quick analysis shows that roundtrip airfare purchased 60 days in advance for coach tickets to and from Paris from our hometown of Tampa was $656 p/person. Hotel was another $1,523 (Paris Only).

Now remember they are purchasing large quantities of tickets for airtravel. Booking hotel wings all assuredly at a steeply discounted rate.
I believe I could take my FAMILY OF FOUR on this trip for slightly more than the "Ambassador" program and pay standard fares.

Also of note there was never an open Q and A time after the presentation, which seemed rather odd. Rather it was a quick close after the powerful promo video with an offer to take questions on one one in private session. Is there something more to be hiding? Why was there not an open Q & A session?

I am not saying this program is without ANY merit, but at what COST. There certainly are some serious questions that need to be addressed up front and answered. I would like to see a break down of operational costs and where the profits are going. This is a BUSINESS aimed at selling us through our kids. Our schools are seemingly supportive of the program so...is it a ripoff? or not?

I see some confusion here, in regard to the programs, and definately some people upset by the cost. Please read through this information; I think that it will be helpful to those in a decision making process.

I'm 14 and I've traveled with PTP frequently. Yes, I agree, it is rather expensive. Unfortunately, something that often goes unmentioned at those meetings are the fundraising opportunities. There are also opportunities for scholarships. Some scholarships can be awarded based on financial need; others will be chosen by the student writing an essay.

Nevertheless, the trips are well worth the money. In response to the post above mine, People to People truly is working to build the road to peace. It depends on the organization that you travel with. There are three components to the People to People program. This particular trip that is being discussed here is with the People to People Ambassador program.

-Ambassadors focuses mainly on immersing student leaders, not just kids :-) into different cultures. It offers them the opportunity to become a well rounded person and to meet other student leaders much like themselves from around the world or nation. The CEO is Jeff Thomas.

-Sports Ambassdors is based on the sports that your team leader is interested in. I'm sorry, I don't remember all of the sports given, but you are given the opportunity to play your sport in another country with team leaders from all over the world. While I haven't gone a Sports Ambassadors trip, I have met many people who have nothing but good things to say about it. Delegates are chosen based on their leadership ability on the team--whether or not they're "good". They will play regardless of their athletic ability.

-People to People International (PTPI) is the base of PTP, as it was the very first part, founded fifty years ago by former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This part of PTP is non-profit, unlike the Ambassador programs, in which you can hold stock.

This is the part of PTP that works toward "Peace through Understanding". If you are interested in promoting this, this is the program for you. It is also the least expensive. Trips range from $500 to $5000.

They are VERY selective of student leaders, as each event that takes place happens only once every year. The two major events that take place are the Global Youth Forum (GYF) (which occurs in a different city each year) and the Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Conference (GYFHC).

The 2006 GYF took place in Kansas City, MO and the GYFHC will take place in Casablanca, Morocco. This is by far my favorite part of the organization, becuase it really shows how you, as a young person, can make a difference in the world.

In addition, you are not invited or nominated to attend these conferences. You apply yourself and then send letters of reccomendation. The President and CEO of People to People International will make the final decision.

There are also other things, such as Operation Iraqi Children (you just get the school supplies, you don't go to Iraq), Peace Camp, Student Chapters (I'm the President/Founder of my local student chapter), and many other things. There are also many scholarship opportunities with PTPI.

I myself have recieved scholarships to attend Global Youth Forums (there have been five; I got a scholarship for the last one in November, which was in Kansas City, MO, and I got the Mary Jean Eisenhower award, which included free tuition to the next GYF in Chicago). The age requirement for a GYF is 13-18 and the age requirement for a GYFHC is 16-18. I'm sorry, I don't know what it is for Peace Camp, but I am more than willing to find out for you.

People to People is an amzaing organization that has changed my life completely. I would be more than happy to answer questions for someone that wants to know more about PTP or PTPI. I am full of fundraising ideas, and within the next year, my student chapter MAY offer some scholarships to students interested.

I don't want money to deprive your student or team leader of this awesome, life changing experience. It saddens me to see that there are people that think negatively of People to People, and I am working hard to change that view.

In Peace,

How many noticed that these "P2P Alums" write in VERY mature styles for their stated ages?

Consider "I'm 14" Seton - De Pere, Wisconsin.

This person writes with the product knowledge breadth and style of a 40 year-old PR person.

Now if a 14 yr-old is this mature, they are also mature enough to see that their maturity, which we presume was attained as a result of their P2P experiences, would confer on them a considerable competitive advantage over less mature 14-year-olds. So why would they then dilute that competitive advantage by encouraging other 14-yr-olds to shed their own immaturity? This 'apparently alturistic' effort makes little competitive sense to me.

My wife went to Europe with the AFS (American Field Service) during the summer between her junior and senior years in high school. She was NHS, editor of the school paper, etc. The AFS was, as I recall, quite selective. Her father could also easily afford whatever the AFS expenses might have been. So maybe everyone wants to compare P2P to AFS?

I call bullshit on you buddy. Sorry to be so crass but if you're 14 years old then I'm the freaking Queen of England.

My sister who is 15 has been nominated to represent northern ireland-a nation that doesnt exist. My parents have 2 pay a fortune 4 her 2 go in the summer 2 washington nd at the same time shes got more bigheaded, yapping on bot goin 2 america with no regard 2 the cost. She thinks now that shes dead set for harvard without ne1 tellin her dats shes an irish catholic gurl hus better off doin sum work in da real world. This trip is a heap of bull nd not fair on parents hu feel obliged 2 send their child on it. My sister has hardly been out of ireland, but in a few months she'l b in New York and Washington being brainwashed in2 believin dat she is the future of america? i dnt think so! My family is goin without a holiday this year because of it-this year shuld b my last family holiday. America's neva been 2 keen on irish catholics in da past - r socialists 4 dat matter- y do dey want her now?

Believe it or not, yes, I am 14 years old. Born September 16, 1992....8th grade.....what more do you need to know? I appreciate that you think I'm mature; I have a feeling that was one of the reasons that I was nominated to participate.
I agree, that is pretty crass. I would have no reason to lie about something like age!

FYI..... A little old, but shows intent on P2P to misrepresent. Makes me wonder what else.

For immediate release -- Thursday, June 8, 2006.

"People to People Student Ambassador" Program Agrees to Modify Representations About How Students are "Selected" for International Travel
Iowa mother whose child died at age 7 weeks in 1993 received letter saying her son had been "recommended for the honor" of a 20-day trip to Europe (with a price tag of about $5,000.)

DES MOINES. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller has raised concerns with the marketing company for "People to People International" regarding how the company portrays the selection of students for its "Student Ambassador" travel-abroad trips -- and the company has agreed to modify its representations.

The Consumer Protection Division looked into the matter when an Iowa mother received a letter last fall inviting her son to "join other outstanding middle school students" from Central Iowa "who are eligible for People to People" and a 20-day travel and study trip to Europe in 2006. The letter indicated her son -- who died in 1993 at seven weeks of age -- "has been recommended for the honor by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or national academic listing."

"We understand a student generally must pay about $5,000 to go on one of the trips abroad," Miller said. "We conveyed our concern to People to People that parents who are induced to believe that their child was selected on merit are potentially misled, and may be improperly manipulated into making substantial expenditures they might otherwise decline to make."

The Attorney General's Office learned that in-person presentations to families who receive the invitation letter also convey the message that students are specially selected as an honor, and People to People representatives describe the program similarly over the telephone.

People to People International and Ambassadors Group, Inc, which markets the travel programs, have agreed to modify the introductory letter and the in-person presentation that relate to the "Student Ambassador" travel program to address the Attorney General's concerns that aspects are misleading. People to People also donated $20,000 to Blank Children's Hospital and $5,000 to the Iowa SIDS Foundation -- charities supported by the family of the child who died in 1993.

- 30 -

Background:

Ambassadors Group Inc., which markets the "People to People Student Ambassador Program" for students from grade school, middle school and high school, is based in Spokane, Washington. The web site for the program is www.studentambassadors.org.

The Attorney General's concerns, and the marketing changes that will be made to address the concerns, are spelled out in a letter from the Attorney General's Office to Gerald M. Chizever, an attorney representing Ambassadors Group, Inc.

[CLICK HERE here for the Attorney General's Office letter to Chizever and Ambassadors Group, Inc., for People to People's letter to the parents of the deceased Iowa boy, and for People to People's revised letter, with modifications sought by the Attorney General.]

Chizever stated on behalf of Ambassadors Group Inc. that the Attorney General's concerns are "unfounded and unwarranted," but agreed to review other letters and promotions that are sent to Iowans by People to People and to make sure the same concerns do not apply.

The Attorney General's Office did not take issue with the merits of the "Student Ambassador" trips abroad. The Office's concerns focused on the representations of how students were selected to receive invitations and solicitations to participate.

"We ultimately determined that one of the ways students are selected to receive an invitation from People to People is through a comprehensive national listing of persons projected to be students within a targeted age range," the Attorney General's letter to Chizever noted. "This explains why the mother of the infant who died a dozen years ago received an invitation, even though her child was never a student, let alone an 'outstanding' student recommended for an 'honor.' This appears to be the 'national academic listing' referred to in your letter to the Iowa mother."

END

http://www.state.ia.us/government/ag/latest_news/releases/june_2006/People_to_People_letters_6_06.pdf

http://www.state.ia.us/government/ag/latest_news/releases/june_2006/People_to_People.html

I went on the 20-day trip to England, Wales and Ireland with P2P and it was the best thing I've ever done! I'm 19 now and in college, when I went on the trip I was a freshman in high school. I went to the meetings 45 mins away from where I lived, I did the fundraisers (selling candy bars, 50/50 tickets, donations from my parents work places). I questioned who nominated me, because one of my friends did the trip to Australia, she said she never filled out the card to nominate people. Either way I didn't care.

Let me tell you about my trip. As I already stated, it was the best thing I've ever done. The people I went with on the trip were wonderful, the hotels were great! The money I paid covered 2 meals a day (breakfast came with the hotel rooms, that makes 3 meals!) 3 days we stayed at this adorable bed N breakfast in Wales, we had lots of free time to explore (in groups of course) the areas we were in. We saw all sorts of neat things. I believe I'm still in debt(figuratively speaking, not financially) to People to people and my parents for that great opportunity. So I say, if your child gets a letter from them, don't question it, it's not a scam, it's an opportunity of a lifetime for your child.

My comments my not be as mature as the 14 yr old that posted, but I can honestly say that this really is a great experience for anyone, child and parent alike. And if you don't believe me and want proof you may contact me. My email address is (((redacted))).

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

As a 19 y/o in college I'm some what surprised at that comment. Aren't young adults taught to question everything? If not, they will be sending out alot of naive, brainless wonders into the world.

In my opinion, this just shows you should ALWAYS question the "It sounds to good to be true" offers.

My name is Krysta Denzer, and I am a 14-year-old freshman and student ambassador with People to People. I must say that I am very insulted by the comments contained within "So did I..." (and note that "did" should be capitalized) and I find it to be degrading. Who says that 14-year-olds can't write well? Bah humbug! Absolute nonsense! And about "This 'apparently alturistic' effort makes little competitive sense to me." As human beings, it is our task to help others and to do our best to support worldwide intellect and knowledge. Without other mature people, there is no one to compete with anyway, which would only cause those who would otherwise be mature to become indolent. And we have a calling higher than that of competition! Just imagine what would happen if all of the mature people in the world shut themselves away and refused to help others become more mature! Why, that very fact proves that they are not mature.

And as a new ambassador I am having problems of my own as different family members continually hurl both positive and negative testimonials at me, some telling me to withdraw from People to People, and others telling me to stay in. But I must point out that all of the complaints that I have read were by people who did not actually go on the trips. I have talked with the relatives of two alumni and all of them said that their relative who went had a great time. And while I must say that it is wrong of People to People to lie about how they obtain students' names, I think that it is still a good opportunity. I love to travel and pray that I will be able to raise the money for my trip.

And by the way, the author of "people 2 people nonsense" has atrocious grammar and sounds to me quite like a jealous sibling. Opportunities come from taking chances, and people who only work in the "real world" only live ordinary lives. It is the innovators, the dreamers, the chance-takers, who become great in the books of history. So for those who aspire to high dreams of adventure and lives more-than-average, People to People is still a good opportunity.

I do believe you've missed the point of this complaint entirely Krysta.
The problem that I have with P2P is that it is not parent friendly. They refuse to answer questions over the phone and insist you bring your child to the meeting where they build them up and make it almost impossible for a parent to say no to the whole scam.
And yes Krysta, it is a scam. They do not choose children for this program the way the letter that is sent states. They lie about the entire process and they hide behind emblems and people of importance to draw people in. Again I ask how is a parent to trust a program with their child when the people running the program are blatant liars.

People to People is a wonderful program. I am not sure where these complaints are coming from. I have traveled with People to People sever summers in a row and have no complaints or regrets. It is well worth the money. Please don't let these negative comments discourage you from participating. And if you truly need financial support, simply apply for a scholarship. I got a full-paid scholarship for one program. And you can always fundraise.

Why do people listen to a couple bad reports when there are hundreds of good reports about students going on these programs. I know people who been on these trips and said it was the best time of their life. Just calm down and take a chill pill. It is a amazing program. I am very excited to go on my first trip the summer. Yeah so what if it cost a lot. It will be an amazing trip. What do you expect, prices keep going up for airfare and you have to pay for fuel. Plus most of the people that come on here claim it is a scam yet they mention they have never been on a trip. That doesn't make any sense one bit. I actually have a ton of friends who have been on a trip to Australia, Europe, and Japan.

And so what, why can't a 14 year old spell nicely. I know plenty of very smart 13 year old who can type like that. I don't even care about the nomination process. Yeah there are 600 kids at the info meeting. But not everyone gets in. Only 40 maybe 50. Sometimes even only 15 or 20 students in a group go. You have to go through a interview process. Even if you still don't think that is real. I would take it. How many students get to go overseas for 3 weeks and learn culture and history first hand. You get experience no one else gets. It could be meeting a member of parliament. Of staying the night in a tent at Warwick Castle. I have been to 2 orientation meetings and my 3rd is coming up soon. I leave in a couple months.

It is NOT a scam! Just by searching online you can find travel blogs, photos, websites, and blogs for the delegations while they are away on there. Youtube has videos of students on their trips. Do some research before you make a decision on not letting you child go.

There aren't only a couple of bad reports concerning P2P. There are thousands and I suggest you do some research on that before making wild statements.
You ask, Yeah so what if it cost a lot. Well, it means that not every child has the same opportunity for these trips as parents are led to believe. Children aren't being left behind from these trips because they aren't interviewing well, it's because they can't afford to pay for a trip for themselves AND for the group leader. I'm sure you do realize that's why the trips are so expensive because you're all about the research, right?

Apparently your parents haven't taught you that adage that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. P2P fits that adage well.

Also, when a for profit company starts out by lying to you about your children and refuses to answer simple questions over the phone then you can better believe that they are scamming you. The only difference is, some people can afford to be taken advantage of, and some can't.

I was a volunteer delegate leader with P2P for five years. As a rebuttal to the complaint offered, I have a few statements and questions:

1. Did you speak with any students who have traveled with P2P? or their parents?

2. The price you quoted for your family to go to Australia is no comparison to the cost of an escorted, muti-location, trip, that includes lodging, meals and activities. Our students don't merely go sight-seeing. They have a total experience that includes staying on farms in the Outback for three days, attending school with paired peers and living with them for three days, challenge activities such as: climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, in New Zealand we scale a mountain and reppel down a 250 cliff( with a sheer drop)! Is that in your family package?

3. We meet local govenrment officials. Other acitivies include interacting with Aborigines; experiencing their food and learning how to play the Degerrido, how to throw a boomarang and how to crack a whip! In New Zealand we stay with the Maori Indians on their reservastions and learn their songs and customs.

4. In Cairns, we went snorkling in the Great Barrier Reef, rode carousels through the rainforests, went to many animal parks, took pictures holding Koala bears. snakes, and baby crocs. We saw many animals native to various parts of Australia. We drank 'bush tea' and ate fabulous 'tucker' at a farm with emu, kangaroo, and camels. We flew in planes to local islands and fed small sharks by hand in the surf, at our feet. We got to other island (where Scooby doo was filmed) by 2 hour ferry rides. We rode trains along the coast and watched whales and dolphins. We walked through caves, pet kangaroos, rode horses in the Outback, saw camels there, too! We bought opals in Sydney and jade in Roarura, NZ. In , another challenge was a 310 foot zip line (with harness) that sped you down a mountain slope in 10 seconds! Really breathtaking!

5. This is just a small representation of 21 days of touring. We changed lodging and cities every two days. Some lodging we economy hotels but most (because our summer is winter in Australia) were at 4 and 5 star hotels! Just us and the Japanese (their most frequent vacationers)! One hotel had 5 foot chess pieces on a carpet chess board. The kids really loved playing there. another had five connecting pools, one with a jacuzzi attached. This hotel was designed to draw the Japanes. The entire interior was polished Rosewood, including the sliding (shoji screen) patio doors.

6. And lastly, regarding the free trip for leaders. I had your mindset before I took my first trip but the entire year includes preparation for our ambassadors. Once we finish two months of interviewing students (discouraging parental input). We begin our 3 hour monthly meetings. Students are required to complete given reports about locations, customs, history, people, etc. They are required to complete community service activities (my group volunteered with the Make A Wish Foundation kid's Triathlon). We practice packing one suitcase for a three week stay and a 40 lb. limit. And just for fun, we have suitcase relays to practice maneuvering with them. We prepare for our meeting with government officials with presentations, gifts, etc. We develop parent phone trees and our group websites to communicate with home. Four leaders are responsible for 40-44 high school students who truly believe that 'out of sight is out of mind'. We have to stay up until after midnight to ensure that everyone is sleeping where they're supposed to. Our day starts at breakfast at 6:45 and students must pack and load their luggage before eating. We have multiple head counts during the day because someone really thinks the 'bus can wait' until they finish shopping. We have students who have: a) been 'cutters', 2) bought drugs, 3) tried to order alcohol, 4) brought a bikini swimsuit and are mad because they cannot wear it (previous rules explained), 5) one student sent her underwear and clothes to be laundered and thought it was free! The bill was over $150! 6) Several students almost missed flights, at the first and second airport of a 24 hour travel trip (one way).
The only time we had for ourselves was 2 shopping mall visits where we all met back at the bus in 2 hours. OH!... and our tour guide had a timeline and walked like a track star through every city we saw. After hauling luggage up flights of stairs to get from domestic to international because we had too many people for the elevator, realizing that 44 people can't do laundry very often, and kids don't always get along, girls didn't bring personal items and those who take medications 'forgot' to bring them, I guess you could say - yeah - this was a free trip.

All in all I really enjoyed it and returned on my own to Australia and Europe to travel in peace. I'm not doing it now because a promotion has taken my summers.
I sent my granddaughter on the Paris to Italy trip and she'll never forget it. The independence, international exchanges with peers, adjustments to different roommates every 4 days, exposure to other worlds (beyond the vacationer's level) and the college and community service credits just aren't the same a the 'family vacation'.

My daughter was selected three times in two years to participate in People-to-People programs; twice for the Student Ambassador program and once for the sports program. We did attend the group meeting and it was quite impressive. I don't know how she was nominated nor by whom and I really didn't care. She's a good student, member of National Honor Society, good athlete and active throughout her school. So I wasn't surprised she was "nominated."

Seems to me the original poster's whole complaint is about this being some sort of a scam because of the way her child was nominated and because of the cost of the trip. Like the individual who has been on several of these trips noted, this experience is one that most will never have the opportunity to live -- even if you were to take a family trip and try to do most of this yourself it wouldn't be the same as you couldn't arrange for much of what People-to-People does. So I threw out the cost factor as there is nothing to compare it to.

I did have the opportunity to speak with a girl who had been on one trip and was planning on going on a second trip with People-to-People. She was of less than modest means and did a variety of fundraising techniques throughout the year, completely funding her trip. She told everyone present that they should not worry about cost as she would give them more ideas than they could implement (sort of shoots the idea of giving up competitive advantage in the foot, doesn't it?!).

Now, my daughter eventually decided not to accept any of the invitations extended to her for various reasons. In some ways, I was relieved, as I didn't have to worry about how to pay for the trip -- or help with the myriad of fundraising programs she would have had to complete to make the trip. But in other ways, I felt she was being shortsighted, as these trips would have been extremely beneficial for her. And I hate to see her miss out on great opportunities like were presented by People-to-People.

I don't see how anyone could objectively call this a scam. If People-to-People were collecting money and then not delivering on what was promised, then that would constitute a scam. But I know of nobody who paid their money and couldn't go on the trip as promised. In fact, I met many people who had completed their trips and were looking forward to going on another trip. I also met many whose siblings had been on a trip and now they were looking forward to the experience themselves. That, to me, constitutes a reputable company with many satisfied clients and certainly does not deserve to be called a scam.

You may not like certain aspects of how they do business but they are not scam artists. I've encountered many scams but this clearly is not one of those!

Four teenagers in our family have participated in People to People trips. Two of the children are brother & sister; both went (different years) to Australia. Their cousin went to Australia last year and is in Europe on his second P2P trip. The 4th is also experiencing Europe. The organization and group leaders have been respectful, professional and kind. The experiences have been everything they were promised and more! The group leaders are teachers interested in helping young people enjoy a hands-on learning experience, not just receive a free trip for themselves. Perhaps it is our area of the country, but P2P is respected and many students travel more than once.

Our family is mixture of income levels ranging from public servant (paramedic, police officer) to 6-figure medical professional. All of these young people earned THEIR OWN WAY!! I personally have helped with all of their fundraising efforts. These kids have done the following to earn money: sold candy, pet-sitting, baby-sitting, yard sales, raffles of donated items and yard work. Regarding the yard sales they requested donations of items from extended family, neighbors, church members, etc. I painted original works of art to be raffled.

In addition to the fundraising activities mentioned above, my child wrote to community leaders, business owners, elected officials and various other individuals to request donations toward her expenses. In her letter, she offered to organize and share a presentation of her experiences upon her return. She not only received contributions but very kind and gracious letters of congratulations. The contributors were happy to assist with such a worthwhile goal, particularly because she was involved in actively raising money through other projects. My husband & I had to make time in our schedule to help her but she worked very hard! We didn't do it for her! I am offended by the characterization of fundraising as "begging." Do you consider Girl Scouts beggars when they sell cookies to facilitate camps, trips, etc.? Do you consider it begging when a charitable organization ASKS for a contribution?

Choosing not to participate in People to People is a personal choice and must be respected. It should not be judged by on the basis of a few disgruntled folks who didn't like the way a meeting was run. Perhaps the problem is with those running the program on the local level in certain areas; if so, address that. But don't think that all group leaders are cheap, lonely teachers looking for a free ride. This program is also not simply for the wealthy and privileged - we are neither!

Perhaps rather than continuously complaining, those unhappy with the both the corporation and local leaders of the organization should work to change it.

NOTE: Ambassadors Group International dba People to People Student Ambassadors has no link to President Eisenhower's legacy. In fact, People to People International was never founded by President Eisenhower. You will not find his signature on any articles of incorporation.

According to a lawsuit filed by Sheryl and Allen Hill on the wrongful death of their son, Tyler Hill, age 16 who died in Japan in June of 2008:

Sue Stahr, the delegation leader was also a leader on another trip where a student died in New Zealand by a train accident. She intends to travel again with PTPSA.

Tyler Hill told all teachers that he had altitude sickness from climbing Mt. Fuji. All teachers left his altitude sickness unaided by medical staff despite claims that all leaders have access to qualified medical staff in all countries.

All four teachers, Josh Aberle, Angela Hanson, Sue Stahr, and Pat Veum Smith knew Tyler had diabetes, did not read his health form thoroughly nor did they follow guidelines of mild dehydration to seek medical attention for Tyler during "mild to moderate" dehydration although Tyler exhibited severe signs of dehydration asking for enough water for a family, sleeping extensively for more than 20 hours, and having a pale palor, and vomiting.

All four leaders failed to notify the 24 X 7 hotline that Tyler Hill was staying back from the days activities because he was 'severely ill; neither did they phone his parents.

According to the lawsuit, when Pat Veum Smith notified the 24 X 7 call center to tell them that Tyler Hill's heart had stopped and asked them to notify the family the 24 X 7 center told her , "No, you do it." At the time, Pat Veum Smith was witnessing Tyler's heart being manually massaged by a physician.

The mother, Sheryl Hill, had expressly stated that Pat Veum-Smith not be left in charge of her son because she demonstrated signs of aging dementia 'in her opinon'.

Tyler Hill received a letter stating he was honored with a nomination. The parents now know this is deceptive. The organizations used mass mailings list. Children are not selected! If you can pay you can go. The shareholders count on your paying.

Despite Tyler being brain dead by ignorance and neglect while in Japan, Josh Aberle and Angela Hanso invaded his privacy...rifled through his private things and took photos of his medications and read private notes to his girlfriend.

FYI
Two teachers on the trip had 9 or more years of experience, the other two had 3.
All teachers had the teacher leader handbook but were more excited about touring a major Asian city than getting care for Tyler Hill
All teachers passes the internet teacher test at 100%. The test has specific questions and actions regarding dehydration that were not followed.

All teachers had a teacher handbook with references to dehydration, not one adhered to it.
All teachers had an 800 number to phone - not one did until Tyler's heart had stopped in ER.
Tyler's parents bought 3 phone cards that were not provided to him.

Tyler was admonished on the first day of the tour with a reprimand call to his parents for Public Displays of Affection .
Not one teacher called when he was ill. Ever.

Do you really think this organization is going to call you when your child is sick.
Do you really think your child was selected for this program?
Do you really think your child was nominated for the honor?
Do you realy think this program has a solid safety record?
Do you really thing Dwight Eisenhower founded the company? (Check articles of incorporation...he never did.)

This program is a facade selling peace for profit to innocent children under Eisenhower's name. The Federal Trade Commission and more than 5 State attorney generals as well a the Better Business Bureau are investigating the company.

Did you child have fun? So did Tyler according to his journal. Was it worth his life?

The debate is not about FUN. It's about safety and deceptive acts of practice It is about 'integrity' from a company that flies Eisenhower's legacy.

If you want to engage, join the Hill Family and lobby for the T HILL BILL for Safety Standards at www.tylerhill.org

Perhaps, you will save a life/lives.

My daughter has traveled with the People to People Student Ambassadorship Program to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales she had a safe and wonderful time. I would like to address a few of the concerns and statements posted on this site.

The first one is that it is a mass mailing invitation that intentionally lies to bring in profits. A person noted that they received an invitation even though they are an adult. My two year old child once received a credit card in the mail but that didn't mean the company intentionally was trying to defraud anyone. It simply meant then in this age of computers mistakes are made. If a student gets good grades, active in the community they most likely will be nominated but that in its self does not mean they will be able to go on the trip. My daughter after we signed up for the trip had to complete several assignments as well as provide community service to a charity not connected to People to People inorder to go on the trip and receive high school or college credit. If she didn't she would have had all of her money refunded except for the registration fee.

I am a single Mom and live on less than $900 a month and we had to fund raise like crazy for 9 months to raise the money so it is not just a program for the wealthy. If you are poor it will be a challenge but one that can be accomplished like anything else in this world if you really want it. We did. My daughter worked at a fast food resturant to help raise the money, we held garage sales, etc.

Yes you can travel for less than what they charge but you cannot provide the education aspects to the extent that they do. My daughter spent an afternoon with a member of parliment getting to find out first hand how the government works there. My daughter stayed for two days with a family in Andover, England providing her with a view of what everyday life is like in that country.

She went with local teachers from our area that helped to make it an individualized educational experience. They had several teachers traveling with them that I got to personally know in the 9 months before the trip. They were trustworthy and never anything but kind. They encouraged the students to phone and email home as well as personally emailing us everyday with pictures and updates of the trip. Safety was always a number one concern. They never say they are a federal program. They say they are a program that President Eisenhower backed as an opportunity for the world to see the best of American teens.

As for the person who said they had to see a program designed to get teens excited about a trip before finding out the costs that is not true. You are handed a booklet before you go in that talks about the program and in the back has a section with average costs for the various trips offered.

This group provided my daughter with an experience of a life time and I have nothing but good things to say about them.

This is no scam, it is for real. They provide a valuable life experience that can in no way be judged by a person who has not even tried it out.

Yes it is expensive, but that does not make them crooks. and anyway my daughter earned the majority of her own way through the fund raising suggestions given by Student to Student.
That within itself taught her many lessons, in setting goals, working to obtain goals, fundraising experience etc. etc. etc.

Her trip cost 5500 for 20 days in Europe. The airfare this summer roundtrip to duplicate her itinerary would have been 2880. She got to live with a family in Spain for 4 days. She visited many many historic places in Italy, Spain , France, Monaco. WOW I wish I could have done that when I was young.Her Spanish is now much better, her life has been changed by seeing how the rest of the world lives. She is a team player and has demonstrated that she can handle herself with self discipline and dignity, or I would never has let her go. She is exceptional for her years. 15 years old.

If you are a penny pincher you may not be a good candidate, but slamming these people is not what a good person would do. I recommend this trip to other parents if your child is mature and responsible, not for students with special medical needs, or immature personalities. This is a group adventure.
William
Culpepper Virginia

I've read with both alarm and relief the information from concerned parents and experienced students about the People to People program. My daughter is scheduled to attend a Student Leaders Summit soon. I must say, I had many of the same concerns about the program as other parents- how was she nominated (we actually KNOW she was nominated and by whom now), why was she accepted (she too is a "c" student, with an incredible intellect but low motivation), etc. I was very skeptical about the program.

After reading the organization's material and comments from other attendees, and filling out the plethora of forms, I realized that the experience is the thing. Can I expect my C student to be nominated for an elite program of overacheivers? No. Can I give her an opportunity to see what college life is like, and what other students are doing, and in a highly structured environment? Yes. Can I let her feel more confidence and gain esteem from going to a University and meeting kids from all over the world who have goals and aspirations, who may be able to exert positive peer pressure on her, and get her mind thinking about how to get from C student to College student? Yes! I'm fortunate to have resources to do this for her, and I will do anything I can to point her in the most positive direction she can head with her life.

I applaud Kysta and others for their bold and mature response to adults being negative and crass out of concern for their children...there are better ways to do that, parents! To the parents I say do what you feel is right for your child. This isn't a practice run as we all know. Your judgement is what you have to use. For my daughter, I feel this program is another way to positively point her toward a college bound future. I believe she will positively gain from this, if for no other reason than she can see I'm willing to take a chance, make the investment, and I believe in her - that she is "worth" participating in the program. She has already emailed many of the other students attending - from Japan and other countries and is beside herself with the excitement of a new adventure.

I am also from Minnesota, and my 13 year old son just returned from a PTP trip to Australia on July 13, 2008. I want to clear up some misconceptions. My son was nominated by a teacher in his Middle School, she told us she had. Before I attended the informational meeting I did some research on PTP and was impressed by their organization.

After the first meeting we felt a bit defeated with the cost, but were determined to get him on this trip. We are lower middle class and feel that these opportunities should be shared with all classes. Before our son was to leave, we were notified by PTP and by our delegation leaders about the death of the young man from Minnesota. It was discussed at our orientation meetings, and there were letters sent to my email account by the organization. So to say that no information was sent to anyone is a bold faced lie!!

I feel very sorry for this family for their loss, but they are using their grief to destroy an organization that I believe is valuable. Don't try this case in public opinion. PTP is not discussing this case because they want everything to be done properly. I understand a parents grief, and they are lashing out at anyone, and everyone they can because they are in pain. We probably won't know all the details of every moment of this tragic incident. The leaders are human, and humans make mistakes, but I find it very hard to believe that anyone would leave a young man alone for 10 hours if they knew he was vomitting blood? I just find that hard to believe.

During our son's trip we had communication with his delegation leader every week, and he sent a few emails. They were kept very busy, and I agree with another post, there is no way an individual could have experienced everything these young people did on the same amount of money we spent!! When the mother of this young man was upset because the delegation leader called his parents with a reprimand when he was caught holding hands with his girlfriend, remember, when you are in a foreign land you must abide by their standards of conduct, and that was all explained during orientation meetings. Perhaps in Japan, public displays of affection are not tolerated, as they are not in India!!! RE: Richard Gere kissing the Indian girl!

Anyway, I just wanted to clear up a few misconceptions and say I am sorry for the loss of this vibrant young man. I think if I had been his parents, I might not have let him go with those health problems, but that is something they will have to deal with as the years go by. Let's just not trash this whole program because of a few incidents. We don't know the whole story, the unemotional-unbiased story. Let's withhold judgement until we know all the facts from all the sides!!!

Lucky for you. Your MN 13 year old is the exception and not the norm. Most kids are sent bulk mailings under the auspice of being nominated. The company never presented proof that Tyler was nominated.

I WILL STAND TO THE PUBLIC. The public has the right to know. And I am sorry, but how dare you incenuate that we would send our son with chronic conditions on a trip far away if he had problems. HE DID NOT! He had chronic conditions excellently managed, he mastered them. Diabetes and migraines. He knew his limitations. He asked for a hospital. He was denied. The doctors in Japan affirm this.

You have no idea who you are supporting.....we have heard from our website from many many many families who are injured by this company who proports a solid safety record.....sexual molesation on home stays, lost students, a near drowning - severally injured child who was allowed to swim in the great barrier reef during riptides, a neck injury on a hiking trail with hopefully a positive outcome but currently quadrapelic, a death in New Zealand where the student got drunk deboarded a train and tried to reboard and was killed, a girl who had a severe sunburn and was bandaided by her host family who put bandaids on that ripped off her skin, when they took her to the hospital, they did not have the health form stating she was allergic to codeine, she almost died, and the company (S) do not return the mother's calls, the child who was enticed into a mud bath in Africa and caught a skin disease, THEY DO NOT HAVE A SOLID SAFETY RECORD

And how dare you incenuate that we are at fault.

GOD BLESS YOUR SON You get to kiss him goodnight. We do not.

First off, maybe you should go to a meeting to get your facts right. Or visit their website. www.studentambassadors.org Notice the ".org" FYI that means GOVERNMENT OWNED! And yes there'sfunding raising involved but the money ONLY goes to YOUR child. The numbers are correct and though it may be high, the student ambassadors get special access to many historic sites. If this were a fraud upon the government, don't you think it would've been stopped by now? Do not listen to the people who haven't even been to an informational meeting. Go to the website and look under FAQs. This is the opportunity of a livetime, don't miss it!

I believe that this report is on the mark - this program is consistently sold as a legacy of Dwight Eisenhower, and the focus is on it being something like a quasi-service program. The reality behind it all is that it is Ambassadors Group out of Spokane, WA that is setting up travel tours where teachers act as "Leaders" and the students are subsidizing the boondoogle.

Ambassadors Group's EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) in 2007 was $44.3M

There is no connection to any government agency or program. This is not a registered service program, it is a travel agency program.

If your kids have never traveled outside of the USA and you can't take them, perhaps this is an expensive babysitter program that might work for you. However, the student exchange programs provide a much deeper immersion in other cultures at a much more reasonable price.

And Gekko of Detroit - Your comment made me laugh out loud! "Or visit their website. www.studentambassadors.org Notice the '.org' FYI that means GOVERNMENT OWNED!"

Uh no. I have a website with a .org domain. .gov is reserved for government.
The real information is not from the People to People marketing site - a lot of very real and clear information is listed right here on ripoffreport.com.

I was looking for information about another "job" offer and stumbled across this report. First, I love this website and think that it offers valuable information.

I went on a People To People tour of England, Ireland and Wales in high school (about 8 years ago). I had a great time and was impressed by the various activities and home stays. My sister ended up going on one as well a few years later. All I wanted to state here is that the trip changed my life, took the blinders off my eyes as a teenager and changed my perspective on my own culture. It was interesting that the letter stated I was nominated (never found out by whom) and that I was never asked to nominate someone upon completion (as I would have nominated my sister). However, we were allowed to skip lines that other tourists were standing in (some for hours!), meet and discuss with a member of Parliament the similarities/differences in politics between England and the United States, stay with a family in Dublin and England, etc.

I'm not defending the manner in which they contacted me nor am I defending the other allegations that one could plan a trip of their own. Both my parents work incredible hours and would never have been able to take my sister or myself on any of these trips. We were required to do reports on the places we visited prior to going, something we would have never done if we went with our parents.

The trip also provided the opportunity for me to feel independence from my family for the first time in a very real way. It prepared me for college life that was rapidly approaching. I am very grateful for the trip, whether I was nominated or not.

I encourage everyone to continue researching places for scams using the internet (what a wonderful medium) and continue the pursuit of knowledge on shady companies. However, I don't believe People To People is one of them.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/p2p_hill.html

My son died on a PTP trip because he was refused healthcare. I was assured they took his name off their marketing lists. And then this. They are egregious, spinning stories to gain shareholder monies by selling peace to innocent often from single parent families under the guise of being Eisenhower's legacy. Disgraceful.

In 2001 my oldest Son was selected to be an ambassador for People to People on a trip to New Zealand and Australia. He was 12 years old at the time. The meeting date and the day we had to make our decision to allow him to go was less than 10 days after the planes flew in to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

As we sat through the meeting we were impressed with how organized the people and the presentation were. And as we watched my son grew more and more excited. After the meeting we discussed what was involved, our fears at letting our 12 year old travel across the world during troubled times and what he would need to do. We are not financially wealthy by any stretch of the imagination so the burden was to be on him to raise the necessary funds to go on the trip. With much angst and "what ifs" we decided that this would be a life changing experience and that we would not be terrorized in to not letting him go.

Over the next 8 months he went to all of the meetings, did all of the homework and raised over $5,600 all on his own. We got to know the parents of the other children going on this excursion and met some great people who are still friends today.

Once the tour left all of the parents gathered for a meal near the airport and set up an email tree and support group so we could follow the travels of our children and they explored life on the other side of the world.

The bottom line is that my son had an incredible experience that has shaped him as he's grown and helped to develop him in to the man he is today. A secure human being who takes education not only from school but from all the events of his life. A confident individual who can work and communicate well with everyone he meets from all walks of life.

People to People is a great experience and should not be missed if the child is willing to put in the effort required to earn the reward. If the parent is just going to throw money at the program and not allow the child to learn the value of working for a goal. You stay home and keep your child home, they will just be a detriment to the group.

I am frankly astounded at some of these comments. I am an Alumni and traveled to Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy. I dont know about you but how many people do you know that have visited a Concentration Camp and met a survivor of that camp? Well I have and it changed my view on life completly. Also I got the amazing experience to sleep in a castle! You cannot get those experiences on a family trip, and frankly I think that people should do more research, perhaps talk to an alumni (like moi) and give this amazing program a chance.

Well first, you got a letter, browsed the internet then made accuasations THAT ARE COMPLETELY wrong. We learned in kindergarten about blaming others for stuff they didnt do. Obviously you skipped that class.
How do I know this?

Im an alumni of the People to People Student Ambassador program. I have gone twice. That makes me 200% MORE qualified to discuss the program than you.
It is an honor to be niminated. Its a dignified group that does make a difference, i know first hand. It not only changed my life, but others I met in Canada, Fiji, New Zealand and Austraila.

And a few tours for thee kiddies and a vacatin for the leaders. Wow.

The leaders do alot to earn their trip. They orgainize the meetings (which you would know how complicated that would be) They handle homework, projects, paperwork and much more. And during they trip they are responsible for 15+ kids, per leader, on tours, airplanes, coaches and more. They earn their trip.
And a few tours? Our days are packed with things, mueusems, schools, parks, goveremnt buildings and more. My trips have been the best expierence of my life.

So please, if you dont honestly know about something, dont write crap about it.
and they aren't the liars, you are.
Thank you

   It's been a few years since my trip with P2P, but I was just looking at all this again and decided to post an update to my earlier "To the Author of 'So did I...'". I traveled with P2P to Greece, Italy, Austria, and Germany and had a great time. The experience was definitely amazing. However, as far as a bargain trip or an especially educational one, you could probably do better on your own, though some of the experiences seem to be unique to P2P.

   As for the accounts of misconduct, I had no such experiences. To my knowledge, neither I nor any of my family members were lied to by my P2P leaders. Rather, they were very honest and kind. Perhaps the organization is a bit dishonest and misleading in it's self-representation and in saying that people were nominated, but everyone that I had contact with showed great integrity.

   I am rather shocked by accusations of molestation or other abuse while on P2P trips. If these accusations are indeed true, then that is certainly not good at all. However, unless the abuse was carried out by those working with/for P2P, then it seems unfair to blame the organization. I know for a fact that my leader gave the students secret codes when they stayed with families in other countries. They were instructed to contact the leader and say the code word(s) if there was any problem or danger. The organization and leaders would be innocent. The only accusation that could be made against them would be that they were perhaps not careful and selective enough in choosing the families. Also, accidents should not be blamed on the organization either. An accident is unforeseen and unplanned, therefore non-intentional. It could happen to anyone, whether with P2P or with family.

   If you are considering going on a P2P trip (or sending your child), then I encourage you to do your own research. There are many other programs such as this which a student can participate in, some of them cheaper. National Geographic offers educational trips for students that I would consider definitely worth checking out. In any case, I definitely advise you to do your research--possibly the best advice I can give. Good luck with deciding, Krysta Denzer.

I'm 14 now, and i got one of the People to People letters in the mail. I did some research on the program and i read a lot of comments on peoples opinions about the program, both negative and positive. i haven't decided on going or not because of all the bad reviews but i go to my first meeting in a couple of days, and i can't wait. its kind of hard to no the truth because of all the different opinions, but i think it would be a great experience, even if it is expensive.  

I went on a People to People Trip to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.  I can honestly say that it was a life-changing experience, I will never be the same after that trip.  People to People does not lie, they don't cheat you.  Let me tell you something about People to People.  Dwight D. Eisenhower was a large part of World War II, he witnessed so much violence and he hoped to create an alternative to war.  He believed that war can be ridded of by an understanding of cultures through experiencing those cultures.  Therefore he created People to People.  Their whole mission is peace through understanding.  I witnessed so many things on that trip that I would not get to see on a family vacation, I made so many friends, and traveling without my parents gave me more responsibility.  People to People is now headed by Mary Jean Eisenhower, President Eisenhower's grandaughter.  I've met her and she's a very nice lady who cares deeply about this organization, the people in it, and everything it stands for.  It was a lot of money but if you decided to go on that exact same trip, do the same activities, stay in the same hotels, I'll bet you'd probably be paying double.  We stayed in some very nice places, had fantastic food, and had so many amazing experiences.  The People to People journey is something I will never forget and something I myself have continued to be involved in and will make sure my own children will be involved in it one day.  Oh and they are not fake nominations, anyone can be nominated, I myself have nominated friends and family for this amazing opportunity.  Everyone should have a chance to experience People to People and experience other cultures.  I love this organization dearly.

I'm 15 and I just went on a P2P trip to England and France this past summer. I wasn't a stranger with the program concidering my sister went on a trip with them a good four years ago. My trip ultimately costed about $7,500. Steep, I know, but it included the coach, plane tickets, meals, hotels, Underground passes, a ticket to a play at West End, and much more. Ultimately it was a fun trip. I got to meet a former member of Parliment and got to listen to a lecture about politics from him, I went to school and lived with a British family for a few days, and generally just emjoyed myself. I keep in touch with just about all of the Delegation, and those in my area meet up once a month.

The selection proccess did frighten me a bit. You see my sister was an alumni, and although she could nominate, she never did. She actually *couldn't* because she forgot her password to the P2P site. As all siblings do, we had stupid nicknames for each other. Mine was Ninja Puma. When I got my letter inviting me to the information meeting, it wasn't addressed to Gin. It was addressed to Miss Ninja Puma. No one, and I do mean no one, outside of my close family knows she calls me that. It irked me to say the least.

Another thing about this trip is the safety of the Ambassadors. Yes, they do have strict policies, but they weren't very observent. I remember quite a few times when my roommate would sneak off to another room after curfew checks, and even an instant where I covered for her durring a room check. Like I said they weren't observent. They knocked, I opened the door and gave them our P2P lanyards and said my roommate was in the shower. They didn't even give me an out of place look.

Another time in Paris, we had an hour to roam the streets near a church. We had lunch and started shopping around in what was known as the 'Starving Artist's' Quarter. Even though I was with a friend like I was suppost to be, these street artist kept hounding us to let them draw us. Finally my friend gave in and I stood to the side waiting. Let me clarify this, I was 14 at the time and my friend was two years younger than I am. She was 12. This guy was shamelessly flirting with her and was asking her if she'd like to go out for drinks. After he finished and we were leaving for our Delegation's meeting point, this guy starts following us and only runs off after we get to the point and got our 6'2" friend (who practically looks 19) to yell at him when he approached. The leaders weren't even around. They went off to a different part of the area even though we teens were point blank told to stay in this one part.

How many times I've wonder what would've happened if our friend hadn't been there to help.

All in all, I loved the trip. There were a lot of experiences I know I wouldn't of had if I didn't go with P2P, but sometimes I wonder if the risks were worth it. They flat out told us at an information meeting that they'd left kids behind at hotels and resturaunts before. To make things worse it wasn't my Delegation leaders who told us that, it was the Informational DVD we had to watch. The DVD *sent* to them by P2P Headquarters!

I encourage you all to send your teens on one, but I think 16 and older would be a good requirement. I know I'm mature for my age and there are other 14 and 15 year olds who feel the same, but I don't care how mature someone calls you, some of those situations weren't good and no 12 to 15 year olds should experience that.

We received a letter last month to invite my 10 year old son to be an "ambassador" with a request to register for the "meeting" before the end of the month.  I decided that my son is too young to travel out of the country on his own so I ignored the letter.  This month I received another letter saying, "Thank you for your interest, the meeting will be....."  Of course it made me more curious.  I've looked at their website.  It sounds incredible.  I wanted to hear what other people have to say.  Well, I'm convinced.  Even though it sounds nice and many people have had a great experience, it is not completely safe and trustworthy.  I especially liked the last comment from an alumnus saying that it is probably best for someone 16 and older.  Thank you all.

As a middle class mother who sacrificed and raised funds along side my daughter for 10 months in order to be the MOTHER of a P2P ambassador, I have to say...Seriously?

You received a solicitation in the mail and thought your kid was going to Australia for free? Really?  Have you ever received a solicitation from GM, Home Depot, Disney Vacation Club?  Did you think that they were offering you a new car, granite counter tops, or a time share in Aruba for free?  What's weirder is that you suggest that you would send your daughter abroad with strangers and be OK with that as long as it was at taxpayer expense...but as soon as it costs YOU, you're angry and suspicious? 

You really shouldn't disparage a program that you know nothing about. It is a fabulous program that is worth every penny.  BTW, adults get nominated too.  You'd know that if you had researched it at all.