[James]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_...ssador_Program

People to People is not a very choosy organization and rely on academic listings to invite a student with no reason for nominating them other then being on the list the independent marketing company has purchased. The company represents the children as 'specially chosen' when in fact they were only a name on the mailing list. This has caused several children to be disappointed and about 40 complaints to Consumer Affairs.[1] However of the children that did take the trip only 1 complaint has been lodged. It seems the trips are more a travel experience than a privileged academic one.[citation needed]


The Iowa Supreme Court recently reviewed a case in which a woman was contacted by this organization on behalf of her son who had died years earlier. As a result of this attention, descriptions of selection criteria have been updated by People to People.[2]. In a similar situation a dead cat (who had been deceased for 10 years) named 'Earl Grey' was invited to study abroad by the program as well [1]

Similar to the above requirements for students, teacher-leaders themselves are screened, interviewed and background checked prior to appointment.[citation needed] As with all people entrusted with student travelers, it is highly recommended that parents get to know the leaders prior to travel. Students attend a series of orientation meetings prior to traveling so there is much opportunity for parents to get to know the teachers as well as for students to get to know one another.