Parent Info

Program Overview | Parent Testimonials | Parent FAQs

In addition to formal education or vocational training, many parents realize the need for their son or daughter to have experiences which will help them develop life skills and leadership qualities. The Up with People program provides literally thousands of unique opportunities to learn, mature, serve and develop abilities that will positively affect the students’ lives and those with whom they come in contact.

Your son or daughter will likely change a lot during their 5 1/2-month Up with People experience. Many parents and families are surprised by the magnitude of the changes. As a parent, you may find it helpful to review this list of things your son or daughter may experience:

1. Develop a global perspective and an increased appreciation and understanding of other cultures and lifestyles.
2. Develop leadership capabilities, organizational skills and effective time management.
3. Become self-directed, life-long learners.
4. Acquire marketable skills and professional competencies that can enhance their job status.
5. Explore a desire to serve others.
6. Learn and practice personal responsibility, independence and self-confidence.
7. Gain an increased understanding of how a community operates and of its needs and issues.
8. Live in a team that provides receptivity to new ideas, situations and people.
9. Learn that they are capable of going beyond what they thought were their limits.
10. Understand themselves more fully and become more sensitive to others’ needs and issues.
11. Gain valuable listening and oral communication skills by interacting with thousands of people representing a variety of cultures, lifestyles and professions.
12. Develop reasoning and utilize critical thinking, problem solving skills and gain confidence in their ability to meet challenges.
13. Students become more aware of the many possibilities in career choices and develop skills to set a vision and goal for their own.
14. Develop an understanding of current issues and learn about ways they can contribute to their solution
15. Gain an increased appreciation for their families, friends, and cultures.
16. Develop a greater awareness of their personal life potential.