People to People

Okay, all of you that are complaining are ridiculous! Why complain if you did not even go or really look into it. You cannot say the children in the videos are marketed because my friend was in one and they did not pay her anything, just simply asked. Second of all, if they send your child a letter and you do not like where they are going, you can switch trips. You do not have to be nominated or get a letter. I found out from my friend who had went who, by the way, had the time of her life and will never forget and now I am going to Australia, Fiji and New Zealand because I applied and had to go through a interview process which took almost an hour.

Now I have meetings every week that my mom has to attend. Also, if your child gets injured in anyway, they fly you out for free to be with them and if they get sick it's the same but it is not like they control when your child gets sick. If you watch videos on people that went on these trips, they say you're only alone once and that is when you go to the bathroom.

Yes, it is expensive but I get to go to three amazing places and get to know others ways of life and do things not a lot of people get to do like repel down a cliff, meet native tribes and the ways the were taught for generations, eat new foods, swim in the great barrier reef, hold a Koala bear, go to the Sydney opera house, meet the leaders of Australia, go to high school in all these places and stay at amazing hotels.

We have to write a journal and answer questions every night and it's graded every other night by our leaders. Also the teachers going for free is a lie because my teacher nominated my friend and wrote me a recommendation letter and they asked her information and all she simply got was a thank you letter. If you get a letter, stop complaining about the information on the letter because first of all, you do not need to go to that trip and you do not have to even go. They just send them to all areas to advertise just like a commercial. Also I'm paying for the whole trip myself with my saving bonds, volunteer firefighter check, my job, birthday and fund raising and I am 17. I also have the most expensive trip which is $9000. It's not a scam.

People to People is not a scam. I have been scammed before, so after a friend led me to this site and read a years worth of complaints I was very upset. I went to the first orientation meeting with printouts of the complaints. Talking with my child's leaders, who have gone on trips before and with parents whose child has gone in past years, I felt much better. My daughter will get a lot from this trip.

It is something I don't think I will ever experience in my life but I think my child deserves the world and I would like to give it to her. I am a single parent and she is my world. I will comment on this site again after she has gone on this trip. If you get a letter, go to the informational meeting and ask questions. This is free and you will find out the cost, which is high. But if you were to do the same trip on your own research, how much it would cost? You might be surprised.

I have been working with the People to People program since 2007. At first I was like many of you and thought this was a total scam. I began by traveling to Washington, D.C. and leading a group of twelve 6th graders. These students were amazing leaders in our country and throughout the world. This was an eye opener for the students as they had to learn to accept each other, work as a team to present skits and complete team builders. Of course, we also traveled throughout the nation's capital. After finishing the first program, I too felt like a stronger person and had much respect for the program. I have traveled on five additional programs across the United States and two international programs. Out of these 8 programs I have never had a student go missing or who was unaccountable.

The international programs offer once in a lifetime experiences for most students. How many people can say they have rappelled down a castle wall, explored the dungeon of a castle, stayed with a host stay family in foreign country, and watched the sunset at Ubirr Rock? And the list goes on. The students come home not only filled with knowledge but so much more confident to take on the world. Ask any of my students who have ever traveled on a program and they will tell you how the program changed their life forever. And the parents will tell you how much more confident and responsible their student is.

From my experience the program office has always been on top of issues, especially when we had to take a student to the emergency room in Amsterdam because she was so sick. We are also with a delegation manager when we travel abroad who speaks the languages of the countries we visit and can support us in all incidences. Another bonus this program has is a country leader who visits all the hotels, restaurants, and sites ahead of time to make sure they are safe for the students. This program has thought of everything. I have several teacher friends who travel with other programs, but let me tell you I would not want to be a leader on those programs or allow my children to travel on them. Next time you have a question about the program, please ask to speak to a delegation leader or an area director. They can answer your questions best about this wonderful program.

I just had to address some of the comments that I found on this website. I find it very interesting that so many people are upset and complaining about People to People when they have never traveled with the organization. Apparently, every one is up in arms with the fact that they purchase mailing list. Guess what people: it is a business. So are Honda and Bank of America and Starbucks and millions of other organizations in the world, like the Boys Scouts of America, etc.

So you are upset that it cost you, the parents, something to send your children to travel to another country? Why wouldn't it? Here is the reality: you aren't going to get something for nothing and if this is something you can not afford or choose not to be able to afford, then so be it and move on. So what if the CEO of this corporation made $4 million. The CEO of Star Bucks made $8.2 million. Yet people don't stop buying a $4 cup of coffee and milk.

My point is this. People to People is a business that offers a safe environment for kids to travel to another country and experience another culture. They offer a product and one can choose to buy it or not. Some students are nominated, others are contacted from a mailing list, and others, such as myself, contact the organization because they want their child to have an opportunity like this. My son has been fundraising and has almost half the cost of his trip paid for with 6 months still to go. I have 4 children, 3 under the age of 6 and I'm working class like many of you. However, this was important to me to have my child be able to go, so I scrimp, save, and budget. It is called prioritizing.

I'm not going to rip this organization because they expect me to pay for my child to travel. Does anyone rip Microsoft for the cost of an X-box? Or Sony or Nintendo for their gaming systems? No, either you buy one or you don't. And we all know how much the CEOs of those companies make. Why is this organization so different? I get mailers from every business under the sun, it is called marketing. My son is traveling this summer and he is excited about it and working his butt off to fund as much of it as possible. God willing, I will send my son to Europe this summer, prayed up and paid up, and he will get to experience Europe with other peers.

Looks like a great program and opportunity for high school teens. However, they indicate with certain clarity during the presentation that a full deposit refund is available, but do not indicate in any way, that they'll keep nearly 25% of the deposit ($95 of $400), if you don't request for a refund within 72 hours. They don't even get you all the information within that amount of time. They didn't even contact me to interview my daughter for more than a month, after the deposit was made. I find this type of practice to be plainly unethical.

Like others here, we received a letter in the mail for our child. I started to do some digging and found out that Jeff Thomas, the CEO of Ambassadors Group, the publicly traded company that runs the Student Ambassador Program, made over $4 million in compensation over the past three years (see: http://***.gov/***.htm). His wife, who also works for the company, made almost $2 million. This is why we are supposed to have our kids run bake sales and other activities-- to make more money for the Thomases. This is repugnant and reprehensible in my opinion.

I received a letter also. However, it did not state that my daughter was nominated by anyone. It just states that she was being offered a life-changing opportunity to travel and study in Canada in the summer of 2012. She would be joining 5th- and 6th-grade students from the South Baltimore area. My daughter is in the 9th grade, and we don't reside in the South Baltimore area.

When I first received the letter, I was excited, because I thought this was a program that prior acquaintances had their child participate in. I thought it was a legitimate organization. I did recall a former co-worker who sent her son to Australia many years ago. I would have to confirm that this was the organization that he traveled with.

As many others have stated, we were excited to receive the letter and quickly went online to register for the meeting. When we entered the PIN, the Canada invitation was for 9-12th graders traveling to Australia. We reviewed the videos, which, I must say, are very convincing. Then I found the cost. It was over $8,000 for 22 days. 22 days in Australia with people I don't know and I can't attend? It is not happening.

I think we will not go to the meeting. After reading these reviews, especially the ones that actually let their child participate, I am appalled that an organization would go to these lengths to scam hardworking parents by using false advertising about an opportunity of a lifetime.

I would like to know where they got all of the students from that appear in the videos. The marketing is very convincing and sounds legitimate.

In 2001, I was sent a letter by People to People to participate in this program that summer which was going to my senior year of high school. Yes, my parents had to pay for the deposit, but the price and experience was well worth the investment. I considered going on this trip and participating in this program one of the most exceptional experiences of my life. I met some wonderful people and got to travel the East Coast of Australia (chaperoned) for 3 weeks during the summer. The highlights were climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge, seeing a symphony concert at the Sydney Opera House, staying on a farm in the outback and swimming in the Great Barrier Reef. Most of our meals were paid for and all of our accommodations were taken care of. It was truly amazing.

There was also an option for students to earn credits for school! I found this complaint site searching for People to People to send a link to my mother so that perhaps my younger brother can go. I was horrified to see these complaints. If you can't afford it, maybe your kids can work a job, or fundraise if they really want to go. My mother was a single mother with three children when I got this letter, but I worked and saved to get a chance to have this experience which was part of what I learned participating in this program. Maybe their marketing techniques are questionable but the company and their product is stellar, in my personal opinion.

In the past few years, we have gotten no less than 5 letters from P2P. One was about my son and 4 of them were to the "parents of" either my husband or myself. They all claimed we were nominated by a teacher and were selected to participate. Well, since my husband and I are not students at all, that is not possible. My son was too young at that time to participate in the program he was "nominated" for.

This company is a fraud, plain and simple. They buy names from the American Student List at www.studentlist.com. They buy names and then get parents to spend unheard of amounts of money for trips. Their slick side business, Student Ambassadors, is a for-profit travel agency masked as a non-profit organization. I can't wait until someone puts these con artists under a jail!

I have read here that some students really are nominated by teachers. It is easy, I just nominated my dog. But the teachers are chaperones on the trips they travel for free, so it is beneficial to them to nominate lots of kids, especially affluent ones. The more they nominate the more likely they are to get to chaperone.

I received a letter in the mail sent to parents of A.P., who is my 13-year-old cousin who resides in South Florida. Although she visited my home when she was under the age of 2, she has never resided at my address. The last name on the envelope isn't even her last name. She has her father's last name. I was going to just put the letter in the mail and send it to her and her mother, but something told me to research this "business" first. So glad I did. I don't want her anywhere near this, and I will be contacting her and her mother to look out for any letters that may come their way.

It's sad when people use children to make a dollar. If they are truly partnered with the National Teacher of the Year Program, then I feel even sadder about the state of our education in the U.S.

People to People is 100% not a scam. I was a student ambassador to Western Europe through PTP when I was a teenager and the experience changed my life forever. I had a wonderful time. I learned a lot. I feel sad that so many of you are too cynical to take the 30 seconds to google the ** program to find that much out for yourselves. You should have taken your child to the information meeting instead of balking. Your kid would have the learning experience of a lifetime. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I am not in my late 20's already.

We received a letter in June saying our son had been "nominated" by one of his school teachers to take part in the Student Ambassador program for the Western Canada trip. After reading all these negative posts on the internet, I decided to call the lady in charge of the trip to find out which teacher had "nominated" him. She told me that she didn't have that info but someone at the main office would be more than happy to give that info to me.

So I talked to a lady at the main office in WA and after looking up my son's name, she said they got his name from the American Student List, and not from a teacher. Next, she told me that to be on that list, the child had to have good academic performance and achievements. I called the American Student List in NY and asked them how my son's name got put on their list and she told me it could've been from contests, questionnaires, sweepstakes or even if my wife or I had subscribed to a diaper service when he was born. She said there are no ties to their academic performance whatsoever. And she was really disappointed that People to People would lie like that to parents and their kids. Both of the ladies at People to People said they were truly sorry and can't believe this has happened. I told not to apologize to me, but apologize to my son who cried himself to sleep because I will not let him go to Canada now. They said they would like to but neither one called back to do so. So if they will lie to us right off the bat, they will lie to us every step of the way.

We also received a letter (10/2011) stating our son was invited to travel and study in Italy, France, etc... I might add that the letter is very professional and official looking. It even had an embossed seal on the back flap of the envelope.

Definitely a scam. Can anyone say "class action lawsuit"?

We wanted to inform you (People to People and its official partners) that we, the people, are doing our homework and researching about what a despicable company you are! You are sending these letters to our children, (some don't even have children, others are 52 or 56 years old) and playing with their emotions. How dare you and shame on your official partners as well.

I received a letter from People to People inviting me to join high school students in the Indianapolis area for an "educational exploration program" founded by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. I am 35 years old, and neither a high school student nor in the Indianapolis area. My parent has never lived at this address. They even gave me my very own website (not valid) and pin (useless). Personally, I can see all kinds of wrong with this. Although I'm sure there is some educational value to the trips they offer, a company that solicits travelers through misleading mass mailings isn't one based in education.

We originally received a letter from this organization with a envelope addressed to the parents of ** and her correct last name. Our daughter, of course, became very excited and as her parents we were too. We went online and typed in the PIN to reserve a spot at their meeting. Two days later another letter arrived and we believed it was the confirmation for the meeting and couldn't believe it had arrived so soon. Turns out it was another letter inviting our daughter to participate and this time it was addressed to our daughter with my maiden name!

I became suspicious and started researching online. Turns out that it is not a recognition program, nobody nominated her for this and it was just a fishing tournament to see how many students they can recruit to the meeting. It is my understanding that once they get you to the meeting they show a video which of course makes all the experience sound wonderful. Then they hit you up with the cost. Parents are asked $400 up front but don't worry, you can do some fundraising to come up with the $5000-$8000 more than you will need!

Our daughter was invited on the England-France-Italy trip which has been her dream to do after graduation. Imagine if we took her to this meeting and then watched her disintegrate into tears after we heard the price tag! I had told my parents proudly that our daughter was chosen to be an ambassador and they had never heard of the program so they started researching online. I encourage all who read this to go to: Eisenhower Student Program Invitations Questioned - CBS News! This is a real organization and not for profit. It is run by Dwight ** granddaughter, but the Ambassador Travel group paid a lot of money to use the People to People name!

If it's not considered a scam then it is certainly a scheme! We will not be attending their meeting!

I got an invite from these guys saying "Junior High Students" were invited to a special thing and it mentioned that their expenses would be paid for. I'm in High School. After some research, I found that they don't pay for your trip, or anything there. It seems to me that the people here just try to get money, and they don't care what happens to you as long as your parents are paying them. I wouldn't do it if I were you.

I received a letter stating that my son, Zachary, was nominated to participate in this program. I was devastated because my beautiful little boy died in 2000. It was a very painful letter to receive. I was sharing this experience with my brother who recently lost his son at the age of 13. To our horror, my brother also received a letter stating that his son was also nominated for this program. The tragedy our family has experienced is tremendous. This company's lack of sensitivity was tantamount to rubbing salt in our gaping wounds.

I didn't receive all my money back from them. I only received $255, and I paid them $1000 to go on this trip this past summer, but I had to pull out because I couldn't raise enough. They are money making scam, and not giving the kids money back.

Our daughter received a letter saying she was nominated to go to Costa Rica. Day 2 of a new school, who nominated her? The company seems fraudulent.

Today, we received another letter from these scammers. They are inviting my child to Australia! What a joke! Two years ago, my child who was in fifth grade at that time got invited to Washington, DC for a mere $3,500.00 plus. We were so elated that I could not even sleep that night. My child, an "ambassador" - wow!

These people really played with our emotions!! Thank goodness my child knows her worth without counting on these people's lies as motivation!

My daughter's uncle received a letter in the mail to his address for her. It was addressed to her with my maiden name. She, of course, has her father's last name and has never used the name the letter was addressed to. I would really like to know where these people get their information from to mail this junk out to young kids. And they're crazy if they seriously think I would send my child out of the country without a parent.

I received a letter inviting my daughter to the "student Ambassador program" in Australia in 2012. Inviting me to a meeting, I find this strange. They didn't spell her name. Furthermore, my daughter is home-schooled. Besides, who in their right mind would send their children with stranger, especially without any parent. This people are soliciting children!

I called customer service regarding the scholarship program, he said after you sign in you will get that information. I am a single parent with two children, so paying the $400, up front is difficult, without knowing all the information now. I think that we should know if we can even do what is needed in the scholarship program before we pay. I just was not happy with the man I spoke with.

I also received a "personal invitation letter" for my granddaughter (now 15 years old). I know exactly where they got her name because of the following: She no longer lives with me. As an infant carrying my family name, she lived with me. She is now living with her mother and father under their name. No way could this letter have been directed to her parents at my address. I was suspicious from the beginning. After reading the other comments, I know why.

I am nothing short of creeped out that I would receive a solicitation for my 6-year-old daughter to travel as an overseas ambassador. If this were indeed such a wonderful opportunity, I think it would be wasted on a child so young. I find it unconscionable that this organization would use former presidents, deceased ones, as honorary chairs to endorse this program.

People to People sent my letter of acceptance for the student ambassador program to go to England, France and Italy. He and I were excited to go to another country. It would be a great experience for my child. I was ready to do whatever was necessary to make this happen for my son. When the letter with direction to get to the meeting arrived, it was addressed to the parent of Dawn **, which is me, not my son. A red flag went up. So, I looked it up. Lo and behold, it's a scam! This is a big scam to get you and your child all excited about this new experience that is not real. Yes, it is a trip to another place, but all expense is on you. The whole experience is about money.

Both my husband and I received a letter stating that our "daughter" had been nominated. We do not have any children at home and we do not have a "daughter!"

I was more excited than my daughter to receive a letter offering her a life-changing opportunity to visit Australia. I then read this blog and then went back to reread the letter. They didn't realize that she is going into fourth grade, is 9, and is too young for their program! I think we are going to skip the meeting!

I have received this letter in the mail today stating that my son is being offered a life-changing opportunity to travel and study in Australia next summer. He will be a "Student Ambassador" and this participation will benefit students by opening their eyes to the world and can set them apart on college applications, etc. Personally, my child is handicapped and cannot leave the state without a parent, let alone fly out of the country. I find this letter misleading because it states that their honorary chairmen are former President Kennedy, LB Johnson, Nixon, Gerald Ford, Reagan, Clinton and both Bush's. How do dead presidents support this, let alone live ones? Who would allow strangers to take their children out of the country like this, let alone find out where they live to send them? Using children to make money is wrong in itself.

Nothing happened because even before placing a phone call to these people and by just reading their "invite", I already knew this was a for-profit corporation. As parents, we need to be aware and use common sense in regards to these things. My daughter is 11 years old and there is no way I would send her overseas with strangers. My older daughter went on a scholarship to Germany through AFS International. They are a legitimate not-for-profit organization.

I received a letter stating that my child was "nominated" by a teacher. I knew that this was a lie immediately because my child was HOME SCHOOLED!

I enrolled my daughter on a trip to Europe and paid $400 down payment and our first installment of $500. We attended several preparatory meetings and the hands-on teachers were very professional and friendly. But due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to amass the additional funds needed. When I requested a refund of the $500, as promised in the contract, I received a check for $125. When I questioned the amount, I was told they withheld $375 for 'trip insurance'. I said I never received any trip insurance and in fact, never went on a trip which was planned for 6 months in the future. I was told that I did not refuse the insurance in a timely manner, and on their form. I said 'I have never been insured for a trip I did not go on'. They said 'tough luck'.

My child received a letter from them regarding a Student Ambassador Program. First of all, they didn't even spell his name correctly. He has a unique name (Veith). It's understandable that it could be assumed to be something different, and changed to a more common name (Keith), but the letter leads you to believe your child is special. Misspelling his name conflicts with that, since it means they don't know him very well. It also sounds like it is for middle school students, and he will be starting 10th grade in a few weeks! Granted he has skipped two grades, but even still, that would put him as starting 8th grade. The letter mentions a trip during the summer of 2012, which means he would normally be starting 9th grade, which is nowhere near middle school age. As it is, he would be starting 11th grade after the trip. Combined with the misspelling, it sure feels like his name was purchased in a mailing list.

The letter doesn't mention anything about the cost, but as a savvy parent, it's hard to believe the trip could possibly be free. I would assume it would mention that if it were so. It only mentions a meeting to meet student alumni, and to have questions answered. I sure didn't want to waste time at a meeting, and after 10 seconds online, I found out that there is indeed a significant cost. This letter is very common. Apparently the wording has been improved in the letter after many complaints. However, I still don't feel they are being honest in their intent. They need to address the fact that there is a financial outlay right in the initial letter. I'm sure it would be enjoyable and beneficial, so would a million of other expensive things-- including travel.

I have six kids. I cannot afford every educational, interesting or fun "opportunity" available. I would love to travel myself as well, but I have more important financial responsibilities. I don't need outside organizations getting my children's hopes up just to be reminded that it's too expensive. Car wash and bake sale fundraisers can only go so far in extra-curricular activities-- be it educational or fun. You cannot have everything; you have to choose. I don't need to feel like a bad parent just because my kids cannot have, or do everything. I also don't need my time exploited on something that is trying to trick me into something I cannot afford for my family. This organization is a sham. Parents and children need to be protected from it.

My child went on a trip that was poorly supervised and she was exposed to unprofessional conduct by a leader. She was yelled at and called a liar by the leader.The excuse that was given to me by the other leader is that the staff was frustrated and tired as was she.

Students were exposed to a drunk and naked male delegate. There was no stay with a host family as promised. I was told that I had to pay for high school credit when I was not informed that I would have to pay for the credit. I was not given an option to opt-out of this cost. I was under the impression that the Educational Institution was a separate entity from PTP, it is not. I was not told that there was a less expensive trip that my child could have taken during the same approximate time that she took the journey through the ages.

This entity presents itself that it was going to be an educational trip and it was nothing more than a tourist trip. The students slept in hotels that did not have air and were subject to extreme amount of walking without medical clearances. The name of this for profit entity is misleading and deceptive. My child was not nominated and it is unknown how her name was selected.

I received a letter addressed to my 11-year-old daughter regarding an exchange program. I was curious at such an opportunity for a young child. As I began to research, I found the negative reviews. I knew it was odd for a group to want a group of minors to take out of the country. They should have better judgment and the Department of Child Welfare should monitor them. In addition, they sent the letter to the wrong address. It is creepy and unsettling the marketing this company is doing.

I was selected to join their delegation of Public Administrators to India in March 2010. I completed all of their required paperwork and was told on numerous occasions that I had submitted all the necessary documents (including a photograph of my passport) according to their listed check sheet. After flying from Mobile, Alabama to Newark, New Jersey to join my delegation, I was to meet my delegation to make the journey to India. When the time came to board the plane, I was told I could not go because I do not have a VISA. I stayed an extra day in New York City to try to get my VISA (through People to People's emergency contacts) yet when I went to the VISA place (the next day) I was then told I needed an orginal copy of my birth certificate. I was not able to join my delegation for this trip I paid for myself. This was definitely a breach of contract on the part of this company.

I Attended the P to P Leader training in my state after my son was chosen to participate. I reviewed their website and after completing an online application received an email indicating that I qualified to lead any program as a student program leader. I paid all of my own expenses to travel and attend the out of town training ( the state leader paid for our lunch).

In January I was sent an emAil from our Area Leader, Fawn **, that I had been selected to act as co-leader to supervise the NM middle school delegation to Europe. I was contacted via email by the existing leader of this delegation and we met several times to discuss P to P, planning, and meeting organization. Again, this was all on my own time, I was not being compensated for anything.

I then began assuming the role of co-leader beginning at our January delegation meeting and assisted with planning the meetings, attending the meetings, allowing my workplace to be used for the delegate/family meetings, working for an hour with the delegates preparing them for travel abroad, etc. In March I completed. Waiver form for my son ( who is part of the mid school delegation) and a formal letter for myself requesting that he and I stay in Europe upon completion of the P to P itinerary.

I did not receive any response after faxing the forms as P to P requests. I then contacted my state leader and asked her to inquire if our requests had been approved. She emailed her area leader requesting this information and did not receive a response. I decided to phone P to P to ask yet again on the status (April 2011) and was told that they had never received my requests so I scanned my original forms and sent to this individual via email. After this inquiry the state leader was contacted telling her that I was a parent of a delegate, therefore I could not travel as a Leader.

She (Lynn **) then contacted me via email letting me know that the P toP executives in Spokane, WA stated that their policies prohibited parents of traveling with their own children. Historically in NM, majority of the selected leaders have traveled as Leaders of their own child's delegation and have never been denied traveling as a leader. From my research, our state leader as well as at least four additional parents have acted as leaders of their child's delegation. I have reached out numerous times via emails and phone calls to (dominic) at P to P who I was told acts in an executive position for our state. He refused to return my phone calls. I subsequently told my state leader (Lynn) that I would step down, but I was upset that the organization failed to speak to me or answer my emails.

Finally, I discussed this situation with a friend who is an attorney and she felt that their practices were discriminatory, as precedence has already been set, at least in our state with no other 'Leader parents' being denied traveling in the capacity of supervising on their child's delegation. I sent an email of this to Dominic at P to P, at that time he did call and left a voicemail. We then subsequently kept leaving messages for each other, but to date have still not spoken about my situation. As I stated in my email to him, I am completely disheartened with this organization and their obvious discriminatory practices, and cannot believe they would 'select' me to supervise children in foreign countries but will not contact ,e to discuss my particular situation with them. I have never been treated so u professionally by any employer in over 20 years as a professional. My son will be traveling, as we had already paid over $5000 and Erica ** indicated via email that if I were to withdraw my child, we would only receive 75 percent of what we had already paid toward his travel, although they were choosing to make the decision of me not leading his delegation only 5 weeks prior to departure. Also,from what I understand, my travel had already been completed by their travel department. Interestingly, my son and I are Hispanic, the other leader who have travelled with their children as leaders have not been.

I got an exclusive-sounding invitation to People to People and I was very excited at first. Then I discovered that there is nothing exclusive about it, and that they are nothing more than an expensive travel agent (their for-profit group markets the trips: Ambassador's group). Sure, a foreign trip is a once in a lifetime experience. But People to People makes you pay premium to go far away with a bunch of strangers that you can't necessarily trust. Take a trip where you know more about.

My parents found out that their executives are under federal investigation for some kind of stock scheme. The Iowa Attorney General said they do misleading marketing by telling the students that they have been "chosen", "honored" or are "ambassadors" as if there's some sort of government connection when there's none. There are lots of complaints from people whose children were put in unsafe situations. I am angry that I got excited with this. As it turns out, my friends at school already knew this was a scam. One person who complained online said that the company tries to erase all their bad comments so I'm writing this to make sure they can't erase them all and so people won't get cheated.

I just want to say to the people who thought that this was a scam that we know people who went to Europe with the People to People Ambassador Program and their children had a wonderful experience. I suppose that in other states, there have been issues, but overall, everyone that we have talked with about this program really enjoyed it and was supervised by area teachers.

Although, I realize that some individuals have had bad experiences with People to People Student Ambassador travels, my experience is totally positive.

I think, it matters not how or why children are chosen to travel, but that this is truly a one of a kind experience for these young people. It would seem that most of the serious complaints are against those who suffered physical harm during trips. Keep in mind that no human being knows how, when, where, or why injuries and illnesses will occur.

I have read countless complaints about the price, the selection process, claiming this agency to be a scam.

This I know, my daughter absolutely enjoyed her two trips, learned a lot about the countries she visited, herself, and the delegates she traveled with. She is now 29 years old, successful, mature and totally supports the People to People experience.

If you are given the invitation to travel, take the time to get to know the delegation leaders, ask the big questions regarding their qualifications and experience. Be informed and be an advocate for your child.

I just read through some complaints from 2005/2006 about this program on your website. I just want you to know that this is 2010, and this group is still sending out those same letters. My daughter received one this fall, and she is only 11 years old. Sadly, I've agreed to go to the meeting, because she is so excited about being "nominated" for this honor. She has told everyone that she's going to France this summer. At this point, I very well may skip the meeting and just try to explain it all to her. But what this group is doing should be illegal. Addressing these letters to minors, then blatantly lying to them that they were nominated by someone who knew them, is false advertisement at the least. I only wish I knew where they bought my child's name and address.

Like all of the other posts here, my daughter was mailed information about this program. She was picked based on her PSAT scores. As the school she attends offers other student travel programs that I have found to be non-educational at best, I checked on this one. Sure enough she was excited, sure enough it looks to be a scam.

I have done quite a bit of homework on study abroad programs as my daughter is interested in foreign languages and international studies and have found the best programs are those affiliated with colleges/universities, the Middlebury-Monterey Language programs (offered at various college/university campuses) in the U.S. or the U.S. State Department youth programs. One week after receiving the letter for my daughter we received another for a Rolando (with our same last name). My husband and I have never or will we ever have a child named Rolando. Stir clear of this program.

My 13-year-old daughter received a letter stating she was nominated to go on a trip to Australia in the Summer of 2011. She's a good kid and has struggled in school. When we read the letter, she was excited and she'd thought she'd done something special at school. She was very disappointed when I told her that I went online and found out this organization was a rip-off.

I received the lovely offer on heavy stationery, in an envelope with a seal, from this "organization" (company! ) that has so many former Presidents as "honorary" chairs. My first clue was that they were making the offer to my son rather than the daughters I actually have and they didn't mention which one! So they obviously have no clue about who my child is, so there's no way she was nominated or recommended by anyone. It clearly was a "shot in the dark" cold mailing from a list.

The whole "reserve your spot" at the meeting smacked of the pay-to-attend seminars that business people are sometimes "invited" to, which are really just vehicles to sell a program or product, in this case the marked-up travel. So, the first thing I did was to google the organization to see just how "legit" the whole thing was. Glad I did! I would never consider sending my daughter with diabetes and add on an overseas trip with a group that wasn't absolutely faultless and flawless in its reputation. Nor can I afford it financially (based on what others listed as the cost)! It likely really would be less expensive to plan a family trip with online discounts and not have to trust your precious (and pretty young) offspring to relative strangers! My daughter's French class is doing a trip to Quebec (which is still outside the U.S.) and I will be going as a chaperon by all means! Best of luck to those of you who will fall for what has evolved into a money-making scheme.

I received a letter from People to People. In reading past complaints, it seems People to People has changed their tactics. The letter received states, "We are pleased to offer your son a life-changing opportunity to travel and study in Spain, France, and Italy in the summer of 2011. Join high school students from the greater Charlotte area as part of People to People and educational exploration program founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower." They still claim the students will develop new skills through activities designed to stretch students outside their comfort zone in safe and rewarding ways.

My son received this "personal" invite for an experience of a lifetime. It is very misleading. First, you do feel like someone has thought about your child and nominated them. The problem, my child has had experiences that will last a lifetime and his teachers all already know it. As someone who organizes international educational trips as well, I can tell you the ratio of 12:1 is not acceptable. The ratio I typically have is 3:1. It is a huge responsibility to someone else's child across the ocean and another country, let alone having to micromanage them. Kids can have a great experience but I would recommend better educational, up close tour companies. At the end of the day, this is what it is.

"I actually traveled as a leader with People to People before I realized that I didn't want to be a part of what they stand for. The organization seemed legit, and I actually thought they were a non profit organization, but they definitely are not! The video they show at the informational meeting makes parents think their child will have "special" access to places because they are PTP student ambassadors. Lie! It's a vacation you could take on your own for 1/3 of the price. Also, the teacher to student ratio is 12:1, which is not safe. I traveled with 5th and 6th graders overseas. There is no way one person can keep up with 12 kids, their souvenirs, how much money they're spending, if they're eating, if they're calling home, etc.. while walking through the streets of crowded cities. It is impossible.

Also, they do not get your name off a mailing list. They pressure leaders to "nominate" as many students as possible, and if you don't nominate students, they threaten to cut you as a leader. They act like your child being nominated is a huge honor, but it isn't. Leaders just nominate b/c the more students they nominate, the better the chance it is that they will get to travel. I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed seeing parts of the world for free as a leader, but I will never travel with this organization again. I do not want to be associated with a dishonest, money hungry, misleading organization. Meg of Baton Rouge, LA. Oct. 22, 2010"

This letter is ridiculously false. I don't know why "Meg" has bad feelings about P2P, but I am a 6-time Delegation Leader from Baton Rouge, and there is no Meg from BR that has traveled in the past 10 years. All I can say is that P2P is a wonderful organization that gives students an incredible educational experience. If you want a vacation, you can take that with your family. This is something different. I would not have dedicated 6 summers to this program if I did not believe in it.

Shame on you, "Meg" for lying. As for the other complaints on here, P2P travels about 30,000 students every summer. Of course there will be a few "sour grapes" on here because, for whatever reason, their precious child received a letter and didn't go. But 30,000 students and parents with a dozen or so per year complaints on here...something must be good about this, because that's not a lot of complaints.

Quite frankly, I'm surprised and appalled by the massive amounts of negative feedback about the People To People program. I have participated in the program and it was not many years ago. I went with the South Tampa Florida delegation to England, France, and Italy in 2009. The experience was absolutely wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The biggest complaints that I'm reading are about the leaders and the money. I believe that the leader complaints do not have as much to do with the organization itself as people are making it seem. It really depends on the leaders in the area, I believe. My leaders took very good care of all of us and were always of great help. Perhaps those who have had such terrible experiences with the delegation leaders simply did not get to know the leaders before they sent their child off with them?

Just like anywhere, there are good and bad staff members. People to People is no exception. Just like you would research all the details about a babysitter, the same should be done with an educator that you're leaving your child with. Believe it or not, there are people with quite a few problems that are allowed to teach. The money is another problem I'm hearing quite a bit about. I by no means come from money. The only reason I am now in college is because I managed to land enough scholarships to pay for myself. So, the money thing worried us as well. My delegation got together and did group fundraisers to make the price easier to swallow. I've found that many times the People to People offers are sent to mid and lower income families.

I do not believe this is a malicious targeting scam, but rather a way to give the child an opportunity to experience something he/she would most likely not experience otherwise. None of my friends that have higher incomes got People to People letters, but most of my lower income friends did receive letters. Once again, these higher income kids went on trips like this every summer with their families; the students that actually received letters would never have thought they could do something like this.

Your delegation is supposed to help you raise the money. Those that don't simply have bad delegation leaders. People to People did indeed give me an experience I will never forget, and not for bad reasons! I have only fond memories of something that I otherwise would not had the chance to do. It gave me a freedom that I never had, as well. If you've taught your kid correctly and he/she has been given the tools he/she needs to take care of his/herself then People to People is an excellent experience. None of the kids had any problems during my trip. All meals were already paid for so everyone ate, no one ran out of money, and no one had anything stolen from them. We all made it home safe and very satisfied.

However, I do not recommend sending any child that has not at least completed their freshman year in High School. I, personally, do not think that someone below High School age would be safe enough or an appropriate age to deal with their own affairs (money, getting to bed on time, making sure nothing is left behind in hotels, and generally taking care of themselves). However, for a High Schooler, these trips can teach your child many things about taking care of himself/herself and being independent, but they will learn this in an environment where adults are also looking out for them and doing their best to make sure the kids are safe.

The leaders cannot monitor all the children 24/7. It is impossible, this is why I suggest that only High School aged children attend, but if the kid knows what puts them in danger (aka: is taught not to do anything stupid), then your child will be extremely safe. I hope this is helpful for people. I do not think that many have given the program a fair shake. You may research all the bad things said about the program, but those are typically dependent on the leaders. I just had a wonderful time and I do not want a child who can have such a great experience too, to miss out because some people had a bad batch of leaders. Get to know the delegation leaders, then pass your judgment on that delegation. Leaders often change yearly, so it's not like there are always going to be the same, cruddy leaders.

I actually traveled as a leader with People to People before I realized that I didn't want to be a part of what they stand for. The organization seemed legit, and I actually thought they were a nonprofit organization, but they definitely are not! The video they show at the informational meeting makes parents think their child will have "special" access to places because they are PTP student ambassadors. Lie!

It's a vacation you could take on your own for 1/3 of the price. Also, the teacher to student ratio is 12:1, which is not safe. I traveled with 5th and 6th graders overseas. There is no way one person can keep up with 12 kids, their souvenirs, how much money they're spending, if they're eating, if they're calling home, etc. while walking through the streets of crowded cities. It is impossible. Also, they do not get your name off a mailing list.

They pressure leaders to "nominate" as many students as possible, and if you don't nominate students, they threaten to cut you as a leader. They act like your child being nominated is a huge honor, but it isn't. Leaders just nominate b/c the more students they nominate, the better the chance it is that they will get to travel. I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed seeing parts of the world for free as a leader, but I will never travel with this organization again. I do not want to be associated with a dishonest, money hungry, misleading organization.

We received the letter a month ago and went ahead and signed up for the meeting. I was very interested when the "potential" adults traveling with the children got up to speak. They introduced themselves and said they were all teachers, but refused to say where they taught school. Also, interestingly, there were two couples and they were married. That raised a red flag.

Then, we were told that we had to pay $400 up front when registering, prior to the interview and to securing the 3 mandatory reference letters. I wondered why we would have to pay so much up front, before my child actually passed the interview. Although my daughter is interested in traveling overseas, even she could see (at 11) that there was something wrong with the way this was presented. There were just too many gray, vague explanations. I'm just glad no one got my credit card number. They have called me since the meeting, but I unfortunately missed the call because I would certainly like to ask them some questions. Hopefully, they will call again. Clearly, they have not received their 40 prepays yet or they wouldn't be calling.

I just finished reading all of the consumer articles and complaints about the People to People travel program. According to these articles, the company had committed to change their marketing practices. I am here to say that they haven't changed them at all. The letter my child received stated clearly that she had been nominated for the program and chosen as a candidate to be an ambassador. Of course this was very exciting to a 13-year-old. We went to the introductory meeting which is really a hard core sales pitch. Another parent asked who nominated their child and the lead teacher who is supposed to lead the trip stated that you would never find out how they got the child's name. Furthermore, the marketing tactics they used for this program are targeted directly and clearly to the students, they pitched the students on how they could never get this kind of travel experience if they traveled with their parents and that by coming on a People to People program, they would increase their chances of getting into the college of their choice.

The basic pitch to students is: 1) You have been "chosen" and not very many of you get to go; (2) they promote sign ups to be "interviewed" for the program but when asked, the leader stated that it was a first come/first chosen deal. They would decide on each student after they met with them and when the program was full. This is definitely not how you would proceed if it truly was an "ambassador" program; (3) their marketing tactics work as they create a huge sense of urgency, get the kids thinking this is the only opportunity they will have to travel and that they really will be doing "educational" things even though all the photos they showed were nothing out of the ordinary tourist experience.

The other thing they claim very strongly is about all of their safety practices, but in reading reports on this site, there are reports of missing kids, major health issues, abuse by leaders, misleading information to parents regarding the health of their children, and more. The biggest disappointment for me is that now I have to break it to my daughter that this whole thing is a fraudulent set-up to basically sell really expensive travel packages. This is a huge set up for kids and their marketing practices should be stopped!

My bright 15 year old gets a letter in the mail stating that she was being picked to represent North Baltimore and spend the summer in Australia. She was in awe, I was ever so proud and was not surprised that she got this from her "good Grades" on the SAT, PSAT tests as she has been an Honor Roll student since she was 5.I built her and the family up, was willing to do what I had to do to make this trip for summer of 2011 happen. Mind you I am a profoundly deaf epileptic who was medically forced to retire a few years ago. Last thing I wanted was for her to miss out on something she earned because I was now on disability. Being as it was from Eisenhower, I thought it was the real deal. Then I looked and saw our current president has not signed off of the paper but all past presidents have. Then my phone rings with concern and how no one wants to devastate my daughter who has worked so hard for an opportunity like this.

I emailed asking for ways to get help, so my child can go and explore and not let my disability hold her back. Their email was very caring and said have her write an essay and if she gets picked she will get up to $1000.00 off the trip. I go online and read all the links family has sent me, and then I come across this one. I called P2P on my special phone and asked them in a nut shell the cost and payment plans and how I don't want to waste their time so please be upfront and honest with me long pause, stumbled words, $400 guaranteed holding fee.

Rest due just before trip $6,500.00. Every question I asked the lady on the other end in Spokane, WA needed a few seconds to give me the answers she thought I needed to hear. I also asked for a packet in the mail with details of different payment options it never came. So now I have to break it to my hard working kid that she was indeed not picked, but preyed upon. This company must be shut down.

I received a letter stating that my son was invited to travel and study in Japan in the summer of 2011. I am not sure how my son was picked. He is not listed in the school district for Ohio. The letter states for him to join high school students and he is in middle school. This letter is very deceptive. He isn't even living with me full time now. He lives in West Virginia with his father. I have read most of the complaints online. I am not happy that I received this letter and that it could be a scam to get money out of me. I am single and don't have thousands of dollars to just give away and risk my son's life without proper chaperones.

I received a letter in the mail for my daughter stating that she'd been selected to go on a special trip to Europe as a "student ambassador". We bought into it instantly! My daughter is in the National Junior Honor Society, so we assumed she was being rewarded for exceptional grades! However, once I logged into their site with the special pin # provided. I found that I was to attend a meeting in another city nearby. I looked for information online about the program and found that its a scam! They lure in all kinds of children regardless of their academic standing and then charge them thousands for the trip!

Well I heard people complaining about the recruiting for People to People. I can testify to the fact that my name was not bought. I was nominated by my history teacher in 5th grade. The letter can be misleading though. It says it is a one-time-only opportunity but I have been invited every year since the 5th grade. I have heard good things from other people who went on the trip. None of them had a negative comment about P2P and they were 100 percent satisfied. I would not care how I was recruited but just be happy to go on this "life changing trip." After reading other comments, I would still want to go regardless of their opinions.

Today in the mail, I received a letter from the above this organization, addressed to Parents of Nicholas ** at my address. I would like to state unequivocally that I do not have a son or daughter either. This letter is telling me that my son has been invited to travel and study in England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland in 2011. I would sure like to know how a non-existent person can be invited like this. We are invited to a meeting and issued a PIN number to respond.

It is my belief that this is a veiled solicitation. I am only reporting this because since I have never heard of this organization before, I searched the internet for information and I did not like what I found out. I needn't go into that as this is all public information available to everyone on the internet.

I received a letter that I was invited as a student ambassador to participate in a travel study in Europe. I am 56 years old. What is this junk? How did they get my name and why do they get away with this? A child would be deceived into thinking they really received something special. This is harmful to children and their parents emotionally and financially.

My son received his initiation to attend a trip to England and France next summer. I found this 'honor' to be a scam right away. So I investigated. I found an entire report from consumer reports on how this organization literally takes money from people. The sticker shock was the story about the Iowa boy that died a few years ago while on a trip to Japan. My question is: why is this organization still allowed operating? Why hasn't this been closed down? How many more Americans will be scammed? I find it very unfair to be 'selected' and then scammed or even worse could happen while on the trip. What will the Attorney General do?

I received an invitation for a trip to England, Spain and Italy for 20 days. I know they didn't buy my name from my school or anything because I'm not in any sports, also because I chose to let people look at my SAT scores from last year. My mom knew it was a scam once we read the invitation because it didn't list the tuition, but I wanted to go to the meeting anyway because it mentioned a scholarship. After I reserved a seat, I found out that the meeting is at 7pm on a school night, 2 hours away from home, in a suburb a few minutes away from my dad's house. Good thing I forgot the website, because my dad said to see if there was a meeting closer to home, or I would have never found this website. My mom does not have $6,500; we live off financial aid, and I'm just an honor student. Sure, I can understand things easier than other people, but I also failed a course or two for the last quarter. It's definitely a big scam. My mom doesn't have $6,500 to lose. I'd rather take the time to learn languages and explore other countries myself.

I received a letter from P2P stating that I had been invited to travel and study in Europe with other high school students. I'm 52 years old and graduated from high school in 1975! Do yourself a favor and be very cautious of this organization. Obviously, my name somehow got on their mailing list.

Today, I received in the mail a letter from People to People International stating that my daughter is invited to travel and study in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. By the way, in 14 days will be the anniversary of her death in 1996. This tore my heart open to have such a vivid reminder that she is no longer with us and that she would have been a vibrant fun-loving teenager right now if she were. I immediately called the number on the letter and after a short time on hold "Dan" answered and asked for my pin number on the invitation.

I gave it to him and asked where he and his company received their names from. He responded that names and addresses were a result from teacher nominations and/or academic test score results. And he congratulated me because she must have done quite well to be nominated! I informed him that I believed he was lying and this was a bunch of bull. I informed him that my daughter was deceased for a number of years and I am in the US Navy and move from duty station to duty station and for him to have my correct current address and the name of my deceased daughter was impossible due to my constant moves. He was speechless and tried to apologize and assured me the name would be removed. I doubt that, however.

I know this isn't a case of identity theft, but it sure makes me wonder if someone is selling the name of my deceased daughter and the name and current address of her parents (me). Then I'm sure there's a market out there of unscrupulous beings who can put 2 and 2 together and create new identities for people using mailing lists like this. In fact, some of the Russian spies arrested in America on June 28, 2010 had used the identities of deceased children to spy on the US for a number of years.

They represent their company as being founded by president Eisenhower. The foundation that Eisenhower served on as Honorary Chairman (founded in 1957) was dissolved in 1958 and this travel company has nothing to do with it. They have misrepresented the selection of my daughter as being picked out of 5th and 6th graders. But my daughter is 36 years old with two daughters of her own. This only shows that the mailings are random. A lady in my church also received a notice about her daughter who is now 30. Through much research, I have found this organization to be totally misleading and unsafe in their supervision of small children.

My child is currently on a trip with P2P (Europe). I have mixed reviews. The 'selection' process is misleading at best, the sales tactics are disgraceful and the program is geared toward wealthy families (or families willing to go all out) that want their children to experience another culture. Most children that travel with P2P have a terrific experience.

The problem is that if something does go wrong, this organization is woefully inadequate in terms of remedying situations. This is completely unacceptable, especially given the cost of the trips. Moreover, in some cases this approach can be outright dangerous. Unfortunately, I found this out too late and am still learning uncomfortable bits of information as my daughter is traveling. I am praying that my child returns home safely and I will never place myself, my children and my family in this situation again.

I contributed to a student's trip by sending People to People a check. The student was unable to go. People to People refused to refund my money. Said it would go to the parents. I did not give it to the parents.

Same complaint as many getting a doctor's letter in the mail stating that your child was selected for gov. ambassadorship role, when truly its nothing but a travel co. We were told in the beginning that they would have the utmost experienced people intrusted with our children to find out that they will be only four guides with 40 children to look after that have never ever been to Australia. Maybe they swindled me out of some money but they won't my son. If anyone has any concerns about this organization, please research.

I went on the trip in 1992. I was 12 years old. I laughed at all of these experiences that people have had. I must have had amazing chaperones and must be blessed with parents that taught me well. I didn't spend all my money until I was in the airport. On the way home, I bought a pizza with the last few dollars I had left. I was in the UK and Ireland for 21 days with 30 students and 3 adult chaperones. I saw the Queen. I met amazing kids whom I still have friendships with today.

I learned so much and had a great time. I'm not a parent but I can only imagine sending your child with food allergies, medical problems, etc. on a trip like this may not result in the best outcome, even with assurance. Everything on this trip was prearranged, organized and well thought out and I must say, executed to a point that there were no problems. I guess, according to this website, that I'm one of the lucky ones that had an amazing experience and hope to send my child on a trip with this organization some day.

My elderly relatives were solicited by someone to "sponsor" a child for this trip because they were "selected". No one contributed but I know this person is from a very well off family and they told potential sponsors that it was a program requirement that the student had to get sponsors. They said that the student could not go on the trip without sponsors and the family was only allowed to pay $1,000.00 for the trip. (I found that this is untrue).

A family that is a well off professional family should not be begging elderly people for money with lies and deception. This seems to be encouraged by the People to People organization. It is not NON PROFIT and the students have not been "selected", they have been sent a letter based on the most recent list that People to People have purchased.

My concern is that the child has been getting money from local businesses and who is keeping track of what she gets in this "begging money"? If the trip costs $7,000.00 and she raises $20,000.00 who would know? Are there any laws that would require these beggers to post the amount they have collected from "sponsors"?

Scam letter informing me that my 8 year old daughter is being offered a "one time only" offer to travel to the UK, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. That she can join 5th and 6th grade students from the Hartford area, however she is in the 3rd grade.

People to People International sent me a letter this week inviting my daughter to travel and study in Australia in the summer of 2010 with 5th and 6th grade students from my area. The letter gives me a personal PIM number that I can go to their website and use to reserve a spot at a meeting coming up this January (2010). The letter markets the trip as a once in a lifetime opportunity through their organization which is an educational exploration program founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The deal sounds exciting and all, but I suppose the problem is that my husband and I were just married 3 months ago and we don't even have any children. They are trying to scam parents into thinking that their children are selected for these student ambassador programs and they may think that it's all based on merit- but it's obvious to me that it's NOT since I don't even have a daughter!

I received a letter and luckily I didn't let my child read this first! I immediately called my nephew who's an engineer from our country's missle defense team to check it out for me. I am a very smart single mom suffering now on LTD awating surgery for almost 2 yrs now. I also feel deceived by the letter's ability to have HOPE that she's been chosen for her hardwork. She has been very strong throughout my illness and a honor student at a magnet school here. SHAME on this company for using President's names from our past to solicit innocent parents and children this way. I am going to write President Obama on this one so he won't allow his name appear on this letter after his term either.

wanted to update the info you have about this company and the letters that they send. The letter still makes it seem like this is a special invitation. My 10 yr old was so excited when she opened it! I'm very happy that the internet is available to keep consumers informed and I am glad I got to read about this company on your website

There was no economical or physical loss. However, i find the misledings of this company gross. I feel this way because i am a poor parent who is always looking for ways to broaden my childs culural scope of opportunities. We don't have access to much and I sacrifice a lot for my children. So when presented with an opportunity like this i would not hesitate to sacrifice for my child to participate. I believe this type of misleding should be illegal because there is an what if instance.

I have read the articles regarding the misleading tactics of the People To People organization regarding student ambassador trips. My daughter received invitations letters last year and this year stating she was "nominated" to go on these trips. This organization is STILL sending out misleading letters.

We recieved a letter, how exciting. So we thought. Man were we pumped about this nomination. We downloaded the fundraiser printout, and off we were to raise money! Funny, we mailed over 50 requests and can you believe? Not one response! Apparently, this longlasting,very familiar,well backed organization isnt recognized by the likes of NIKE,Addidas,Rebok,UnderArmour,My local banks,EXXON,"THE WHITE HOUSE",or any other corporation you could solicit for fundraising for that matter. Because lets face it, unless your willing to sell 7000.00 dollars in candybars(within 4 months), you're on your own. I don't know anyone who can afford that! Oh! but there is more to this story!

nothing other than it was a waste of money, my son was lost for a short time, he didn't eat but once a day, and there wasn't adequate supervision.

My wife, induced by the invitation from People to People, went to the first meeting last week. Pressured my wife to make a down payment of $400 and assured her it would be refunded if for some reason our son wasn't chosen or decided not to go. Not true. Found out, after research, questionable practices of People to People were obvious. My wife cancelled the interview (next step in the process) and learned, all of the refund would not be returned. Buried in small print in documents my wife did not sign, the technical guideline states, if cancelled within three days of paying, full refund due. We cancelled 5 days later, and learned, to our dismay, these people are keeping $95, for no reason except "these are our guidelines." Ours is a light experience compared to others whose children were injured due to neglect of those in charge. They clearly use deceptive practices to keep about 25% of down payments. In our case, living on a tight budget of Social Security and what I can make as a part-time substitute, we scrape to get buy with two teenagers, going to school. The lady I talked to in Spokane was nice, but clearly unsympathetic, repeating over and over again, "I'm sorry, but that is our policy." These people are greedy and deceptive.

This organization sent a letter to the "Parents of Elisabeth Davis" indicating that Elisabeth was invited to join this group on a "one-time-only opportunity to travel on a 2010 program." The first issue is that Elisabeth Davis is my wife, age 49 and not my daughter, who I would venture to say that P to P thought they were targeting. As such, the letter appears to be a mass mailout based on an inaccurate mailing list. This letter uses deceptive flattery and references to lure parents into a very expensive travel proposition on behalf of their child. This organization would be more honest by changing their organization name to People to People Travel Agency.

Our son, a 16 year old sophomore and his mom were thrilled when he was nominated for P2P. They went to a local "seminar" (my term) in which high-pressure sales tactics similar to those used by multi-level and timeshare marketers were used. The tactics included a very flashy, professional presentation of all the product positives, and a gloss over of the terms and the costs. about costs and details went largely unanswered, and the major points that kept being made was that this was the opportunity of a lifetime, would open doors if enrolled, and would require immediate signup and registration.

My son, a very smart boy who works part-time for his own savings really, really wanted to go after seeing the presentation. The total cost was around $8,500. I didn't go to the presentation, but after reading the literature it was clear that my son would have to raise a majority of the money in about 2.5 months. That is impossible, and even if possible, unwise. Unwise because fundraising of that magnitude would almost take a full-time job. It would take away from his school work, his SAT prep, his sports, and his scouting duties (an Eagle Scout). Of course, if we were "loving and capable parents" we would just provide him the money. YEAH, RIGHT!

I'm not going to fall for the guilt factor. It is a subtle component of the marketing that P2P provides, but it is there, under the surface. Every parent wants to give their children what they want. Most parents simply aren't aware of the evil marketing pressures their teens are under.

I talked with our son in detail about P2P, and told him I would think about it. I did tell him that I wouldn't blindly let him jeopardize his savings, and totally use up all his time the next 3 months on P2P unless it truly is as good as he has been told. That was when I hit GOOGLE. Knowledge is power.

P2P is a glorified international travel company for teens and pre-teens. If you want your teen to have international travel under his or her belt, then save your money for a family vacation, or work with a church or other group (French club, etc) to participate in a trip. You will save money. IF you go with P2P you may very well have a good international travel experience. You may not (read the complaints), but either way, it will be extremely costly, and the facade that this is all some honor, and some academic program is simply not true.

I received a letter from "People to People" offering my daughter a one-time-only opportunity to travel and study in Australia in the summer of 2010. The letter states that the program was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. I don't have a daughter. I've never had a daughter. After reading the horror stories about this Program; even if I did have a daughter, she wouldn't go anywhere with "People to People"! I think I'll send this letter back to them so they can pay the return postage.

I would like to know how this organization obtains thier information. They sent a letter addressed to my son knowing his full name, what grade he was in and his age.

I received a letter from them stating the were offering "my daughter a one-time-only opportunity to travel and study in Australia in the summer of 2010." She'd join other 5th and 6th grade students. The problem is that my only daughter is a 33 year old mother of 3.

This is not some professional ambassador program if they can't even get it straight just who they are "inviting" to travel. What kind of organization encourages 5th and 6th graders to travel internationally without their parents these days? Don't they know US citizens have been targeted both for crime?

These parents that sign up their kids for study & travel abroad are sending them with people that are poorly trained for emergent situations and they could care less for the kids safety as long as they get paid.

This year, I too received a letter personally inviting me as a Student Ambassador to join other high school students from my area to travel and study in England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland in the summer of 2010. In researching and reading articles about this program on Consumer Affairs, I was encouraged to pass along my experience in concern of the organization's selection and marketing practices.

I have received an invitation to participate in the People to People student ambassador program. The letter indicated that only students specifically invited may participate and that my daughter has received a "one-time only opportunity". I went on to the internet to research this organization and find that it is open to anyone with the money to pay for a program.

My daughter was heartened to believe that she was specially selected for this program and has had to learn a hard lesson to read between the lines with a cynical eye misleading marking promotional letters such as this. The company should stop sending false and misleading letters such as this.

Being suspicious (and a corporate IT professional) by nature, the letter I just received was cross referenced as many others here have done. The input is valuable, and my son will not be traveling to England, Tibuktu, Narnia, or my own back yard under the guidance of these people.

This said, the technical aspect of their operation are a little "unusual"... results from whois.sc

Email Search: jeff.garlock@peopletopeople is associated with about 115 domains

Whois History: 30 records have been archived since 2001-12-10.

In short, for such a "prestigious" organization, they change their technical backbone regularly, have only one person listed for contact (most big companies have separate contacts for technical and admin, and others), and they own 115 other web sites - I work for a fortune 100 company who only has about the same number!

I've had many experiences with companies not on the up and up, and this one reeks with the best of the worse. Caveat Emptor!

I feel sorry for all that lost so much money, and wonder why, this fraudulant organization is still sending letters, and has not been stopped. All of you that lost money, should contact an attorney, and file a class action suit. God Bless those that told their struggle with these scam artists at People to People International. I hope all of you receive a blessing.

I read your article about the missing students on the People to People International trip and I wanted to let you know that I went on one of their trips 2 summers ago and the same thing happened to me. In the scheduled home-stay in Frankfurt Germany, I was placed in an incredibly unstable family and had to be removed for my safety.

According to my host student, 3 days prior to our arrival, her teacher just asked them to raise their hand if they would like an American student to come stay with them. Another girl on my trip was locked in an apartment over a local grocery store because the parents of the German students were anti-Bush.

People to People needs to be shut down completely. 25 of our 39 students contracted a violent stomach virus that required medical attention due to spoiled food. The trip had nothing to do with being ambassadorial but only about taking high schoolers to Europe if their parents could pay for it. I quickly observed their their "careful selection process" was nothing more than asking your name and birthdate. The program is unsafe, un-educational, and a sorry excuse for an ambassadorial program.

While in Paris, we were told by our chaperones to "do what we want for 4 hours then meet back at the eiffel tower." More attention needs to be brought to the faults of this program before anymore students get put into danger.

Last fall I received my nomination. I was told I would travel the 'Imperial Capitals of Europe'. I was estatic. My thoughts at the time were, "Finally, hard work has paid off!" Its necessary to understand that basic premises of an honor student coming from a very low economic background.

Despite the trip's high cost, my mother refused to deny me such an opportunity. She was proud, and so was I. This was afterall, made out to be a very very big deal.

So, for the remainder of that year and well into the next, we surrendered huge portions of our paychecks to this trip's fund. In my case, near all of my earnings went directly to these payments. It was more than we could spare. In the end, all of my mother's credit cards were maxed-out, and I had $180.00 to take on my trip as spending money.

To this day, we do not own a vehicle. We both walk or bike to work, and in my case, to school as well.

On July 1st, somewhere near the middle of our trip, I was approached and spoken to in a manner that was demeaning to my character, innapropriate, and frankly unacceptable.

That morning we were checking-out of a hotel. I walked down the stairs, luggage in tow and approached the main counter. As I was handing my room card to the hotel employee, a leader standing literally on the other side of the lobby said to me,
"Jasmine, I don't know about those." When I turned and asked her what she was refering to, she replied,

"Those shorts, you're starting to look like a hooker again."

This was in a room full of people, including those we were traveling with, and to this I said,

"Well thanks. You look very nice today as well."

She persisted I should take all of my luggage back upstairs and change my clothing.
I said,
"So we're not in a rush like I was told?
She replied,

"No, you have 15 minutes."

I returned to my hotel room and changed the shorts and returned back to the lobby in less than 10 minutes.

Upon arrival, the lobby was barren, all of the students had loaded onto the bus along with thier luggage.

After checking out, I approached the two remaining leaders. The first being who made the initial comment, the second another.

As I walked towards them, I noticed the first was literally whispering into the second's ear, hand-covering mouth and all. At that point, I knew something was coming, but only from prior experience. This was not the first conflict, only the first I'd been involved in.

I asked if I should go to the bus with the others. At that the second leader turned to me and said something very similar to,

"Jasmine, as far as I'm concerned you did this on purpose. You made us late and now, because of that, you are going to shadow a leader all day. You are not to be arms distance from a leader. Do you understand?"

I waited for her to finish, no expression showed on my face. When she did finish I asked,

"Can I say something for myself?"

With that, both leaders turned on the spot, flipped their hair behind them and marched outside to the bus.

I wish I could say I was exagerating even the tiniest detail, but unfortunately, I am not.

As soon as I sat down on the bus, I pulled out my personal journal and recorded what had just happened. I wanted to write as the events were fresh and my mind.

I left out all bias and to the best of my abilities, portrayed the people and scenario as accurately as possible. I have left out the names of the two leaders because I do not wish slander anyone.

I beleive this is the responsibiliy of the corperation. How thier leaders react to or approach situations is of thier choice, very similar to work training.

I was later informed that People to People has no such training.

As for my offensive shorts - I was told I could wear these specific shorts with leggings or tights, and I certainly was that day.

I also have pictures of the shorts other girls were wearing, ON A REGULAR BASIS, during this trip. Be assured, my shorts exceeded the length of theirs.

I can provide those photos along with a photo of mine and the leggings I was wearing that day.
Also, I was 'dealt' with in a much more severe manner than any of my fellow students. None of them were spoken to in such a way, and few were spoken to or treated in such a demeaning manner.

If this 'treatment' had been universal, I would still file this complaint, but it would cetainly be on a less personal level.

I sent my daughter on the European Discovery trip with this program and was assured that the kids are taken care of properly and if any health issues came up or if they have problems with the students they would call the parent at home. My daughter has asthma, a severe milk allergy, immune deficiency and is anemic. I informed the organization of my daughter's health issues prior to her leaving. When they were eating the menus consisted of dairy product foods, my daughter informed them that she could not eat the foods on the P2P menu and was told that that is what she had to choose from. I emailed two of the charperones on the trip advising them that she absolutely cannot eat dairy products and that if my daughter could not eat what was on the P2P menu that she could use the debit card I gave her for emergencies, of which I felt that this was one.

She was never allowed to buy her own food. Instead of contacting me to see what we could do about this, they retaliated against my daughter by harassing her, insulting her dignity, character and causing her asthma to flare up. My daughter lost 7 pounds, of which she cannot afford to lose as she is very tiny, she also came home with raspy voice as well as shallow breathing and for a week after the trip had to use her breathing machine for heavy duty treatments to get her lungs back on track. I have tried to talk with the lead chaperone and the home office is shielding her. She refuses to answer my questions, as advised by the home office as to why she ignored my daughters health limitations as well as she physically grabbed my daughter, and verbally abused her by screaming at her for no reason at all, made false accusations regarding my daughter as well. I do not understand why she retailiated against my daughter after she received my email with concerns regarding her food intake and asthma.

After my 10 year old daughter recieved her "invitation" to the People to People Student Ambassedor Program, she was over the moon. Being a single mother, I on the other hand had strong reservations sending my only child away over seas. But the letter was addressed to her and the gate had been open upon her reading all of the wonderful oppertunities that awaited her. After attending the "informational meeting" and being assured over ten times that my child was in good hands and would be safe we set the task of raising the funds just over $5,000 for 14 days of education in France and England on the tale of two cities.

By the start of June we reached our goal and had made all of the money. With cutting back on everything from christmas, birthdays and even monthly bills we did it! My daughter was off on her adventure July 8th. I had purchesd a AAA visa travel money card and had 250.00 for spending money. Needless to say my now 11 year old who was promised to be taught 'budgeting" had blown through her funds in two days! She still had 12 days left. So I ran to the AAA and reloaded her card with $200.00. Two days later gone. At this point I now was kicking myself for listedning to my delegation leader and not sending my child with a cell phone for me to contact her. So I signed up my cell phone for international calling and phoned her over seas to see what was going on with her money.

Come to find out she had spent all of her 450.00 in 4 days on "snacks" and a few suveniors, $450 on what!!!! I explained toher that she was going to run out of money and that I only had $200.00 left to give her tolast the next ten days. We talked about budgeting and her spending 20.00 a day. I said goodbye. On monday I put the last $250.00 into her account. Needless to say gone two days later. I recieved an e-mail from our delgation leader stating the children are learnig about budgeting and not to worry about money because all food and lodging are covered. She also stated unfortunatly some items had been lost and/ or damaged - mainly cameras! Again we are talking about 10 -12 year olds. Where is the supervision.

Friday was my breaking point. While in the shower for work I had a missed call on my cell phone and home phone, both had no message. When I looked at the number I realized it was from over seas. I frantically tried to call it back but was unable to get through. I phoned my mother at her job to see if she had heard anything... My daughter's foot had been run over by a car. She was on the way to the hospital. The delgation leader had given a phone number to her for me to call and speak with them. I tired the number -did not work! Again wishing I had given her a cell phone! I called the delgation leaders wife and was told that she had tried the number and it had not worked for her. She said her husband had called and that my daughter was fine. She said they are at the hospital and her husband was tring to get them to take an x-ray! TRYING to get "them" to take an x-ray! She also said if her husband did not hear from me in about an hour he would try to call me again. THat was the longest 2 hours of my life.

Finaly they called. I was informed that another child had bumped her into the narrow street of londan and a SMALL LIGHT car ran over her foot. Nothing was broken and she was given two pain pills and told to take something over the counter for pain. I was also told that she might now get tendinditis. I spoke with my child, who sounded scared and in pain. I wanted to clime through the phone and get to her. I was told she was coing to take a taxi to the train station and then a train back to the hotel to relax.

After the intial shock wore off I started sending e-mails to People to People to see what I could do. I was sent one e-mail stated not sympothy for my child, just that I would have to pay for the taxi ride and submit a claim to the insureance of P2P. That was my reasurance the rest of the trip would be fine and my daughter was still in good hands. Later that night our daily e-mail came from the delgation leader stating the days adventure, in this mass e-mail it was mentioned that an unfortunate accident occured and a child had their foot run over but was fine. When my daughter pulled up to the drop off point on Tuesday she came off the bus, looked at me and burst into histerics. She sobbed and shook and held me tighter than I have ever felt her grip before.

Come to find out first hand, she was struck - whole body by a car, feet, legs, and arms. She had bruses on her foot, toe, ankel, arm and stomach. She told me that not only did this happen but she traveled in an ambulance to the ER - something I was not told on the day of incident. She went on to then explain that the other children in her group were all upset with her because they missed out on activities while waiting for her. She felt devestated that she caused anyone to miss anything. She then told me that her roomates were all crying because they thought she was dead! How a child can think someone is dead from a "foot being run over" is beyond me. Agian I must stress we are talking about 10 -12 year old children!

Next I was informed that my child had lost her digital cmerea, souvoniers, and personal items along the way. I asked were the adult were and how this happend she had no answer. After spending 2 days as instructed I contacted the airport in NYC and London, and the airports in both locations as well to be told, no camera was turned in. I then recieved "reciepts" from the delegation leader for me to pay and then submit for reimbursment - lunch at the hospital for my daughter and the delegation leader, taxi fare, and two train tickets. I am to pay for the delegation leader that was to be watching my child?

Now I have recieved two e-mails from the P2P insurancew company for claims on the medical and the camera. Still no phone call, no e-mail, no anything on a follow up to the well being of my child. My feeling is they got me for all the money I had and now forgot the Promisies that they made of education, safety and a life time experience for my child. We had a follow up with her pedeatrician, who said she was a very lucky little girl. However, she now will not walk on a side walk, or in a parking lot with moving cars unless she has a strong gripof my hand and I and between her and the moving veichle. I spent about a total of $6,000 for my daughter to come back learnig fear and that she never wants to do a people to people "adventure" again .

I am the mother of Tyler Hill who died on a People to People Student Ambassador Trip after he asked for medical help and was denied! We entered a wrongful death lawsuit. Judge Porter granted the plaintiffs (our) motion to add a claim for punitive damages in our opinion because of clear and convincing evidence.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! You can contact your attorney general and the Better Business Bureau to get your money back. Follow the links on www.tylerhill.org Contact your state and federal congress and senate and report the wrong! Also contact the Federal Trade Commission and file a complaint! Finally, if you are from another country...contact the U S Embassy ... or Committee for Safety of Foreign Exchange Students... www.cfses.org Don't let it happen again. You are the voice. Speak up! Speak out! My son's legacy will not die. He did not die withour purpose. Don't let it happen again! I beg you. Sheryl Hill, Ty's Proud Mom!

On July 4th, at the BBQ and dance, Justin and another delegate were able to leave the event and go to an unsupervised location, making a decision which was in violation of their Ambassador Pledge. This I will not deny. As a result, Justin has lost his free time for the remainder of trip, was forced to write numerous letters of apology, and will have to shadow a leader the remainder of their time in Europe. I have no problem with there being reasonable consequences to my child's behavior. However, the fact that two children were able to separate from the group and to remain unsupervised for an undetermined amount of time is very disturbing. Even more disturbing is that I just learned from Ms. L that P2P believes I should not expect them to know the whereabouts of children under their care at all times during trips to foreign countries and when confronted with such an occurrence will vehemently deny any wrong doing on the part of P2P or delegate leaders.

While at a planned event my son and another child went missing for a period of time. However, since their absence went completely unnoticed, it is unclear exactly how much time passed. It is about this incident, which the leaders learned of over a week later, that I was contacted by Kristi and felt compelled to contact the P2P organization. Ultimately I was put into contact with Ms. L who is responsible for writing the policy concerning delegate behavior and discipline.

During my conversation with Ms. L I voiced to her my concerns that my son and another delegate could disappear from the group and remain unaccounted for an unknown period of time (there is only the children's report of the time away). I told her that I was appalled that my child would be unaccounted for over any amount of time in an unsecured location overseas.

In response to my concerns, at first Ms. L actually suggested that the supervision was indeed adequate. However, confronted with the fact that this took place at a P2P sponsored event with children from 2 different delegations, it was difficult to deny that the children, by definition, were obviously not supervised closely enough. Ultimately, Ms. L made the following comments that will prevent me from ever sending my son on another trip, my daughter on a trip, or nominating any other child (these statements were written down at the time of the conversation and while they are not direct quotes, they are VERY close paraphrases):

If I were told any of these statements ahead of time, I would have never sent my son overseas with this group. I would never send my 14 year old son to a foreign country without the expectation that the leaders would be able to keep constant track of my child with the exception perhaps of when they are to be sleeping in their rooms at night. I was assured at a pre-trip meeting and at the airport in a public statement by the delegation leaders that the delegates would NOT even be able to go to the bathrooms on their own without being accompanied by another delegate. I do not deny that my 14 year old son made a poor decision. However, he has never engaged in this behavior under my or anyone elses supervision. He is a 14 year old (legally a minor), so signing a contract does not release the leaders from responsibility and liability for actions the delegates may engage in while under their care. If all it took was a contract to regulate the behavior of an unsupervised minor, adolescence would be a very easy period of time for parents and I would not have needed to pay People to People for adult supervision during this trip.

I thought you all should remain informed consumers and to have this information before making any future P2P plans for your children.

I wrote in February 2008 concerning the practice P2P has of sending nomination letters to parents in attempts to sell them over priced travel packages by leading them to believe their child has been granted an honor. My relative bought into the hype. Of course her child had a wonderful trip and as she should have had ....@ such a price. Just this week my sister's daughter opened her own "nomination" to travel to Australia and showing us just exactly why she is in the honors program....she tossed the letter into the garbage.

Our school was contacted by this organisation out of the blue in 2008. The letter that we recieved indicated that scholarships were on offer for exceptional students to attend leadership conferences. My daughter was chosen to apply, and we went ahead with all the paperwork, thinking we were applying for a scholarship. When the first lot of documents arrived, no mention was made of a scholarship, only of a first payment of $300 that we had to send with our application. This is a large amount of money for a South African family, so I queried P2P about the scholarship. They replied that once they'd recieved the first payment, we would get our application for scholarship and we could submit it to them.

I made the payment, and eventually recieved the application, only to find that I had to make yet another payment of $300 as the scholarship winners would only be announced in March 2009. I checked out their website, and they advertised 3 scholarships available for the forum my daughter had chosen, so we applied and paid the $300.

Needless to say, she did not recieve a scholarship. P2P only awarded a total of 3 (they advertised 12 on their website) and only 1 was to an international student. I immediately enquired about withdrawal, and was advised that should I withdraw before 30 March 2009, I would receive my full $600 back, less $90 admin fee. I withdrew her the next day, 20 March 2009 and requested that the $510 be paid back into my credit card as their withdrawal rules stated that if all payments had been made from a single card, then that card would be credited. I received a confirmation of withdrawal on 26 March 2009 and was advised to expect my money to be credited within 21 business days.

After waiting 38 business days, I enquired again. I was advised that a check has been posted in the amount of $420, $180 less than I'd paid. I queried them immediately, and I quote: "Firstly, I was advised that my credit card would be credited with the amount as I used it to make the payments and that is what I want done. As you can see below, that is what I requested. The postal system in the country is highly unsafe, and there is almost no chance that I will ever receive the check.

Secondly, the amount is incorrect. I paid an amount of USD600. I withdrew well before the 120 day deadline and was supposed to have only lost USD90 registration fee. Why then is the check only made out for USD420? This means that I've been penalised USD180 (2 x registration fees) and this is incorrect. Please revert urgently." The response I recieved today was that they were issuing another check for $420 and would post it shortly!

On 20 March when I withdrew, the $ was trading at 9.25 to the South African Rand so $510 was equal to R4717,50. Today the $ is trading at 7.80 which means my $510 is now only worth R3978 and I have lost R739 due to P2P incompetence, not to mention the short-payment of $90 on the check which I have not as yet received.

It is hard to believe that this organization is supposedly endorsed by a descendent of Dwight Eisenhower. I am horrified by the treatment our family has received. We signed up for my daughter to go on the European trip about six months ago. We paid over $2000 and assumed final payment could be made closer to the trip. We attended all of the delegation meetings including a service project. Approximately two weeks ago, the delegation leader called to tell me my daughter was taken off the roster.

When I called to find out what was going on, a Spokane representative told me that my daughter was withdrawn from the program due to non-payment. When I told her I didn't receive notice that payment had to be made and that I could payoff the balance now, she was completely non-committal and told me that I would hear something within three days.

They called me several days later and told me they were still working on reinstating my daughter because the delegation was now full. I asked that they figure it out as soon as possible so i can make arrangements. They have since been extremely nasty and make up bogus reasons for not being able to reinstate her.

Last conversation today was that the hotels were full. When I asked which hotels the delegation was staying at, the customer service rep could not answer me. To top it all off, they are saying that I will not receive my 2,000 back even though they are over booked because "she was withdrawn for non-payment." I repeated that I want to pay but you won't let me. She just kept repeating the same sentence over and over again.

I cannot believe the distress this is causing my family yet the People to People organization show no remorse for their treatment. It almost seems like a setup. They take as much money as they can from you, overbook and then tell people they can't have their money back. Something must be done to stop this organization and their business practices.

Placed $400.00 deposit on trip, intending to pay the full payment balance by check within 45 days of departure. THe program requires full payment by 30 days prior to departure. An additional check was sent in the amount of 2000.00. On the date that this 2000.00 check was received at the P2P office, I receive a notice that my daughter was withdrawn from the program. I asked about resolving the issue; was told that as long as I paid in full, no problem. I questioned the issue and was advised that full reinstatement would be made if full payment was received by May 20. Needless to say, P2P cashed a check in excess of $3500 for final payment. Conversation took place about May 12, 2009.

Multiple other conversations ensued to assure full reinstatement. Comments from "no problem,, we rec'd your payment, its in the works etc were received. Today - I was advised that my daughter cannot be reinstated because " the delegations were overbooked." When asked what would have been done if full payments were received on time - there was no response.

I just advised P2P that I will be filing suit in NJ court seeking damages.

My children, twins, were invited to some world leadership forum for 5th-8th grades in Washington, D.C.. One problem, my son and daughter are 8 1/2 and are going into 3rd grade. Who are these people and how do I get my children off their very misinformed list? They even spelled my son's last name wrong. I have the letters & invites if you want them. Thanks. None. I confiscated them before my children saw them and could get excited. How misleading!

I am interested in updating you re: my complaint. Today, I tried calling People-to-People again and repeated my complaint to a different agent, who was very tactful and responsive. She promised to investigate and returned my call promptly. I was told which department would be handling my situation, and also that I could expect satisfaction: either reinstatement on the trip, or refund of my money (since I technically did not withdraw). This agent treated the situation as a misunderstanding and miscommunication, which went very far with me -- I consider this later response to be reasonable. I am hopeful that this agent is correct, and that future interactions with this company will be satisfactory. I appreciate your site and your mission; however, it looks like there may be no reason to publish my story at this time. Please stand by and I will certainly notify you if the situation is not resolved soon. Thank you!

Placed $400.00 deposit on trip, intending to charge the full payment balance on my credit card closer to departure date (8 months later). Days before I went to place the full payment, I was told that my daughter was no longer on the trip and that I was entitled to no refund (although I was originally told verbally by the company that I would be able to obtain a full refund minus a fee of less than $100.00). I asked about resolving the issue; was told that as long as I paid in full, no problem. I asked by what date, because that was always my plan, and I was told 30 days before departure (which would put the due date in late June. Conversation took place about May 6, 2009).

I asked for confirmation (since I am now being told that any money they received from me is non-refundable) and was promised a confirmation phone call wthing 72 hours, max. No return call. Have come to assume that they overbooked the trip, since they have kicked several customers out, all with no refund, no phone call, no warning, no email, no letter. I am aware of no such clause in any agreement signed by me which would allow them to do that, and I believe that this is fraudulent, immoral, unethical, and predatory.

I am a mother from the Philippines & my son was nominated by his school principal to attend a leadership summit of People to People Ambassador Program. But the problem is we will shoulder all the expenses (tuition fee, air fare, & allowance). We also paid for the processing of the passport & the US Visa. Worse, when we were interviewed at the us Embassy, we were denied of the visa because the consular officer could not understand why such scholarship should burden the students family of the finances. The consular officer also could not access & get some response from the Organization when he tried to contact them. That cast some doubts on the officer leading to the denial of the visa. Scholarship is given though, but it is near the scheduled leadership program--which means to say that air fare will be more expensive to secure. This is just an overseas educational blah blah, I should say.

The whole family were denied of a US Visa because of some questionable documents from the organization presented before the US Consular Officer & we were all put to shame.

I ordered earthlink on March 23,2009. When I ordered the product I was told it would be $29.99 to set it up. Cost for Disc and programs they would ship for start-up. They took my credit card number to get it started. I told the that I would pay the monthly charge throught my bill pay service. At that time I was told it would not be a problem. I have not as of this date recieved any disc, program or shipment of any kind. They took my money and gave me nothing. I contacted them for the 14th time because I noticed that they had romeved a payment from my card. I did not authorize this payment.

The last time I spoke with them, a supervisor told me that he was so sorry and that the first month of service would be waived and I would get the $29.99 start up fee returned. After checking my account statement, I was not refunded the $29.99 and was also charged for March and April at $9.99. I contacted Earthlink again via chat. After 3 pages of discussion I was told by the young man that since he was sales and he wasn't going to sell me anything he could not help me. I asked again for an address where I could write to complain or at least get some help.

He connected me via chat to another chat person who was worse. She told me that the service was not earthlink but People PC see informed me that "you need to call them" the number is 1-800- with 24-7 support "why don't you call them now they are always available". I asked for her to translate the numbers from the letters for me. She than gave me another number "The exact number and timings are (866) Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST " I asked what happened to the 24/7 number and she wrote this is the new number to use.

I only wanted a simple dial-up service. or for them to stop charging me for something I do not have. and refund my money as they said they would.

Last chat person stated that she needed my mothers maiden name for verification, I gave it to her and she typed back that she could not verify my account, than wanted the last four of my card, she once again said she could not verify and than asked for my last four again, at this point I was not sure if she was asking for last four of the credit card or my ssan.These people have taken my time 6 hours (lunch breaks at work 1 Hour each), money My $29.99, 9.99 twice.

This is the letter that I sent to this organization:

My son, Nick, is having to withdraw due to some very serious health issues. I called the 800 number today to find out about receiving my downpayment refund ($400) and I was told that he would only receive $155 of the $400 back. When I asked about the other $245, I was told by Annette that the $245 was for insurance. Insurance for whom? My son isn't attending. I am a single mother with 3 teenagers, but I was trying to get my son to Europe, an opportunity that he may never get, and because of his health issues, he cannot attend.

So here's the scenario as I see it. A child and his parent(s) get a letter stating that he has been nominated to go on this absolutely chance of a lifetime trip. Come to a meeting and we're presented with this incredible dog and pony show and its backed by the legendary name of Dwight D. Eisenhower. It is explained by the People to People representative that each child must turn in an application and then set up an interview before it is decided whether the child can go on this fabulous trip. And in order for the application to be processed, a $400 downpayment has to be made to People to People. Each child is given a booklet filled with info and an application.

So this is done and the child makes it through the interview. But....one of two things happen - either the child, who has a health history, becomes much sicker and should not make the trip - or, especially in this day and time, the poor parent(s) realize they cannot afford $6500+ that they need to come up with in a matter of 2-3 months.

So, breaking the child's heart and/or dream, the parent(s) have to cancel. And when they call to get the $400 they put down, they are told that they will only get back $155, the other $245 is for insurance. Whose insurance??? Not the child, because he's not going.

Now, this really sounds like a racket. And I am in the position to have this researched - I work for the Chiefs of Police for the entire state of Georgia. I will take this to the news media, I will take this to the governor's office, I will take this to my U.S. Senator - I will take it to whereever I have to so that no one is ever taken in by this money-making scheme again. I am mad.

I am a single mother whose child has taken a drastic turn for the worse (unexpectedly) in his health. I wanted to give him this and now he can't go, through no fault of our own. I will be very curious to find out how many people have been taken in by this scam. I will not stop until this is STOPPED. And I get my entire $400 back.

Furthermore, when I called this morning and talked to Annette and explained to her that my son might be dying, she basically laughed and said too bad, I signed a document and I'm only going to get the $155 back. I will give this program a black-eye, I will assure you this.

This company, which I personally believe continues to masquerade as a non-profit, spends very little on their actual programs. They are a public company; just look at their profit statements! Their reports indicate that they spend only about 20% on providing the programs! So for an $8,000 trip, they spend about $2k.

In my view that kind of profit margin speaks for itself, and it is only with this egregious 'honor marketing' scam and the unholy affiliation with a once laudable and now-questionable non-profit that families are duped into paying such huge amounts.

A true 'honor' does not cost these kinds of fees, if anything.

My bright, artistic, 4th grade daughter (9 1/2 years old) came home from school very proud one day. Her teacher told her that she was choosing my daughter out of the whole school and that we would get information about it in the mail. Choosen for what we didn't know exactly. My daughter is very hardworking and nice, so I was not surprised that a teacher would pick her out for some sort of recognition.

Well, today, the teacher sent home the letter she received from People to People, asking her to nominate her best students. At first read, my heart swelled. I thought, my little girl has been picked for something very special! Some text of the letter, supposedly from Eisenhower's grandaughter states I am pleased to invite you to nominate your most outstanding students to attend the People to People World Leadership Forum in the 2009-2010 academic year After reading a second time, I thought, students? If it were truly selective, multiple nominations wouldn't be offered to the teacher.

More from the letter please nominate only fourth through seventh grade students who demonstrate outstanding scholastic merit and leadership potential P2P must use this line, now, to justify them telling students that they were nominated, and not plucked from a mailing list. After being so excited, and proud (I almost called my parents to tell them!) a few minutes later, I was concerned, because it mentioned, all students will receive an application for one of more than 20 competitive need- and achievement-based scholarships Red flag moment, what this is going to cost me? And ONLY 20 scholarships?! That isn't even enough to cover one child per state!!!

I also thought, how many parents want their 9-10 year old child traveling without them? At the end of the day, I am totally honored that my daughter's teacher thought so much of her, to nominate her for what she thought was an adventure. But something in my gut told me to google this, and I thank God for this site. The application will go in the trash and I will let my daughter's teacher know that p2p isn't what they claim to be. I just wanted to put it out there that they are trying to get 'legitimate' nominations now.

The whole thing breaks my heart. I thank God for this site and thank everyone for sharing. P2P seems like too much of a risk, especially for poorer or younger children who might have more to loose. It is a crying shame that Presidents' names are on this letter, disgusting! After reading that P2P doesn't even run the trips makes me sick. This isn't a harmless nomination scam like whos who in high school. This has a real potential for misleading parents and children. Someone should call child protective services on them.

My son was selected to experience Europe this summer. We paid the $400 registration fee and began raising money for his trip. We were told that we could withdraw from the trip 150 days prior to the trip and receive all our money back less the $95 non-refundable application fee. I never received a departure date, except June 1 and it was followed by please disregard this date you will be informed of the correct departure date 150-180 days prior to travel. Since they stated this at the meeting and on their website, I decided to continue raising money until that 150 days prior to travel to see if we could raise enough money.

In January I still did not have a travel date, but I knew we could not raise that amount of money, so I withdrew from the trip. I requested my refund. Several weeks later I did receive my refund less $500. I was told that I withdrew after the 150 days prior to travel, and that would cost me $500. I e-mailed People to People and wrote them a letter stating that I never received a departure date and therefore I did withdraw in time for the refund less the $95. On March 2, 2009 their website still stated that the departure date was June 1, but disregard this date and you will be notified of the correct date 150-180 days prior to travel.

People to People said they e-mailed me the departure date on January 12, 2009. I did not receive this e-mail, and on top of that if they sent the e-mail out on January 12, 2009 that did not give me the time to withdraw 150 days prior to travel as they promised they would. A representative called me to inform they were keeping the $500. I asked him about what was on the web site about the departure date being June 1 but please disregard. He stated that their web site did not say that. I printed a copy of that web site on March 2, 2009. He said it did not say that now and the fee would stand. If I had been given a departure date I would have withdrawn in plenty of time, but I never received a departure date. People to People states that they did inform everyone of the departure date on January 12, 2009. This was 149 days prior to travel. I never received a departure date. I lost $500.

We lost $500.

In late January 2009, my son received a letter in the mail stating that he had been chosen by Governor Riley and the People to People organization for the opportunity to participate in a trip to Australia. He was advised that there was a parents' meeting approximately 2 weeks later and that in order to reserve his spot, he had to register on line immediately, which we did. The parents' meeting was an hour and a half away from our home and consisted of a brief slideshow and some sales pitches for this trip. The meeting lasted about an hour and there was little time to ask questions. We were told we had to pay the deposit fee of $400.00 that evening in order to be able to be eligible for the trip and to access the web site for further information and for access to the financial aid websites.

I registered and paid the $400.00 and went to the website for the financial aid only to find that the deadline for applying for financial aid was January 31, 2009; the deadline had passed and we were not advised of it even though I had asked about financial aid at the end of the meeting. This is an issue because I specifically told the woman at the meeting that we were not affluent and that we were from one of the poorest counties in the entire country. She assured me that I would find financial aid on the web site. Additionally, everything had been presented in such a whirlwind fashion that I realized that evening that no dates for the trip had been given to us.

The parents' meeting was on a Sunday so, the next day, Monday morning, I called the offices in Spokane Washington to get dates. No one seemed to know what the dates were and I was assured that we would know everything before the actual trip took place. I was also told that the dates would be firmed up in early March, at which point I stated that $1000.00 was due March 1st and that I wasn't going to pay anything more until I at leas had dates. After about 1/2 hour and several people later, a woman came on and gave me an explanation about how they work with the schools to ensure all schools are out for the summer before setting the date. She told me the first day of the trip was June 8, 2009. I told her that they had obviously not checked with my son's school since he would still be in school until mid June. The more I spoke with these people the more uncomfortable I became that something wasn't quite right.

Another mandatory parents' meeting was scheduled for two weeks later (February 22). We drove to the meeting and told the woman there that we would be withdrawing from this trip. We were advised to call People to People in Spokane Washington the next day, 2/23/09. I called People to People as advised and informed them that we would be dropping from the program. Three people were involved in this process. When I told the first person we would be withdrawing I was told to hold on so that I could speak with another individual who would handle that. The second person told me that there would be a $500.00 withdrawal fee. When I stated I wasn't aware of that, he passed me on to a Supervisor who simply stated it was in the terms of agreement that I had accepted and that I should have read them.

Well, I did read them, under duress from the pressure of being told I had to pay mt $400.00 deposit in order to have my son be considered for the trip. I stated that I had paid my $400.00 deposit and that they would not be getting an additional $100.00 from me. During this whole process I told several people I was not happy with the way things were being presented and handled. The whole organization came off as being disorganized at best and I truly began to feel that this was a scam.

As a result, I am out $400.00, plus the time to go to these meetings, time on the phone and the cost of gasoline to attend these mandatory meetings.

I was nominated for a DC trip by the principal of my school. She had been apparently told she could pick one student to send this letter to. She explained to me how great an honor this is. A few days later, I got the letter. It was very vague in explaining what exactly I would be doing in DC, but it still wanted a large deposit to reserve a space.

Luckily I didn't fall for it. Upon doing more research, I found that the educational trip advertised was not much more that some team-building exercises and a tour of DC, which I had done before on a school trip. And they wanted me to pay several thousand dollars for this opportunity. I don't blame the principal of my school. I am 13 years old, skipped several grades ahead for science, math, and english, and of course she thought she was bestowing some enormous honor on me.

I later went on their website and nominated my brother's pet iguana. We got a letter explaining how he had achieved academic excellence and had been nominated by an educator. This goes to show that there is not even a basic check on names submitted to this organization. It is a complete scam.

My son received a letter just before going on Christmas break last year stating that he had been nominated to attend a trip to Europe, a 19 day trip. My first thought was how awesome, he will finally get to see some of the sites I saw as a child. When I questioned the cost of the trip, I only received an estimate between $3000 and $8900 for the trips provided by this organization. My son has been busy getting fund raisers going and has had two of his teachers sign recommendation forms.

We wasted two hours of our time at an information meeting that was 45 minutes from our home. They hire some great sales people at this company! They can make anyone want to take these trips! Thank god I had not sent him to do an interview or paid any money at this time. I am so happy I read the posts on this web site regarding PTP and while I wanted to be fair, I read the compliments as well. Noticing on the compliments the dates are mostly from 2007 and are very few in comparison to the complaints listed.

I hope the site will continue to save parents the grief of having a child filled with anticipation and excitement about something that is obviously not completely honest. I am glad we were not able to just fork over the amount needed for the trip and then have no recourse to recover it. For these trips to be an honor, maybe PTP should consider actually letting people who know these students nominate them instead of just being pulled from a mailing list! Good luck to anyone who takes the trip and hopefully you don't experience any hardships while overseas.

I received an invite for my daughter, to participate in a 'one time only opportunity' to travel to Japan this summer. I don't have a daughter, nor a son. Where are these people getting these names and why are they allowed to continue this marketing ploy?

This company needs to be stopped from sending letters to people whose names have been 'bought' from who-knows-where. In today's world where identities are stolen every second, this can be frightening. I immediately thought my identity had been stolen. Next question is, what else is being bought and sold?

Got a letter in the mail stating that our son had been selected for a soccer trip to Holland. This made no sense, because he's never played premiere or extended travel. Seemed like the more experienced players would be the ones selected for such high honors.

No physical damage. Don't believe anything you get in the mail or email if you don't know who it's from. Research everything. I'm glad my son never saw the letter.

Received a Letter from People to People Internatiional dated 12/31/2008 from my son that hasn't played footbal for 2 years saying he was choosen as an Ambassaord to visit Austria. I knew it didn't seem right, as he hadn't played football in about 2 years. Thank God for sites like this you can REALLY find out what it's all about. They must haven gotten his name from Pop Warner Footbal (I can't confirm this but not sure how else they would have gotten it, considering he has only played for Pop Warner previously). Hope this helps others too from making a big mistake. Oh...and I would NEVER send my child on a trip like this with out either myself or my husband going....PERIOD.

The 'invitation' letter was sent by bulk mail (presorted first class) so I shredded it.

I didn't lose any money. I'm just suggesting that parents put this thing in perspective. The kid in question is a semi-slacker who just got a D in English. IMO no one nominated him. The company just mass mails these letters out.

IMO it would be a disservice to even mention it to this young man. It would just make him more comfortable with his poor academic performance.

I'm dying to give him a real reward for real performance but this isn't it.

Received the letter in the mail - inviting my 10 year old to participate in the tennis ambassadorship program and join the delegation to Austria. What a scam! It's just a direct-mail marketing piece for some glorified travel agency to sell a camp slot in Europe. The whole nomination is pure bunk. Someone, somewhere authorized the release of the my daughter's name; probably in our case, the national tennis association, of which she is a member. Buyer beware!

We enrolled our son in the People to People delegation traveling to Europe to explore Celtic cultures. It sounded exciting and he was accepted after being interviewed, but I became skeptical after finding a lot of negative feedback from a Google search. After we had already paid $1343, I decided we should cancel our son's trip. I called on 11/14 to cancel and was told a refund, less a $95 processing fee, would be credited to our account.

On 12/8, I called to follow-up and was rudely told it was there policy to take 14 to 21 days to process a refund and there was nothing they could do to speed it up. The customer service rep counted the business days for me (which excluded about 5 days for Thanksgiving) and said my refund should come as early as 12/10 or at the latest 12/22. As of today (12/23), we've gotten no refund, so I called again. I told this CS rep my problem and told her I wanted a refund processed today. I was told everyone was in a meeting for 45 minutes and someone would call back.

Of course, here it is 3 hours later...no call back and no refund on our credit card. I'm thoroughly disgusted with this organization and its representation of itself. I just felt I had to vent a little and warn others not to give P2P a second thought. Pass it up and take the whole family on a nice vacation for the cost of sending one student with P2P (and adding to the profit of a company that would have you think it's non-profit).

Waiting for $1343 refund.

First off I must say that I am so very thankful for this site. I have searched the internet for any other opinions regarding people to people and my search continually lead me to this site only. I have a hard time believing that with as many people who attend these forums that only these few have had negative experiences.

My daughter is currently in 6th grade and was nominated to attend the forum in DC last year. We were so proud of her because we thought that it was such an honor. I must say that I was suspect upon reading the very generic invitation. Especially since our 8th grade daughter had received practically the same invitation from a different leadership forum.

Despite my skepticism, my 6th grade daughter was determined to attend. I had so many hesitations and questions related to safety and security and called the office several times. Each time I got very scripted answers, but still decided (against my better judgement) to fork over the ridiculous amount of money to send her on this amazing trip.

She called us the first 3 nights crying hysterically and wanted us to fly to DC to bring her home. The whole problem was difficult roommates and her feeling very unsafe in the hotel in a room by herself. In hindsight I cannot believe that I put my 12 year old in that situation 450 miles away from home. Unfortunately I trusted the program. That was a mistake.

In their defense, I must say that after several phone calls I was FINALLY given the number of my daughter's group leader who I called and was very helpful. She was still expected to stay in a room with 2 girls who were very unkind to her. Unfortunately this overshadowed her entire experience,

The sad part is that while I am sure that she had some very valuable educational ex periences she is able to share very little of what she learned, if anything other than how to put up with people in very frustrating circumstances. Perhaps that is where they derived the name People to People.

Needless to say, next time I will know better to trust my instincts and I will never encourage anyone under the age of 15 or 16 to attend something like this.

On November 26, 2008 my 13 year old daughter received a letter inviting her to become a member of teh People to People Sports Ambassador Program. The letter stated she was invited from national sports orgainzations or niaminated by People to People coaches, leaders and alumni. I immediatly did research on the internet to verify the authenicity of this organization. I was not happy with the results of a simple google search. This orgainzation has many complaints of deception and freud. In the article I read dated 2006, the organizaion said they were appaulded at their own language in the letters and they would change the wording in thier letters to not mislead children into thinking they were specially chosen for their accomplishments.

My complaint--it is now 2008 and the language in the letter has not been changed. My daughter felt she had been personally nominated by an important person to become ambassador. Please look furtur into this organization and their marketing tactics. It certainly makes me think less of our past presidents who are endorsed as founders of this organization!

Only the disappointment that she is no more special than the girl who lives across the street. I am angry that nothing has been done to stop this organization from deception and freud.

My family was thrilled that our child had been nominated, only to find out to our disappointment that his name had been sold by his school. This is an expensive ripoff that plays on the hearts and minds of underserving individuals. The school gets kicks and the parents get duped. To my surprise I got answers before investing in this travel agency scam. I warn all parents you can take your family on a great vacation of 6 with the money this travel agency charges besides the Government has nothing to do with this trip.

No consequences we found the truth.

My family was thrilled that our child had been nominated, only to find out to our disappointment that his name had been sold by his school. This is an expensive ripoff that plays on the hearts and minds of underserving individuals. The school gets kicks and the parents get duped. To my surprise I got answers before investing in this travel agency scam.

I warn all parents you can take your family on a great vacation of 6 with the money this travel agency charges besides the Government has nothing to do with this trip. No consequences we found the truth.

My daughter, 12 yrs. old and an A student at Middle School received a letter saying she was nominated by one of her teachers (and named the teacher) to this program and she was accepted. We were beyond thrilled and as a recently divorced parent, so very proud of her to have accomplished this in the face of what we had just been through. When she received the official invitation to go the the Washington, D.C. conference, it was then that I began getting angry.

First of all, if each child was special enough to get the invite, why were they generic in nature and not personalized? Second, it went on to talk all about the conference but never mentioned the exact agenda. Third, buried deep into the last page of many parts of the invite and in very small type was the cost (more than $2500 NOT including transportation to and from). And then, right after that block, in VERY LARGE type was a disclaimer that all $300 deposits need to be in by Nov. 15, 2008 but that even a deposit does NOT guarantee that the child will go as SPACE IS LIMITED so said the invitation.

So basically, whoever can cough up the money the fastest goes. For a program that is truly educational in nature, there is always subsidies available, especially if they are non-profit, which this one claims to be. There are none!

Then I began getting e-mails from friends and family who I had told about this most prestigious honor and opportunity. They all sent me information about how People to People is not really what they represent themselves to be. Not to mention my embarrassment to friends and family about touting this and only to find out we've been duped!

I cancelled my daughter's trip to Europe, but I never received a refund, and they never return my calls. I paid a total of $6,049 for this trip. I'm not expecting the total amount.

I am experiencing extreme financial hardship right now, due to a recent job layoff. I've experienced extreme depression because this organization is supposed to be about the development of children, yet my daughter is suffering. They keep sending us letters stating that she is an ambassador, but she never went on a trip. I never thought that something like this could happen to me. I had to pawn my car, and will lose it within a week if I can't pay the interest. These people need to be exposed.

I am very dissapointed with this organisation. My son received a letter leading him to believe he was personaly nominated to go to Japan in the summer of 2009. He was so excited that he could hardly sleep because someone thought highly enough of him to nominate him. After researching this program I have found that it is nothing more than a gimic and now I have to find a way to tell my son that for one, he cant go because these trips are geared for wealthy people, and also that nobody nominated him. I am descusted that this company preys on the hopes and dreams of our children.

Received invitation for 14 year old daughter to attend trip to Austrailia. My daughter since birth has always had and gone by my Maiden name and yet her invite was sent to Paige using her deceased fathers last name. I am very uncomfortable at this point of the process in wich People to People are aquire these childrens names. My daughter was proud to see her fathers last name as her own, she misses him greatly and is proud of his name but I on the other hand feel something is a little fishy here. My daughter has had great disappointment in her life at a very young age and when she received this invite she was exstatic that someone may have nominated her for this great chance of a lifetime experiece, I would be just discusted to find out that it was a bit of a scam.

On the summer of 2007 my daughter Ilia (same name) was invited to the program for an international trip to Japan.

She was 12 years and very excited. We went to the 1hr first meeting and thought it was a wonderful opportunity. Because of her good grades, and excellence as a student, we decided for her to go. Around Sept-Oct they called for an interview for her, a $400.00 deposit check, letter of recommendations from teachers and application for the program. We submitted the application, with my and my husband's information including home phone, business, and celular #'s,

she got accepted.

Then it came the 3 hour monthly meetings. With the last meeting one previous month to the departure of an estimated time of 5 hrs. On the 4th night previous to their departure to Japan, my daughter was told by one of her trip classmate that she did not see her name posted on the internet website as a student going to thetrip. My daughter was shocked, as she checked in the internet and found that was true.

She right away contacted the delegation leader and she told her to tell me to call first thing in the following morning. This was Tuesday morning the 1st of July, the trip was shcheduled for July 5th at 6:00a.m. I spoke with the leader in El Paso and told me that my daughter needed to be "re-instated" The person from the 800 # told me that my daughter had been dropped from the program because they had not received the full payment

and that it will take 3-5 days to know if she could make it.

Her trip was in 3 days. We never received any calls or e-mails or letters saying that our daughter was in danger of not going to the trip. They had many telephone numbers,(mine and my husband's) home and business addresses, and e-mail address.Their answer was that they had notified by e-mail and that they had called home and a child had answered and hang up. Yes I have a 4year old son. But couldn't they tried my cel number? My husband's office number? or his cel number? or more than one call?

I have one e-mail sent in May just noting the balance and date due. I have some other e-mails from the program about getting ready for take off, for bon voyage probably items for sale etc.

On Thursday July 3rd I called them again and they told me that she wasn't able to go, there was nothing they could do. I spoke with Lisa ***** in charge of complaints, and told her that I was very upset of how they could do that to a 13 yr. old which, just oneweek before departure,had done community service hours with the group, had attended a good bye party, done fundraising sales from items from the fundraising commitee and attended all the 3-hr. monthly meetings, and just dropped from the trip.

She said that the reason was because the credit card had been declined many times, and it was not paid full in time. When we applied we agreed to make payments. I gave them my husbands credit card number, which he was not aware of the declines and since I have no access to his monthly statements I did not check to see if those charges were being made. I would have expected to receive a written notice about the declines in the credit card.

No one advised us or warned us in any way. I asked for a full refund of our total payment of $1285.57 she said if the trip was cancelled less than 30 days in advance they would not give any thing back and it was in the contract. I asked her to send me a copy of where I had signed for those rules in the contract and she never did.

They just sent a letter saying the terms of the refunds, but never a copy of the application that I requested. I was in contact with the delegation leader for all the preparations for the trip and she was neither notified that this was happenning. Even until few days before the departure I was given all the hotel stay details in Japan the last minute tips, and so on.

Even on their first day of the trip I was still getting information from the delegation leader in El Paso about how their flights had been and how the kids were doing. This to me was very offending, and I spoke again to Ms. ***** to complaint I did not want my daughter Ilia to see all the details of the trip she had been dropped from. her answer was just to refuse the e-mails from her as "SPAM" my answer was I wasn't going to do anything they should do it and she should have noticed the leaders of what was happening. I told her also that I wouldn't doubt I or my daughter would be receiving pictures of the trip on our e-mails.

As to this 31st day of August I have not received back my daughter's legal U.S. passport.

This just show how carelessness, negligence and poor credibility is in their program.

I received an invitation (via mail) on behalf of my son to join the Student Ambassador program for summer 2009. The invitation states, we are pleased to offer Irek this one-time-only opportunity. This is a high-pressure sales tactic in my opinion.

I am actually quite interested in international experiences for my children, so despite the off-putting one time only message, I called the number to ask why my son was invited.

You see, my son is an adoptee from Poland, adopted after a history of neglect at the age of 8. He is NOT doing well academically, in fact he has just barely made it into grade 7 at age 14. And he is not a model student. I have had my own personal chair in the principal's office at times, and he has been suspended from the bus or from the class trip due to misbehavior at school. He's not a real problem child, but he's no model student either. We see family therapists every week for Reactive Attachment Disorder. So I wanted to know how he came to be nominated.

The person on the telephone told me that not all children are academically gifted, but may instead have great people skills and good leadership skills, which is why they may be nominated. (Hmmm, not really in our case).

I asked if I would be able to find out who nominated my son. Perhaps they'd had some experience with the program and had a specific reason for nominating him. They told me that often the nomination is anonymous.

Hmmm. Again. Then I asked about the approximate cost of the trip. They told me between $4500 and $9000. And I thought, Ah-ha. Family income level. Just like the timeshare people.

I looked up the P2P information on the consumer affairs website. The investigative report indicates that the marketing letters and recruitment practices of this organization have been under fire for some time.

I am writing to warn Consumer Affairs that the practices have been modified, but that they have not changed. My son is NOT what they claim to be recruiting (even though I'd love him to have an opportunity like this some day). And they seem to have chosen him based upon family income as the number one criterion.

The high pressure one time only letter is very much like the timeshare sales pitch.

And obviously, parents are expecting the organization to be very selective about the students that their own child would associate with in the absence of parental guidance. And the adult chaperone: if the chaperone recruitment practice is as selective as the one for the students, there is reason for concern.

There will be no consequences, other than the fact that P2P lost someone who might have actually been interested in the program. Thank you for your reports. It has saved me $4500 - $9000 in 2009. I hope that my complaint helps to warn other parents. And I hope that Consumer Affairs continues to put pressure on this organization. It may list President Bush as an honorary chair, but I am very concerned about how the program is being handled.

The fact that they haven't really cleaned up their act since they were criticised in 2006 is very concerning.

At the urging of my mother who had heard something about a scam (and telling me my niece had gotten her letter as well despite falling grades), I decided to dig a little bit. Upon reading the complaints on this website, I see a post from a parent whose child froze and starved on those floors of Warwick Castle. When I told my son it looked shady, he teared up ever so slightly and said I just wish people didn't have to be like that. Fortunately, we found all of this out in one day and it kept us both from becoming too excited and then too devastated, but still the disappointment was palpable. I've never used this website before, but the information provided here proved to be invaluable and potentially saved my son's life. I don't whose genius idea it was to put this online, but whoever you are - thank you.

In past years, I have received two letters from People to People for my oldest son. Typical of me, I decided to do a bit of research when I received the first one. I called to check to validity of the offer. PTP told me about it and nothing really seemed out of the ordinary. I declined due to the pay your own costs, blah blah blah, its the experience they gain? response.

When I received the second one, I decided to dig a little deeper because I noted that the wording in the letter had changed. The first one that had come for him specifically said he had been selected by a teacher?. The second said he could have been a nominated by teacher or from another source. Now admittingly, my son is no stellar academic performer. So I was a bit surprised to see a second nomination with just average grades.

When I Googled the organization I found several complaints. To be fair I also looked for the pluses. The negative far out weighed the good. The arguments I was seeing in favor of the organization were more like a personal attack on those speaking out rather than based on their own personal experience with the organization.

I went as far as checking with my sons school to see who might have nominated him. I wanted to see if one - it was a legitimate operation, and two if so, I wanted to thank the person for the recommendation. Several administrators I spoke to were unfamiliar with PTP. When I asked the district about the letter, they replied that they legally cannot recommend students to the organization. I abandoned my effort.

On August 16th I received another letter from People to People. This time it wasnt for my son, but for his younger sister? I question that because much like others have sadly reported on here, the letter was addressed to the initial birth name we gave my daughter and not the given name she goes by. Long story short we named my daughter Olivia at birth. My wife wanted a biblical name and had asked the church for advice. They said Olivia was not a true biblical name and suggested we change it if we really wanted one. We did. Within 48 hours of her birth, the initial papers we submitted to the hospital were changed to Moriah. The letter we received from PTP on the 16th was for Olivia.

The other puzzling thing about all of this is that how they managed to follow the trail of addresses to find Olivia? at our current address. In the past 13 years, weve lived at 4 different addresses.

My displeasure for the People to People organization culminated in a phone call to them. I called the number listed on their letter to again ask how my child was selected. I did so because her invitation had completely left out the nomination verbiage. No mention of some teacher or other faculty or anything. It was completely camouflaged as an invitation. When I reached a customer service person, I asked him how she might have been selected. Thats where the there are 3 possible ways to get nominated? pitch came back in. Theyve removed it from the letters but use it on the phone now.

When I confronted him with the fact that my daughter had a name change 2 days after she was born, he said the list of names can also come from a student registry. A little flustered now, I reiterated my point that Olivia wasnt her name. He, now showing frustration at my logic, abruptly stated that if I wanted to remove her from the list all I need to do was give him the PIN number on the letter and they would remove the name. I provided the PIN. Still in a huffy tone, the CSR asked if that was all I needed and wished me a good day.

I dont doubt this organization may do good for some people. However, the marketing tactics they use are wrong, bad, and quite simply misleading. I dread the day when I receive the letters for my youngest son.

We received an official letter in the mail inviting our son Nicolas to participate in the program. I noticed that they used my maiden name as Nicolas' surname. He does not now, nor has he ever, used MY maiden name as any part of his name. We did not think much of it until I decided to go online and verify his invitation by entering in the pin number. I had a gut feeling from out of the blue that it was a marketing technique to see what methods of marketing worked. My gut feelings are never wrong.

I thought long and hard about where on earth People to People got that combination of our names. Mine is Nicol and my son's is Nicolas. Then I remembered..... I never use actual information about him when signing up for things online. A restaurant's birthday club... I'll use my maiden name, an email address online..... I'll use my maiden name and even my own birthdate, a rebate for kids' products..... again, my maiden name.

So it got me thinking that they troll just about anywhere for names. NOT just academic lists. They had our street name spelled correctly and NO ONE ever spells it without a u so I knew it had to be from something I typed in online. I certainly don't expect that there would be legal remedy for our complaint, but I wanted to fill in the form. Should there ever be a class action suit, I would welcome it.

My son thought he was selected for his intense interest in the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef in conjunction with his outstanding academic standing in his class. Telling him tomorrow morning will be very disappointing.

I'm guessing they go through birth records to find names. That's the only way they could have mistaken my son's name and that's a good indication of just what this organization is up to. How low can they go to completely denigrate something that was created by a former great president? I would love to know who's profiting from this scam.

No damage was done. I make a point of checking into anything I find suspicious. I just want you to know how sad it is to use children to line someone's pockets.

Received a letter to the Parents of Ryan E---. The letter was marketing material that was not requested. On top of that, my son's name is Ryan F---. My wife's maiden name is E---. Ryan was born F--- and has always been a F---.

I did research on this company and found that they mailed out letters to 2 deceased children due to faulty lists. This is just another example of continuing problems with how they create this list.

We had a horrible experience with People to People last summer. My daughter participated in a small Midlands delegation of rising 5th and 6th graders to Alaska. The national and regional People to People leadership team, who assured us repeatedly of our children's safety during travel, never once relayed to parents that the Ambassador Group was indeed not part of the non-profit People to People International, but instead a publicly-traded, for-profit company that in-turn subcontracted the entire trip logistics and staffing to yet another for-profit travel company.

This relationship becomes quite an issue when something goes wrong on a trip - all deny responsibility and acountability. Not a comfort for parents when their child is on the other side of the country and no one is in control.

This trip was beyond bad - it was dangerous. The children were subjected to on-going personal safety and health risks that included horrible accommodations such as a bug-infested flop house originally constructed as temporary housing for Pipeline workers in the 70s and equipped with communal baths that our children had to share with construction workers (!), feeding more than 40 children out of coolers in a U-Haul trailer hitched to the back of a van for two weeks, and unsupervised travel in the plane and airports.

Several SC delegation children, including my daughter, became sick with a virus. There was an amazing lack of adult leadership (including my daughter being punished after getting up in the night to throw up.) Two leaders from Atlanta made her write two letters of apology for getting up after curfew to run to the bathroom just to throw up. The two leaders told three of our children who were sick, whom they had never met until then, that they were not sick and they just needed to lose the attitude.

We had been assured that our SC children woudl be supervised by the SC leader, not delegation leaders from another state who did not even know them. There were also repeated deviations from the scheduled itinerary (a heralded Alaska Pipeline visit that ended up consisting of a leader in the front of the van of children - most of whom were asleep from exhaustion and unable to rest in bug-infested hotels - who pointed out from the moving van that there's the pipeline over there when the line ran within view of the highway - that was it).

And that's just the tip of the iceberg... The Ambassador Group (dba People to People) finally admitted that no one from their office had ever gone to Alaska prior to this trip to check out the facilities and accommodations.

I would be glad to speak with anyone to share additional information on that trip. Our delegation parents compiled a detailed inventory of all the incidents.

I am writing to address some of the consumer complaints about People to People experiences. To begin with, one of the concerns was about the nomination process. Until I had read the consumer complaints about People to People, I didn't know about Ambassadors Group, Inc., the organization that markets trips using the People to People name and makes travel arrangements for participants, or that they were getting the names of students from American Student List in Mineola, NY.

I received a generic letter (with my name and school address inserted in the appropriate places) which briefly explained the Leadership Summit and invited me to nominate students who I felt had the potential to be good future leaders. The letter was signed by Mary Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Eisenhower. I actually nominated my students. I did not know that President Eisenhower never founded People to People organizations, that he was only an honorary chairman for the People to People organization, or that the People to People Foundation dissolved on June 10, 1958, and went private.

I also did not know that Mary Eisenhower and People to People International sold the rights to the People to People name to Ambassador Group International (which became the Ambassadors Group, Inc.) in 2002 for an undisclosed amount of money. I thought this ironic as as President Eisenhower was quoted as saying, "I will under no circumstances take a position where i could be accused of merely 'selling a name' for publicity purposes for a corporation." If President Eisenhower is looking down on his granddaughter today, he must be so ashamed!

Another concern was about the thoroughness of background checks. When I first applied to be a facilitator, I had to do all of the following: fill out an extensive 7-page application online, have a phone interview with a recruiter in Spokane, Washington, obtain three letters of reference from a superior, a colleague, and a parent, complete three online quizzes and receive certificates for online training modules on Leadership Summit Facilitator Expectations, Student Leader Health and Safety Basics, and Abuse Risk Management, and I had to become Red Cross first aid and CPR certified.

I was a teacher/facilitator during the 2007 Leadership Summit in Baltimore, MD. The biggest problems during that trip were a lack of communication between the site coordinator, lead facilitator, lead academic facilitator and teachers/facilitators. Instead of receiving a basic itinerary for the entire summit, we teacher facilitators would receive itineraries during nightly facilitator meetings for the next day--of which we were supposed to inform our delegates at bed check time. This year, at least the lead facilitator and lead academic facilitator had a plan--which I understood would be subject to changes--but they had a plan.

Another problem last year was regarding the liability waiver (required by the team building exercise company) for the team building exercise, which would take place outdoors. It was the responsibility of the People to People office in Spokane, Washington, to make sure the waiver form was sent to delegates in a timely manner so that they could either mail the liability waiver so that People to People received it prior to the leadership summit, or, if there wasn't time to mail the liability waiver, delegates could bring it with them on registration day.

MANY students never received the waiver, and there were several international students who had paid a LOT of money to travel, in some cases, thousands of miles, to learn about leadership and team building; yet, they weren't able to participate in the team building exercise due to human error in Spokane, Washington. Also (and this was still a problem this year), there was a conflict between the dress code explained to students once they were on site and the Travel Tips document (including packing "zones") they received prior to departure for the summit.

Facilitators received a dress code letter stipulating that we were not to wear jeans, except on travel days and community service/team building days. We also received a copy of the Travel Tips/packing zones documents; it was a duplicate copy of the ones the students received. The Travel Tips/packing zones document listed shirts (8-10), khaki pants, and comfortable shorts of a reasonable length, but it did NOT mention students' shirts were to have collars, and the shorts item did NOT stipulate that the shorts could not be of jean material. The document did not contain instructions that students could not bring/wear jeans.

They didn't find out until arrival day, after dinner, at the first address from the lead academic facilitator to the students about collared shirts and blue jean shorts not being allowed. This year, I was asked by Spokane, Washington, People to People recruiter Kelly Dengle to be a last-minute replacement for a facilitator for the leadership summit at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. Although I was sent an electronic ticket confirmation number by email, I wasn't able to check in online the day before I was supposed to fly.

I had put my life on hold. I had made childcare arrangements for my children, I had put the dog in the kennel, I had stopped the paper, and I had placed a hold on the mail. On the day I was supposed to fly to Los Angeles, I found out the reason I wasn't able to check in online the day before was because whoever (at Ambassadors Group, Inc.) made my travel arrangement had reserved my flight but had not actually paid for it. I was SO embarrassed!

As I sat on the floor of Hobby airport, I tried emailing the corporate travel specialist Monique G. and recruitment coordinator Rachel Roquet from two different email addresses. I called every phone number listed for them, left voice mail messages for them, and I called the 800 number for the Spokane office and the "emergency" number for the program office and the "emergency" number on the back of my facilitator badge (BTW--this is the same "emergency" number on the back of student delegate badges-for them to call should they get separated from their group and their facilitator isn't able to backtrack and find them within 30 minutes); when I called THAT "emergency number," I stayed on hold (twice) for over 30 minutes before hanging up.

The only phone numbers I had not called were the numbers for the transportation company (if I had a delayed or canceled flight--not a flight that had not been paid for) and a program staff number buried in the paragraph about calling the transportation company if I had a delayed or canceled flight. It wasn't until about 9 p.m. that night that site coordinators Megan H. and Cindy B. called my house trying to locate me. Needless to say, I didn't have much faith in the corporate travel specialist, and I did NOT go to Los Angeles (in spite of an offered booked--and paid for--flight the next day) to be a facilitator at UCLA.

The following Monday, recruitment coordinator Rachel Roquet finally responded to my emails, only with excuses that the telephone numbers listed for corporate travel specialist Monique Genest and herself were only goof Monday through Friday (neither Ms. G. nor Ms. R. worked on the weekend). The fact remained that the "emergency" telephone number on the back of the facilitator/student name badge was not better manned. The funny thing was that I received a certificate "in honor of my contribution to academic excellence...for developing young leaders during the 2008 Leaders Summit" that I never attended.

Ms. Roquet also sent another email on June 26 listing extra items I might find handy [to pack]. My attempt to be a facilitator at the University of Chicago started off well enough, but it quickly turned into an experience that left a sour taste in my mouth, due in part to a breakdown in communication and, in relation to lead facilitator Cara A., what I felt to be intimidating and discriminatory management skills. On the first training day, my first impression of Ms. A. was that she was domineering, forceful, intense, and strong-willed. In short, I didn't trust her.

On the second training day/registration day for students, I went to breakfast at the scheduled time, and I left so that I could make it to the location for training, part II. When I got to the location, none of the other facilitators were where the itinerary said they should be. I called the phone number for the lead academic facilitator. It turned out that, due to weather conditions, the location of training part II had been changed at breakfast (only no one had informed me). I walked back to the dormitory (the meeting, by that time, was over), and Ms. A. called me into a vacant room, asked me to sit down, and proceeded to inform me that a complaint had been made about inappropriate comments I made about personal health conditions. I assured her that I never intended to offend anyone with conversation and that I would personally apologize to the offended person face-to-face if given the chance.

Further, Ms. A. criticized me for not wearing the navy blue People to People polo I had been sent. I was, in fact, wearing a long-sleeved People to People oxford shirt I received last year--to cover acne excorie scars--to avoid students asking personal questions I was not permitted to answer. Registration seemed to go fine. I reported to my duty stations at my designated times, and I was under the impression I could go to my room when my duties were over.

An indoor BBQ dinner has been scheduled for the students from 6 to 8 p.m. I was not aware that I was supposed to be in the lobby with the rest of the delegates at 5:45 p.m. I had set an alarm for 7 p.m. so that I could rest before going to the BBQ dinner. I was abruptly woken from my sleep when the phone rang. One of the other facilitators informed me my students were waiting for me in the cafeteria in need of facilitating. After I arrived in the cafeteria and had something to eat, I asked my students if we could find a quieter spot to get to know each other before attending the first address by the lead academic facilitator. I have ADHD and, although I am med-compliant, I have difficulty filtering out information and conversations in places like cafeterias, gymnasiums, and auditoriums. We seemed to get off to a positive start.

During the lead academic facilitator address, Ms. A. called me out into the hallway, where she proceeded to inform me that I was being paired with another facilitator to work as a "team." I was shocked and upset as I walked away. Later that same evening, my new facilitator/partner tried to speak with me, but I voiced concerns that any suggestions or comments I made would be reported back to Ms. A., whom I already didn't trust.

The next morning, due to flooding in the building in which we were supposed to be addressed by the lead academic facilitator, we had extra small-group time. My facilitator/partner incorporated some icebreaker activities before we went indoors so the students could complete an Insight (personality) Inventory. I let her take the lead in the activity. That afternoon, we walked about a mile to the Museum of Science and Engineering. In spite of a change in diet and exercising on a treadmill at home, I had trouble keeping pace with the group. The same thing happened on the way home, although I was able to catch up several times, and one of my students actually cheered for me! She said she was so proud of me!

That evening, in small group time, I publicly apologized to my students for not exhibiting leadership skills and to my facilitator/partner for not working as a team member. I jumped into the discussion, which seemed very productive. At one point, I walked down to the program office looking for some post-it notes. Due to a painful blister, I happened to have my shoes off, which Ms. A. noted. My only response to that was a reference to a poem titled "Fourteen," from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, which refers to the speaker being comfortable with her shoes off. I told her that I told my students (during the regular school year) that if taking their shoes off made them more comfortable/productive in my class, I was okay with that. I told her she'd be amazed how productive people could be when they're comfortable.

After small group time, our group met outside with two other groups and their facilitators because we would be traveling on the same bus the next morning to our service project and team-building exercise. While the other two facilitators were working with the students, I personally apologized to my facilitator/partner, we discussed our Insight (personality) Inventories, and we actually discovered we were very much alike. I felt the conversation ended peacefully. After the facilitator meeting that night, I informed Ms. A. of my apologies to the student group and to my facilitator/partner.

The next morning, we were bused to our service project. An elementary school needed flower beds planted, a welcome sign painted, and library bookshelves organized. Although students were rotated, I wasn't aware I had to rotate as well. Both my facilitator/partner and I stayed in the library. working, the entire time we were there. However, Ms. A. was erroneously informed that I wasn't participating.

After the service project was complete, we were bussed to the team building exercise site where, after being allowed to eat lunch, Ms. A. informed me that I was being sent home that day (regardless of a breakdown in communication, my apologies to my students and my partner, the fact that my students and I were getting along well--they laughed at jokes I made about myself that apparently Ms. A. didn't find humorous). I just wasn't able to keep pace with the students.

I said hasty goodbyes to my confused partner and students, and I gave the cards with my email address and cell phone number on them.

After a conversation with recruiter Kelly D. on the way to the airport and while sitting in the terminal, Ms. D., who had been "kept up to date" by Ms. A., informed me that I wasn't the right "fit" for People to People right now. If I wasn't the right "fit," then why, after I wrote a letter to the headmaster of the school of one of my British students, was my letter read at the closing ceremonies of my student's school, which decided to establish a scholarship so other students could attend People to People leadership summits in the future?

The motto of the program is supposed to be "peace through understanding." Too bad Ms. A. didn't apply that motto to herself/me. She never approached me in a peaceful manner, nor did she try to understand me.

My daughter is a gifted student and it did not surprise me when i received thier letter claiming that she had been nominated to this honor. She is a very introverted student and has Sensory Processing Disorder which has made her very sensative to people and situations. She normally would not think about leaving home for a trip to australia but this peaked her interest. I called to reserve our seat for the meeting and asked a bunch of questions to include.. How much does this cost? There is no cost to you for travel. Any additional costs will be disclosed to you at the meeting. What is your safety record? We have never had a death and any injuries are dealt with by our stellar medical team. Who referred/nominated my daughter? Two individuals to include either a teacher, etc.

needless to say i was hooked hook, line and sinker and told her yes we are going to the meeting and you can go. If i could only rewind time 6 hours i would. Gut instinct told me to research further and i found them on reports and on this site where a child died. How dare they hurt my child but lying to us. Of course she is crushed and believes that this was all a hoax and no one would have nominated her.

My daughter was depressed and withdrawn for days afterwards. She has lost much of the progress she has gained in therapy improving her self esteem and has regressed with anxiety. Thank god we did not spend money but i would have willingly lost money to save my daughter and our family from this hoax.

My daughter went on her second trip with People to People from June 13, 2008 to June 26, 2008 to visit four countries in Western Europe. We paid $5700+ for tuition and $1500+ for expenses for her to go on this trip. From the first day of the trip my daughter was emailing me and her father with complaints of starvation, terrible food, berating treatment by the hotels and restaurants (she was even yelled at for taking a dessert she was instructed to take) by one of the merchants in Paris.

One night they spent freezing in a tent on the grounds of Warwick Castle. She emailed us from the tent telling us she was terrifed of the bugs, freezing, and she was crying and sick with a terrible headache. At one point one of the leaders yelled at the students for writing honest comments in their journals about the terrible treatment they were recieving and were told to focus only on the positive or they would be sent home.

Last year when my daughter went to Australia with this group, it was a very nice trip and she loved almost all of it (with a few exceptions, they were expected to eat ants squished in a leaf). This time, it was so terrible all she wanted to do was come home. I have asked Joe Osborne for a full refund of the tuition or free tuition for an upcoming trip or two--she has been invited to two trips coming up in November and January, together totalling the amount of the tuition for this last trip. Joe said that they are not in the business of handing out free trips.

I informed him that I am not in the business of shelling out nearly $6000 for my daughter to suffer, starve, cry, freeze, have headaches from the stress of being frightend and cold, nor to be treated like and fed like a homeless person in a soup kitchen every where she went.

The psychological damages of being a victim of fraud resulted from the maltreatment she suffered through on this trip. She is now afraid to travel with them again not knowing if they are going to set up terrible travel arrangments like they did this last time for the sake of profit-- she would like to go on the upcoming trips but the fear of repeating this experience again has left her fearful of joining them.

After our experience this year it is apparent to us that People to People is not a non-profit organization but a for profit organization disguised as as not for profit. This experience has had a devastating affect on her, especially since the leaders yelled at a student who complained in her journal about the horrible treatment they were receiving. After witnessing a leader yelling at a student for her honesty in her journals the rest of the students were afraid to complain to anyone about the trip fearing they would be sent home and lose their ability to return as a student ambassador in the future.

My teenage son, and also a friend of mine who is a teacher, have separately received invitations from "People to People International". I have benefited from reading your website immensely. One thing I noticed and wondered about before I got to your website, was that every President of the United States since Ike has been "Honorary Chairman" of the organization EXCEPT Jimmy Carter. At first I thought it might have been some lack of community spirit on the behalf of Mr Carter, but that seemed so out of style for him.

Since reading your website about "People to People International" I wonder if you have any information about why Mr Carter is not a past Honoray Chairman. If there is any information available, my guess is that Mr Carter's standards are much higher than those of "People to People International", and thus explained.

My son went thru his itinerary and found that one of the airlines booked, AA would not allow Children 8 through 14 years of age must travel with another passenger at least 15 years of age or they will be considered Unaccompanied Minors.

American Airlines, American Eagle, and AmericanConnection do not accept unaccompanied children when their itinerary includes a connection to/from another airline, including codeshare and oneworld partners.

However, Unaccompanied Minors in this age range will not be accepted for co-terminal connecting itineraries (such as changing from New York LaGuardia to New York Kennedy) because an unaccompanied child under 15 years may not use ground transportation unescorted... we were not informed of this detail by people to people. when i called to inform that we would not be using the return leg, contrary to what i was told when doing the deviation that we would receive credit for the flight, the air department told us we would not receive credit. This however, will not end... i am willing to forfeit the airfare, but the policy non- or mis-information and just arbitrarilybooking flights, without regard to airline policies, thereby leaving my son stranded if we allowed this shoud be investigated.

This years delegation fm Green Bay is large, by small city standards and they are the cream - A students, talented musicians, etc. and must be protected from these corporate, non-profit organizations.

only much anxiety and grief in trying to rectify the unsolved problem. is there anything i can help do to prevent this organization from preying on our youth and their parents. they must be held accountable, esp. those that endorse this organization. pls contact me asap if there is any way we can file an injunction against the operation of these tour gimmicks.

Major complaint-security and supervision issues! My daughter recently finished a Washington, DC trip with People to People. Prior to her leaving, I read the various complaints others wrote about. It seemed most complaints regarded how People to People got their children's names. Many complaints seemed to be about the non-refundable registration fee or the large prices attached to the programs. My daughter was nominated by a former teacher and obviously, accepted into the program-so we knew how People to People got her name. I didn't find the $2100 price expensive either for a week in Washington, DC. In truth, the kids did go to a lot of museums, memorials and monuments, and did get to experience things most of us couldn't do.

My complaint is with the LACK OF SUPERVISION. The very youngest in the program were my daughter's group, the 10-11 year olds. The children were unsupervised from the very first hour of arrival-something I complained about. The kids were told to say good-bye to Mom and Dad then walk down this long hallway, take a left, walk down another hallway, then take the down escalator. Dozens of kids were walking around the hotel alone and seemingly lost. I walked my child to the room she needed to get to.

We parents were misinformed about many things. We were told the kids would be placed into groups of 12 all girls or all boys-not true. My daughter is physically matured and I was concerned about immature boys in the group, that's why I was happy when told the kids were be in same-sex groups. Not the case.

We parents were told their assignments would be done together in a group setting with no homework-not true. The kids were given less than 30 minutes to shower, do homework and call parents.

We parents were told lunch and dinner would be either in sit down settings or buffet style-not true. In fact twice the kids were dropped off at a food court to get their meals. I'm just not comfortable with the idea of my 10 year being left alone at a mall food court. They did use the buddy system, but I think the facilitators should have stayed with the kids or been posted at each restaurant. Twice they were dropped off at a museum and told to explore on their own-sounds to me like those meals and the days at the museum were time off for the facilitators.

For one entire afternoon, my daughter's group had an extra kid that somehow got seperated from his group-so much for those head counts. Two things the kids were instructed to do set off my red flag: not lock hotel doors and no use of cell phones. I called the head facilitator on the issue of the hotel door. All hotel doors lock immediately when shut, but the kids were not allowed to use the secondary lock/bolt. The head facilitator (in a ticked off voice) told me the doors couldn't be bolted because the facilitators all needed access to the rooms (with a master key) in the event of an emergency. Who else has a master key at hotels? Housekeeping, maintenance and other employees. I asked if People to People did criminal background checks on all employees that had a master key and thus had access to our kids during the night because their doors wouldn't be bolted. I didn't get a straight answer. The head facilitator kept telling me she needed 24 hour access to all rooms so no double locking. I promptly told my daughter to disobey that rule and bolt her door every night-her roommates agreed with that too.

What is more likely to happen-the kids bolt their door and then something happens inside the room that knocks all three of the kids unconscious OR the chance that someone employed at the hotel will sneak into a kid's room at night? I feel unlocked doors at a hotel provides open access for child predators. Also, I didn't like the no cell phone use except for 10-15 minutes at the end of the day. I told my daughter to keep her cell phone with her all day and to text me or call me at any time.

Lastly, there was a slight health issue with my daughter. I just read the chilling story of the young man who died in Japan on a People to People trip. Our situation was no where near as serious. While in Jamestown (nearly 3 hours away from their hotel) my daughter got her period (poor thing). She wasn't expecting it and was not prepared. She texted me then spoke to her facilitator. I called the Parent Phone Number and within the hour the head facilitator (same one with the door issue) called me. She told me this long and descriptive story about how they took care of my daughter-that her bus driver went out and purchased some sanitary pads for her and that my daughter was taken care of. That was a lie, the entire story.

No one helped my daughter with getting sanitary pads. She spent the day fearful she'd stain her pants and everyone would know. Later, I spoke with same head facilitator asking what happened-was my daughter helped or not helped. The response I got was that the woman was in charge of over 250 kids and she got her information mixed up. (Okay, how many of those 250 kids had their periods and needed pads?) I ended up picking up my daughter the night before the trip ended (so did her roommates' parents).

Sadly, I saw numerous kids' hotel doors that were open wide or propped open, but I did not see any facilitators or security on the floor. I walked out of the hotel with my daughter without checking her out, then turned right around and informed them of what I just did. I also told them I was upstairs in my daughter's room (which should never have happened if there was security).

In closing, I find the supervision with this group absolutely dreadful. Actually, I find the supervision frightening. I won't be surprised if a story comes out about a student being molested or end up missing. My daughter? She had a blast and absolutely loved her trip (other then the period issue). I have been careful not to share my concerns about the trip with her because I don't want to ruin her experience. In truth, we will never do a People to People program because I simply would never trust them with my child again.

my daughter Chloe Tanis received a letter stating that she was choosen to attend the overseas group with people to people, since she was an alumni, it sounded safe.this letter was received in September. We discussed the trip and decided to submit an application in December. In order to finalize the application i submitted a monthly payment plan.

since we never received a acceptance letter , thought Chloe had not been accepted. We finally received numerous phone calls from the spokan office asking for the final paper work. this seemed odd, since we had submitted them in December. our last phone call stated that Chloe was partially accepted pending receiving the final paper work.

peolpe to people also sent a nomination letter to my son, who is mentally challenged. he attends a special school and no one would place a practical joke like this and get his hopes up.

On March 4, 2008, my credit card was charged $1,525. i called people to people to ask why this happened. they stated that my daughter was accepted on January 6,2008 and i was canceling 119 day before the departure of the trip. i stated that my letter clearly states that chloe tanis was accepted on March 7, 2008.

I received a letter dated 02/28/08 from People to People International. While they may now state, [name] will receive an official invitation to attend a 2008 People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. The second paragraph goes on to say, Selection for participation in the World Leadership Forum is based on the academic recommendation of valued and respected educators. [Name] was nominated by educator [Lower School Principal] of [Name's School], who qualified [Name] as an outstanding student. This is a blatant lie! It's an advertisement and it's false! My child's principal didn't nominate her at all and I'm appalled that my child, even attending a private institution, is not safe from scams!

It saddens me of the manner in which this company continues to operate. The daughter of a relative received a letter from this company, and they bought into this madness--hook, line and sinker. They also fell for another scam that involved purchasing a model portfolio of photographs for their child to become a model when she was younger. That is another matter. My relative has dominated every family gathering since this letter arrived in attempts to collect the $6,500 needed for this trip to Great Britain and France.

P2P sends letters to ANYONE if given a name. Go to their website and nominate your pet if you wish to test this fact. This is a ripoff, as parents want to believe their child is somehow extraordinary whether there is any truth in the matter or not.

My received several of their letters addressed to my son. He is a gifted student so we truly thought that he had been recommended by his teachers. We made a few calls to the numbers listed on the letter. They were to be in Pocatello, Idaho for a presentation. But I was still suspicious and started researching everything I could on the internet. For every positive report there was over 20-30 about awful experiences. When we told our son he could not go he really took it out on us, making us think we were holding him back from a great educational experience. This is a disgrace that they can continue to portray this with some many endorsements, etc. when actually they are just looking to make big bucks on innocent kids. How can they still continue such a practice? Isn't it mail fraud since it all starts with the u.s. mail service?

My daughter went on a People to People trip. She has special dietary needs which I attempted to address before she left. I spent two hours calling people, including the Irish Embassy, trying to find out what snack foods I could send with her because no one at People to People could tell me. One child was a vegetarian and no accomodations were made for her on the trip. Children's sugar consumption was not monitored at all (my daughter, an 11 yr old hypoglycemic gained 5 pounds from sugar consumption). All the children were to have access to laundry facilities, but my daughters room was the only room that did not and no one bothered to tell these girls to wash their delicacies in the sink. They all wore dirty socks and undies for the last half of the trip. My daughter ended up being stuck with people she didn't know at all and the woman leading her group became irate with students that were not from her home town more than once. This was supposed to be an educational trip which the kids can get some kind of credit for, but they didn't do the journaling that was supposed to happen, they weren't allowed to call home like we'd been told, and they weren't getting back to the hotels before 10:00 p.m. so these kids were getting to sleep late and dragged up early.

We're more than $5,000 poorer for a supposed educational trip that wasn't and our child and the others weren't cared for the way we were told they would be. This organization promotes itself using past and present Presidents. I think they should be investigated and they should be shut down.

My granddaughter received an invitation from them a few years ago. She was very, very excited. Because I am disabled, I did not have the means to do this on my own, and we spent quite a bit of time appealing to civic groups and trying to raise money for her to go. Looking back, I am now grateful that we were not successful in our efforts; but at the time as well as later when we learned that it was, essentially, a scam, it was a severe disappointment to a little girl who badly needed the thought that someone thought she was special enough to be recommended to a program that was presented as being for the best of the best.

My grandchild was transported here to this town because of circumstances far beyond her, or my, control. She was treated very badly here by the town and its children, and developed serious self esteem problems that she continues to battle at almost 20. Finding out that she had been deceived about the reasons for this program's invitation certainly weren't the cause of her problems, but learning that A) she in fact had not been nominated, and B) they thought she was stupid enough to fall for their spiel and were right--certainly didn't help her self esteem issues. I would love to see this group hit so hard that they can no longer function.

Thank goodness I was the one who got the letter and read it before my daughter did! My daughter was invited to become a member of a delegation to go to Austria and take part in the Youth Friendship Games. The letter didn't say anything about her being chosen for academic reasons (she is an excellent student), rather focused entirely on sport. She is a good athelete: having competed for the last 4 years as a gymnast on both the state and national level. So THAT part seemed reasonable...until I read that she would be playing SOCCER! She played soccer for 8 weeks as a 4 year old and hated it! She must have made an incredible impression on somebody! For grins, I went to the PTP website and read further that the students selected were in the 5th grade or above, wrong again! She is in 4th grade, however she just turned 10 six days before the letter was sent to us. I guess they wanted to get an early start recruiting this soccer superstar! Thanks for posting all the complaints. I found your site when I did a Google search on People to People. This sounds eerily similar to the Who's Who list of distinguised college/high school students, where you're honored in hopes that you will buy the book so you can see your name in print.

My son was under the impression that the many years of hard work had started to come to a payoff. He was being recognized as a leader for the good he has been able to accomplish in his academic life, up to now. Children are being lied to, and it seems that no one thing is being done about it. Who will listen? What will it take?

I received a letter addressed to Parents of Neil S., stating that Neil is invited to travel and study in Australia in the summer of 2008. I (Neil) am 52 years old, and both of my parents are deceased. This organization needs to take a hard look at where its mailing lists are coming from.

We received a letter inviting my son to participate in the People To People Sports Ambassador Program in tennis. He's not very good at tennis, playing 2nd doubles on his high school JV team. We know he didn't receive the letter based on his ability. He is a member of USTA so that is where his name could have come from.

I knew it was a scam immediately. Thanks for the great web site so I could confirm my suspicions.

We received a letter from People to People that was addressed to the parents of Timothy [our last name] who is my husband, not my 5th grade son. I emailed them immediately asking them where they got the wrong name and if my son was nominated and by whom. He is an excellent student so I wondered if it was true. Unfortunately, I do not have that email response but it did not answer my question. Just said that they get names from various sources. A friend of my son's participated last year, and I know how expensive it is so I got suspicious. Now we have a letter saying my son has been invited to travel to the West Coast next summer--an expensive proposition for us. Now that I read that the travel agency is in bed with People to People, I don't think it is legit. Fortunately I had sense enough not to tell my son anything about it. I don't get other junk mail for my son so I don't know where they are getting these names. Certainly if someone nominated him, they would have told us.

I think they should be investigated by the Attorney General in Missouri and Washington. Something is rotten in this..

People to People agreed, per the Iowa Attorney General as reported by consumeraffairs.com, that they would remove the word recommended from their unsolicited mailings encouraging teenage students to pay $5,000 to travel abroad.

I received a letter this week claiming that my daughter was recommended by a teacher at her school. It appears that this company is disregarding their previous pledge to clean up their deceptive marketing practice. I also noted the report that a senior financial officer of this organization was jailed in May for embezzlement.

No damages resulted because I consulted your reports before agreeing to attend their informational meeting.

I was sent a letter stating that my daughter ...is invited to travel and study in Alaska... and went to investigate the cost at www.studentambassadors.org where there was no mentioned. However, I have learned through www.consumeraffairs.com that there are costs of up to $5,000 for high school students. People To People should be obligated to state estimated costs on their website, especially if they are claiming association with past presidents.

The letter gives me, as a parent, the impression that there is no cost since my daughter was invited with a group seemingly related to the government.

Well... My brother and I were planning on going to Europe this summer. We've went to a couple of our meetings already, this being my 2nd year it was a great thing to have the money to go again. Now we got to thinking , should we go on this trip or spend it on a car? ... Well my brother and I made the decision a couple days ago to buy a car. I e-mailed my delegation leader and he instructed me to call the program office so we can get our 400.00$ deposit back. So I did.

I then gave my dad the phone and he was talking to one of the people that work for them for about 20 minutes. They refused to give my dad back his deposits. He was very angry with them. I'm not sure if we were past the 120 days of departure or whatever the deal was but we felt like we were robbed of about $800.00.

My dad is not having anything to do with the program anymore and will tell anyone who asks that it's not a good program to get into because of that reason.

As I was reading through the numerous complaints from parents who received the letter from People to People I became heart-sick. My daughter has been invited to be a Sports Ambassador to Holland to play basketball.

Ever since I received the letter I've been trying to find out who nominated her. She's 11 y/o and has played 2 years on a travel team and played in the AAU Nationals 2006. However, no one else on any of her teams received the letter.

I went to the information meeting on Jan. 06, 2007 and I was so impressed and excited for my daughter that I filled out the application online and paid the $400. I still believe in the program but I'm embarrased to learn how my child was likely choosen.

Of course, like many parents, I don't have 5K laying around so I've been talking to anyone who would listen to sponsor my daughter. In two days I've raised over $700... now I have to go back to these people and explain why my daughter doesn't need their support. All I can say is thank God for devine intervention.

I was sent a letter via US Mail telling me my daughter was selected to travel abroad with the People to People program. I was led to believe this was an exclusive selection process. I submitted $400.00 to the program to hold her accommodations. I recently was informed of a loan I could apply for through them for the remaining $5,500.00. I came across this web site as I was attempting to apply for the loan.

I feel very confused and unsure of what I have done up to this point. I don't have any money stashed away to send my daughter on this trip. We were planning and praying on obtaining sponsors for the trip which we have not secured to date. People to People has mailed me an invoice for $2000.00. This is what I should have paid them to this point. I am compelled to request a refund of my $400.00 dollars in this case. I have given this company $400.00 towards the trip and I’m in debt to them for an approximate $5,500.00 for a trip that is not so exclusive after all.

Stole my 14 year old boys innocence. He was very disappointed to find out that one of his contacts did not in fact submit his name based on his athletic abilities as stated in the letter.

P2P refused to refund deposit. My Nephew was selected to go on a trip. We were told that this company sends 5 million invitations to selected young people! P2P Student ambassador program would not give my brother his money back. He lost $400.

They've changed their tactics, but still incredibly deceitful. I also received a letter for my 13 year old son dated December 12. It no longer mentions honours or merit. It now reads, ... is invited to become a member of the Salem/Corvallis area People to People Sports Ambassador Programs delegation to Holland. -and- Student athletes are invited from national sports organizations or nominated by People to People coaches, leaders, and alumni. It also specifically referrences his sport, soccer. My son has played on a community soccer team for several years (never on a school team) , but has never been a member of a national sports organization, nor ever subscribed to any soccer publications or the like. I was therefore inclined to believe that he had been nominated.

My son is one of the strongest players on his team, and is often congratulated on his skill and speed. It was an easy 'leap' to believe he was nominated. This version also provides a personal invitation number (PIN). It is signed by Kelli Gray, Program Manager. My son is so proud... he's been calling all of his friends and told his grandmother.

We too would want to do everything we could to provide the means for him to participate in such an honor, even though, with 4 other children and a single income family it would have been a fairly large financial burden. I'm now trying to work up the courage to crush his hopes, and decide if I should tell him he's not 'really' as great as we know he is, or let him feel like we just don't support him in his dreams. Not having played on a school team, I doubt his name would have come from the same mailing list as they had previously been purchasing, and can only conclude that my own community has sold off their team rosters.

I don't know which is worse... P2P for buying it, or my City's community services offices not protecting my sons information. I will be attending the local meeting to warn others, and pursue finding the exact source of my sons information.

We got the same misleading marketing letter, stating that my son had been named for this honor by a teacher, former S.A. or national academic listing. Assuming he was recommended as part of the Gifted & Talented program he went through all of the processes, paid the $400 to register, which would go towards the total $4,499, if accepted.

I just received a statement adding another $599 as a Zone Fare, and another $125 Amb. Protection Plan (which you can opt out). They had my address and all info since the beginning and represented the cost as $4,499, in all communications, which was to include airfare, room and board, etc. We've gone thru all the hoops, the interview, paid the $400, my son thinks he was 'accepted', and that he is so special to be part of this honorary program... NOW they start adding additional charges.

I've asked for my $400 back... I am doubtful.

I just read your online articles about People to People International ... and just wanted to add my two cents' worth. The articles say that PTPI admitted to getting names from student lists. Well, they must be getting names from more than that. Our PTPI letter (and this is the second one we've received in the last few years) came addressed to the Parents of Earl Gray.

Let me tell you -- Earl was our one-eyed cat who died about 10 years ago. He's buried in the back yard. I'm not making this up. We've gotten lots of laughs out of these stupid PTPI letters (and also Earl's invitations to Space Camp), but with this second letter, I felt I had to warn people. What a pack of lies this company is selling.

About 12 years ago, my husband and I ordered one item (ONE ITEM!) through the mail in Earl's name, just to see how the name got passed around via mailing lists. We never ordered anything else, or responded to any of Earl's mail. It's unbelievable that his name is still floating around, not to mention that someone figures he's in high school now and deserves a trip to Europe.

Daughter received nomination letter to participate (Sept 06) - was told she would have to go through an interview process and would need 3 recommendations. She had the interview, which was held at a Starbucks, and was told ON THE SPOT that she was accepted into the program (without the necessary teacher / adult recommendations nor an essay as to why she should be accepted).

This program makes it sound as though she was nominated based upon her academic achievements and that she should feel honored that she was nominated into the program (direct quote from informational meeting).

Deceitful marketing tactics --- In the first letter we received from People to People (dated September 27, 2006), they claimed that my son was invited to study in Australia because he has been named for the honor by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or national academic listing. In a postcard that I just received today from People to People (November 29, 2006), the first line says to my son you earned a special invitation to the People to People Student Ambassador Program .... The words honor and earned leads us to believe that this invitation to study abroad is based on my son's merit; when, in fact, they received my son's name from a mail list.

I called People to People to ask how my son earned this invitation and they admitted that it was nothing he did. They also admitted to me (after I questioned them) that their interview process has no determination on being selected (as they led us to believe) for the trip --- the group is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis on paying the deposit. Basically, People to People's wording in their letters led us to believe that my son received this invitation as an honor and that he earned this.

We simply cannot afford this trip right now. However, we felt that we owed it to my son to at least try to get him in this program since he earned this invitation --- even if it meant to go further in debt for him to go on this 20 day trip to Australia.

Fortunately, we found out the truth in time --- unlike my brother whose daughter also received this "honor" this year and has already paid the deposit ON CREDIT. I read that People to People has changed their tactics --- which they have changed some wording, but only slightly. They still very much lead people to believe that the student was personally selected.

Anyone can go on their website and nominate anyone to receive an invitation. They still don't make it clear that the groups are formed on a first-come-first-serve basis and that it is NOT formed by the student's interview performance. Basically, the first ones to place a deposit on the tour, are accepted on the tour. So what are all the required references and the interview for? I believe that the People to People's program is not a scam --- but their marketing tactics are very deceitful. My son was crushed to find out that he was not really nominated and that he did nothing to earn this invitation. It's really too bad that they are ruining a great program with their deceit. This company needs to be forced to stop their tactics before more innocent children's hopes are dashed and before more people go into unnecessary debt (like my brother's family did) after feeling like they owe it to their child after she earned this honor.

Consequences --- my son's hopes were raised and then dashed. My brother's family went into further debt after being misled by this company with the same tactics that my family received from this company. The company has still not stopped these deceitful tactics even after they have claimed that they will immediately stop these procedures. Many people are continually being misled.

I am a fifth grade teacher in an urban school district which serves some very needy families. This year, several of my students came to me with literature from People to People. I became suspicious of the program and its costs which led me to your site.

The parents of my students can not afford vacations, and they would have denied themselves an automobile, or Lord knows what else, because they believed the claims of the advertising letter.

I want to thank you for your investigation. Children really should be free of mailing lists from advertisers.

My child received a letter in July 2006 and responded. For all who plan to participate there is an application process that requires three letters of reference- two from teachers and one from a community leader. The next step is an in-person interview with a panel of interviewers (educators, both present and retired). That is the point at which the program is selective. I believe in the program due to our involvement in monthly meetings each month since we got our invitation. The students meet with P2P officials to plan fund-raising, receive instruction on the cultures of the countries they will visit.

It has already been an experience of a lifetime for my chlid and I am thankful for this opportunity to do something positive for our country and its futures leaders. Maybe the programs in some states don't live up to the ideals of the founder -- but the South Alabama Region is sincere and true to the organization's founding principles.

I recently had written to you about this company. They have finally told me after hiring a lawyer where they received my sons name. It is called American Student List. They buy our childrens names! What can we do to stop the selling of childrens names? One day these LIST are going to get into the wrong hands! I am giving the name of the company to all readers of this web site so they know how people to people get childrens information.

The list is called American Student List address 330 old country rd, Mineola, NY 11501. 1-888-462-5600

Today, my 14 year old daughter Ciara received a letter from People to People International. It is dated September 29,2006. It stated that she had been invited to go to England, Wales and Ireland in 2007. The letter also stated that she had been named for this honor by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or national academic listing. The letter is signed by Ron Goddard, Senior Program Director.She then called a friend to tell him about the letter she received. Her friend stated that he, also, got the very same letter.

My daughter suffers from ADHD and depression. She was ecstatic upon receiving this letter. She struggles in school due to her ADHD and depression. She wanted to know what teacher had recommended her so she could thank them. When I informed her of the complaints that I had read about, she was devastated. She stated how it had made her feel special to have received this invitation. It was hard to explain to her that she still is special and that in no way does the misleading letter mean that she is not. I feel something immediate needs to be done about this company. From the prior complaints that I have read, it is obvious that they have not changed the content of the letter as they stated they would.

I was very excited when I received a letter from people to people saying that my 10 year old got chosen for next years europe trip. Well if it was because of his academics then why did EVERYONE in his class get a letter AND EVERYONE on his baseball team get one -- what a slap in the face it was I feel I have been lied to and I wouldn't give them a penny. I have email them over 40 times to get the mailing list from them either the school is selling it or the baseball team. If I find out I will press charges because my childs information is private. They may not sell it.

They don't like when you question them at all I am going to there info meeting to confront them so other parents are not ripped off. I believe they should be able to tell you who recomended your child if they can't they bought the name and it is against the law. I was lied to. Someone sold my sons personal information to this company

Letter from People to People is misleading as it says my son was referred by a teacher, former Student Ambassafor or national academic listing. I was very excited when I first received the letter, then I found out that they send the same letter to everyone.

It was very disturbing to find out that they send this form letter out to people and not tell you how your child was selected

People to People has invited our homeschooled middle school student to travel to China. The letter tells us he was nominated by a teacher - hard to believe I nominated my son and forgot.

I just received an invitation and I am not a student. The letter is addressed to my parents. I am adult who finished high school a very long time ago. It said that I was recommended. I searched the internet and found out about the lady whose deceased baby had been recommended. I do not know how they got my name. I had never even heard about the company.

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My stepson received a letter from People to People dated September 8, 2006 addressed to his mother at hi step-grandfather's house. He has not lived with his mother since the mid-90's. He has never lived with his step-grandfather. In this letter, it too states that my stepson has been named for this honor by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or national academic listing. My stepson can experience 20 days of rewarding activities and meet people of Spain, France and Italy in 2007. My stepson's mom was all excited by this great adventure for her son.

She doesn't have the financial ability to pay for this and assumed it was free. The letter gave us a deadline of September 25, 2006 to call and reserve our spot at the meeting. We were even given a Personal Invitation Number. ... It's truly outrageous and this kind of postal soliciting should be allowed. It's misleading and deceitful!!!

We received two letters stating our children were invited to travel with their organization due to being nominated by a teacher or because of their academic achievements.

Two issues: I was ready to send my children to a foreign country with an organization I was led to believe was based on their achievements. Knowing this is not true, I wonder if the organization has misled me regarding other issues as well - including safety and screening of leaders. Also, I was ready to approach businesses and organizations for donations as well as borrowing money to better my childrens experiences. This money (mine and others) would not have been invested in the best way if this trip is not truly as educational and safe as we were led to believe.

I was sent a letter regarding my son's nomination into their study abroad program. I have not seen my son in over two years as the mother has neglected to notify me of their whereabouts.

I received two invitations from this company. They stated my daughter had been named for this honor by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or national academic listing and requested I sign up for a local information meeting. Upon research on the Internet, I found that her name was probably bought from a mailing list, and that the program typically costs at least $5,000.

If I had not looked into it, I probably would have found a way to send her thinking it was a very selective program.

I have received a very misleading letter from the company, it basically has the same language as Iowa letter to deceased boy's parents, just different country. It states that Michelle will advance as a young leader because of this program. It appears to be government sponsered. apparently, it is not.

I received a letter from this group saying my daughter was nominated by a teacher. I talked to my daughter's school and no one knows about this program. also, we received the same letter at my mother-in-laws house. where my daughter only lived for the first 2 months of her life. And that is 2 towns over.

We were really thinking about doing this. But once I talked with the school and they knew nothing about it. It made me think it is a money making scheme.

I have read that this company has been investigated and has agreed to stop their solictation tactics regarding how they select students to participate in this program. I received a letter today, 9/18/06, using the same methods.

I received a letter infoming me that my daughter has been invited to travel and study with a group of students who are eligible for People to People, an educational exploration program founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. After doing much research on the internet, I'm led to believe that this is in actuality, a for-profit travel agency which is in a contractual agreement with the non-profit organization to send students to represent the United States overseas...

Nowhere either on the People to People International site or in the letter is there anything to inform the unwary that the student is not in fact representing the non-profit group, but is actually going on a highly organized trip originating from a for profit travel- agency type company.

I believe that by not disclosing who they really are, in the introductory letter or on their web site, they are practicing a form of deceptive advertising. I think the program itself may be wonderful, but do not appreciate their underhanded method of getting interest in their product. My daughter got her hopes up and I had to dash them when I realized that if they are lying about who they are, how could I trust them with her safety.

We received letter/invitation dated 9/8/06 for our daughter to travel abroad as she was named for this honor by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or national academic listing. The fact is the selection was nothing more than a mailing list of kids from 1st grade to High School (i.e., national academic listing).

Our daughter is very excited to have been selected. She will of course be disappointed to learn that this is simply a marketing scheme to mislead parents into thinking their child has achieved this selection on some academic merit. Unfortunately the learning experience, after the emotional let down, is that you can't believe everything you read. We personally did not incurr any losses but parents who do fall for this pay as much as $5,000 to send their children on one of these international programs.

I recieved a letter from them in August 2005 for my son and it contained the exact same wording. They have not changed the letter. They are still misleading parents.

Recieved letter Sept. 13, 2006 stating Kristina (daughter) has been named for this honor by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or National academic listing. This statement refers to being selected for an international trip to China.

After doing research on the Internet, I found this to be false and misleading. As a single, disabled, head of household parent, I would have done anything to make this trip happen for my daughter as a reward for her hard work and dedication. Now knowing that this is a solicitation and not due to her academic achievements, I will not try to borrow and debt my family.

This pratice is wrong and should be illegal. I shouldn't have to safegaurd my family from this kind of scam. I may not have had the means to investigate this and would have fallen pray to my pride and ego in my daughter. Its obvious that this is the intended reaction that most parents would have.

We received a letter and attended a meeting conducted by this organization and they maintain that our child was selected to be included in their travel abroad program due to a recommendation by a teacher, etc. or they academic performance. I understand after reading an article on the Consumeraffairs.com website, that this is not true.

On 9-7-06, I received through US postal mail service, a letter from People to People International stating my daughter had been selected to participant in an international exchange student program and that "she had been named for this honor by a teacher, former Student Ambassador or national academic listing." I called the phone number provided on the letter on 9-13-06 to inquire as to exactly which source nominated my child. I was told by the representative, Amelia Adams, that "unfortunately, the space where a person is suppose to fill in their name has been left blank, therefore she is unable to provide that information." I then ended the phone call suspecting it was a scam.

Sent a letter stating my son was chosen to become an ambassador and travel to different countries. They want us to come to a meeting. Set appointment online.

I received a letter today (9/9/2006) from People to People International that my 10 year old son had been invited to travel and study in Australia in 2007. It stated that he has been named for the honor by a teacher, former student ambassador or national academic listing. I read your article about the mother who's deceased child received the same honor and that People to People agreed to revise their letters.

People to People sent my son the same letter - it has not been revised.

I had to do a lot of research to find out about the People to People travel program and I don't like what I have found out. I feel that People to People are deceiving us by saying that our children have been named for the honor when most likely they bought the name from a mailing list.