blog - Up with People

Ways To Keep in Touch While Traveling Abroad

Posted by Up with People on June 28, 2019

Making the decision to travel abroad for a year is one of the most exciting choices in your life. However, as you travel, you may begin to lose touch with the people back home that matter most to you. But don’t worry! We’re here with some tips on how to keep in contact while traveling abroad so that you can stay in touch with your friends and family. This information will also make your parents feel more at ease, knowing that they can communicate with you regularly throughout your journey. Choose the right cell phone and plan Your mobile device

Where Are They Now? Interview with Koen Suidgeest

Posted by Up with People on June 26, 2019

Koen Suidgeest is an alumnus of the Up with People program. Since his time traveling in the program as a cast and staff member, he has gone on to become a successful documentary filmmaker, photographer and now an author with his new book, Why I Cry On Airplanes. We had the chance to ask him a few questions about his time traveling in Up with People and how those experiences have translated into his own personal and professional life now in the Netherlands. Koen in Malawi Where are you originally from? I am from the Netherlands. Koen in Malawi When

President & CEO Dale Penny Announces His Retirement

Posted by Up with People on June 25, 2019

From Dale Penny To the Up with People Board of Directors, Staff, Cast Members, Alumni, Camper Families, Host Families and Friends, Five years ago I was honored to be asked to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Up with People. Since then I have had the privilege of working with a passionate and talented staff and a dedicated Board of Directors. After much consideration I will be retiring from this position effective January 1, 2020 or until a successor is selected. This has not been an easy decision to make. Over the past 48 years I have

Top 5 Summer Vacation Spots Around the World

Posted by Up with People on June 21, 2019

Summer is finally here! In Colorado, where the Up with People World Headquarters are located, the weather has been warming up and the mountain snow has slowly melted away bringing more hikers and bikers to the outdoor scene. It also means that it’s time to start taking advantage of your summer vacation! School is out and all of your saved up vacation days can finally be put to use. Maybe you’ve just graduated from high school or you’re taking a break from college and want to travel. Whatever your reasons, we’re here to help. Here are the top five summer

The Power of Travel: Creating Global Citizens

Posted by Up with People on June 19, 2019

Up with People dance captain on boys shoulders posing for picture in Mexico

You hear people say all the time, “I love to travel.” Unfortunately, a large majority of American citizens don’t travel far outside of their country or even their state. With an average of ten days of paid time off each year for U.S. workers, it doesn’t allow for individuals to expand their horizons and explore new cultures. In contrast, every country in Europe is required by law to offer at least four weeks of paid time off to their employees. It is also customary for students in European countries to take a gap year before heading off to university to