People To People Student Ambassador Program People to People Student Ambassador Program breaks hearts Spokane Washington

I am 15 years old and went on this trip to England, Ireland, Scottland, and Wales for just aroung 6000$. Trust me my parents are not even closeeeee to rich at all nor are they upper income. But i managed to fundraise all of my money to go. So...you obviously think your kids are too lazy to do it?  and also they are not chosen because of their academic excellence
they were bought off of a National Student Database List.

Thank you!

(Dont be sour about a company just because you dont have to money to pay for it)

I've been looking through a bunch of these comments and in my opinion I think to P2P program is sick. To all those whose says its great consider this:

 A student gets the letter.
 
 They go to the meeting, all excited but than learns about the price.

 Their willing to do the fundraising thing but are already busy with a bunch of other things (ie: Musicals, Mock trial, FCCLA, ect.) and can't find the time, and wind up disappointed.

They had the motivation but not the time, and about the scholarships, from what I've read there hard to get.

Ten years ago we received the same invitation...and we decided it was a worthwhile opportunity.

Our son spoke at local organizations (Lions Club, Exchange Club, Rotary Club, etc.). He solicited scholarships with the offer of returning with a travelogue presentation. He held bake sales and craft sales almost every weekend for three months to help pay his tuition.

THOSE activities were the real education. The trip was just the icing.

Our son went on to garner a full scholarship at an Ivy League college....his experience with PTP provided the springboard for his drive and ambition to reach for something he really wanted.

You can either run to it or run from it...the choice is your's.

This program defines those who have the willpower to make things happen. I cannot afford to send my daughter overseas, but we are going to go into it with a positive attitude, file for scholarships, obtain sponsors, and call every family member we have. This is an opportunity for our children to learn how to better themselves, not break our bank accounts. If it can't happen, that will be determined after we have made every effort to make it happen. Your child's tears could have been prevented by your positive attitude toward the expense and discussing realistic expectations.

I am sorry your children were disappointed. I believe you are way off base in accusing PTP of being a ripoff! I first heard of this opportunity as an 8th grader, and my parents felt I was too young at the time. The opportunity arose again when I was in 11th grade. Let me tell you my parents were far from wealthy! That is why I actively performed various fundraising activities. Let me also tell you, it was certainly a challenge, but I wouldn't let any obstacle stop me from going.

I understand, it is not exactly providing children the chance to become an ambassador. In some aspects, I believe it's sort of a fancy way of allowing good kids to travel. Though, it does provide an amazing opportunity for young people to see the world and experience different cultures, that they might not have had otherwise. Prior to traveling, we had weekly meetings to educate and prepare us for aspects of the different cultures. When I traveled to Europe for 3 weeks just ten years ago, it was an amazing, eye-opening experience that forever changed my life. I learned about the history, art, government, and culture of the countries I visited. I wouldn't trade those 3 weeks for anything in the world!!