There are limitless ways for students to become immersed in the multitude of cultures around the world. One of the most impressive programs, that targets middle and high school students and has withstood the “test of time,” is People to People.
President Dwight Eisenhower created People to People in 1956 to provide young people with opportunities to become immersed in other cultures in the hopes that their experiences would lead to a new generation of globally minded citizens. A key part of most People to People trips is the “home stay” during which time students get to live with host families and experience day to day living in a culture that is vastly different than their own. Students also typically get to meet with government officials and discuss the different political climates and issues between their countries. An additional perk is that they gain access to some sites that are not typically available to the public.
During Australian Odyssey 2018, for example, students will learn how culture, family life and politics have evolved in Australia through a series of experiences that include: surfing lessons at Bondi Beach, touring the Sydney Opera House, rappelling the Blue Mountains, visiting a hospital for koalas, hand-feeding dolphins, snorkeling sea wrecks, sand tobogganing, hanging out with locals and experiencing Aussie life during a home stay, discussing Australian politics with a government representative, meeting members of the world’s oldest surviving culture, the Aboriginal Australians, and, of course, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.
Other People to People student travel programs for this year include: “European Legacy” (with travels through England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria & Switzerland), “South African Safari” (including a Penguin & Seal Island cruise, visit to a crocodile and cheetah wildlife ranch, “Big 5” safari through elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo territory, visit to Jane Goodall’s Chimpanzee Eden, and a white water rafting and elephant whispering expedition), and excursions through Costa Rica, Tokyo, Celtic Cultures and the South Pacific.
Students who partake in one of these travel experiences will gain great cultural awareness and have stories to share for a lifetime.
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of SAT Smart in Hillsborough that has been offering PSAT, SAT, and ACT preparation courses, as well as private tutoring by Ivy League educated instructors, for more than 25 years. Visit www.SATsmart.com or call 908-369-5362.
