Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.
About People to People International Student Travel Programs
People to People International Student Travel Programs turn the world into a classroom, creating an educational and inspirational experience that cultivates meaningful connections between students from across the US and from different countries.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Authentic cultural immersion activities
- Interactive learning opportunities
- Balances sightseeing and service
Cons
- Summer programs only
Bottom Line
People to People International Student Travel Programs allow students to enjoy fully immersive educational experiences in several different geographical regions.
People to People International Student Travel Programs Reviews
A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.
- 4,307,920 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2019
Our daughter went on the Spanish Immersion Program this past summer and I can't even begin to express how wonderful the program is and all the people that run it. Sue and Carly were so great about answering all my questions leading up to the trip, including setting my mind at ease about sending my child so far away! Seeing our daughter experience all that she did throughout the month was incredible.
As for the program itself, we were absolutely thrilled with all that she saw and got to take part in...from cooking classes to Flamenco dancing! She absolutely fell in love with her homestay family and remains in contact with them. The experience was priceless. She learned so much, and grew so much as an individual in such a short amount of time. People to People is truly a wonderful program and I recommend it to anyone thinking of sending their child on such a trip because they are well taken care of, and it is well worth the cost because they certainly make the most of it! Cheers to you, PTP! You have a fabulous organization and I am forever grateful for all that you introduced my daughter to!
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019
People to People Student Travel is an amazing program for middle and high school students who want to "travel with purpose". On a typical program students explore the history and culture of a country, interact with local families, participate in service projects, engage in adventure activities and so much more. The days are full and all travel expenses and meals are covered, there are no hidden costs.
As a program leader for over ten years I appreciate the depth of the programs and the opportunities for young people to experience many facets of travel. The leaders are seasoned teachers who enhance the travel experience, they are caring and are there to make sure that every child has a safe and enriching experience. Leaders are fully supported by a team of professionals who assist in the day to day operations while on program.
One of the rewards of traveling with students is seeing the difference travel can make. Friendships are formed, confidence builds and being immersed in a new culture can be life changing. If you are thinking about a program for your child or grandchild, talk to our staff and find out what People to People has to offer. It may seem costly but there is great value in something that can shape a person's perspective, help them to become a better citizen and learn how they can truly make a difference for good.
Reviewed Sept. 30, 2019
As both a teacher-leader and as the parent of 3 former PTP student travelers, I have personally experienced this wonderful program from both viewpoints. The itineraries are action-packed, melding the best of city, town and countryside, from meetings with city officials to Ambassadors and Members of Parliament, from rappelling down European Castles to snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef to strolling the Great Wall of China.
Every day is an adventure, sometimes physically or mentally challenging but far from the beaten path of most student travel programs. The service projects are meaningful and memorable, from cutting peat bog in Ireland for winter fuel to working and playing goalball with blind adults in Valencia, Spain to gain insight into their daily lives. The program leaders are well-prepared in both student-management and safety, ensuring that the travelers have the best, most fun-filled educational experience possible. I know that traveling on People to People changed all three of my own children into the confident world travelers that they are today.
Reviewed Sept. 23, 2019
Going on a People to People trip was the best experience of my life. I was able to visit so many beautiful places. I tried so many new foods and I loved it! It was a surreal experience and I could not believe where I was. Everyday was filled with so much fun and adventure. The best part was the people I was able to meet. I made friends that I still talk to. I met people who made my experience a million times better. We all became like a family in such a short time. From the very start everyone was so kind! The chaperones are also amazing. They were always on top of things, constantly watching out for the kids, and always helping us whenever we needed anything. They did so much for us. Overall, I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. I will cherish those spectacular memories for the rest of my life :).
Reviewed Sept. 19, 2019
Both my children have taken the trip. My then 12-year old daughter went in 2015 and I liked the way it was ran. They chose my daughter and I did not even know anything like this existed. My son, most recently, did it last summer. I wanted him to do Tale of Two Cities, just like his sister did, and halfway through the program, I find out that he would have to fly by himself from California all the way to New York, and he's only 11 at that time. So, I said, “Okay, let’s go ahead and change.” We changed to the Irish Culture. Halfway through that, I find out again that he would have to fly by himself. There was a little bit of decline in communication with program coordinators and me as the parent. So, I had to change a third time.
This time, we found a delegation that was leaving together out of San Francisco, so they could fly to New York together and then out to Europe. So, that’s why we ended up choosing the European Legacies. My son's favorite was the Alpine Coaster when he was in Austria. People to People program exceeded their expectations. And, I would like my daughter to go either Australia or somewhere in Asia the summer from her junior into her senior year.
Reviewed Sept. 18, 2019
People to People Student Travel is a wonderful hands-on, minds-on experience. Students get to experience other cultures and interact with students while traveling. People to People is a SAFE, FUN adventure. The pre-travel webinars cover everything from specific itineraries, to dining etiquette, to doing laundry while abroad. Leaders are background checked, CPR certified, First Aid certified and trained. Students return from a People to People program with their horizon broadened, their outlook changed and friends for life!
Reviewed Sept. 18, 2019
Back when my daughter was in fifth grade, People to People International Student Travel Programs had sent letters. We had gotten a letter in the mail and it said that they were People to People and that they do international travel and that it’s part of an educational program. It gave us a little description and then they offered a presentation where you went into an auditorium in Southern Maryland. We went and they had a big presentation and talked more about the trips that we were interested in. Then we signed up from there.
My daughter recently went to England and France. She was gone for about 20 days. She is in the theater and wanted to see the theater part of the trip. She also loves Harry Potter and was also drawn to that part of the trip, in addition to being on the London Eye and seeing parts of France, the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. She has also been on two other trips before that. She went to Australia and to Alaska.
Reviewed Sept. 16, 2019
My daughter chose the Australia Odyssey program. Her older sister and her cousin both went on People to People Australia, so she thought she had to. It’s better to do it when you’re young. The program is good, but, seven years ago, I was more impressed with my older daughter. The other one had a little different housing and there were three days more
People to People would come to the school. It was very strong here in Chester County, and they had 40 students from this area. Both times my older daughter went, she was thrilled. Sharon, the leader, was outstanding with her in Europe. So, she was thrilled that she was the same leader. She talked about Bondi beach a lot, as well as the Opera House, Sydney Cricket Ground and the kangaroo. She also said that the home stay was outstanding, and she loved the wildlife preserve. The one thing that she was disappointed in, however, was the Aboriginal. She said, “It was okay. Throw the boomerang whatnot.” It was not as exciting as all the rest. Nevertheless, overall, I'd recommend them.
Reviewed Sept. 12, 2019
People to People has been a part of my life for 14 years. As a world language educator, there is no better educational experience for students than being immersed in language and culture. People to People offers this and so much more. I was a leader in the inaugural Spanish Immersion program during the summer of 2019. Students were completely immersed in the Spanish language and culture for 30-days. They came back more confident, self-reliant, responsible young people with a greater appreciation of the Spanish way of life. They also improved their Spanish tremendously through interaction with locals, experiencing a week-long homestay, and getting 30-hours of Spanish language instruction at an international school. This program changes lives and opens doors to experiences students cannot get inside of a traditional classroom. The friendship and bond the students create during a People to People itinerary really does last a lifetime!
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2019
I absolutely loved the trip I had the honor to be on in July of 2019 to Costa Rica. We helped, donated and were educated on so many amazing and definitely time and energy worthy causes that can save and change lives. Getting the opportunity to not only help, but meet the people we were helping will stay with me for the rest of my life. Community service is something I truly love to do, so the fact that I can combine community service with traveling around the world with an amazing organization surrounded by wonderful people is nearly surreal.
I am currently signed up to go on the trip to South Africa this coming summer in July of 2020 and I couldn’t be more happier and excited to go. Having an opportunity of a lifetime to not only travel, but touch the hearts of those I meet on my travels makes me genuinely happy and proud to be part of this beautiful organization. Thank you all so much for all the outstanding work you do around the world and for giving regular people like me opportunities we would’ve never gotten otherwise.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2019
My daughter was on the Celtic Cultures. She went to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and London. The destination was interesting to her, a little different, and a little bit off the beaten path, which to me was an interesting itinerary too. My other children have gone on People to People, so I was very familiar with this company. I've seen other programs, and the quality is high. The cost is high but it’s worth money, and it includes a lot. It was an extraordinary opportunity for her. She built wonderful friendships and she got to see behind-the-scenes in each country. It was great experience.
Reviewed Sept. 7, 2019
Both my daughters, they’re twins, chose the European Odyssey Program from People to People. For their age, I felt that Europe was something that they can relate to. So, we sat and we went through every itinerary there was. And I was pleasantly surprised with the choice they made. They said they wanted to see Paris and wanted to visit the Louvre, and work with the artists, and do the Murano glass class. And so, that narrows it down and I thought it was a great choice. They spent a few days in New York, then Paris, Venice, Florence, Rome. They had a homestay visit in Italy, and ended up a few places in Greece, Athens, and then returned home.
My step-children, who are adults now, were part of the People to People too. I had a great reference and recommendation from them, so I know what a great program it is. I talked about People to People to every parent that I know that they know how important it is for a child to travel. And this program is the best way for them to get that confidence, independence, and to have that experience. The people in the program were very wonderful. In fact, the girls still talk about Michelle who was their leader. She was definitely the mom while I was not with them. Having the knowledge of the things my daughters have seen and the people they’ve met was the highlight of the program.
My daughters still talk about the places they visited, and the things they did, and so it was very exciting. And I know as time passes, they will even more realize what an experience this was. Overall, People to People communicated so well and they were so well organized. The girls actually filled out their surveys upon return and one of them said, “What is something that you would like to change?” They said, “We like to be more in this city.” That tells me that they had a great time.
Reviewed Sept. 5, 2019
My son got a letter from People to People the year before, and I have friends whose children went on the trips. My daughter then went on the Celtic trip in the summer. She had the most fun with the very active activities that required the most activity like the white-water rafting and rappelling. She is definitely more of an activities person rather than a sit-and-listen-to-somebody-lecture. She also enjoyed learning some industry and making friends. That destination was one of the two near in our region and she felt more comfortable because everybody spoke English. She saw a lot, which was a plus for her. She has expressed interest in going again on another trip like to Eastern Europe in the Balkans.
The only complaint that she had was that of the bagged lunches because she hated them. It would have been nice for them to have more local cuisine, even if they had to plan for that and bring money with them. I wished they weren't quite as expensive too. But, as far as everything else, the chaperones were great, and there was a lot of communication from them. Also, I would encourage them to continue to have as many active things as they do.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2019
I have just returned from a 20-day trip across Europe...my 13th trip as a teacher leader with the People to People International Student Travel program. Since my first trip back in 2004 to Western Canada with People to People, I have traveled again and again as a teacher leader with this program. Having also traveled with a competitor, I can tell you that PTP is a cut above the rest. The behind-the-scenes access at every turn opens the eyes of our students to a world beyond their own hometown. I have learned alongside students as we've made cheese in Switzerland, brick oven pizza in Italy, hand-turned wooden clogs in The Netherlands and cooked paella in Spain. We have camped in teepees in Canada, gone white water rafting in the Swiss Alps, rappelled off a tower in Italy, held koalas in Australia and survived a ropes course in Austria.
Most meaningful, however, is the personal connection students make when experiencing the home stay. For two or three nights, students live with a local family, even attending school with their host student! People to People has afforded us all so many unparalleled experiences, lifelong friendships, a true appreciation of "peace through understanding," and a sense of wonder that traditional tourist travel programs cannot match. If you are on the fence about sending your student, don't be. Your child will return to you changed for the better!
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2019
I traveled with People to People as a student, and now I am a leader with this amazing company. I traveled with them when I was 13 years old, and it changed my life. I grew up in a very small town, and I had never been to summer camp, or flown, and my parents sent me all the way to the South Pacific! While we had always done summer vacations as a family, international travel changed me and made me grow in ways I never imagined. I came back much more outgoing, confident, and independent. I started high school that fall at a large regional high school, and it was nowhere near as daunting as it would have been had I not done the program.
I have been a leader with People to People since 2011. I have travels with students to over 20 countries in that time. People to People offers truly immersive travel to students, and goes far beyond the tourist spots. From staying in a Maori village, bowling with students in Latvia, making butter on a farm in Spain, meeting with a Holocaust expert in Vienna, or speaking with a Franciscan monk in Italy, this program offers experiences you can’t get on your own. Many People to People programs also offer homestay experiences, where students stay with a local family for a few nights. They get a real inside look at daily life in the countries we visit. After I traveled as a student I stayed in contact with my homestay families for several years. I am still in touch with some of my homestay families that I have stayed with as a leader.
Another important component of the program is community service, it’s important to give back. From volunteering at a sea turtle rescue in Greece, to cutting Peat Moss in Ireland to donate to elderly residents, students participate in projects to help the communities they visit. The program also challenges students to get out of their comfort zones. It can be small, such as trying unfamiliar local foods, to large, like abseiling down a cliff. It is all important for personal development. I love watching students try new things, and often discovering they like things they didn’t think they would, or accomplishing something they didn’t think they could do. This program provides so much to students. I am very proud to be part of it, both as an alumni and a leader!!
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2019
I have traveled with People to People International both as a former student ambassador and now, as a leader. I have led trips for 5 years, spanning 20+ countries. Each trip is well-planned, engaging, immersive, and fun! Students participate in pre-travel preparation activities geared to get them ready for travel. Once we are on program, students participate in a variety of activities! From taking surfing lessons in Australia, to meeting a former member of Parliament in England, these trips are amazing!
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2019
Travel with purpose - the motto says everything! The People to People Student Travel Program is educational, behind the scenes experiences and FUN! I cannot say enough about it. From the leader training, to the student training, to the itinerary, to the program support while abroad, and the experiences we were able to have while abroad! We met international students - spent time with them, met a former MP in London for a discussion, sampled international cuisine, had an art lesson and a cooking lesson in Paris, learned to sail and windsurf, and so much more! This is a unique, and quality program. It is not enough in the modern world to sit behind a computer and watch a video - true learning and understanding comes from experiencing the world. The People to People program does exactly that. To sum it up, I took a group of strangers abroad and brought home a family. That is worth more than anything.
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2019
I have been traveling with People to People Student Travel for over 25 years. The experiences students are life changing! They are actually able to experience other cultures and have an understanding of how other people live. It is our goal to promote Peace Through Understanding. I have seen incredible growth of my students after traveling on one of our amazing programs! Travel is truly the only thing you can buy that makes you richer!
People to People International Student Travel Programs Company Information
- Company Name:
- People to People International Student Travel Programs
- Company Type:
- Private
- Year Founded:
- 2016
- Address:
- 44 Merrimac Street
- City:
- Newburyport
- State/Province:
- MA
- Postal Code:
- 01950
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.peopletopeople.com
You’re signed up
We’ll start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. We value your privacy. Unsubscribe easily.