Educational Travel Leader Hosts International Safety Conference.

SPOKANE, Wash. -- People to People Student Ambassador Programs, a company specializing in educational travel, conducted a unique safety conference Nov. 5 and 6 for educators who lead its student delegations in exploring the globe. The International Educators Conference on Safety, the first of its kind, united experts from around the world in Arlington, Va., to discuss global events, as well as how to prepare and respond to changing circumstances before and during travel.

Conference presenter David Perl, president of Docleaf Crisis Response, an international travel safety and security firm based in London, said, "Student Ambassador Programs is one of the most well-prepared, safety-conscious organizations I have ever worked with. They are the gold standard amongst their peers."

Student Ambassador Programs CEO Jeff Thomas noted the duty his company has to the thousands of families who put their trust in the organization each year when their children embark on journeys to explore the world and its diverse cultures. "As the leader in educational travel, we believe it is essential to also be the leader in travel safety," he said. "We are committed to the safety of all of our participants, and that includes fulfilling our responsibility to keep our team members as informed as possible through ongoing training and programs such as this conference."

People to People maintains an exemplary safety record by closely monitoring and responding to world events and travel advisories, putting care into the selection and training of the educators who lead its groups, and maintaining a well-trained and prepared staff in Spokane, Wash., and a network of support people throughout the world.

"The world has changed and we must remain ever vigilant to ensure the well-being of our student delegates and leaders so our young people may continue to explore, learn, and advance as citizens of the world," Thomas said. "International travel is the key to global understanding, and a right we intend to protect through a broad range of diligent efforts, including constant monitoring of world events and ongoing training of our valued and dedicated team."

In 2004, People to People Student Ambassador Programs and Sports Ambassador Programs safely traveled more than 25,000 students and student athletes to destinations throughout the world. The organization is located in Spokane, Wash., and employs approximately 200 people. The company conducts worldwide travel programs in affiliation with People to People International, which was founded by President Eisenhower to promote world peace and understanding through one-to-one contact between citizens of different nations. More information on the company's safety program can be found on the website, www.ambassadorprograms.org/officeupdate/safety.