Health & Safety
Our Commitment to Safety
As travel safety experts with over 50 years of experience, People to People Ambassador Programs works diligently to ensure the safety of every delegate and leader in every program. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable educational experience for all program participants and we pledge to maintain open and ongoing communication with delegates, leaders, and family members regarding safety and any world events that may affect our programs.
As part of our comprehensive commitment to safety, we provide the following services for our delegations:
- A trained 24-hour response team based at our headquarters is available to respond to any emergencies or situations that may arise during travel.
- An in-house travel team and worldwide network of travel experts allow us to anticipate possible situations and respond quickly to ensure that our programs remain high-quality, enjoyable experiences.
- Top-level coordinators in every country we travel to assess local situations and keep us informed of new travel precautions.
For over 50 years, People to People Ambassador Programs has helped more than 400,000 program participants travel to seven continents while maintaining an extraordinary track record of safety. Our safety record is the result of many factors, including a reliance on federal guidelines, the strength and experience of our leaders, our organization’s expertise and experience in program destination countries, a vast global network of resources and team members, and a sincere commitment to the wellbeing of our Ambassadors and their families.
Federal Guidelines
We rely on the advice of the U.S. State Department, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board for information when we plan and execute our programs. We choose our destinations carefully, and we will not take our delegations into areas that may be unsafe. If conditions exist that may hinder our ability to provide a safe program, we will alter the itinerary and redirect the program to safer destinations or provide other alternatives.
Flights and Activities
We apply the same safety standards to flights and activities that we apply to conducting an entire program. If a flight is cancelled due to a federal safety ruling or airline concern, we will make every attempt to quickly place delegates on another flight provided that the FAA and other relevant organizations state that it is safe to travel.
Similarly, if it is advised that we avoid a particular destination, excursion, or event on a program itinerary, or if a location is temporarily unavailable (such as a museum closure), we will arrange comparable, alternative activities to the best of our abilities and with full regard for the wellbeing of each program participant.
Because of increased airport security in recent years, we help delegates prepare by providing up-to-date information regarding packing, customs procedures, and related guidelines via orientation meetings, email, our website, and pre-travel packets.
Ongoing Precautions
We partner with docleaf®, a London-based international and security company that helps us monitor and appropriately react to situations around the world. Our internal task force of senior managers continually assesses the international climate and specific situations, and implements program changes as needed.
In every country where we travel, we work closely with top-level coordinators who assess their local situations. This network of coordinators briefs us on new safety precautions implemented by their respective countries.
Leader Safety Training
We provide extensive pre-travel safety information and preparation for program leaders and delegates. Our leaders are required to complete a comprehensive online travel safety course developed in cooperation with docleaf®, a London-based international and security company. They also participate in a local safety training workshop, and are provided an in-depth, safety travel handbook to enable an immediate, effective, and efficient response to any circumstance.
In addition, each leader is subjected to a background check and is required to hold CPR certification.
The primary role of our leaders is to monitor the physical and emotional health of each delegation member. If any delegate expresses or exhibits signs of mental, emotional, or physical distress—or if any member of the delegation expresses concern for another delegate’s health—action is swiftly taken. Delegates’ families are contacted in each circumstance, as is the program office. At no time is a delegate in mental or physical distress left to heal or rest without supervision.
Travel and Safety Links
Country Information
Travel Preparation
Passport Applications
All People to People Ambassadors traveling overseas require proper passport and visa documentation. This is the best place to start, whether or not you are a U.S. citizen.
Federal Aviation Administration
Safety advisories, weather, and real-time airport status and delays are all available through this site.
Transportation Security Administration
All travelers should check this site frequently to avoid delays related to baggage issues and prohibited items. Baggage and carry-on limitations, tips for travel, and a wealth of other information can be found here.
Travel Warnings
Country-specific information of all types, from entry regulations to tips for traveling abroad, can be found here.
Universal Currency Converter
Daily exchange rates to help you decide how to budget your journey.
Health Information
U.S. Centers for Disease Control
People to People works with the CDC to identify current or emerging health threats in destination countries which might affect our delegates or their travel plans.
World Health Organization
This site provides detailed health information about destination countries as well as up-to-the-minute information on current health threats, recommended vaccinations, and other health tips for traveling internationally.
General Information
docleaf
docleaf assists People to People in handling emergency situations overseas for our delegates.
Metric Conversion
Most countries our delegates visit use the metric system.
National Transportation Safety Board
General information about air travel in the United States.
U.S. State Department Travel Information
People to People works closely with the State Department to determine current travel restrictions, warnings, and other information to help us provide a safe journey for our delegates.
World Clock
This site lists the time at major destinations around the world to help you and your family sort out the time difference and the best times to call.
