Cultural Immersion

To be a true global citizen, your eyes must be open to both the beauties and the challenges of a culture. Immersive experiences reveal the truth, and People to People Ambassadors soak in new cultures through experiences of:

Daily life at home - the People to People Ambassador Programs home stay

A home stay is the surest way to get an in-depth education abroad. You may need to learn a few key phrases and brush up your "sign language," but you'll be rewarded with a brand-new family on the other side of the world.

Student Ambassadors who don't have home stays on their programs will have other opportunities—like a community dinner or school visit—to get a true taste of how people live, work, and play in other cultures.

Time-honored traditions

People to People Ambassador Programs' unique access ushers Ambassadors into some unforgettable places:

• Pouring tea in a Chinese ceremony
• Wearing the colors of their clan like a Scottish Highlander
• Beating a new rhythm in a drum circle with Canadian First Nations
• Walking lion cubs in a South African reserve
• Stepping through a Greek folk dance
• Replanting a forest in Ecuador
• Tasting (or even cooking) distinctive foods all over the world

Cross-cultural teamwork

Young leaders from around the globe who are considering an education abroad travel to the U.S. as Leadership Ambassadors. When a summit's final projects are complete, the rich mix of cultures results in some creative solutions to common problems, like a student who is inspired by South Africa's post-apartheid unity to build an anti-bullying campaign in her home community.

Even when the Ambassadors are all American, the adventures set out for each delegation foster a strong team spirit. Students learn to value diverse talents and strengths—a quality that will be priceless to a global employer.

It was an experience that lets you open your perspective. You get to know people from all around the world who share similar interests with you and will probably become good friends."

—Roberto Alviso
Leadership Ambassador, Monterrey, Mexico

Critical thinking

The intensive education abroad allows students to really examine how a country's culture shapes its values:

• Are Fijians independent or members of tight-knit communities?
• What do civil rights look like in the Netherlands?
• How much does China invest in its art and artists?
• Are Costa Ricans committed to preserving the environment?

Fair warning: If you travel as a Student Ambassador, you just might fall in love with another country. You may even decide to pursue part of your college education abroad as a result of this early immersion. But at the same time, you'll gain a whole new understanding of what makes home special.