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Rustic Pathways

9.4 (147)Verified24 Programs

Why choose Rustic Pathways?

Since 1983, Rustic Pathways has empowered positive change, fostering impactful friendships and unforgettable travel experiences for teens aged 12-22. Join animal lovers, environmental activists, and explorers on adventures designed to ignite your passions, grow in confidence, and foster global awareness. There is a Rustic Pathways experience for every kind of student. In addition to high school...

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Rustic Pathways Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.4

Total Reviews

147
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Best trip ever, I'm hooked!

by: Emma Perez - United StatesProgram: South Korea: Seoul Searching with Rustic Pathways
10

This was my first conservation trip and now I'm hooked! Staff was great, work was rewarding. Made friends from everywhere! If you want to learn and make a difference, do this! I had never travelled by myself and now I want to do my next trip

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewNovember 5, 2024

Emma! We're so proud of you for traveling alone, that's not easy, even for adults. But look at the rewards! You did amazing work, contributed to conservation efforts, and made new friends! We can't wait for you to join us again soon.

Teaching kids was awesome!!

by: Liam Wilson - United StatesProgram: South Korea: Seoul Searching with Rustic Pathways
10

Teaching kids was real awesome! They were so excited to learn English from a native language speaker. A meaningful and impactful experience overall! I will definitely be doing it again, and would highly recommend this program.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewNovember 5, 2024

Hey Liam! We're so happy that you joined us in South Korea, and that you enjoyed working with children. We know it's such a treat for them to learn from a native speaker. Hopefully you join us on another trip soon!

An unforgettable experience!

by: Sophia White - Guam (USA)Program: Thailand Adventures and Service with Rustic Pathways
10

I think it's clishay to say life-changing but it really was. If you're on the fence about it, just go for it! You'll make the best memories and want to keep volunteering. It's unforgettable!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewNovember 5, 2024

Hey Sophia! We've probably heard our trips are life-changing thousands of times, but we never ever get tired of hearing it! We're thrilled you had a great time in Thailand, and we hope you join us on another trip soon!

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Brent Watkins

Interviewed in 2015

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, I spent time as a classroom teacher in a struggling school in east Baltimore and later went on to manage a team of people who trained new teachers at Teach For America, a national education reform non-profit. In this work, I saw how powerful learning that happened outside of the classroom could be. I spent several summers leading programs for Rustic Pathways and was sold on how these experiences could change students’ enduring mindsets -- I was hooked!   

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Rebecca Glazer

Participated in 2014

Alumni

I’ve always been drawn to small groups of people and tight-knit communities, so when I heard about the programs in Nasivikoso, they sounded like the kind of atmosphere I would enjoy. I am also very interested in education and agriculture, and Nasivikoso offered programs addressing both. Mostly, though, I was drawn to the idea of living in a rural community with a host family, rather than staying out at a base house, like some of the other programs.

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Ezra Remer

Participated in 2014

Alumni

Why did you you decide to volunteer in Fiji?

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Recognitions

Check out awards and recognitions Rustic Pathways has received

Communitas Award | Leadership in Community Service and CSRTravel Weekly Magellan Awards | Best Health & Safety InnovationsInternational Travel Awards | Best Tour OperatorSkift IDEA Award: Industry Innovators | Tour Operator