|
FAQ About People to People
|
Q: How can I become a Student Ambassador?
A: The most important step is to attend an Information Meeting in your area. This enjoyable, interesting meeting will be hosted by our Program Director, who will tell you all about the destination for your region’s summer travel. Student Ambassador alumni and former Delegation Leaders also will attend (when possible) to give you a firsthand view of what our program can mean to your son or daughter.
You will receive an application booklet at the Information Meeting, and instructions on how to apply to the program. The application process includes letters of recommendation and a personal interview with local community leaders in your area.
Q: When do students travel, and how long do the programs last?
A: Delegations usually depart between the first week of June and the end of July. The travel date for your local delegation depends on school closure for your area and the size of your local delegation. Departure dates will be finalized in April. Programs last for approximately two to three weeks; see our Destinations page for more details.
Q: How do you help students prepare for their program?
A: People to People stresses preparation. Your local Delegation Leaders will plan and teach a minimum of 12 classroom hours for their delegation. Topics for these meetings include history, culture, food, living conditions, and current events. If you don’t live near the leaders, your student will receive preparatory information by mail, and all registered students can access a special website with international information and reading lists. We cover the commonsense part of traveling as well—what and how to pack, our “Standards for Success,” and getting to know the other Student Ambassadors. Parents are encouraged to attend orientation meetings.
Q: How do you choose adult leaders?
A: We choose Delegation Leaders in much the same way we select Student Ambassadors. Interested candidates submit an application and letters of recommendation and have an interview with the Student Ambassador Program staff. Selection criteria include such values as teaching experience, past work with young people, travel experience, and enthusiasm about the program. We have a large group of dedicated and experienced leaders who have traveled several years with People to People. We maintain a ratio of approximately one adult leader for every ten students.
Q: What is the student interview like?
A: A typical interview lasts about twenty minutes. Some interviews are held in a group setting, while others are completed individually. The Interview Committee is made up of local adults: Delegation Leaders, community leaders, or People to People chapter members (or a combination). Some of the questions asked might include, “Why are you interested in becoming a Student Ambassador?" "What are you hoping to gain from this experience?" "Do you work well with others?" "How do you feel about being away from home for two or three weeks?" Students are recommended on the basis of their answers, maturity, and demeanor. (Telephone interviews will be conducted for students who live a great distance from their leaders.)
Q: How do you handle health care for students while traveling?
A: Over the past 40 years, People to People has sent thousands of student and adult delegates around the world on successful exchanges, so our support systems are well established. During that time, we’ve seen our share of health problems (usually minor). Our staff is experienced in working with our local sponsors to handle emergencies. In addition to the medical and accident insurance included in the program, we also maintain 24-hour staff coverage in our Program Office during the summer months so families can contact us in an emergency. Health forms are provided to students which must be signed by a doctor. Our Delegation Leaders and Delegation Managers are required to have current CPR certification.
Q: When is the tuition due?
A: A deposit is submitted with the student’s application. Following application, parents receive information regarding our billing process and payment options, including credit cards and wire transfers.
Q: How can I recommend a teacher to lead a delegation?
A: If you would like to recommend a teacher, please contact our Program Office at (509) 534-0430 and ask us to send a Delegation Leader Application to the teacher directly, or ask the teacher to call a Program Director at our office. I got this infomation from www.studentambassadors.org. There is a link to it on my home page that you can go to if you have any other ?'s or you can email me at ArcticCat44@aol.com and I can help with anything. If you want to hear more of my stories or of how the program/trip works you can contact me also.
|
Site Navigation