Where else can a college student ride an elephant, stroll through an ornate palace, AND cook authentic Indian cuisine under the guidance of a professional chef? And that's only one city on next winter's Collegiate Ambassador program!

Namaste!

Hello! My name is Maggie. I’m a 22 year old college student from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’m finishing up my requirements for a degree in Asian Studies and a minor in Japanese at the University of Oklahoma. I’m currently living in Yamaguchi, Japan where I study at Yamaguchi University and work at a local English Conversation School part time. I absolutely love it here and hope to return soon as an English teacher. I’m going to Boston in May to hopefully get a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. I’m also hoping to volunteer with a local school in the ESL department after I return to America.

In my freshman year of high school, I went to the UK with P2P and had a wonderful time. I am so excited for India! My degree has allowed me to take some classes on India and I am thankful for the opportunity to actually experience what I’ve been learning about. I think India has such a rich and ancient culture and I can’t wait to be a part of it and be able to talk with locals about the legends and the Hindu gods. Like I discovered with Japan, you can read about and study a culture for years, but until you can experience it for yourself, I don’t think you can really understand it.

I look forward to meeting everyone and sharing a fantastic experience!

Hello fellow travelers!

Hi! My name is Elizabeth but I usually go by Lizzie. I was born in Frederick, Maryland were I still live (while not in school) with my parents, sister, dog (Wendy, in the picture with me), and lizard. I am currently a student at the University of Kansas. In May 2011, I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Unified Early Childhood Education which means I am able to teach children from birth to third grade in general education and special education settings. My master’s is Functional Special Education which will allow me to work with people up to the age of 21 with severe disabilities that require assistance with basic daily needs like feeding themselves. I am also working on an endorsement to teach English as a second language.

In high school I participated in 3 P2P Student Ambassador Programs allowing me to travel to Europe and Australia. I have also participated in several PTPI programs in high school and college.

I wanted to participate in this trip to India for many reasons. I guess the biggest reason is because we will be given MANY opportunities to interact with and help the people of the places we are visiting. The activity that intrigues me the most is getting to teach English at a local school. Other reasons to participate in this trip include learning more about the culture of India, seeing new sights, and meeting new people.

I can’t wait the get to know everyone and travel with you in December!
Lizzie