People to People Student Leader Program?

LateBloomer · 05-09-2007, 04:51 AM

Just wondering if anyone or anyone's children have ever participated in this? It is a week long "World Leadership Forum" for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students around the world. My daughter was recommended by one of her teachers.

Proud as can be but...It cost $2100

and she is all alone. It is an individual thing, not like a school field trip. She has to fly to D.C. by herself, is met by someone at the airport, and then spends 5 days with total strangers. This will also happen next spring, so I'm not really sure how that works? I guess she takes a week out of school? She will be in 7th grade next year, her first year in Jr High, 12 years old.

Am I being too overprotective worrying about this?

LateBloomer · 05-09-2007, 01:02 PM

Anyone????

clyde-gal · 05-09-2007, 01:36 PM

Hi, When I was in High School, I believe 10th grade over the summer I was a representative of People to People, traveled to France, Germany, England and France. I was the only person from my area, and was with 29 other students. It was fabulous, I learned so much and even more about myself, it built up my personality and confidence and showed me that there is definately more out there then my little home town. Knowing what I know about the organization I would definately recommend it, I'm a little concerned your daughter is younger and it wouldn't be with a group of people.. My trip was for 3 weeks, and cost a little over $5,000 if I remember right, I did a lot of fundraising and my folks helped too. If your daughters is for 5 days for $2100 I think I'd wait a couple of years and have her go with a group to 3-4 different places for a couple of weeks. She'll be older, get more out of it, and remember it better - though it would be more money, I'd definately recommend it. Let me know if you have any more questions! (My home stay was in Denmark, where their daughter had horses and we rode through the forrest to the beach. Galloped the horses through the water all in an English saddle - the only thing they rode in. It was terrific!)

Abberlaze · 05-09-2007, 01:44 PM

I've been nominated for it numerous times but never actually attended. Basically, I felt as though it was too expensive in relation to the benefits. I travel with my parents a lot, so travel would not be a new experience for me and I learn to be a leader at MY camp. While it may be an unconventional camp (12-20 horse-obsessed kids), it has worked wonders building up my confidence and leadership skills in addition to letting me have the time of my life.

Also, I would personally wait until she's in 8th grade to send her. I've noticed how much mature I become each year and frankly I think that it would be wonderful to get that sort of leadership experience right before she enters high school. If it can do for her what it promotes, that will provide her with invaluable tools for success in high school.

LateBloomer · 05-09-2007, 03:11 PM

Thanks for your input! I'm really on the fence about this. It cost quite a bit so I want her to get all she can out of it. I am wondering if she is ready for it.

clyde-gal · 05-09-2007, 04:16 PM

I can understand your being on the fence about it. If you decide to wait a couple of years - she'll of course be upset, but in the long run I think she'll thank you. Besides it'll give you a couple of years to save up and she can do some fundraising to help out. You wouldn't be saying no, you'd be saying yes, it's just not instant gratification. Good luck in your decision - keep us posted!

05-09-2007, 04:51 AM	#1
LateBloomer Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 652 Images: 48	People to People Student Leader Program? Just wondering if anyone or anyone's children have ever participated in this? It is a week long "World Leadership Forum" for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students around the world. My daughter was recommended by one of her teachers. Proud as can be but...It cost $2100 and she is all alone. It is an individual thing, not like a school field trip. She has to fly to D.C. by herself, is met by someone at the airport, and then spends 5 days with total strangers. This will also happen next spring, so I'm not really sure how that works? I guess she takes a week out of school? She will be in 7th grade next year, her first year in Jr High, 12 years old. Am I being too overprotective worrying about this?

05-09-2007, 01:36 PM	#3
clyde-gal Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: California Posts: 504 Images: 22	Hi, When I was in High School, I believe 10th grade over the summer I was a representative of People to People, traveled to France, Germany, England and France. I was the only person from my area, and was with 29 other students. It was fabulous, I learned so much and even more about myself, it built up my personality and confidence and showed me that there is definately more out there then my little home town. Knowing what I know about the organization I would definately recommend it, I'm a little concerned your daughter is younger and it wouldn't be with a group of people.. My trip was for 3 weeks, and cost a little over $5,000 if I remember right, I did a lot of fundraising and my folks helped too. If your daughters is for 5 days for $2100 I think I'd wait a couple of years and have her go with a group to 3-4 different places for a couple of weeks. She'll be older, get more out of it, and remember it better - though it would be more money, I'd definately recommend it. Let me know if you have any more questions! (My home stay was in Denmark, where their daughter had horses and we rode through the forrest to the beach. Galloped the horses through the water all in an English saddle - the only thing they rode in. It was terrific!) __________________ Clyde-gal "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things." Unknown

05-09-2007, 04:16 PM	#6
clyde-gal Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: California Posts: 504 Images: 22	I can understand your being on the fence about it. If you decide to wait a couple of years - she'll of course be upset, but in the long run I think she'll thank you. Besides it'll give you a couple of years to save up and she can do some fundraising to help out. You wouldn't be saying no, you'd be saying yes, it's just not instant gratification. Good luck in your decision - keep us posted! __________________ Clyde-gal "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things." Unknown

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05-09-2007, 01:02 PM	#2
LateBloomer Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 652 Images: 48	Anyone????

05-09-2007, 01:44 PM	#4
Abberlaze Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: PA Posts: 865 Images: 22	I've been nominated for it numerous times but never actually attended. Basically, I felt as though it was too expensive in relation to the benefits. I travel with my parents a lot, so travel would not be a new experience for me and I learn to be a leader at MY camp. While it may be an unconventional camp (12-20 horse-obsessed kids), it has worked wonders building up my confidence and leadership skills in addition to letting me have the time of my life. Also, I would personally wait until she's in 8th grade to send her. I've noticed how much mature I become each year and frankly I think that it would be wonderful to get that sort of leadership experience right before she enters high school. If it can do for her what it promotes, that will provide her with invaluable tools for success in high school.

05-09-2007, 03:11 PM	#5
LateBloomer Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 652 Images: 48	Thanks for your input! I'm really on the fence about this. It cost quite a bit so I want her to get all she can out of it. I am wondering if she is ready for it.