Adventure, education, and service with People to People International

Hi, my name is Emily Black, I am seventeen years old, and I have been selected to be a 2016 Student Ambassador with People to People International. If you haven’t heard of this program, then let me briefly explain. The People to People Student Ambassador Program is an educational travel service based in Spokane, Washington offering domestic and international travel opportunities to middle and high school students. The group was founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and provides students with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel, learn about different cultures and traditions, and do community service for others around the world.

People to People has taken students on hundreds of trips over the years, and the one I have been invited to go on this summer is called the “European Experience”. The trip is 19 days long and includes stops in Paris, the Alps, Tuscany, and Rome. Some highlights of the trip include helping build an Austrian castle, joining life on an Italian farm, and seeing Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower! While this trip may sound like it’s just all about having fun, it is so much more. People to People offers amazing opportunities to build cultural awareness and global understanding. The educational and cultural experiences I will have on this trip will help shape me as a person, give me invaluable life experience, and give me the chance to fulfill my dream of travelling the world.

I have been invited to go on many People to People trips through the past years, but have not been able to attend for different reasons. Due to the fact that I am a senior and will be graduating this year, this is my absolute last chance to go. Going to Europe has been a life-long dream of mine, and this trip is way beyond what I could ever accomplish on my own. The overall cost for this trip is $6,400, however, I have set my GoGetFunding goal as $3,500 because I am prepared to work really hard to raise the rest of the money on my own. Any and all donations will be very greatly appreciated. I know that it may seem impossible to raise that much money in just two and a half months, but with your help, I believe it is completely attainable. Thank you so so much for taking the time to look at my fundraising page, and thank you in advance for donating! J

Below I have included the actual itinerary so you can see exactly what your money will help me do.

DAY 1:

Depart for Paris
Board your overnight flight to Europe.

DAY 2:

Paris, France
Explore the magnificent Chateau de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

DAY 3:

Paris, France
Voila Paris! Take the elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower (899 feet). Explore the Louvre and see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa! Visit the historic Montmartre area. Marvel at the white Basilique du Sacre Coeur, which is the second highest point in Paris.

DAY 4:

Paris, France
A French guide will show you the beautiful city of lights.

DAY 5:

Farm-stay France
Stay on a real European farm! Experience the unique traditional way of life on the countryside.

DAY 6:

Lucerne, Switzerland
See how cheese is produced at Kloster Engelberg’s cheese dairy and learn about the difference between hard and soft cheese. Discover Lucerne, a city in the heart of Switzerland situated on a lake surrounded by high mountains!

DAY 7:

Home Stay, Germany
Visit the Austrian Tourism School and have the opportunity to test your skills at baking your own dessert—the famous Austrian Meet your German Homestay Family Apfelstrudel!

DAY 8:

Home Stay, Germany
Experience European life and culture with your home stay family.

DAY 9:

Home Stay, Germany
Today will be the last day you spend with your home stay family. Be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their hospitality!

DAY 10:

Salzburg, Austria
Uncover Salzburg’s hidden treasures with a local guide then enjoy a classical concert at the famous Schloss Mirabell.

DAY 11:

Mauthausen, Austria
Visit the Mauthausen Concentration Camp and meet with the long-time interpreter of a concentration camp survivor, Professor Rudolf Gelbard (Theresienstadt).

DAY 12:

Vienna, Austria
Participate in a social service project. Explore Vienna’s St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the Imperial Palace and the State Opera House.

DAY 13:

Carinthia, Austria
Work with local residents on the “Castle Project”. For over 30 years, volunteers have been united in building an authentic medieval castle without the use of modern technology. Learn more about Austrian traditional life, e.g. folk dance lessons and farmers’ Olympics! Afterwards enjoy a delicious traditional meal.

DAY 14:

Venice, Italy
Ride in a Venetian gondola. While passing through the Canal Grande you will see the famous Guggenheim Museum, the “Fenice Theater,” and Mozart’s Venice residence. See the Basilica San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. Visit a traditional Murano Glass artisan. You will learn about each step—from the composition to the blowing and polishing of the glass.

DAY 15:

Florence, Italy
Visit the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s colossal statue, David. Walk through the city of Florence, passing the Duomo and the bronze doors to the Baptistery, known as the Gate to Paradise. Be guided through the American Cemetery where over 4.000 American soldiers, killed in the capture of Rome in June 1944, are buried.

DAY 16:

Pisa, Italy
See one of Europe’s most iconic buildings, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

DAY 17:

Rome, Italy
Explore the famous sights of Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Tour the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

DAY 18:

Rome, Italy
Visit the world’s smallest country, the Vatican City, and admire the frescos of the Sistine Chapel. Descend under the city of Rome when you visit the Christian Catacombs.

DAY 19:

Depart for the U.S.