A Whole New Educational Experience

The People to People Student Ambassador Program and Student Leadership Program offers foreign and domestic travel to students in the pursuit of knowledge. The program, for which I was nominated, was established in 1956 by then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose mission was to “promote peace through understanding.” 

Being chosen for People to People was exhilarating beyond words. The chance to go study and work at a prestigious school of Medicine (one of the contenders yearly for the number one spot) was an honor that I had to jump on. An experience like that is not offered all the time, and this summer, instead of sitting around, I want to — and will — get a kick-start on my future. I was so excited about being offered the opportunity. I have been using my own money for college (accumulated from birthdays and Christmas) in order to pay for it.  Having a supporting family helps, with my Grandpa donating to cover for half the trip. 

To outline the experience, I will give you information about my future trip. I am going to Maryland to study for 10 days at Johns Hopkins University of Medicine. The trip will be full of necessary learning experiences for aspiring doctors.  I will be taught to conduct patient interviews, place IVs, diagnose and give patient reports. The trip will be a full day, with activities planned for just about every day from 8 am to 8 pm. On the last day of the trip, we will be given our grades and our congratulations.  The final day is a planned celebration, which will include a cruise and dance. 

When I complete the course and finish up with the trip, I will gain college and high school credit. The program I have selected is not giving out college credit for the course itself; however, I do get 55 class hours for completing the course. If that doesn’t sound like enough, how do you think colleges will react when they look at your past schooling and educational experiences and see that you attended People to People. Statistically, 84 percent of People to People participants gain admission to their first college choice, compared to only about 70 percent of high school seniors across the U.S.

People to People has been working hand in hand with educators since it was founded. Their Student Ambassador and Leadership programs give students ages 10 to 18 a unique opportunity to prepare for college and decide on their future. Depending on which program is chosen, the student has the opportunity to travel to accredited universities in the United States or travel to foreign regions like Europe, Africa and Asia.

People to People programs are offered during summer and last anywhere from two to four weeks. As a soon to be People to People Leader myself, I happen to be very excited and am greatly looking forward to the trip. The programs cover food, water and shelter.  The traveler must cover getting to the program and purchasing any souvenirs or travel accommodations.

With growing political support (nearly every president since Eisenhower has supported it) and academic accreditation and support from prestigious universities across the United States (Harvard, Yale, JHU), why not take it up? Well, not everyone can go.  In order to be granted the opportunity a student must be nominated by a teacher, another nominee or themselves. While this seems all fine, the price is not cheap.  Most out of country programs run from $5,000 to $7,000, and travel to universities can be anywhere in between $2,000 and $3,000 (not counting travel to the program). 

Other than price and nomination selection, People to People is a highly accredited program, giving students and educators access to great knowledge and experience while deciding on their role in the future.  Athletes, lawyers, doctors, there is something here for everyone.
 

About the author: Chris Treanor is a junior at Empire High School who enjoys the little things.