Rustic Pathways
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...
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 summer experiences, Rustic Pathways offers spring break, college, and Young Explorer programs for those travelers not yet in high school. We offer diverse programs catering to different aspirations, from first-time travel experiences to deep immersion and service-oriented initiatives geared toward future changemakers. We offer programs in over 20 different countries across the United States, C...
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Rustic Pathways Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Best trip ever, I'm hooked!
by: Emma Perez - United StatesProgram: South Korea: Seoul Searching with Rustic PathwaysThis 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
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 PathwaysTeaching 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.
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 PathwaysI 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!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
Rustic Pathways Programs
Browse programs you might like
Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, and immerse yourself in village life as you explore a country known for its warm...
Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfi...
Bring sunblock as you take on the diverse beauty of the Dominican Republic! Participate in impactful service projects that will positively change...
Protect endangered sea turtles while basking in the sun on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia. Get an in-depth look at conservation efforts,...
Explore ancient castles, Buddhist temples, and modern trends as you learn about Japanese culture during this unforgettable journey through Tokyo ...
Stand in the shadows of the majestic Andes mountains, connect with warm-hearted indigenous peoples and their culture, and take a selfie with a ll...
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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Brent Watkins
Interviewed in 2015
Brent holds a Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University, where he is also an adjunct faculty member. Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, Brent ...
Brent Watkins
Interviewed in 2015
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!
Rebecca Glazer
Participated in 2014
Rebecca traveled to Nasivikoso Village in Fiji with Rustic Pathways three times during her years in high school, participating in the Village Educatio...
Rebecca Glazer
Participated in 2014
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.
Ezra Remer
Participated in 2014
Ezra is a high schooler from New Orleans, who has volunteered in Fiji with Rustic Pathways three times. He volunteered for the first time when he was ...
Articles
Recognitions
Check out awards and recognitions Rustic Pathways has received
