Janice Lozano
People to People International Student Travel Programs is a company that provides international travel opportunities to students. The company offers trips to multiple locations, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. The cost of the trips typically ranges from $4000 to $10,000 and includes airfare, accommodation, transportation, meals, and activities. The program has received mixed reviews, with some praising the immersive and educational experience it offers and others criticizing it for being expensive and poorly organized. There have also been concerns raised about the safety of students on these trips. The company has a long history, dating back to 1956 when it was founded by President Eisenhower to promote cultural exchange and understanding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Between $4,000 and $10,000 |
| Destinations | Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania |
| Target Audience | 6th-grade students to postgraduate college students |
| Trip Types | National delegations, local delegations, international student ambassador travel, domestic leadership ambassador summits, international collegiate ambassador travel, and international citizen ambassador travel |
| Safety | Unmatched safety measures |
| Customer Service | Excellent |
| Trip Duration | Typically three weeks |
| Group Size | Typically between 30 and 40 students |
| Trip Timing | Typically between June and August |
| Trip Inclusions | Round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, land transportation, meals, attractions, activities, sightseeing, tips, and a medical protection plan |
| Credibility | Legit, but some negative reviews regarding refunds and safety |
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What You'll Learn
The cost of People to People International Student Travel Programs
The cost of travelling with People to People International Student Travel Programs varies according to location, length of stay and itinerary. The price usually falls between $4,000 and $10,000. A deposit of around $350 is required to reserve a spot, and the company offers payment plans and fundraising ideas. The program tuition includes airfare, accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, sightseeing, tips and a medical protection plan.
The price of the trip depends on the destination. For example, a trip to Canada would cost around $4,500, whereas a trip to Australia or the South Pacific would cost around $7,999. A trip to Antarctica was available for $12,500, although this fee was not listed on their website in 2014.
Some reviewers have commented that the program is expensive compared to similar trips. One reviewer noted that the cost of the trip for their daughter to Japan was $7,658. The trip was cancelled twice due to Covid and the reviewer was unable to get a full refund. Another reviewer, who went to the UK and Ireland with the program, commented that it was not good value for money.
However, other reviewers have commented that the trips are worth the price tag, offering an invaluable real-world experience for students. One reviewer, who went on two P2P trips, described the experience as "priceless".
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Safety and legitimacy concerns
People to People International Student Travel Programs is a legitimate company that has been in operation since 1956. The company offers international travel opportunities to students, turning the world into a classroom and creating an educational and inspirational experience. The program was originally sponsored by the U.S. Information Agency of the Federal Government during the Eisenhower administration and has since been run by private citizens. The company offers trips to multiple locations, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. The cost of travelling with People to People International Student Travel Programs typically ranges from $4,000 to $10,000, which includes airfare, accommodations, transportation, meals, activities, and a medical protection plan.
However, there have been some concerns about the safety and legitimacy of the company. In one instance, a student passed away on a trip to Japan after being left alone in a hotel room for several hours following serious complications. There have also been complaints about the company's marketing practices, with some parents feeling that their children were falsely advertised as being exclusively selected for the program. Additionally, some reviewers have mentioned that the trips are expensive and may not offer good value for money, especially when compared to similar trips offered by other companies.
Despite these concerns, many students and parents have had positive experiences with People to People International Student Travel Programs. Some reviewers have praised the company for providing life-changing experiences and offering access to exclusive sites and events that are typically out of reach for the average tourist. The company has also been recognised for its safety measures, with some parents feeling confident in their children's safety during the trips.
It is important for students and parents to thoroughly research the company and make informed decisions about participating in their travel programs. While the company has a long history and offers unique educational experiences, there have been some legitimate concerns about safety and the legitimacy of their marketing practices. Overall, the decision to participate in People to People International Student Travel Programs depends on individual priorities, comfort level, and financial capabilities.
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Customer reviews
Many reviewers appreciate the convenience of having trip details handled for them, allowing them to focus on enjoying their chosen destination. They also highlight the program's ability to foster a desire to learn about other cultures and how people live in other places.
However, there are also negative reviews, primarily concerning the program's refund policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several customers reported issues with obtaining refunds for trips cancelled due to the pandemic, with the company retaining a portion of the trip cost for future travel. One reviewer mentioned that the company asked them to deal with their vendor for credit card transactions to get their money back, and when that failed, they were asked to dispute the charge with their credit card company.
Overall, while most reviews praise the program for its immersive and educational nature, there are some concerns about the company's handling of refunds for trips cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Destinations and itineraries
The company provides trips to multiple regions, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Within these regions, students can explore various countries and gain invaluable cultural experiences. For example, Europe trips may include destinations such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Greece. In Asia, students can visit China, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan. The Oceania region offers trips to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, while the Americas provide opportunities to explore North and South America, including the United States, Canada, and potentially Central or South American countries.
The itineraries for these trips are carefully crafted to offer a balance of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. Students can expect to participate in unique experiences such as taking a bike tour of Soweto Township in South Africa, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, or rappelling in the Tuscan countryside. The programs also include community service opportunities, allowing students to contribute to the local communities they visit.
In addition to international travel, People to People also offers domestic trips within the United States. These trips focus on leadership development, community involvement, civics education, and college preparation. Destinations include major cities such as Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, where students can interact with speakers, industry experts, and peers from diverse backgrounds.
The cost of these trips typically ranges from \$4,000 to \$10,000, depending on the location, length, and itinerary. This cost includes round-trip airfare, accommodation, transportation, meals, attractions, and other essential components of the program.
People to People International Student Travel Programs provide a diverse range of destinations and well-structured itineraries, ensuring that students gain valuable educational and cultural insights during their travels.
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The application process
The People to People International Student Travel Program offers students an immersive, educational experience that allows them to travel with purpose and gain real-world experience. The program is open to students from the 5th grade to postgraduate college students.
There are two ways to travel with the program: national delegations and local delegations. National delegations consist of students from across the US who join a travel group chaperoned by educators chosen by the program. Local delegations, on the other hand, are comprised of students from the same area who travel together under the guidance of an educator from their region.
The program offers trips to various locations, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Students can also earn high school or college credit through the Washington School of World Studies and Eastern Washington University.
Some reviews of the program mention concerns about safety, high costs, and the student ambassador aspect being a potential gimmick. However, many alumni have praised the program for providing them with a wider view of the world and a life-changing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, People to People International Student Travel Programs are legitimate. The company has been providing travelling services for students for the past 60 years. The group was founded in 1956 during the Eisenhower administration and reincorporated in 1995.
The cost varies based on the trip location, length and itinerary. The total price is typically between $4,000 and $10,000.
The program includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, land transportation, all meals, attractions, activities, guided sightseeing, all tips and a medical protection plan.
Reviews for the program are mixed. Some people have complained that the program is misleading and overpriced. However, others have praised the program for being life-changing and offering a wider view of the world.
