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Anita of Richardson TX (06/28/08)
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.
Marcelo of Green Bay WI (05/16/08)
my son is currently enrolled in a program of the org to Beijing this summer. we planned a deviation fm the last city visited in china for him, hongkong, to visit our native Philippines. At the time of informing them of the deviation, we were informed we had the option of booking his return flt via their org. as a deviation (in this case, a postponed date of the flight). 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.
Jessica of Edmond OK (05/05/08)
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.
Dianne of Orange NJ (03/14/08)
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.
Erin of Pooler GA (03/03/08)
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!
Carolina of Clarkston GA (02/10/08)
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.
Emily of Malad City ID (02/03/08)
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?
Jessica of Eudora KS (01/31/08)
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.
Dee of West Bade Springs IN (01/28/08)
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.
Frank of Suwanee GA (01/04/08)
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.
Dena of Jacksonville AR (12/17/07)
We received a letter in the mail today (12/17/07) from People to People International regarding our 14 year old son, Noah. He is an A/B student, all-around athlete and a great kid. He works hard for what he has. Upon reading this letter my husband, Tom, Noah and myself where just beside ourselves with pride for what we thought Noah had been nominated for. Upon looking at their website, we confirmed our meeting space and began talking about what country he would travel to. Not wanting to wait until January 26, 2008 for the meeting to see what tuition would be, I started looking online for information. I am so disappointed, heavy-hearted, and sadened to the core to learn that my sons name was picked at random by a computer generated list. I want answers and a solution to this confidence shattering tragedy. No child should be built up to think they have been choosen from many to represent the greater good for the hard work they have put into their academic career, only for it to be pulled out from under their feet like a rug by these greedy investment crooks. I believe upon reading on your website, that because of the events in Iowa, their tactics should have been changed, and to me it sounds as if nothing has been changed what-so-ever. Children are still being hurt by their greed.
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?
Neil of Cincinnati OH (12/17/07)
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.
Tamara of Toledo OH (12/07/07)
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.
Audrey of Ft. Meade MD (10/04/07)
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..
Steve of Shaker Heights OH (10/03/07)
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.
Kristina of La Jolla CA (09/20/07)
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 $5,000 for high school students. People To People should be obligated to state estimated costs on their website, especially if they are claiming association with past presidents.
The letter gives me, as a parent, the impression that there is no cost since my daughter was invited with a group seemingly related to the government.
Eric of Siloam Springs AR (03/02/07)
Well... My brother and I were planning on going to Europe this summer. We've went to a couple of our meetings already, this being my 2nd year it was a great thing to have the money to go again. Now we got to thinking , should we go on this trip or spend it on a car? ... Well my brother and I made the decision a couple days ago to buy a car. I e-mailed my delegation leader and he instructed me to call the program office so we can get our 400.00$ 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.
D of Columbia, MD (01/10/07)
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.
Rolonda of Toledo OH (01/05/07)
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.
Gwen of Peoria IL (12/27/06)
Recd letter dated 12-20-2006 stating that my son was invited to become a member of the Peoria area People to People Sports Ambassador Programs delegation to Holland. Since I am not real trusting of people that want to take my 14 year old son out of the country, I did a little investigation. Which of course, brought me to this website. The letter goes on to say that Student-athletes are invited from national sports organizations or nominated by People to People coaches, leaders and alumni. It says nothing about buying my sons name from anyone. I called People to People and was told that his name was recd from USA Wrestling. I would have though more about it if one of his various coaches would have submitted his name. Since these kids are minors, isnt a law in effect that would forbit preying on minors? I bet Dwight Eisenhower would not be pleased they way that this has been handled.
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.
Henrietta of Kansas City MO (12/24/06)
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.
Dean of Salem OR (12/18/06)
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.
Heather of Belmont, MI (12/16/06)
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.
Susan of Cabot AR (12/09/06)
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.
Martin of Silver Spring MD (12/01/06)
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).
Kim of Turner OR (11/30/06)
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.
Peggy of Youngstown, OH (11/22/06)
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.
Rhonda of Jackson AL (11/21/06)
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.
Tracie of Niagara Falls NY (10/12/06)
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
Tricia of Barnegat NJ (10/02/06)
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.
Tracie of Niagara Falls NY (09/29/06)
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
Deborah of Hanover MD (09/25/06)
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
Sue of Rockville MD (09/25/06)
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.
Loidys of Miami FL (09/22/06)
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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Tammy of Kirksville MO (09/22/06)
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!!!
Pamela of Sheboygan WI (09/21/06)
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.
Reynard of Houston TX (09/20/06)
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.
Becki of Selah WA (09/19/06)
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.
Christine of Elmsford NY (09/19/06)
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.
Kristie of Madison OH (09/19/06)
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.
Patricia of New Windsor NY (09/18/06)
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.
Linda of Houston TX (09/18/06)
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.
Peter of Randoplh NJ (09/18/06)
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.
Ms. Walker of Toledo OH (09/14/06)
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.
Crystal of Linden NJ (09/13/06)
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.
Cindy of Clarendon Hills IL (09/13/06)
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.
Beth of Lincolnton NC (09/13/06)
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.
Cathy of Valdosta GA (09/13/06)
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.
Cherie of Hemlock NY (09/09/06)
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.
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