People to People and National State Leaders Programs

trekker5211
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 23:00:33 +0000

First, it’s pretty well known (at least in my school) that these programs really aren’t that selective - if at all.

And I’ll throw in my experience as someone who went on P2P - and really didn’t like it. I, too, consider it a joke.

When I went, it was to France, Italy, and Greece.

My main gripe with it was how inauthentic it was. When we were in Rome, surrounded by the many little restaurants, where did we eat? McDonald’s. Same thing in Paris. The whole time I just felt like we were observing the countries, not experiencing them. And there’s definitely a difference.

However, to give you background, I had been to Italy before (I have family there). I had gone on P2P on this trip to go with a friend. Also, I haven’t really ever been a fan of tour-group travel - you just aren’t able to experience a country. I’d save traveling the world for while studying abroad in college.

I can say that the other people I know in my area who’ve gone on P2P trips to Australia and China have the same opinions of the program as mine.

All of this said, however, if it is one’s absolutely ONLY (and I emphasize only) way of visiting another continent prior to college, do it. Seeing the world first-hand is the only way to really understand it.