“…given a chance, people will make friends across, around, over and under all the natural and man-made barriers which separate them.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Purpose:
The Meet the Diplomats program is an exciting opportunity for diplomats residing in a country other than their own to travel outside their city of assignment and experience local life and culture. Visits include a schedule of meetings with local officials, media, businesses, factories, farms, universities, etc., which are arranged to accommodate the diplomat’s professional and personal interest. Accommodations are with a People to People International Chapter members and their family.
Through this “grass roots” experience, international representatives will encounter firsthand the diversity of the culture and people of their country of assignment. In return, the program gives PTPI chapter members an opportunity to improve their understanding of other societies, including the people, their values, culture and goals, and, through contact with sophisticated representatives of other countries, gain a broader global perspective of their nation’s relations with other countries.
This cultural exchange will take place in a true people-to-people atmosphere.
Method:
The program runs year-round. The average visit is three to four days in a city or town where there is a People to People International Chapter. The diplomat will be met, escorted and live with a PTPI Chapter family throughout the visit. To maximize contact with the local community, our preference is that the visit takes place during weekdays.
A series of visits to cities or towns where there are People to People International Chapters may be arranged. The length of stay and number of communities visited is open to discussion. The diplomat may wish to combine a Meet the Diplomats experience with a previously scheduled trip.
Logistics:
Diplomats are responsible for their round-trip transportation from their city of assignment to the local community.
People to People International, incorporation with the local chapter, will provide:
- A substantive program of meetings in the local community
- All meals
- All local transportation
- An advance copy of the itinerary and information on the local community prior to arrival.
- Participation of spouses is encouraged. Financial assistance is available if transportation cost is a problem. Assistance will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
For more information or to apply for the program contact Jill Helsel via email: chapters@ptpi.org
