What's It Like?
Travelers report that trips with People to People are somewhat similar to educational group tours offered by companies like EF Tours, with a focus on learning and off partying and night life, and with more of a (yes) people slant. When traveling with People to People, you'll visit schools as well as historically or culturally significant tourist spots like castles, monuments and memorials, learn about the local culture through theater and art and by participating in homestays, and perhaps even meet some local government officials.
How Long Are Trips?
According to the 2009 schedules, you'll probably have a choice of between two weeks and roughly a month. Check out the People to People 2009 destinations to see what the next year's trips will be like and how long you'll be traveling.
- Typical 2009 European Trip: "Exploring Europe" (19 days)
- Meet a member of Parliament in London, a priest or monk in Italy, and stay with a French family
- See Michelangelo's David and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, tour the Louvre and the Colosseum, and rappel down an Assisi castle wall
- Potentially earn credits pertaining to Renaissance art and architecture, history and architecture of the Roman Empire, and intercultural studies
You also may have a chance to some service work (volunteering) with People to People, like re-forestation efforts in Malta or visiting children at an SOS Children’s Village in Italy.
Academic Credits
Credits? Yeah, credits! You can earn high school credit or Advanced Placement college credits, or take online, accredited courses -- not to mention that international travel with a well known outfit like People to People looks great on a college application.Applying for People to People
Yup, you'll have to apply (which doesn't mean this is a free scholarship program; you'll still pay for this trip). Students are interviewed and submit three letters of recommendation before being accepted for a trip. As the People to People website reads: "Ambassadors are expected to leave a positive lasting impression of our country and culture. This Ambassadorial spirit is one of the things that sets the People to People experience apart: our Student Ambassadors are both students of the world and teachers of our own culture."You can apply for People to People here, or contact the organization:
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Building
1956 Ambassador Way
Spokane, WA 99224-4002
Phone: 509-568-7901
Toll-Free: 1-800-669-7882
International: 1-866-237-9201
Fax: 1-877-284-4517
Before You Go
If you're accepted for travel with People to People, you'll pay (of course) and start going to as many as six orientation meetings to understand what's going to happen and how you need to get ready. Travelers say they're quite well taken care of with People to People.Get More Information
Check out the People to People website or give 'em a call at 1-800-669-7882.Enjoy!
