Student Testimonials

"It didn’t matter what our cultures and traditions were – the goal was to know each other better. I challenged myself to make friends, communicate with people around me and to speak in front of a group in a foreign language. I know I go all around the world to countries like Pakistan, Mongolia, China, Norway, Venezuela or Namibia to see my new friends. Up with People opened the doors for me to travel everywhere."

Alice from Belgium

"One moment that really sticks out in my mind is a brick throwing line that stretched 50 yards on the ground, up an unstable ladder, across a balcony, and into a home. I realized that in were 5 Americans, 2 Danes, 1 Ugandan, 4 Filipinos, 1 Swede and 1 German, all working together to rebuild people’s lives. It was difficult labor, but I was so honored to be a part of this life-changing project.”

Matt from USA

“I truly believe that my days in UWP have been the most incredible days of my education background. The value of this tour is overwhelmingly worth every dollar my family and I worked so hard for to make this adventure a reality.”

Russ from USA

“UWP helped me in every way and affects my everyday life. Global awareness that I have shared on a local level here in out youth center has made an impact on those I mentor”

Georges Andrade, ’98 D (Social worker with Youth, Luxembourg)

“I have gained self – confidence, public speaking and leadership skills and the ability to interact with a very diverse group. The international component is evident – this adventure has enlightened me on making an impact on the global level and has inspired my career goals.” 

Jessica Kendra, ’08 A, Pennsylvania, USA

“Through UWP I was inspired to step out of my comfort zone and learn about other cultures and countries. This has enabled me to work effectively with clients from around the world, including Japan, Hong Kong, Austria and others, to break down cultural barriers.” 

Ty Jernstedt, ’93 E (Leadership coach) Chicago, USA

"Staying with host families, living with a group of people from different nationalities, and traveling to different countries made me understand other lifestyles and made me realize the value of the simple things in life."

Astrid Boon
Costello, Belgium

"Up with People prepped me for the challenges of international, regional and Broadway auditioning. Up with People taught me how to be more creative with what you have at the moment. It helped me see that possibilities always exist."

Marc-Anthony Thomas
Director, Producer, Actor, New York City

"The knowledge that I gained in Up with People is tremendous - the ability to deal with people, handle different situations, the flexibility; but above all to realize that everything is possible! I have valued that every day since."

Anna Carlberg
Belfrage, Stockholm, Sweden

"My Up with People experience has been, without a doubt, amazing, liberating, educational, fun, and inspiring."

Veronica Barragan
USA

“I met a lot of ‘everyday heroes’ - people who do extraordinary things every single day; people who make others feel better not for the sake of being recognized but because they truly care.”

Alexandra Neagu
Romania

“In Up with People I have found that it is okay to be different and to like people who are different than you. When we address our differences, we can find our commonalities and these are more important to cherish than our differences.”

Julianna Mukasa
Uganda

“Up with People made me realize that the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary is only a small effort that we need to do everyday.” 

Armando Gonzalez
Mexico

“Working with my friends from the cast to improve other people’s lives turned out to be such a rewarding thing to do. I feel that even a student like me that does not have money can still make this world a little better by putting my heart and efforts in it.” 

Jiaya (Simi) Liang
China

“I saw the Up with People show when I was 12 years old, and it was really inspiring.  I currently attend Northeastern University which is mainly focused on classroom education. I wanted something more, so my mom suggested looking into Up with People.  It was a privilege that my professor helped me work with my university to get credit for traveling.”  

Bob Gregor
USA

“I learned more about culture, respect, cooperation, and punctuality. My host families and friends gave me a great chance to know myself better. This tour made me become stronger and better able to work for others.”

Ashes Rajan
Nepal