Talking to a reporter about what he hopes will be easily the biggest summer vacation he has had in his 11 years, Bothell’s Caleb McAuslan answers questions quickly and clearly, offering his opinion and his thoughts without hesitation.

There are no “umms,” there is no shyness on display.

“This year for my grade, we are going to Australia,” he said. “We get to learn about their culture, about their government, about what’s different between their government and ours.”

A fifth-grader at Cedar Park Christian School, Caleb was nominated by a teacher for the national People to People program and chosen as a student ambassador for the organization, started by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956.

After his nomination, Caleb had to make it through an application process, as well as a face-to-face interview with People to People representatives. His parents weren’t there, but Caleb said the interview didn’t make him nervous or frightened.

What kind of things did they ask him? One question was about the last time he had to go to the principal’s office. Caleb didn’t have to do a lot of explaining; he’s never been sent to the principal’s office.

Caleb’s father Mike McAuslan said some 100 kids went through the interview, with about 17 chosen for the trip.

“It’s tough to let a kid this young just go like this,” McAuslan said. But he added the potential experience Caleb could gain outweighs any natural parental nervousness.

One challenge remaining for the family is to raise the $5,400 needed for the trip.

The family has sent letters to 150 businesses in Bothell and Woodinville asking for support. They’ve set up a Facebook page. Donations can be sent to the People to People Web site. And McAuslan further hopes to sponsor a poker tournament.

If all goes as planned, Caleb will be in Australia July 20 to Aug. 3. McAuslan said among many other activities, his son will visit the Australian Parliament, even meeting with elected officials. Ambassadors also will meet some aborigines and Caleb talked about spending a day at a ranch.

“We were really impressed with the things they actually get to do,” McAuslan said, adding ambassadors have access — such as to government officials — that isn’t available to normal tourists.

What is Caleb looking forward to the most?

“Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

Probably almost needless to say, Caleb isn’t worried about the 14-hour flight or being away from his friends and family. People to People requires ambassadors to attend meetings with other ambassadors and with adult delegates prior to any trips.

“I like the people I’m going with,” Caleb said. He added younger brother Connor, 9, is a bit jealous.

“He wants to go, too,” Caleb said.

For those looking to help, go to www.payment.peopletopeople.com. Caleb’s delegate ID number is 10067785.