Professional areas of focus Frequently Asked Questions
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Professional Programs
1.  How is a delegation organized?
2.  How do you choose the delegation leader?  
3.  Where can I read about previous delegations?
4.  What are my responsibilities as a delegate?
5.  Are educational credits available?  
6.  Can I bring my spouse or a guest?
7.  How large will the delegation be? 
8.  How much free time will I have?
9.  How can I apply, and what is the application deadline?


How is a delegation organized?

  • A Working Exchange   A significant amount of the participant's time is involved in organized meetings, briefings, conferences, or round-table discussions; seminars and symposia for the presentation of papers; site visits to facilities and institutions; or informal gatherings with counterpart professionals.
     

  • Networking   People to People Ambassador Programs' years of experience and extensive contacts translate into opportunities for you to meet with others who are important to your professional growth: the perfect match of representatives, officials, colleagues, and counterparts.
     

  • Personal Rewards   Under the expert care of our experienced team and the leadership of a member of your own profession, you'll be able to concentrate on enjoying the program: sharing, learning, and getting to know your colleagues and international hosts. Along with the extensive professional program, you'll have a chance to experience the fascinating culture and historic sites.

How do you choose the delegation leader?

 

Our delegation leaders are generally executives (e.g., presidents, past presidents, or board members) from notable professional associations. As delegation leaders, they are well-qualified to assist us in the recommendation of meeting topics and delegation focus, as well as in determining the professional composition of the delegation.
 

Where can I read about previous delegations?

 

Delegation members write a journal describing each day's professional and cultural activities. Read about delegates' experiences in their own words here.
 

What are my responsibilities as a delegate?

 

Delegates are asked to participate actively in the round-table discussions with professional counterparts. When the discussions turn to a topic on which you feel qualified to speak, we hope that you will contribute to the meetings based on your knowledge and experience.

Delegates are also encouraged to make brief formal presentations at the professional meetings, but these are strictly voluntary contributions.
 

Are educational credits available?

 

Our medical delegations for physicians have been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through joint sponsorship of the American College of Medical Quality and People to People Ambassador Programs. The American College of Medical Quality (ACMQ) is accredited by the ACCME to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. ACMQ designates our educational activity for approximately 10.0 – 20.0 hours in Category I credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award.

Our medical delegations for nurses are generally awarded 10.0 – 20.0 contact hours through the joint sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and People to People Ambassador Programs. The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Our technically focused medical delegations, are sometimes approved for educational credits through the delegation leader. These are on a case-by-case basis, so if credits are available, delegates will be informed upon registration, in your original invitation letter or when inquiring about the delegation. 

Our law delegations, are generally approved for legal education credits through the delegation leader or the individual state’s (state bar, state court, etc.). These are on a case-by-case basis, so if credits are available, delegates will have been informed of the expected credits in your original invitation letter or an outline of available credits can be requested approximately 3-4 weeks prior to travel from our office. Your delegation leader will also have a final list of credits granted by each state during travel. Not all states will accredit our type of program, but every effort is made to obtain credits for each delegation. States with no MCLE requirement are not applied to. Credits are applied for only based on your state of residence.

 

Can I bring my spouse or a guest?

 

Spouses and guests are invited to participate as Citizen Ambassadors for most programs and will enjoy a cultural and humanitarian exchange during the time you are in professional meetings. We will provide an English-speaking guide for the guests and spouses. Please note that all accompanying guests must be 18 years of age or older at the time of travel.
 

How large will the delegation be?

 

An average delegation size is 20-40 participants, but the size of each delegation depends on the interest of those invited. We have had delegations as small as 10 or as large as 90.
 

How much free time will I have?

 

Approximately 50-60% of your program will be spent in professional meetings and site visits. The remaining time is set aside for cultural activities and free time.
 

How can I apply, and what is the application deadline?

 

View our “How to Become a Delegate” page here. We like to have everyone registered by 90 days prior to departure. If it is less than 90 days prior to departure, please contact us at 877.787.2000 to ensure space is still available.
 

Cultural Programs
1.  Is a travel visa required for my program?
2.  Do I need immunizations for my program?  
3.  Can I deviate from the delegation itinerary?
4.  I do not wish to have a roommate — can I room alone?
5.  When and where do I depart for my program?
6.  What kind of hotels will the delegation stay in?
7. When is final payment due?
8. Can I purchase an upgrade to business or first-class international flights?
9. Can I request a specific seat on the flights (Aisle, bulkhead, etc.)?
10. How do you assign roommates?
11.  Our Contact Information


Is a travel visa required for my program?

Some of our destinations require a tourist visa. Please contact a visa service, travel agent, or your nearest consulate for current visa requirements, or refer to the Delegate Handbook you will receive after enrollment.

Do I need immunizations for my program?
If so, which ones?


We recommend you consult with your personal physician for recommendations on immunizations and preventive medicines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also an excellent resource. Their web address is www.cdc.gov.

Can I deviate from the delegation itinerary?

We can alter your international ticket to allow you to extend your stay in the last city. Please contact the program office to request a later return date. If you wish to make any other changes, you will need to arrange your own international flights. See the forms section for more details.

I do not wish to have a roommate — can I room alone?

Yes, single rooms are available on request. An additional fee will apply (please inquire for the amount).

How and when do I arrange my domestic flights to and from the departure city?

You will receive your international flight schedule 60 days prior to travel. We strongly recommend you do not book your domestic flights until you receive this information.

Please send a copy of your domestic flight arrangements once they are secured.

When and where do I depart for my program?

The program dates and departure city are listed in your initial invitation letter. Delegations generally depart from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or New York (JFK). Flight details are provided to you 60 days prior to departure.

What kind of hotels will the delegation stay in?

We request accommodations in “international first-class” hotels. In major cities, hotels will be quite comfortable, with many amenities. Hotels in smaller cities may be limited, but you can count on a clean room and bed and a private bathroom with shower. Amenities generally include air conditioning, TV, in-room safe, coffee-making facilities, and a hair dryer.

When is final payment due?

Sixty days prior to departure. We accept payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) or check. We do not take American Express.

Can I use frequent-flyer miles to upgrade my International ticket to business class?

No. Tickets are purchased as a delegation and the class of ticket does not allow for upgrades with frequent-flyer miles. However, you may use miles to purchase an international ticket on your own to meet up with the delegation in-country.

Can I purchase an upgrade to business or first-class international flights?

We offer upgrades on most programs. Please complete and return the Air Travel Information form in the forms section if you wish to upgrade.

Can I request a specific seat on the flights (Aisle, bulkhead, etc.)?

Yes, but requests cannot be guaranteed. We encourage you to restate your seating request at check-in. Passengers with special needs are given first consideration. If you have a medical condition that requires special seating, bring a note from your physician stating your requirements.

How do you assign roommates?

We assign roommates based on the date your application was received and processed. We also take into account your gender and the smoking/nonsmoking preference you noted on your application.

Our Contact Information
People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs
Dwight D. Eisenhower Building
1956 Ambassador Way
Spokane, WA 99224-4004
888.292.3501 (domestic toll-free)
001.509.568.7906 (international)
866.274.6956 (domestic toll-free fax)
001.509.568.7160 (international fax)
cultural@citizenambassadors.org
www.citizenambassadors.org