You are joining a proud tradition, reaching back for six decades. The People to People Program was officially launched by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. After witnessing the horrors of the Holocaust, President Eisenhower recognized the surest way to break cycles of fear and misunderstanding was for people to understand one another. He knew that for this to be effective, it must come not through governments but through the hearts of people yearning for dignity, freedom, and peace.
Today
Fast forward to today—to a world that is highly connected, yet lacking the authentic connections necessary for understanding one another. PTPI’s Global Network ensures that immersive experiences and intentional cross-cultural education help everyday citizens become leaders who understand others and make a difference. President Eisenhower’s belief that “peaceful relations between nations requires understanding and mutual respect between individuals” is as relevant today as when he first envisioned our organization nearly six decades ago. Our mission continues to resonate with members across the globe, yet we are ever changing in our quest to provide expanded opportunities that engage a new generation of globally minded citizens.
1956
President Eisenhower’s vision defines the People to People International mission
1961
People to People International was incorporated in Missouri and its operations moved there in October 1961 as a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization
1962
People to People International travels its first student group to Europe, briefed by Robert Kennedy
1976
Students visit China
1987
Students travel to Russia and meet Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev
1989
Students witness the fall of the Berlin Wall
2005
People to People International becomes the first student travel organization to go to all seven continents
2013
People to People International students host Chinese students during Presidential Inauguration
Our History Continues
Katherine H.
Alumni , New Jersey
Tyler S.
Student Traveler , Connecticut
Stephanie K.
Alumni, California
You have two ways to travel with People to People International Student Travel Programs: National Delegations and Local Delegation.
National Delegations are for individual students from all over the United States, and are chaperoned by educators carefully selected by PTPI. Joining a National Delegation is not only a great way to explore new parts of the world, but also to meet students from all over the the country.
Local Delegations are for students from the same geographic location and are chaperoned by educators from that same area. The programs have been selected by local educators, so every program may not be offered in your area. If you don’t find a Local Delegation that fits your interest, you can always join a National Delegation.