Our Mission Rustic Pathways empowers students through innovative and responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities around the world.
What’s Inside The Rustic Pathways Group Travel Experience
4
How it Works
5
Program Index
6
The Rustic Pathways Global Team
10
Student Impact at Rustic Pathways
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Community Impact at Rustic Pathways
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Safety and Risk Management
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Language Programs
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Critical Issues Programs
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Base House Programs
19
New Programs
19
2018–2019 Select Programs
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Important Information
126
Other Resources
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Welcome to Rustic Pathways Group Travel Dear Educators, Like you, we want the next generation to succeed academically, professionally, and interpersonally. We’re in a unique position to achieve that result together. Let’s partner to supplement your classroom instruction with a culturallyimmersive travel experience! In these pages, you’ll find sample itineraries and examples of how schools have customized Rustic Pathways service and adventure trips to meet their needs. Turn to the next page to learn more about how to work with a Rustic Program Coordinator to design the perfect itinerary for your students. Thank you for considering Rustic Pathways as your student travel provider. We’re excited to work with you! Sincerely,
Chris Stakich CEO, Rustic Pathways
We're more than a travel company. Like you, we're educators who understand the value of providing a learning experience outside the classroom. Because every school and class is different, we customize our Group Travel programs specifically for you and your students. And since you're busy, we'll do all the work! We want to make this as easy as possible for you, your students, and their families while still delivering the highest quality in culturally-immersive teacher-led trips.
What Sets Rustic Apart Learn more about Rustic Pathways Group Travel on pages 10 to 16. •
Rustic’s diverse team of global staff members live in more than 25 countries and work to guarantee a transformative and safe experience for you and your students.
•
Our fully-customizable programs are designed with the right mix of service, adventure, and education to foster student growth in learning outcomes associated with future success.
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We’ve developed long-term partnerships with communities around the world and collaborated to identify sustainable projects that have a significant and lasting impact.
Your Program
Program Types
Identify the right type of program for your students. Service and adventure are the foundation of all Rustic Pathways programs, but your options aren’t limited to just those types of programs or a combination of the two. Find specialized program types on pages 18 and 19 and customizable examples of those programs in this catalog for each country where Rustic operates. In addition to the featured program types on the following pages, Rustic also offers customizable experiences that focus on photography, public health, and the environment as well as programs for sports teams. You can find examples in this catalog or online at groups.rusticpathways.com. Call 800.321.4353 (United States) +1 440.975.9691 (international) or email groups@rusticpathways.com for more information.
Language Immersion Programs
Combine meaningful classroom time with cultural immersion for the ultimate foreign language instruction. Add an element of service to create additional conversational opportunities.
page 18
Critical Issues Programs
Intentionally-designed programs that allow students to explore some of the most significant challenges facing our world like climate change, gender inequality, religious persecution, and poverty.
page 18
Base House Programs
Depending on the country, these programs are ideal for large groups or younger students and provide the comforts of home during an immersive cultural experience.
page 19
New Programs
Each year, we evaluate our programming and create new and innovative programs that leverage our Student Impact Evaluation findings to improve the student experience.
page 19
groups@rusticpathways.com
How it Works Our programs are designed to align with: •
The mission and values of your school
•
Your vision and purpose for traveling with students
•
Your school's curriculum, including International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma programs incorporating meaningful and impactful CAS experiences
•
Coursework or a specific content area, including Advanced Placement or Honors programs
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Your school's service-learning goals or external programs like Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Program
Design the Perfect Travel Program for Your Students Think of your Rustic Pathways Program Coordinator (PC) as a travel concierge who will help you identify the right type of program, connect you with our Country Teams to customize the experience for your students, and provide the pre-trip support you'll need to promote, recruit, and enroll students in your program. Your PC will be with you every step of the way.
Step 1: Partner with your Rustic Program Coordinator • • • •
Connect to discuss program options and customization. Receive custom program proposals in 1 to 2 business days. Work with your PC to adjust the itinerary to meet your needs. Get classroom activities and other lessons to help prepare students for their program.
Step 2: Recruit students to join your program (but we'll do most of the work!) • • •
Receive a custom program webpage, posters, flyers, email templates, and other materials to distribute to students and their families. Encourage students and their parents to attend an information night in your school community, hosted by Rustic—we’ll provide recruitment resources. Get full support from our administrative team for student enrollment, flight booking, and payment assistance.
Step 3: Travel on the adventure of a lifetime • • •
Arrive in country, meet your Program Leaders, immerse in local culture, participate in meaningful service, make new friends, and create lasting memories. Process experiences during and after your trip through guided discussions and reflection activities facilitated by trained Program Leaders. Apply those lessons to the classroom with educational resources to support student projects and classroom activities.
When you return, get involved with the Rustic Pathways Foundation (more information on page 15) to continue supporting the communities where your class traveled. And start planning your next program! groups.rusticpathways.com/creating-your-program
Croatia United States
Bosnia and Herzegovina Morocco Cuba Dominican Republic
Costa Rica
Peru
Mongolia
China
Laos Vietnam Cambodia Nepal Tanzania Myanmar Thailand Australia
New Zealand
Fiji
Base House Programs
Critical Issues Programs
Language Programs
New Programs
Costa Rica Volcano and Rainforest Service Base 7–12 days | 24–30 service hours
Osa Peninsula Conservation
page 44
Surf and Service in the North Pacific
page 46
8–12 days | 12–24 service hours
Australia Golden Sands and Helping Hands 5–14 days | 10–20 service hours
8–10 days | 21–24 service hours
page 24
You, A 'Roo, and Australia Zoo
page 26
8–12 days | 15–20 service hours 8–10 days | 15–35 service hours
Spanish Language Immersion
page 48
Bribri Indigenous Culture and Service
page 50
page 22
Epic Outback
8–12 days | 12–16 instruction hours 8–10 days | 15–30 service hours
Cuba Innovation in Action
The Balkans Peace and Reconciliation 7–9 days | 0–10 service hours
page 42
8–16 days | 10–12 service hours page 28
Viva Cuba! Culture and Conservation 6–10 days | 10–12 service hours
page 52 page 54
Dominican Republic Life in the Bateyes
page 56
Mountain Air and Village Service
page 58
7–14 days | 24–50 service hours 8–14 days | 24–40 service hours
Marine Life and Coastal Restoration
page 60
Public Health in the Caribbean
page 62
South Pacific Eco Lodge Service Base
page 64
7–15 days | 21–40 service hours
8–15 days | 15–30 service hours
Fiji 6–14 days | 15–40 service hours
Marine and Environmental Field Studies 6–14 days | 10–18 service hours
Children of the Highlands 6–12 days | 15–24 service hours
Cambodia
Ridge to Reef
From the Ground Up
page 30
Cambodia Children's Project
page 32
6–14 days | 12–30 service hours 5–11 days | 18–42 service hours
Floating Village Service 8–10 days | 12–15 service hours
page 34
China Giant Panda Conservation Project
page 36
Chinese Language Immersion
page 38
7–12 days | 6–24 service hours
9–10 days | 16–24 instruction hours
Shaxi Adventure
8–10 days | 0–3 service hours
page 40
9–14 days | 12–20 service hours
page 66 page 68 page 70
Peru Sacred Valley Service
page 96
Machu Picchu and the Amazon
page 98
8–13 days | 12–28 service hours 10–14 days
La Niña Andina
10–14 days | 10–20 service hours
page 100
Tanzania Village Service and Safari
page 102
Climbing Kili
page 104
7–12 days | 18–42 service hours
Laos
9–14 days | 6–12 service hours
Mekong Service Base
page 72
Southern Laos Adventure
page 74
5–13 days | 10–40 service hours 6–10 days
8–10 days | 0–10 service hours
Ricefields Service Base
page 106
Thai Elephant Conservation
page 108
5–10 days | 18–30 service hours
Mongolia Terelj Park and Nomadic Service
Thailand
7–10 days | 0–4 service hours page 76
Medical Certification and Community Health
page 110
Rustic Pathways Children's Home
page 112
7–12 days | 12–18 service hours 5–10 days | 17–24 service hours
Morocco Arabic Language Immersion 8–12 days | 16–20 instruction hours
Souqs and Service
7–10 days | 10–20 service hours
page 78 page 80
Peace Wonder and Understanding Islam
page 82
French Language Immersion in Morocco
page 84
7–10 days
8–14 days | 16–20 instruction hours
Myanmar Hiking and Biking Inle Lake
page 86
Documenting Democracy
page 88
6–14 days 6–12 days
United States Rebuilding New Orleans 5–10 days | 16–30 service hours
California Rush
page 116
Key Largo MarineLab
page 118
7–14 days | 10–20 service hours
Nepal Nepalese Village Life
5–14 days | 16–24 service hours
Himalayan Photo Adventure 8–10 days
7–9 days page 90 page 92
Vietnam Northern Vietnam Service Adventure 9–12 days | 18–24 service hours
New Zealand North Island Environmental Adventure 7–12 days | 8–20 service hours
page 114
page 94
page 120
Only programs featured in this catalog are listed here. To review additional Rustic Pathways Group Travel programs visit groups.rusticpathways.com.
The Rustic Pathways Global Team Our exceptional staff members are the backbone of our organization. Their incredibly diverse backgrounds provide us with a profound understanding of the destinations we visit and offer our students one-of-a-kind experiences. The faces you see in this catalog (and many others!) ensure that you and your students have fun, empowering, and safe experiences with us.
International Staff
Exceptional Program Leaders
Rustic Pathways spans the globe! Most of our staff members are based outside of the United States. While the cultural traditions of our staff vary from country to country, the shared values that define Rustic Pathways and make them exceptional extend across all borders. We build leadership teams that pair international teams with local staff, resulting in diverse teams that blend an understanding of your students and their needs with deep local knowledge.
Our Program Leaders have backgrounds in teaching, experiential education, service learning, psychology, wilderness training, international development, and other outdoor and educational fields. Each year, we hold in-country training sessions for both new and returning staff to ensure we maintain our standards in safety, student learning, community service, and the overall Rustic Pathways student experience. Program Leaders are incredible role models for students and, most importantly, they're all dedicated to creating the best possible programs for you and your students.
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The Rustic Pathways Team by the Numbers more than
staff members from more than
countries across the globe speaking more than
different languages
Country Leadership Chaima Ait El Mekki
Marc Mankowski
Raised in Marrakech, Chaima has been with Rustic since 2012, our first summer in Morocco. Fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, she is an invaluable resource. With a degree in actuarial finance, she uses her knowledge of business, languages, and culture to manage stellar programs. Chaima is a strong believer in cross-cultural discussions to better understand one another.
Growing up playing a number of sports led Marc to several jobs in coaching and teaching after graduating from Alma College. His love for travel, teaching, service learning, and the outdoors led Marc to Rustic in 2012 and makes him a natural fit to lead our United States operations where he continues to create new and exciting programs.
Harry Alvarez
Kelly Moynihan
Born in New York and raised in the Dominican Republic, Harry graduated from SUNY New Paltz with degrees in psychology and Spanish, and completed pre-med coursework at Columbia University. Harry opened our programs in the Dominican Republic in 2012 and our Cuba programs in 2015. He enjoys cooking and hosting friends at his home in New Orleans.
More than a decade of Program Leader experience, fluency in Spanish, and commitment to community service make Kelly a natural fit to direct our Peru operations. Previously, Kelly worked in Costa Rica with indigenous communities and turtle conservation efforts. Originally from New Jersey, Kelly earned a degree in journalism from American University in Washington, D.C.
Braden Betts
Sam Murray
Raised in Thailand and Singapore, Braden has a strong adoration for Southeast Asia and sharing the warm culture with students. Braden, who joined Rustic in 2013, brings his passion for student learning and sustainable community projects to operations in Laos and Myanmar. In his spare time, you'll find Braden on the pursuit of thrills, the great outdoors, and spicy street food.
Sam joined Rustic Pathways in 2008 after working in outdoor education for 10 years. He serves as director for both inbound and outbound operations in Australia. With education degrees from La Trobe and Monash universities, Sam’s passion for travel and love of the outdoors inspires him to provide life-shaping programs for students.
Amanda Cortes
Ricardo Romero
Raised in South Carolina, Amanda credits working in Switzerland and Colombia to kindling her love for travel, education, and cultural exchange. After graduating from Boston College, she led international groups on camping-based adventure tours across the lower 48 states, Canada and Alaska, returning indoors to train leaders and manage operations with Rustic in 2015.
Ricardo joined Rustic Pathways in 2005 after working in Costa Rica’s rafting industry for a decade. Ricardo has worn many hats on our team, from community service coordinator to sales representative and just about everything in between. He is an avid outdoorsman and holds a degree in business from the University of Costa Rica.
Sudarshan Singh Deora
Alexis Simchak
A native of Rajasthan, India, Sudarshan joined Rustic in 2007 as a Program Leader. Sudarshan, who has degrees in history and tourism management, is a constant source of energy and excitement for Rustic Pathways students in Nepal. He’s a fan of Indian folk music and a star cricket player. If you’re lucky, he may teach you how to swing for sixes!
Alexis has extensive experience in Southeast Asia where she has worked since 2012 leading programs and managing operations. Discovering her passion for travel and service learning at a young age, Lexi loves exploring new places and uncovering the hidden gems. She is a proud alumna of Penn State and brings her dedication to cultural exchange to our programs in Cambodia.
Bryan Haggerty
Evan Wells
Bryan studied philosophy at Saint Michael’s College before moving to Southeast Asia, where he has worked for more than a decade. He taught at Chiang Mai University for several years while also advocating for local ethnic minority groups. He speaks fluent Thai and has managed our Thailand operations since 2008. Bryan splits his time between Vermont and Chiang Mai.
Born in New Zealand and living between Australia and Fiji, Evan joined Rustic Pathways in 1993. With a degree in business and a commitment to Fijian communities, Evan proudly manages our South Pacific operations. Outside our Eco-Lodge Base, he enjoys time with his wife Lisa and their young boys, Henry and Sam, and races in long-distance running events.
Stefan Ivanovic
Patrick Ziemnik
A native of Belgrade, Serbia, Stefan is thrilled to return to his home region of the Balkans to further develop Rustic Pathways' program offerings. Before joining us, Stefan led expeditions in Costa Rica, India, Tanzania, Peru, Ecuador, and Southeast Asia. In his free time, Stefan can be found riding his motorcycle, taking photographs for his travel series, or planning his next adventure.
Patrick’s career in experiential education began at Harvard where he managed the First-Year Outdoor Program. He joined Rustic in 2012 after serving with AmeriCorps. Patrick uses his leadership skills and love of the outdoors to lead operations in Tanzania, where his dedication to community partnerships and creating meaningful student experiences continue to shine.
Morocco Country Director
United States Country Director
Cuba and Dominican Republic Country Director
Laos and Myanmar Country Director
China and Mongolia Country Director
Nepal Country Director
Thailand and Vietnam Country Director
Balkans Country Director
Peru Country Director
Australia Country Director
Costa Rica Country Director
Cambodia and Vietnam Country Director
Fiji and New Zealand Country Director
Tanzania Country Director
groups.rusticpathways.com/our-team
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Student Impact Rustic Pathways programs are intentionally designed to encourage students to think critically while challenging them to grow personally. Our experienced Program Leaders work to facilitate meaningful discussion and reflection, and help students learn how to amplify the positive impact travel can have on them and others.
Student Learning Outcomes Focusing on these learning outcomes allows us to create programs that enable students to achieve personal growth and make a positive contribution to our world. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Openness to New Ideas and Experiences Sense of Wonderment A Belief that all People are Connected by a Shared Humanity A Desire to Positively Impact the Lives of Others Empathy
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Self-Awareness Humility Grit Independence Intercultural Competence
Why We Measure Student Impact We introduced our Student Impact Evaluation in 2016 to measure the growth students experience in these learning outcomes as a result of participating in our programs. Measuring our impact on students allows us to improve our program design and execution to best deliver a meaningful and lasting learning experience. In fact, we’ve seen a strong correlation between satisfaction in our programs and growth in our Student Learning Outcomes.
How We Measure Student Impact To measure student impact, we survey students, parents, and Program Leaders to determine the impact of their Rustic programs on individual growth in the above Student Learning Outcomes. Quantitative data tells us what and how much students learn, while qualitative data illustrates how and why students learn. We survey students before and after they travel on their programs (and again three to six months after returning home) to capture quantitative data on both attitudes and self-reported probable actions to greater understand not only what students think they value, but also how their values may be demonstrated. Our qualitative methods help us better understand how students show growth in some learning outcomes and why that occurs. We capture feedback from students about their improvement in these learning outcomes, ask parents open-ended survey questions to assess their perceptions, and gather input from Program Leaders.
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The Results of our Student Impact Evaluation We evaluated how often students felt they embraced behaviors associated with our Student Learning Outcomes on a scale from one to six.
Average Student Growth*
Openness Sense of Wonderment
We found that students grew in nine of 10 Student Learning Outcomes when comparing responses before they traveled to immediately after their Rustic program.
Shared Humanity Desire to Positively Impact Empathy Self-Awareness Humility Grit Independence
* Based on 1492 pre-travel responses and 853 post-travel responses from high school students.
Intercultural Competence
4
5 *on a scale from 1 to 6
6
initial pre-trip survey post-trip survey
of students experienced growth in at least one of our Student Learning Outcomes after participating in a Rustic Pathways program in 2017.
The Future of Our Student Impact Evaluation We’ll use the ongoing impact assessment data to design program experiences that drive stronger—and more enduring—growth in the skills, habits, and mindsets we believe are critical for students’ success as they tackle their generation’s most significant challenges. groups.rusticpathways.com/student-impact
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Community Impact There are three ways that we work to achieve our vision of creating a world where travel is a model of sustainable development that has a positive impact in the places where we operate programs: responsible travel, community service, and the Rustic Pathways Foundation.
Responsible Travel We are committed to decreasing our environmental footprint, stimulating local economies, supporting community initiatives, and teaching our students responsible travel practices. We travel to locations where tourists rarely go, buy goods from locally-owned businesses, and respect local customs. Our programs provide direct support for education, infrastructure development, conservation, and other community projects.
Community Service We believe through responsible travel and well-designed service initiatives, our students can gain an understanding of pressing social and environmental challenges at a global level and help combat these challenges at a local level by: 1.
Identifying and designing long-term projects with local partners
2.
Providing students opportunities to engage in meaningful service
3.
Working together to achieve community and student goals
4.
Monitoring and evaluating the process and impact of ongoing initiatives
5.
Ensuring projects are sustainable and have a lasting impact
Our community projects focus on the following types of service initiatives: Community Health and Social Services: Health underpins all aspects of daily life. Good health is critical to people’s ability to take care of themselves and contribute to the well-being of their family and community. Rustic Pathways health projects currently focus on two areas: Health Education and Nutrition. Economic Development: Developing economic opportunities is essential to enable people to pull themselves out of poverty and meet basic needs. Rustic Pathways economic development projects currently focus on one area: Income Generation. Education: Safe and engaging learning environments, along with access to education, are essential for student learning. Rustic Pathways education projects currently focus on two areas: School Facilities and Youth Empowerment. Environment and Animal Welfare: The environment plays an important role in the livelihoods of many communities and must be sustainably managed for current and future generations. Rustic Pathways environmental service projects currently focus on two areas: Wildlife Conservation and Animal Welfare, and Environmental Conservation and Restoration. Infrastructure: Basic infrastructure is essential to healthy, productive and sustainable communities. Rustic Pathways infrastructure projects currently focus on four areas: Water and Sanitation, Energy, Community Facilities, and Housing.
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The Rustic Pathways Foundation The Rustic Pathways Foundation is a key piece of how we support the communities where students travel. The Foundation is a non profit organization that was initially started because students returned from programs inspired and wanted to stay involved with the communities they visited with Rustic. Through the foundation, the Rustic Pathways community raised more than $200,000 in 2017. 2018 Regional Fundraising Campaigns
Cambodia Education Fund Rustic began working with the primary school in the village of Kong Maha in 2011. In that time, projects have included installing a fence around the school, building toilets, constructing a library, and providing supplies. Rustic students contributed to the construction of two new classrooms in 2017.
Global General Project Fund
Supporting high-priority needs around the world
Cambodia Education Fund
Making education a reality for young Cambodian students
Costa Rica Development Fund
Supporting essential human needs within rural communities
Dominican Republic Housing Fund
Providing safe and dignified housing for families
Fiji Education Fund
Bringing education closer to home for young Fijian students in rural communities
Laos Education Fund
Providing Laotian students with safe living conditions
Peru (Amazon) Conservation Fund
Protecting and conserving the rainforest
Peru (Sacred Valley) Education Fund
Empowering young girls through secondary education
Thailand Education Fund
Supporting Thai students to further their education
U.S. (Baltimore) Refugee Fund
Helping young refugees get a fresh start and get acquainted to their new home
U.S. (New Orleans) Housing Fund
Bringing families home after natural disasters
groups.rusticpathways.com/community-impact
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Safety and Risk Management
Additional Safety Measures
As an industry leader, we take our students’ health and wellbeing very seriously. While we believe in the transformative power of expanding one’s boundaries, we are invested in managing the risks that come with travel. Our comprehensive training programs, year-round presence in countries, rigorous safety standards, and continued commitment to evaluating risks ensure we remain at the forefront of our industry.
International SOS is a leading provider of international medical, security, and travel assistance. Students receive a membership with International SOS upon enrollment, providing access to travel safety and security information consultations, and vaccination recommendations. In country, International SOS is a 24/7 resource for our staff, including clinic visits with multilingual doctors and nurses, and emergency evacuation with a fleet of land and air ambulances.
Philosophy of Risk At Rustic Pathways, we understand that risk is an inherent part of our programs. We travel to remote destinations, expose our students to unfamiliar surroundings, and encourage personal growth through new experiences. When conducted responsibly, these experiences create student transformations that are impossible to replicate. For this reason, our risk management system remains a fundamental component of all our programs. It is driven by strong leadership and executed successfully by our teams and partners.
Four Tiers of Risk Management 1.
Our Safety and Risk Management Director works year-round to establish global policies, support local country teams with the help of Rustic’s Medical Director and Mental Health Director, and train all levels of staff on emergency response activities.
2.
Country Directors maintain risk management plans for each program offered and location visited, perform safety assessments on service providers, and monitor local conditions through a combination of on-the-ground contacts and U.S. Department of State agencies.
3.
We train Program Leaders to understand and recognize localized risks. They prioritize the safety and well-being of students over everything else at all times.
4.
Each participant completes our medical and emergency information enrollment form. The information in each form is reviewed by our medical screening team well before the trip begins to ensure participation is safe and appropriate for each student.
International SOS
Risk Management Plans Risk management plans identify known or foreseen risks and detail the protocols by which we respond to critical incidents and natural disasters. Each risk management plan details the risks and responses that are specific to that country and the activities that occur on each program. They also identify the nearest clinics and hospitals for every location that a program visits, so we know ahead of time where to go for help.
Rigorous Safety Training All full-time Program Leaders are certified as Wilderness First Responders and all seasonal staff have at least First Aid and CPR certifications. Programs in rural areas are staffed with leaders that have the highest level of training. Additionally, all Program Leaders attend an in-country training during the summer that covers common medical issues, emergency scenarios, and critical incident protocols.
Travel Insurance for Students from the United States All participants of Rustic Pathways programs are strongly recommended to consider comprehensive medical insurance coverage. For students departing from the United States* we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan. The plan helps protect our participants, their belongings, and their travel investment in those unforeseen circumstances that may arise during travel. *We are currently working on travel insurance options for international participants. 16
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Language Immersion Programs Rustic Pathways offers customizable language immersion programs in Spanish, French, Arabic, and Mandarin. Adjust trip length, swap activities, and choose learning objectives based on your needs. Groups can stay at hotels, with homestay families, or at Rustic Pathways service bases. Collaborate with our talented international staff and language instructors who will challenge your students in the classroom while helping them immerse in local culture to test their developing skills. Language
Location
Description
Page
Mandarin
China
Students will complete four hours of language classes each morning and spend afternoons exploring and practicing Mandarin through cultural engagement activities on the streets of Tianjin and Beijing.
Spanish
Costa Rica, Cuba, Help your students hone their Spanish during daily Dominican Republic, lessons and interactions with locals during this or Peru culturally-immersive adventure in one of four Latin American countries.
page 48
Arabic
Morocco
Morocco is the ideal setting for Arabic study, with a rich, colorful, and fascinating history that also includes several other cultural influences.
page 78
French
Morocco
Experience bustling cities, the great Moroccan outdoors, and rural life in the Atlas Mountains on this French language and cultural immersion program.
page 84
page 38
Look for the icon throughout the catalog to review examples of our language immersion programs or visit groups.rusticpathways.com/language-immersion.
Critical Issues Programs Today’s world faces exceedingly difficult and complex challenges. Human rights abuse, systemic inequality, environmental degradation—our global struggles cross borders, languages, and cultures. We believe the best place to start is in building an understanding of these issues as they are experienced in daily life. Our Critical Issues programs involve deep cultural-immersion experiences that bring together a group of like-minded peers, spark dialogue, and encourage participants to take action. Humanity needs committed leaders ready to take on the world’s most daunting issues. Are your students ready? The Balkans: Peace and Reconciliation Cambodia: From the Ground Up Costa Rica: Vanishing Cultures of the Rainforest Cuba: Innovation in Action Dominican Republic: Life in the Bateyes Dominican Republic: Public Health in the Caribbean Fiji: Marine and Environmental Field Studies Morocco: Peace, Wonder, and Understanding Islam Myanmar: Dreams of a Nation Myanmar: Documenting Democracy Peru: La Niña Andina Tanzania: African Wildlife Conservation Tanzania: The Maji Safi Project
page 28 page 30 view online page 52 page 56 page 62 page 66 page 82 view online page 88 page 100 view online view online
Look for the icon throughout the catalog to review examples of our Critical Issues programs or visit groups.rusticpathways.com/critical-issues. 18
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Rustic Pathways Service Bases With Rustic Pathways Group Travel, you don't need to choose between meaningful service and a comfortable living environment. Our purposefully-built service bases in Australia, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Dominican Republic, Laos, Thailand, and the United States provide accommodation with familiar living standards and amenities, private rooms for teachers, and easy access to service projects with our longtime community partners. Our bases facilitate local immersion while ensuring our students can rest comfortably, play happily, serve wholeheartedly, and learn from their experiences. To compare our service bases, visit groups.rusticpathways.com/base-houses. Look for the
icon throughout the catalog to review examples of our base house programs.
New Programs Each year, our Program Operations Team evaluates Rustic’s Group Travel offerings to determine whether we’re providing the most impactful experiences for students. We want our program mix to reflect the most cutting-edge and up-to-date itineraries based on what’s happening in the world. We use your feedback, current education research, and our Student Impact data to inform our program creation. In recent years, Rustic has prioritized creating Critical Issues programs. “We designed Critical Issues programs to expose students to some of the world’s most serious challenges and develop the core habits and mindsets necessary to make change in these areas,” said Brent Watkins, Rustic Pathways Vice President of Program Operations. Rustic is introducing five new Group Travel programs for the 2018-19 academic year, including two Critical Issues programs. Vanishing Cultures of the Rainforest in Costa Rica addresses the preservation of indigenous populations and The Maji Safi Project in Tanzania is designed to expose students to the global water crisis. New Programs for 2018–2019 Costa Rica: Vanishing Cultures of the Rainforest Myanmar: Hiking and Biking Inle Lake Nepal: Himalayan Photo Adventure Tanzania: The Maji Safi Project United States: Rebuilding Houston
view online page 86 page 92 view online page 114
Look for the icon throughout the catalog to review examples of our new programs or visit groups.rusticpathways.com/new-programs. groups.rusticpathways.com
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2018–2019 Select Programs
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AUSTRALIA
Golden Sands and Helping Hands Live at our Glass House Mountains base and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Australia. Learn about Australia’s ancient Aboriginal culture and encounter exotic wildlife while exploring the countryside and coastlines. Give back by helping with service projects such as environmental conservation and cooking meals for charities. Stay at a farm then learn to surf on the Sunshine Coast’s golden beaches. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,865 USD plus airfare
5to 14 days
Up to 25 students
10 to 20 service hours
• English language immersion (up to 12 instruction hours) • Trip to Sydney
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Glass House Mountains Service Base Sunshine Coast, Australia Nestled amongst eucalyptus trees and rainforest on a 50-acre property, the secluded Glass House Mountains Base offers spacious communal living space, dormitory-style bedrooms with bunk beds, modern bathrooms, and electricity. During downtime from service, hike neighboring nature trails, tell stories around a campfire, play a game of soccer on the lawn, or enjoy a game of ping pong indoors.
Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Australia! Arrive in Brisbane and travel to our Glass House Mountains Base nestled in the bush. Settle in and get to know your Program Leaders before exploring the area in the afternoon. •
Customization Example: Add an English language component to your program and extend your trip up to a week. Combine English classroom instruction and cultural immersion activities to put your new skills to the test.
Capacity: 25 students Beds: Bunk beds Showers: Hot Toilets: Standard western Air Conditioning: Yes
Day 2: Australia Zoo and Wildlife Hospital See many of Australia’s native animals firsthand. Pet kangaroos, watch the croc show, check out dingoes, make friends with koalas, and more. Visit the Wildlife Warriors Animal Hospital— the most advanced wildlife hospital in Australia. •
Customization Example: Add a two-day excursion to Sydney to extend your trip. Participate in service helping to prepare meals for the homeless and refugees, and learn about the lesser-known social issues in the city.
Day 3: Lend a Hand Spend the day working with one or more of our community partners to support an ongoing project, which might include helping out in a school, coaching special-needs athletes, assisting with wildlife or environmental conservation, or providing food relief for those in need. •
Customization Example: Add another day or two of service to extend your trip.
Day 4: Market Mecca and Beautiful Beaches Head to the famous Eumundi Market, one of Australia's largest outdoor markets and a vibrant mecca for shoppers on the hunt for unique Aussie souvenirs. Grab your beach towel and bathing suit and travel to Noosa, one of Australia’s most famous stretches of sand. Day 5: Experience Life on the Farm Wake up at a traditional Australian farm to kangaroos grazing in the paddock and kookaburras sitting in the gum trees. Enjoy activities such as working with horses, helping a farmer, cracking stockwhips, throwing boomerangs, and cooking over a campfire. Day 6: Surf and Service Learn to surf and develop ocean safety skills during a morning at the beach. Help the local community with one of our partners arranged by our Australia Community Impact Manager. Day 7: Bright Lights of Brisbane Explore the city of Brisbane and take a bike tour along the river. Pick up some souvenirs along the promenade, then dine in the city to celebrate your final night in Australia. Day 8: Return Home Say goodbye to new friends and prepare for your journey home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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AUSTRALIA
Epic Outback Travel in 4x4s, hike through gorges, swim under waterfalls, and camp under stars like you’ve never seen before. Get to know Aboriginal Australians through cultural exchange and service projects. Help rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife. Hang out amongst kangaroos, wallabies, birds, cows, and horses on a working cattle ranch, and see jumping crocodiles in an action-packed Aussie service adventure! Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,895 USD plus airfare
8to 12 days
Up to 25 students
15 to 20 service hours
• Visit Karijini National Park and snorkel Ningaloo Reef • Photography expedition
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Australia Meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders at the airport in Darwin and head to your hotel. Start your program with an orientation before exploring Darwin’s waterfront precinct and experience an amazing sunset over the ocean. •
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Customization Example: Arrive in Perth and combine an immersive experience exploring the local Aboriginal culture with visits to Karijini National Park and Ningaloo Reef, where you can snorkel with manta rays. Customization Example: Arrive in Sydney, and head into the Outback for an incredible photography expedition. Combine photo instruction with unlimited sightseeing opportunities in Darwin, Kings Canyon, Uluru, and other famous rock formations.
Day 2: Jumping Crocs and Aboriginal Culture Get your first taste of the outback of Australia on a cruise to see saltwater crocodiles from the safety of a boat. Afterward, learn about Aboriginal culture from a local family, custodians of the land who will teach you how to weave a basket, throw a spear, and play the didgeridoo. Learn about traditional bush food and medicine. Day 3: The East Kimberley and Lake Argyle Take a short one-hour flight to Kununurra in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Travel by 4x4 to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Cruise the lake at sunset to discover islands and rock wallabies. Days 4 – 5: Service Projects in Kununurra Spend two days working on Rustic’s service projects, which may include cooking meals for a women’s refuge, running activities for Aboriginal youth, or caring for wildlife. Spend time with Aboriginal elders and learn about the social issues faced in remote Australian towns. Days 6 – 7: Waterfalls and Gorges Spend two days exploring El Questro Wilderness Park, one of Australia’s premier outback destinations. Hike through gorges, swim in natural pools under towering waterfalls, and soothe yourself in tranquil hot springs. Unleash your inner Crocodile Dundee during two days of adventure! Day 8: Australian History in Darwin Say farewell to your new friends in the Kimberley and catch a flight back to Darwin. Learn about Australian history through interactive museums then celebrate your time in Australia over dinner and a Rustic Ties ceremony by the beach. Day 9: Return Home Snap a few final photos and say farewell to your Aussie Program Leaders before heading to the airport to catch your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Alejandro Romero Australia Country Manager With a degree in business and tourism management, Alejo has been an integral part of the Rustic Pathways team since 2011. Originally from Colombia, he now lives in Australia where he manages our country operations. With a unique Spanish twist to his new-found Aussie accent, Alejo brings an exciting blend of cultures to our leadership team.
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AUSTRALIA
You, a 'Roo, and Australia Zoo Volunteer at Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo! Go behind the scenes and perform zoo tasks in various animal departments. Learn from the zookeepers as you assist them with their duties and participate in conservation workshops. Get up close and personal with wombats, wallabies, echidnas, and kangaroos. Then use your new skills to help at a non profit wildlife rehabilitation center. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,165 USD plus airfare
8to 10 days
Up to 20 students
15 to 35 service hours
• Eumundi Market • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Australia Fly into Brisbane and drive to the Sunshine Coast. Settle in and get to know your Program Leaders before heading out to explore the area in the afternoon. Day 2: Training and Orientation Undertake training and induction with Australia Zoo staff to become part of their team. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of Australia Zoo and an introduction to the world-famous wildlife hospital. Days 3 – 4: Volunteering at Australia Zoo Help prepare the enclosures before the zoo opens to the public at 9:00am. The mornings involve cleaning, scooping poop, preparing food, and feeding the animals. In the afternoons, the activities may include helping with maintenance or participating in education workshops. •
Customization Example: Add a day or two of additional service.
Day 5: Beaches of the Sunshine Coast Spend today exploring the beaches of the Sunshine Coast. Take a surf lesson, swim in turquoise waters, walk through a coastal national park, then get ready for a thrilling ocean jet-boat ride! •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip with a visit to the famous Eumundi Market, one of Australia's largest outdoor markets and a mecca for shoppers on the hunt for unique souvenirs. Head to Noosa, one of the country’s most famous beaches, in the afternoon.
Day 6: Wildlife Rehabilitation Project Use your new animal welfare skills to support a grassroots, non profit wildlife rehabilitation center. Work with a wildlife caretaker who has dedicated her life to nursing injured animals. Help with projects on her 40-acre property, home to echidnas, kangaroos, birds and more! •
Customization Example: Add a day to stop at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on your way to Brisbane and learn about koala conservation in the morning
Day 7: Explore Brisbane by Bike Drive to Brisbane in the morning, check into apartments in the city, and take a bicycle tour. Celebrate your final night in Australia along a river promenade under the bright city lights! Day 8: Return Home Say goodbye to new friends and prepare for your journey home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Jemma Laurie Australia Program Manager Jemma joined Rustic Pathways in 2014 to lead our Outback and Seven Wonders programs. With a degree in leisure management and outdoor recreation, she has a broad skill set and a sound understanding of program management. Her approachable persona and true-blue character makes students feel at home, and her skills in Aussie-rules football add a unique flavor to her programs.
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THE BALKANS
Peace and Reconciliation Critical Issues: Geopolitics, ethnic persecution, and rebuilding
Explore the rich history of the Balkans region by visiting small towns and big cities. Meet local people and learn their stories along the way. Engage with history, past and present, and learn about the complexities of this crossroads of civilization. Encounter local traditions, explore the region's recent conflict, and sample cuisine from the Dalmatian Coast to the Bosnian Mountains. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,685 USD plus airfare
7 to 9 days
Up to 40 students
0 to 10 service hours
• Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina • Stop at a Dervish house • Overnight camping at Drina River
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Croatia Land at Split International Airport and explore the city while sampling the food of the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Visit Diocletian's Palace, built for a Roman emperor in the fourth century, after dark to experience what is now part of Split’s Old Town. •
Customization Example: Arrive in Sarajevo and spend a day exploring the capital and business of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Day 2: Explore the Region’s Sites Continue learning about Split as you wander through its historic markets where locals buy fresh seafood. Drive to Mostar, our base in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you'll spend the next three days. Take in the nighttime view of Mostar’s famous Old Bridge, built by Ottomans in the 16th century. Days 3 – 4: Serve the Community of Mostar Work on service projects with our local partner in Mostar. Learn about traditional life from local performers, participate in a coffee workshop, and visit sites that bear witness to the turbulent history of the Balkans. Hear our local staff share their experiences and visions for the future. Day 5: Delve into Sarajevo’s History Drive to Sarajevo, the capital and business hub of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Learn about the siege of Sarajevo during the conflict in the 1990s and visit the tunnel dug during the war, which served as the city's only lifeline to the outside world. Visit Baščaršija, the town’s old bazaar, sample dishes influenced by Ottoman empire, and shop for souvenirs in its cobblestone alleys. •
Customization Example: Follow the Neretva River back to Mostar, stopping at a Dervish house. The home of Islamic mystiques overlooks a breathtaking mountain stream.
Day 6: Experience the Walled City of Dubrovnik Head to the ancient city and former republic of Dubrovnik to see its mighty walls. Walk these streets and absorb the history that made this city of stone. Drive back to Mostar and wrap up your program with a discussion about everything you’ve experienced. •
Customization Example: Add a day to visit the memorial at Sutjeska, the site of a famous WWII battle where many soldiers lost their lives. Camp overnight on the banks of the breathtaking, emerald Drina River.
Day 7: Split From a Kayak Drive to Split and kayak from one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Hike Marjan and marvel at the panorama of Split below. Day 8: Depart for Home After a final Croatian breakfast, head to the airport and fly home. Have a safe journey—Hvála! groups.rusticpathways.com
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CAMBODIA
From the Ground Up Critical Issues: International and grassroots development
Understand current issues in the country by visiting local nonprofits and international development organizations in Phnom Penh. Partner on a service project with BSDA, founded by a small group of monks to empower and help women, children, and marginalized members of the Kampong Cham community in education, health, and income generation. End your trip with visits to Angkor Wat and the markets of Siem Reap. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,135 USD plus airfare
6to 14 days
Up to 45 students
12 to 30 service hours
• Additional service
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh Fly into Cambodia’s capital where you’ll meet your Program Leaders before heading to the hotel for a short orientation. Day 2: Explore Cambodia's Difficult History Begin with visits to cultural and historical locations in Phnom Penh. Head to Tuol Sleng, a former school that was used as a prison and has since been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the country’s genocide. Conclude your day with a visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Days 3 – 4: NGO Visits in Phnom Penh Meet with three international aid organizations currently working in Cambodia. Hear from organization directors and tour their sites as you learn about various NGOs working in a variety of fields, from youth empowerment to renewable energy. Spend your time learning about the missions of the various organizations, what they do, and how they operate. Days 5 – 8: Service Work Put your new knowledge about the challenges NGOs face when implementing their programming with our service partner in Kampong Cham, Buddhism for Social Action (BSDA). Support Rustic’s work at BSDA’s vocational training center and two drop-in centers that provide educational exchange activities for 200 children. •
Customization example: Add or remove service days working with BSDA to lengthen or shorten your trip.
Day 9: Night in Siem Reap Say goodbye and drive to Siem Reap where you’ll explore the famous night markets for some local souvenirs. Head to the Cambodian circus after dinner for an inspiring show of acrobatics performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that educates disadvantaged youth through the power of the arts. •
Customization example: Skip Siem Reap to reduce your trip by one day.
Day 10: Explore Angkor Wat Visit the fascinating temple complex of Angkor Wat, an architectural marvel that dates to the 12th century. Marvel at the intricate carvings of Angkor's historic battle scenes and look out over the beautiful landscape. Venture to see the huge, carved faces of Bayon and make your way to the shady temple of Ta Prohm, where massive trees have given this ruin a fairytale-like feel. Day 11: Return Home Say goodbye to your Program Leaders, snap a few final group photos, and fly home. groups.rusticpathways.com
BSDA (Buddhism for Social Development Action) Kampong Cham Founded in 2005 by a handful of local monks, BSDA dedicates its time to supporting women and children from marginalized populations in Cambodia's rural communities. With several project sites in the Kampong Cham province, BSDA's crucial development work focuses on a variety of initiatives including health, education, and family support networks.
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CAMBODIA
The Cambodia Children’s Project Learn about Cambodia’s past in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Head to the countryside and contribute to a service project with our local partner that could include participating in education activities for children attending an after-school care center or helping complete infrastructure projects. End your journey in Siem Reap touring the majestic temples surrounding Angkor Wat! Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,395 USD plus airfare
5 to 11 days
Up to 45 students
18 to 42 service hours
• Additional service
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Kampong Cham Service Base Kampong Cham, Cambodia
Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh Fly into Cambodia’s capital city where you’ll meet your Program Leaders before heading to the hotel for a short introduction and orientation. Day 2: Explore Cambodia's Difficult History Arun-sure-sdey! Start your program with visits to cultural and historical locations in Phnom Penh. Head to Tuol Sleng, a former school that was used as a prison and has since been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the country’s genocide, and visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Tour the Royal Palace and visit Olympic Stadium, where Cambodians gather before and after work to exercise and meet up with friends.
The Kampong Cham base is a traditional two-story Khmer house in a quiet village northeast of Phnom Penh. Students can expect basic yet comfortable accommodations in this small provincial town surrounded by farming communities. When not participating in service projects, take a bike ride around the village, visit local attractions, compete in ping pong, or play a friendly game of cards. Capacity: 20 students Beds: Mattresses with mosquito nets Showers: Bucket shower with cold water Toilets: Western toilet, ladle flush Air Conditioning: No
Day 3: Drive to Kampong Cham Head to Kampong Cham to the site of your service project and meet Rustic Pathways partner NGO, Buddhism for Social Development Action (BSDA), which works to empower and help women, children, and marginalized members of the Kampong Cham community in education, health, and income generation. Support Rustic’s work at a BSDA vocational training center and two drop-in centers that provide educational exchange activities to 200 children. Days 4 – 6: Service Work Contribute to a mixture of infrastructure projects and / or education exchange activities and one of BSDA’s education centers. Spend time each day engaging in a variety of team-building activities. Get ready for games and friendly competition, group debriefs, and purposeful time spent building and deepening friendships with your classmates. •
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Customization example: Choose between assisting BSDA with infrastructure projects like gardening, building walls, repairing playgrounds, or leading education exchange activities with local children. Customization example: Spend up to a week working with BSDA.
Day 7: Night in Siem Reap Drive to Siem Reap where you’ll explore the famous night markets for some local souvenirs. Head to the Cambodian circus after dinner for an inspiring show of acrobatics performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that educates disadvantaged youth through the power of the arts. Day 8: Explore Angkor Wat Visit the fascinating temple complex of Angkor Wat, an architectural marvel that dates to the Khmer Empire in the 12th century. Marvel at the intricate carvings of Angkor's historic battle scenes and look out over the beautiful landscape from the top of the highest tower. Venture to see the huge, carved faces of Bayon and make your way to the shady temple of Ta Prohm, where massive trees have given this ruin a fairytale-like feel. •
Customization example: Skip Siem Reap and Angkor Wat and limit service to two days to make the trip as short as five days.
Day 9: Return Home Say goodbye to your new friends and fly home from Siem Reap International Airport. groups.rusticpathways.com
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CAMBODIA
Floating Village Service Join one of our most unique service adventures aboard Rustic’s boat in Cambodia. Visit communities where families live and work in homes that float like houseboats. Immerse yourself in daily life during homestays and work alongside these families to repair and build new floating homes for the community. After service, visit Siem Reap, and stroll through the breathtaking Angkor Wat. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,595 USD plus airfare
8to 10 days
Up to 15 students
12 to 15 service hours
• Visit Siem Reap • Photography instruction
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Phnom Penh Fly into Cambodia’s capital city, where you’ll meet your Program Leaders before heading to the hotel for a short introduction and orientation. Day 2: Explore Cambodia’s History in Phnom Penh Start informal Khmer language lessons during breakfast to show respect for the local culture. Head to Tuol Sleng, a former school that was used as a prison and has since been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the country’s genocide. Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and walk through the quiet and peaceful fields that played host to mass killings and burials. Fly to Siem Reap and prepare for your trip to the floating village of Prek Toal. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your program and drive to Siem Reap instead, checking out some of the Cambodian countryside along the way.
Days 3 – 5: Floating Village Homestays Experience a completely different way of life in Cambodia's floating villages where families do everything on their boats, from cooking their morning meals to reeling in their fishing nets at the end of the day. Settle into homestays in Prek Toal and explore this unique community before your service work assisting with a housing improvement initiative begins. Spend time getting to know the locals and swapping stories. • •
Customization Example: Add a photography element to your program by documenting local life. Customization Example: Spend a fourth day in the floating village with your homestay family participating in an extra three hours of service.
Day 6: Night in Siem Reap Say goodbye to your new friends and sail back to Siem Reap where you’ll explore the famous night markets for some local souvenirs. Head to the Cambodian circus after dinner for an inspiring show of acrobatics performed by students from Phare Ponleu Selpak, an organization that educates disadvantaged youth through the power of the arts. Day 7: Explore Angkor Wat Visit the fascinating temple complex of Angkor Wat, an architectural feat that dates to the Khmer Empire in the 12th century. Marvel at the intricate carvings of Angkor's historic battle scenes and look out over the beautiful landscape from the top of the highest tower. Venture to see the huge, carved faces of Bayon and make your way to the shady temple of Ta Prohm, where massive trees have given this ruin a fairytale-like feel. Day 8: Return Home Say goodbye to your new friends, snap a few final group photos, and fly home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Sothy Than Cambodia Program Manager Sothy was raised in the Battambang countryside where he worked his way up through school and became a champion kick boxer. In addition to his native Khmer, Sothy learned English and Thai from the monks at Phreah Phrom Rach Pagoda. He loves sharing the wonders of his country with students and spending time with his two sons. Sothy spends his summers on our Floating Village program.
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CHINA
Giant Panda Conservation Project Spend time with adorable giant pandas in this incredible adventure that’s perfect for animal lovers or students with an interest in animal conservation. Get hands-on experience working with this endangered species by helping staff at the CPC Wolong Nature Center in Sichuan. Monitor the pandas’ diet, clean and maintain their living spaces, and contribute to ongoing research. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,495 USD plus airfare
7 to 12 days
Up to 20 students
6 to 24 service hours
• Visit Beijing • Homestay in Danba
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in the Sichuan Province Land in Chengdu and meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Experiencing the sights and sounds of Chengdu, China’s fifth largest city, is a great way to see the rapid development intrinsic to China during the past two decades. Head to the conservation center in Dujiangyan to prepare for tomorrow’s service. Days 2 – 5: Panda Center Partner with specific pandas and researchers for the duration of your service. Divide your time between working with the pandas, assisting researchers, and discussing topics related to conservation with your group. Care for your panda’s living area and plan and prepare food while learning about its habitat and threats to its environment. Help your researcher perform behavioral observations and other tasks related to their work. Explore the city, tour the local temple, and visit surrounding towns after service. •
Customization Example: Add two additional days in Dujiangyan by exploring the city’s famous irrigation system, a marvel of Chinese science that dates to 256 B.C., and Mount Qingcheng, one of the most famous mountains in China’s Taoist lore.
Day 6: Explore Chengdu Return to Chengdu for a bit of sightseeing. Stroll through the People’s Park where you can join traditional and modern group dancing. No visit to Sichuan would be complete without a trip to the opera! It’s part acrobatic show, part comedic relief with modern and traditional dance performances and Chinese music all blended together in a wonderful artistic performance. • •
Customization Example: Add three or four days with a trip to Beijing. Explore Tiananmen Square, the ancient Forbidden City, and walk along the Great Wall of China. Customization Example: Add a two-day homestay west of Chengdu in the Tibetan village of Danba, marveling at the beautiful mountain scenery and hidden pagodas on the way. Immerse with the community, enjoy a barbecue, and learn traditional Tibetan dance.
Day 7: Return Home Pack up and enjoy your last delicious Chinese meal before departing for the Chengdu airport, where you'll bid your Program Leaders farewell, and board your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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CHINA
Chinese Language Immersion Designed for all levels of Mandarin speakers, this program allows students to practice their reading, writing, and communication skills while immersed in Chinese culture. Live and study at Tianjin University. Complete language classes each morning, then spend your afternoons exploring and practicing Chinese through cultural engagement activities on the streets of Tianjin and Beijing. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Language Instruction
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,725 USD plus airfare
9 to 10 days
Up to 20 students
16 to 24 instruction hours
• Visit the Terracotta Warriors
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Beijing Land in Beijing and meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Head to the hotel where you’ll stay overnight before heading to Tianjin in the morning. Day 2: Train to Tianjin Spend your morning getting acquainted with Tianjin and touring the Tianjin University campus before jumping into your first Mandarin language class. Days 3 – 5: Class Days Start each morning with approximately four hours of class time learning more about Mandarin language and culture. Spend your afternoons participating in cultural activities such as taking calligraphy classes or Tai Chi lessons, and bargaining in the local market. •
Customization Example: Add a day or two at Tianjin University for more instruction.
Day 6: Explore Beijing Visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors held worship ceremonies to pray for good weather and abundant harvests. Venture into the surrounding park, which is used as a gathering place for local families and performing artists. Take the train to Tiananmen Square, where you’ll see the Forbidden City, home to the royal families of the Ming and the Qing Dynasties. •
Customization Example: Add a day in Beijing to continue exploring some of the famous city's iconic and historic sites.
Day 7: Visit the Great Wall of China Experience one of the world’s most incredible architectural marvels. Walk along the historic road that by some accounts stretches more than 13,000 miles and dates to 220 B.C. Nothing can truly prepare you for an in-person look at this frequently photographed site and monument to human achievement. Conclude your trip with a farewell reflection on your experience in China. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip to see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an.
Day 8: Bye China! Enjoy one last round of dumplings before heading to the airport for your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Wang Hong Yen China Program Leader Wang Hong Yen, known as Karen, has led programs in China for Rustic Pathways since 2013. Karen hails from the Hubei Province and will tell anyone that she’s a country girl. She’s since made her home in Beijing with her husband and beautiful daughter, Selina. Karen loves leading Rustic programs for the opportunity to explain her culture to students from around the world.
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CHINA
Shaxi Adventure Experience a different China by visiting Yunnan, one of the country’s most diverse provinces, where you’ll be introduced to unique cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Explore bustling markets in Lijiang, hike to see ancient temples in Shibaoshan, explore the remote village of Shaxi, and learn about the traditional handicrafts that make this region of China famous. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,495 USD plus airfare
8to 10 days
Up to 15 students
0 to 3 service hours
• Hike Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in China Welcome to Lijiang! Settle in and get an orientation to your program. •
Customization Example: Extend your trip by a day to hike Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sanctuary to rare animals and wild plants (weather permitting).
Day 2: Bus to Shaxi Split up into smaller groups to try your hand at a few of the traditional handcrafts of the Yunnan Province. Master the art of traditional paper cutting and prepare local treats, such as green pea chips and traditional rice candies. Day 3: Hike Shibaoshan Spend your morning exploring Shibao Mountain National Park where you’ll visit the Baoxiang and Stone Bell Temples. Observe the artistry of these ancient structures and the thousandyear-old stone grottos. After lunch, work with local people to clean up the trail back to Shaxi. Day 4: Farming and Market Day Visit a nearby farm to participate in a service project to help farmers pick produce only found in Shaxi. Experience market day in Shaxi, an exciting afternoon where you can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothes and even live animals. •
Customization Example: Visit with animal market vendors to learn about animal husbandry development in Shaxi.
Day 5: Experience Tiger Leaping Gorge Take a beautiful drive north to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest natural gorges in the world. Hike four hours on an ancient Naxi trail to the Jinsha River to see stunning views. •
Customization Example: Add two additional days of hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Day 6: Visit Historic Shuhe Marvel at Tiger Leaping Gorge over breakfast and during your morning hike. Head back to Shuhe, a small village outside the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage site along the ancient tea route famous for its ancient waterways and as an early settlement for the ancestors of the Naxi people. Shop for souvenirs as you wander Shuhe’s cobblestone streets. Day 7: Return Home Pack and say goodbye to your Rustic Pathways leaders after a delicious breakfast. We hope you enjoyed your time in China and had a great experience! groups.rusticpathways.com
Kevin Wang China Country Manager Originally from the village of Minqin, Gansu, China, Kevin has led Rustic programs since 2012 before becoming our China Country Manager in 2016. Kevin is a China history expert and loves to share his passion for his country with everyone he meets. Kevin has also been known to start a conga line during a traditional Chinese hot pot feast.
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COSTA RICA
Volcano and Rainforest Service Base Spend a week participating in service and adventure activities from our stunning Volcano and Rainforest Service Base in beautiful La Fortuna. Its rainforests, volcanic peaks, and two coasts make Costa Rica one of the most beautiful nations in Central America. Home to some of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, Costa Rica is famed for its natural environment and commitment to preserving that. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,585 USD plus airfare
7to 12 days
Up to 24 students
24 to 30 service hours
• Cultural activities at Casona Rio Fortuna • Whitewater rafting
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Volcano and Rainforest Base La Fortuna, Costa Rica Situated on the edge of a beautiful rainforest reserve beneath the famous Arenal Volcano, the Rustic Pathways Volcano and Rainforest Service Base is the perfect hub for service and adventure. The base is comprised of two stone and wood houses, a freshwater swimming pool, a soccer field, a volleyball court, several ponds, a small waterfall, and a lush rainforest for a backyard. Capacity: 45 students Beds: Bunk beds Showers: Hot Toilets: Standard western Air Conditioning: No
Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica Land in San José and meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Stay overnight in San José or head to La Fortuna, depending on your arrival time. Days 2 – 5: Community Service Work on service initiatives in the villages around La Fortuna. Split your time between morning and afternoon service sessions. Choose from a variety of ongoing service initiatives designed and monitored by Rustic staff in cooperation with local community leaders. Projects will focus on community infrastructure development, educational facility improvement, and environmental initiatives. Spend your evenings hanging out at the Volcano and Rainforest Service Base, hiking to waterfalls and hot springs, or exploring La Fortuna’s markets. •
Customization Example: Participate in a variety of cultural activities at Casona Rio Fortuna, the turn-of-the-century country home of former president Rafael Yglesias Castro. Take a cooking class, visit an ancient sugarcane mill, or listen to traditional music at the renowned cultural site.
Days 6 – 7: Adventure Activities Having completed service, take advantage of Costa Rica’s exciting adventure opportunities. Choose from optional activities including zip lining, kayaking, or visiting a local hot spring. Learn about Costa Rica's indigenous cultures through a presentation from a nearby community. Spend the evenings learning to salsa and merengue. Return to San José for your last night. •
Customization Example: Add a two-day whitewater rafting trip on the class III-IV Pacuare River, spending your nights at the remote Rio Tropicales Lodge, a model of ecotourism and deluxe accommodations. Enjoy spectacular scenery and adrenaline-pumping rapids.
Day 8: Return Home Say adios to Costa Rica and head out on your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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COSTA RICA
Osa Peninsula Conservation Go off the beaten path on this program that combines service, adventure, and nature in this tropical paradise. From its rainforests to its volcanic peaks, Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful nations in Central America. Head south to Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula where you’ll surf, hike, rappel, swim, and kayak when not contributing to infrastructure and environmental service projects. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,795 USD plus airfare
8to 12 days
Up to 24 students
12 to 24 service hours
• Environmental service in Corcovado National Park • Zip lining
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Arrive in San José where our Tico staff will greet you at the airport. Enjoy your first glimpse of this beautiful and spectacular country. Day 2: Travel to the Pacific Coast Depart with your group on a four-hour bus ride south to the Pacific beach town of Uvita for your first introduction to the region’s famous waves. Days 3 – 4: Kayak Expedition Head four hours farther south to the Osa Peninsula, which National Geographic called “the most biologically intense place on Earth." After arriving, embark on a two-day sea kayaking expedition through the Golfo Dulce. Day 5: Puerto Jimenez and Service Venture to Puerto Jiménez, home to many small communities that will welcome you over the next few days. Spend the day working on various small-scale construction projects. Day 6: Enjoy Warm Waves Wrap up your service projects and say goodbye to the community members you’ve grown connected to. Spend the afternoon at one of the most beautiful beaches in Corcovado National Park. Enjoy the warm waves and play a game of soccer or beach volleyball in the sand. Days 7 – 8: Corcovado National Park Spend the next two days taking guided hikes through the lush Corcovado National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife. Work on beach clean-up efforts that will ensure this pristine environment is protected for generations to come. •
Customization Example: Add as many as five days to your trip to participate in environmental service projects in Corcovado National Park.
Day 9: Uvita Pack your bags and head back to Uvita to continue your journey through the Osa Peninsula. •
Customization Example: Add zip lining high above the jungle canopy to experience another example of Costa Rica’s famed adventure activities.
Day 10: Whitewater Rafting the Savegre Experience the beauty and exhilaration of whitewater rafting on the Savegre River. Day 11: Return to San José Relax at the beach and return to San José for dinner and your last night in Costa Rica. Day 12: Fly Home Say adios to Costa Rica and head out on your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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COSTA RICA
Surf and Service in the North Pacific Work hand in hand with Ticos from rural villages on a variety of community development projects. Service projects will allow you to get to know the locals and their way of life. Costa Rica is world-renowned for its adventure activities and fantastic surfing conditions. Reward your hard work with exhilarating surf lessons in the afternoons, regardless of your skill level before the program. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,075 USD plus airfare
8to 10 days
Up to 15 students
21 to 24 service hours
• Snorkeling • Rincon de la Vieja Volcano hike
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica Arrive in Liberia, have an orientation session, and settle in for a good night’s rest before your program begins tomorrow morning. Days 2 – 4: Surf and Service Wake early each morning and kick off your day with contributions to a service initiative designed and monitored in collaboration with local partners to support community goals. Get assigned to a project team and rotate through the initiatives based on the needs of each project. Ride the waves during surf lessons in the afternoons, then relax in the sun, explore the famous beaches in Guanacaste, or play a game of beach soccer with local children. •
Customization Example: Add snorkeling to one of your afternoons and observe an entire world beneath the ocean’s surface.
Day 5: Whitewater Rafting Enjoy a daylong whitewater rafting trip. Depending on the season, rafting could take place on the Tenorio River or Cucaracho River. •
Customization Example: Add a day or two at Rustic’s Rainforest and Volcano Service Base in La Fortuna to experience different surroundings in Costa Rica.
Days 6 – 7: Surf and Service Rise for early breakfasts before returning to your community service initiatives. As before, your projects will focus on community infrastructure improvement, educational facility development, and environmental concerns. Head back to the beach to surf the Pacific waves in the afternoons—by now you’ll be a pro! •
Customization Example: Add a day to hike the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Hike the 2.5-mile Las Pailas loop trail for the best views of the volcano and to see incredible wildlife.
Day 8: Chasing Sunsets Surf's up! Enjoy an early-morning breakfast and then it’s off to the ocean. Spend your last morning in Guanacaste taking advantage of the region’s renowned and consistently high-quality waves. Head to a beach up north for an afternoon of sailing. Spot tropical fish as you snorkel and swim through the waters of the Nicoya Peninsula. Day 9: Return Home Say adios to Costa Rica and head out on your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Rolando Carazo Costa Rica Program Manager Rolando’s passion for running, rafting, and surfing come in handy as he leads Rustic Pathways Group Travel, Gap Year, and summer programs through Latin America's great outdoors. This Turrialba native's kind personality makes every student feel welcome, and his deep knowledge of Costa Rica’s history and culture turn every adventure into a learning experience.
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COSTA RICA
Spanish Language Immersion Learn Spanish from native speakers during this program that is perfect for students of any skill level. Live in the peaceful mountain town of Turrialba with a host family to immerse in the local culture. They’ll help you practice your Spanish after mornings spent working with other students during structured classroom time. Improve your linguistic ability as well as your knowledge of Costa Rica’s vibrant Tico culture. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Language Immersion
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,995 USD plus airfare
8to 12 days
Up to 24 students
12 to 16 instruction hours
• Rappelling • Whitewater rafting
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica Land in San José and meet your Program Leaders. Depending on your arrival, you may spend the night in the capital city or drive to Turrialba. Conclude your day with a program orientation. Day 2: Meet Your Host Family in Turrialba Meet with the language school director and take a Spanish language placement test. Take a walking tour of Turrialba to familiarize yourself with the community. Meet your host family and settle into your home for the week. Days 3 – 6: Classes and Host Family Interaction Eat breakfast each morning with your host family before daily four-hour lessons with a Spanish teacher. Focus on vocabulary and grammar related to your experiences and your scheduled afternoon activities. Have lunch each afternoon as a group before setting out to explore your surroundings with immersive activities like touring a butterfly garden, visiting a zoo, swimming in nearby waterfalls, hiking in Irazu Volcano National Park, or mountain biking through the jungle. Return to your host family each evening for a traditional Costa Rican dinner. •
Customization Example: Spend one of your days in Turrialba with your host family taking a break from daily lessons. Integrate yourself into Costa Rican culture and family life by taking a trip to town, visiting the local pool, or watching a local soccer match.
Days 7 – 8: Whitewater Rafting the Pacuare Depart Turrialba for a two-day whitewater rafting adventure on the class III-IV Pacuare River. Enjoy the spectacular scenery, adrenaline-pumping rapids, and picnic meals. Spend your night at a river lodge, taking time to explore natural swimming holes and relax in the tranquil jungle surroundings. Spend another day out on the rapids, completing your trip in the afternoon. Return to San José for a farewell dinner with your group. •
•
Customization Example: Add a three- or four-day trip to the Bribri community of Yorkin, accessible only by boat. Explore their unique culture and participate in community service over the next two days. Support education or income generation initiatives other Rustic groups have assisted with in recent years. Customization Example: Add a day or two at the beach and take a surf lesson before heading back to San José for your flight home.
Day 9: Return Home Say adios to Costa Rica and head out on your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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COSTA RICA
Bribri Indigenous Culture and Service Explore rural life and indigenous culture during this unique experience in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Spend the majority of your trip in Yorkin, a community only accessible by boat, to immerse with members of a Bribri tribe. Stay in tents in the village, work with community members on small-scale education and development service initiatives, and learn about their fascinating culture. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,595 USD plus airfare
8to 10 days
Up to 20 students
15 to 30 service hours
• Surf lessons
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica Land in San José and meet your Program Leaders. Depending on your arrival, you may spend the night in the capital city or drive to Turrialba. Conclude your day with a program orientation. Day 2: Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare Grab your paddles and hit the rapids of the class III-IV Pacuare River in the direction of the Caribbean Coast. Enjoy the rich greenery, narrow canyons, and vibrant wildlife that have given the river a reputation for having the most beautiful whitewater in the world. Day 3: Experience Yorkin Journey 90 minutes by boat to Yorkin, an indigenous Bribri community in the mountains of far southeast Costa Rica. Settle in and receive an introduction to this unique culture and its people. Days 4 – 5: Community Service in the Mountains Spend the next two days working alongside community members on a variety of education initiatives. Assist local primary and secondary schools and Aventuras Naturales, a community tourism and economic development initiative run by members of the Yorkin community that creates income generation opportunities for its people. •
Customization Example: Experience another Costa Rican community by visiting Turrialba and assisting in community service initiatives there.
Day 6: Chocolate and Local Medicine Take a break from your service work to participate in cultural activities. Learn to make chocolate from cacao and get a lesson about how local plants are used medicinally in everyday life. Take a river tour before returning to the community for a delicious dinner and group discussion. Day 7: Cahuita National Park Leave Yorkin in the morning and head back to the coast. Spend a few hours relaxing on the beach and spotting sloths, toucans, and other wildlife at Cahuita National Park before returning to San José for your final night in Costa Rica. • •
Customization Example: Add an additional day at Cahuita National Park. Customization Example: Add a day at the beach taking surfing lessons from some of the most experienced instructors in the region before your trip back to San José. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll be riding waves in no time!
Day 8: Return Home Say adios to Costa Rica and head to the airport for your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Rustic Pathways
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Bribri Aqueduct Project Decaying infrastructure and the increased demands of a growing community have put the drinking supply in Yorkin in jeopardy. After learning about the threat from the Water Committee of Yorkin in 2015, the Rustic Pathways Foundation launched a campaign to raise $30,000 to build a new aqueduct. The Foundation reached its goal with fundraising help from student Development Ambassadors and broke ground earlier this year. The project is scheduled to be complete by mid-2018, ensuring that the community of Yorkin has a sustainable source of clean drinking water.
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CUBA
Innovation in Action Critical Issues: Social entrepreneurship and economic development
Explore critical issues facing the developing world and turn ideas into actionable solutions during design thinking workshops and team activities, culminating in an innovation challenge. When applied to social issues, this intentional design process can help entrepreneurs conquer some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Immerse in Cuban culture to explore the sights, music, and food of this incredible Caribbean gem. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $3,535 USD plus airfare
8to 16 days
Up to 14 students
10 to 12 service hours
• Environmental service
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Havana Settle in with a brief orientation before your first design thinking workshop. Day 2: Entrepreneurship in Havana Continue learning about design thinking, growth mindsets, and entrepreneurship in Havana Vieja, Centro Habana, and Vedado. Interview owners of a casa particular, paladar, agromercado, and other cuentapropistas to understand their business struggles. •
Customization Example: Add an excursion to Artemisa and participate in service projects with our partner Flora y Fauna.
Day 3: Learn about Cuban Agriculture Visit tobacco farms, hear about organoponicos from local farmers, and learn how the tourism boom has influenced the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage centre. Start an innovation challenge by putting yourself in the shoes of a Cuban entrepreneur. Brainstorm business ideas and sketch prototypes. Day 4: Las Terrazas Eco-Village Learn how important ecotourism has become in Cuba by experiencing Las Terrazas, the country's first ecologically-sustainable community and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Start today’s design thinking workshop after returning to Havana. Build a prototype and get feedback from peers, including other teams. Day 5: Visit Trinidad Set off on a cultural exploration trip to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Complete a scavenger hunt designed to connect you with locals and their small businesses. Continue refining your prototype. Head to the steps of Trinidad’s Casa de la Musica for a dance lesson. •
Customization Example: Add an excursion to Lomas de Banao Preserve to spend a day assisting park rangers with their environmental conservation efforts.
Day 6: The Art of a Pitch Workshop Have a mock interview session and Q&A with your Program Leaders and Innovation in Action facilitators. Use the mission and vision you crafted earlier in the week to build a pitch that you’ll make to your classmates at tomorrow’s final session. Day 7: Present Your Designs Complete your last design thinking workshop and present your idea to a panel of judges. Return to Habana Vieja to relax along the Malecón and try the famous Coppelia ice cream. Day 8: Enjoy Havana’s Best Take a walking tour of Havana Vieja and see the city through a local lens. Tour the Plaza de la Revolución in a classic 1950s American car. Appreciate the importance of music and dance to Cuban culture as you conclude your program dancing with new friends. Day 9: Return Home Say goodbye to your Program Leaders and head to the airport for your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Hector Zamora Cuba Country Manager Hector is a native of Nicaragua that thinks of many places as home— having lived in all continents except Asia and Antarctica. Hector holds a bachelor's in marketing and business administration from Universidad Americana in Nicaragua and a master's in development studies from The University of Sydney, Australia. He brings his field experience in international development and a passion for experiential education to his work at Rustic Pathways, adapting academic level content to creative and engaging learning environments.
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CUBA
Viva Cuba! Culture and Conservation Work alongside local farmers and learn about Cuba’s long-term sustainability and conservation projects. Visit an ecological biosphere, ride on horseback to a refreshing lagoon, participate in a six-mile hike, and camp under the stars at the Lomas de Banao Preserve. Experience Cuba’s tropical beaches, and learn about the history and culture of colonial cities Trinidad and Havana. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,465 USD plus airfare
6 to 10 days
Up to 18 students
10 to 12 service hours
• Trek to Las Cortinas Blancas Waterfall • Visit Ernest Hemingway's home
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Cuba! Arrive in Havana and dine at Paladares, one of the city’s new privately-owned restaurants. Start your trip with an orientation to Cuba and your program. •
Customization Example: Venture about 10 miles outside Havana to San Francisco de Paula to visit Finca La Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s home from 1939 to 1960.
Day 2: Drive to Charco Azul Learn about Flora y Fauna, conservation specialists who manage the majority of the protected territories in Cuba, and partner with local communities to reforest the area and help them train farmers in sustainable practices. Day 3: Visit Las Terrazas Learn how important ecotourism has become in Cuba by experiencing Las Terrazas, the country's first ecologically-sustainable community and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. End your day with a horseback ride to the famous Charco Azul lagoon. Day 4: Lomas de Banao Preserve Get an overview from the park rangers about the natural ecological preserve and an introduction to their conservation efforts, including the projects your group will assist with. •
Customization Example: Add two days to take an incredible trek through the preserve to swim under the Las Cortinas Blancas Waterfall, eat a traditional Cuban meal by campfire, and sleep under the stars with your group.
Day 5: Conservation and Adventure Participate in reforestation efforts in the preserve as you help build erosion-control barriers that will improve soil conditions and contribute to other sustainable projects. End the day with a short hike and swim under the Bella Waterfall. Day 6: Tunas de Zaza Mangrove Restoration Head to the coastal town of Tunas de Zaza, one of the best spots for watching wildlife in Cuba, particularly pink flamingos. Gather seeds from red mangrove trees along the way and replant them farther down the river to help sustain the local marine ecosystem. Day 7: Beach Time! Set off after breakfast on a cultural exploration trip to Trinidad—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax on the white sand and enjoy the warm Caribbean waters. Day 8: Classic Havana Take a walking tour of Havana Vieja and see the city through a local lens. Tour the Plaza de la Revolución in a classic 1950s American car. Appreciate the importance of music and dance to Cuban culture as you conclude your program dancing with new friends. •
Customization Example: Add a day to visit the Bay of Pigs and Playa Giron Museum to learn more about the failed United States invasion of Cuba.
Day 9: Fly Home Say goodbye to your new friends and head to the airport for your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Life in the Bateyes Critical Issues: Citizenship and human rights for migrant communities
Explore the ongoing challenges facing bateyes, marginalized communities of Dominicans of Haitian descent. Get to know them and learn about their lives. Contribute to service projects such as running a children’s day camp, helping build homes, or constructing latrines. Take a break from service and enjoy the beaches of Bayahibe where you’ll get to swim, snorkel, and relax. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,655 USD plus airfare
7 to 14 days
Up to 35 students
24 to 50 service hours
• Visit Los Haitises National Park • Marine service in Bayahibe
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Bienvenidos a La República Dominicana! Arrive in Santo Domingo and travel to the volunteer center where you’ll stay during your program. Start learning about the batey communities you’ll assist through service work. Days 2 – 5: Service Projects in Batey Communities Contribute to ongoing service projects supporting communities of Dominican sugarcane workers of Haitian descent marginalized by local society. Work on projects in the batey community for the next four days, which could include infrastructure rehabilitation, agricultural work with local farmers, health initiatives, or education projects with local children. In addition to service, relax on pristine white sand beaches, catch the beat of Dominican daily life, and enjoy this Caribbean paradise. • •
Customization Example: Add more days of service in the bateyes to continue supporting home repair and new construction for local families. Customization Example: Explore Los Haitises National Park after your service work in the bateyes. Work on mangrove restoration, hike, explore natural pools, and experience the natural beauty of the area before watching a beautiful sunset.
Day 6: Hello Tropical Paradise! Take a catamaran tour of Isla Saona, stopping along the way to snorkel and enjoy various beaches. •
Customization Example: Add a day or two in Bayahibe working on marine conservation projects with our local partner before wrapping up your experience with a catamaran day.
Day 7: Explore Historic Santo Domingo Spend an afternoon in the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Walk along the cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs, visit museums, and end your day with a special dinner and dancing. Day 8: Head Home Reflect on your time in the Dominican with your new friends before flying home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Rustic Pathways
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Monte Coca Batey Housing Project Rustic Pathways started supporting home construction in batey Monte Coca in 2014. Bateyes are underserved communities historically home to sugar cane workers of Haitian descent and their families. Rustic students assist local home builders while learning about social, racial, and economic issues. Rustic students have supported the construction of 12 homes, impacting more than 40 people through the end of 2017. Rustic has worked with the community to prioritize building a total of 35 homes over the next several years to provide residents with safe and dignified housing.
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Mountain Air and Village Service Spend the week at our base house in the mountains surrounded by nature with access to the river, ropes courses, athletic fields, a pool, and comfortable accommodations. Join our ongoing community service projects designed to help rural villages, which has included building nine aqueducts to provide more than 1,400 people in these communities access to running water. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,335 USD plus airfare
8to 14 days
Up to 100 students
24 to 40 service hours
• Service in the bateyes • Extended visit to the north coast
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Mountain Air Service Base Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic Located in the heart of the Dominican Alps at Rancho Baiguate, the Mountain Air Base offers dormitory-style bedrooms with modern bathrooms, showers, and electricity. Meals at the base are buffet-style, prepared with organic fruits and vegetables grown at the base and served in an open-air cafeteria. You’re just steps away from a soccer field, volleyball court, swimming pool, and hiking trails. Capacity: 100 students
Sample Itinerary
Beds: Bunk beds
Day 1: Welcome to the Dominican Republic Arrive in Santo Domingo and meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Depart for a picturesque three-hour drive to the mountain town of Jarabacoa and learn about the projects you’ll join and the local community after dinner and some time to relax.
Showers: Intermittently hot Toilets: Standard western Air Conditioning: No
Day 2: Explore Your Surroundings in Jarabacoa Learn about the environmental initiatives established by the community and the harmonious economic and ecological relationships it’s pursued in the area. Start service by heading farther into the mountains to help build aqueducts for communities without running water. Days 3 – 4: Service in the Mountains Spend each day continuing to work on infrastructure projects. Take some time to play a pickup game of baseball with local kids. Discuss your experience after dinner, and focus the conversation on responsible tourism and water access. •
Customization Example: Add an extra day or two of service to the trip.
Day 5: Beach Day at Sosúa Take a two-hour bus ride to the coastal towns of Sosúa and Cabarete, where you'll spend the rest of the day relaxing on the north coast beaches. Swim in the turquoise water of the Caribbean, soak up the sun, and enjoy a lunch of fresh fish. •
Customization Example: Add a day on the north coast to your trip.
Day 6: Return to the Ranch Snorkel to start your day before saying goodbye to the coast and heading back to Jarabacoa. Settle back into your old home and refuel before departing on an hour-long hike to Salto Baiguate, a 35-meter waterfall and one of the most beautiful in the region. Return to the base for one last night and reflect on your week around a bonfire. Day 7: Explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone Spend an afternoon in the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Walk along the cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs, visit museums, and end your day with a special dinner and dancing. •
Customization Example: Connect with Life in the Bateyes to add up to a week to your program. Contribute to ongoing home construction projects in the bateyes, marginalized communities of sugarcane workers.
Day 8: Return Home Reflect on your time in the Dominican with your new friends before flying home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Marine Life and Coastal Restoration Explore the crystal clear waters of Bayahibe Bay working alongside marine biologists to rebuild the coral reef habitat that’s home to marine species, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Learn biological techniques to monitor sea animals in the wild. Get muddy as you work to rebuild the mangrove swamps of Los Haitises National Park. Contribute to anti-pollution projects with local ecological organizations. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,735 USD plus airfare
7 to 15 days
Up to 30 students
21 to 40 service hours
• Day trip to Punta Cana
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in the Dominican Republic Travel to Bayahibe, a beach town that was once a small fishing village. Start learning from the FUNDEMAR team about marine conservation and the impactful community service work you’ll be doing during your time in the Caribbean. Days 2 – 3: Dive into Marine Service Divide into small groups as you familiarize yourself with the tools and techniques of marine life conservation. Service initiatives may consist of building coral reef structures, marine life and coastal erosion monitoring, and building buoys (depending on current local needs). Enjoy an evening getting to know your group and the beautiful beach town over dinner. • •
Customization Example: Add a day or two of service work with FUNDEMAR in Bayahibe. Customization Example: Add a day trip to the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation to learn about other conservation projects and visit natural lagoons in the region.
Day 4: Sea Turtle Conservation on Saona Island Take a boat ride to Saona Island where a group of community members are protecting vulnerable sea turtle populations, and learn how they’re creating change at the grassroots level. Participate in a late-night beach walk (depending on the season) to look for turtles and help preserve the eggs they lay and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a mama turtle laying eggs! Day 5: Head North Sleep in and enjoy the beach after a long night. Return to Bayahibe and head north to Sabana de la Mar. Arrive in time for a discussion about your next service projects and a delicious dinner. Day 6: Get Your Hands Dirty Work alongside park rangers and youth volunteers in Los Haitises National Park during your last day of service. Help restore mangrove ecosystems and the marine life that rely on them, including local dolphin populations that feed in the Samaná Bay. Take in the sights of the park, home to a high percentage of the biodiversity and fauna indigenous to the country, during a boat tour through the park and a stop to visit some ancient Taino caves. Day 7: Explore Santo Domingo Spend an afternoon in the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Walk along the cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs, visit museums, and end your day with a special dinner and dancing. Day 8: Return home Reflect on your time in the Dominican with your new friends before flying home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Rustic Pathways is all about providing opportunities for students and having them know you truly believe in them. This was a chance for our students to explore another country and have a rich cross-cultural experience to learn about a world outside of their own. One thousand miles away from our campus, our students worked alongside local villagers to help improve infrastructure and build aqueducts to provide clean sustainable water. Our students walked away with a deeper understanding of themselves, and empathy and respect for others. Additionally, the profound personal growth, empowered sense of self, and connections made were priceless. Rustic Pathways provided students with authentic learning experiences, coupled with real-world application that connected our kids on an international level." Cara von Ancken Assistant Prinicipal of the Primary Years Programme, Roland Park K-8 Magnet IB World School Tampa, Florida Dominican Republic, 2017 and Costa Rica, 2018
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Public Health in the Caribbean Critical Issues: Public health as a human right
Work alongside health care professionals on public health projects across the Dominican Republic. Explore this Caribbean island while immersing in local culture and practicing your Spanish in a health care setting. Identify health needs of rural, urban, wealthy, and impoverished communities and help develop meaningful public service initiatives. Earn your Wilderness First Aid certification and apply your new skills to helping communities. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,035 USD plus airfare
8to 15 days
Up to 35 students
15 to 30 service hours
• Hospital and NGO visits
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Dominican Republic Arrive in Santo Domingo and get settled into your hotel. Start learning about public health in Latin America, and the projects that will contribute to improving it. Day 2: Learn About the Issues Visit an NGO that supports women’s health and a hospital to get a first-hand look at what the urban health care system looks like in Santo Domingo, where disparities between rich and poor are clear. Head out to the province of San Pedro de Macoris in the evening. •
Customization Example: Add a day in Santo Domingo to visit an additional hospital and other non profits to get a different perspective about health care.
Days 3 – 4: Get Certified in Wilderness First Aid Get ready for two full days of learning as you embark on your Wilderness First Aid certification. Think about how the skills you’re learning in class can be applied to your service over the next several days. In the evenings, discuss the surrounding areas, exploring some of the prevalent public health issues in impoverished communities in a predominantly agricultural environment. •
Customization Example: Reduce the trip length to eight days by electing not to participate in WFA certification.
Days 5 – 6: Community Service Participate in service projects that may include health-related construction, such as sanitation or clean water initiatives, or help conduct educational health workshops for locals. Visit a rural clinic and speak with local community members about specific health issues. Discuss public health case studies with your group each evening that relate to your community service projects to better understand the issues locally. •
Customization Example: Add to your trip with additional days of infrastructure service.
Days 7 – 8: Enjoy the Beach! Head north by bus and boat to the town of Samaná, where you’ll spend two days exploring waterfalls and some of the most picturesque beaches in the country. Day 9: Explore Santo Domingo Spend an afternoon in the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Walk along the cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs, visit museums, and end your day with a special dinner and dancing. Day 10: Fly Home Reflect on your time in the Dominican with your new friends before flying home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Kate Lubina Dominican Republic Country Manager A native of Southern California, Kate is at home near the ocean with her feet in the water. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and a master’s degree in global medicine. Bringing her interest in the application of international public health to Rustic in 2014, Kate now applies her expertise in health and development while inspiring our students on programs in the Dominican Republic.
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FIJI
South Pacific Eco-Lodge Service Base Contribute to community service projects and visit a few of the many islands that make up Fiji. Service projects range from our Meals on Flip Flops program for a local women’s shelter to helping with a construction initiative in a nearby village. Spend quality time with our local staff as you learn how to cook traditional dishes and get to know the Fijian way of life. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,345 USD plus airfare
6 to 14 days
Up to 100 students
15 to 40 service hours
• Visit the Fiji highlands • Women and familyoriented service • Marine service
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South Pacific Eco-Lodge Service Base Momi Bay, Fiji Established in 2004, the Eco-Lodge is located between two villages and surrounded by a number of farms predominantly owned by families of Indian descent, creating a vibrant atmosphere for learning about Fiji's unique mix of cultures. The main lodge contains a kitchen, dining area, game room, and swimming pool. Rooms are divided between dormitory-style bedrooms and several authentic bures. Capacity: 100 students Beds: Bunk beds Showers: Hot, solar-powered Toilets: Standard western Air Conditioning: No
Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in the Fiji Islands Meet Rustic staff at Nadi Airport before heading to the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base in rural Momi Bay where you’ll have a chance to swim, snorkel, and relax at beautiful Natadola Beach. Participate in a formal sevusevu ceremony and begin learning the intricacies of cultural practices in Fiji. Wearing your new sulu, get to know the local staff over a bowl of kava. •
Customization Example: Add to your trip with a two- to three-day excursion into the Fiji highlands to participate in service projects and stay with a local family.
Days 2 – 6: Community Service and Adventure Complete grassroots projects that benefit the local communities around the country. Visit villages and schools nearby to help with infrastructure, environmental, or social-based service projects. Enjoy adventure and cultural activities—hike sand dunes, kayak through mangroves, swim in the local hot springs, watch a sunset at Battery Historical Park, visit local markets, and learn a traditional Fijian war dance called the meke. •
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Customization Example: Shift your service focus to women and family-oriented community service projects. Support women and women’s interests, which have been identified by the local government to address the imbalance of power and make Fiji more inclusive. Customization Example: Shift your service focus to the marine environment while engaging in lessons, service, and discussion around climate change and the ocean habitat.
Day 7: Island Hopping Day Depart Momi Bay and head out on an island-hopping excursion to explore the beautiful islands off the coast of Viti Levu. Swim and snorkel these warm South Pacific waters, and pass Cloudbreak, the world-famous surf spot. Relax on the white sand beaches and grab an ice cream or cold drink at one of the picturesque resorts. Day 8: Return Home Explore Nadi and shop for souvenirs for your family and friends. Enjoy your final dinner in Fiji with a view of the sunset before leaving for the airport. groups.rusticpathways.com
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Marine and Environmental Field Studies Critical Issues: Global climate change and aquatic ecosystems conservation
Take a deeper look into Fiji’s marine ecosystem and the impact climate change has on this fragile habitat. Learn about the various strategies in place to protect, conserve, and restore Fiji’s marine environment. Learn to identify tropical fish and coral species. When not working in the water, relax and enjoy island life and get to know Fijian culture by visiting nearby villages. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,725 USD plus airfare
6 to 14 days
Up to 24 students
10 to 18 service hours
• Scuba diving • Climate change lesson
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Islands Service Base Somosomo Village, Fiji Located on a breathtaking stretch of pure white sand in Somosomo, our Islands Service Base is a slice of heaven. The base consists of large safari-style tents built on platforms, outdoor showers, and self-composting toilets to minimize the impact on the environment. Students eat meals in our rustic dining area or on picnic tables overlooking the water. Kayak, snorkel, spear fish, learn to farm, or have a bonfire with our local team in this island paradise. Capacity: 24 Students
Sample Itinerary
Beds: Cots with sleeping bags
Day 1: Arrive in the Fiji Islands Meet Rustic staff before heading to the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base in rural Momi Bay where you’ll have a chance to swim, snorkel, and relax at beautiful Natadola Beach. Learn about some of the challenges this island nation faces with the marine environment. Participate in a formal sevusevu ceremony and start learning the intricacies of cultural practices in Fiji. Wearing your new sulu, get to know the local staff over a bowl of kava.
Showers: Cold Toilets: Self-composting outhouse Air Conditioning: No
Day 2: Island Bound Board a ferry and take a four-hour boat ride through the breathtaking Yasawa Islands. Call one of these tropical islands home for the next six days and explore the white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush surrounding hills. Live at our Island Service Base without electricity and sleep on cots in large safari tents, only a few yards from the ocean. Enjoy a kava ceremony with the locals from Somosomo Village who will make you feel at home under the bright constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Days 3 – 6: Marine Monitoring Explore and contribute to projects throughout the marine reserve established near your island home. Study the ridge-to-reef ecosystem while working on grassroots projects that focus on the distribution, diversity, formation, ecology, and conservation of the coral reef and surrounding environment. Interact with the local community by participating in a traditional Fijian dance called the meke and learn the craft of mat weaving from the village women. Embrace island life by snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking along the beautiful island of Naviti. •
Customization Example: Add a scuba excursion during one of your afternoons after completing service.
Day 7: Return to Nadi Finish service projects and visit with your new Fijian friends before saying farewell to the picturesque Yasawa Islands and heading back to Nadi. Enjoy some of Fiji’s best pizza before heading back to the Eco-Lodge. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip by adding a lesson about climate change to better understand its impact on Fiji’s coral reef systems.
Day 8: Return Home Explore Nadi and shop for souvenirs for your family and friends. Enjoy your final dinner in Fiji with a view of the sunset before leaving for the airport.
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FIJI
Children of the Highlands Enjoy island paradise and rural mountain living during this immersive program. Spend time the mountain village of Nasivikoso where you’ll live in pairs with a Fijian host family and spend your days working on infrastructure projects created in collaboration with the community. Rustic Pathways has been working in Nasivikoso since 1996—our longest-running partnership—and has very close ties with the community. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,425 USD plus airfare
6 to 12 days
Up to 22 students
15 to 24 service hours
• Adventure activities • Homestay
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Highlands Service Base Nasivikoso, Fiji Far from the white sand beaches that make Fiji famous, the mountainous interior of Fiji’s main island is one of the least-developed regions in the country. Rustic Pathways first came here in 1996 and has since formed a close relationship with the villages. Programs that visit the Highlands region allow students to live alongside local families in homestays, follow the rhythms of local daily life, and participate in community-driven service. Capacity: 24 students Beds: Sleeping mats with mosquito nets Showers: Cold
Sample Itinerary
Toilets: Standard western
Day 1: Welcome to the Fiji Islands Meet Rustic staff before heading to the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base in rural Momi Bay where you’ll have a chance to swim, snorkel, and relax at beautiful Natadola Beach. Participate in a formal sevusevu ceremony and start learning the intricacies of cultural practices in Fiji. Wearing your new sulu, get to know the local staff over a bowl of kava. •
Air Conditioning: No
Customization Example: Add adventure activities to your itinerary in another part of the islands or hop over to Australia for an entirely different adrenaline-pumping experience.
Day 2: Bound for the Highlands Gather any last-minute supplies before you head into the mountains to a remote village deep in the Nausori Highlands. Hop in the back of a four-wheel drive vehicle and enjoy the scenic three-hour ride to the village. Meet the local chief while presenting the yagona plant and participate in a traditional welcome sevusevu ceremony. Tour the village and meet your homestay families who will quickly become an emotional focal point of the experience. Days 3 – 6: Life in the Village Learn the Fijian language through daily informal lessons from your homestay family and our local staff. Contribute to ongoing grassroots infrastructure and education projects within the village. Explore the surrounding highlands area, visit a waterfall, swim in the river, and spend time with the local families over a cup of tea and cookies. Share stories, enjoy a traditional Fijian dance, and debrief each night with your group at the base. Day 7: Return to the Coast Say your final goodbyes to your village hosts and start the journey back to the coast. Stop by Nadi for lunch and an ice cream before heading onward to our base in Momi Bay. Visit Momi Battery Historical Park, home of guns installed by New Zealand to protect Fiji from Japan during World War II, and watch the sunset. •
Customization Example: Add several days to your trip with another service experience in the communities near our Eco-Lodge Base. Service could include working on community or education infrastructure projects, participating in environmental conservation, or delivering meals.
Day 8: Head Home Explore Nadi and shop for souvenirs for your family and friends. Enjoy your final dinner in Fiji with a view of the sunset before leaving for the airport. groups.rusticpathways.com
The selflessness and nurturing personalities of your staff made this trip amazing. This program has impacted me in a way that my eyes are opened to the world; inspiring a desire to explore the world, as well as inspire a change in my priorities." Tabatha Knudson Student, Henry J. Kaiser School Honolulu, Hawaii Fiji 2017
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FIJI
Ridge to Reef Visit welcoming communities, swim beneath waterfalls, and take in sublime mountain vistas during a four-day trek along generations-old mountain trails. Swim with manta rays, scuba dive, and snorkel remote coral reefs that are essential to life in the islands. Return home having experienced the diverse landscape and welcoming nature of Fiji in places few visitors even know exist. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum or the Duke of Edinburgh Certification. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,265 USD plus airfare
9 to 14 days
Up to 20 students
12 to 20 service hours
• Additional service
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to the Fiji Islands Meet Rustic staff at Nadi Airport before heading to the South Pacific Eco-Lodge base in rural Momi Bay where you’ll have a chance to swim, snorkel, and relax at beautiful Natadola Beach. Participate in a formal sevusevu ceremony and start learning the intricacies of cultural practices in Fiji. Wearing your new sulu, get to know the local staff over a bowl of kava. Days 2 – 4: Trekking in the Highlands Explore trails local Fijians have used for generations to travel between villages. Expect to see plenty of friendly faces, swim beneath waterfalls, take in spectacular mountain vistas, and learn about the local vegetation—including what can be eaten and what may be used for medicine. •
Customization Example: Extend your stay in the highlands for up to five days to participate in grassroots infrastructure and education efforts to support the community and live with a local family.
Day 5: Return to Momi Pack your gear for the final time on the hike and trek two hours to the small Fijian village of Nasivikoso. Spend the afternoon in the tourist center of Nadi to check email, shop for snacks or souvenirs, and explore the various handicraft markets. Day 6: Bound for the Yasawa Islands Call one of these tropical islands home for the next four days and explore the white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush surrounding hills. Live without electricity and sleep on cots in large safari tents only a few yards from the ocean at our Islands Service Base. Enjoy a kava ceremony with the locals from Somosomo Village, who will make you feel at home under the bright constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. Day 7: Full Day Kayak Spend the day paddling around Naviti Island, exploring reefs and other islands. Visit villages, snorkel, swim with manta rays (seasonal), and camp on the beach. Day 8: Final Kayak and Return to Nadi Kayak the final leg of the trip and head back to the Eco-Lodge base for lunch. Say goodbye to new friends and return to Nadi on a catamaran. Day 9: Depart Fiji Explore Nadi and shop for souvenirs for your family and friends. Enjoy your final dinner in Fiji with a view of the sunset before leaving for the airport. groups.rusticpathways.com
Panapasa "Oro" Orodai Fiji Highlands Program Manager A native of the rural village of Wauosi in the interior of Fiji near our Highlands Service Base, Oro joined Rustic Pathways in 2005. Oro’s great sense of adventure, natural, athletic ability, and extensive knowledge of the cultures and geography of Fiji make him a strong leader. When asked how he is doing, Oro always responds, “110 percent.”
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LAOS
Mekong Service Base Stay at the incredible Rustic Pathways service base on the banks of the Mekong River. The base, which comprises six Lao-style houses and a breezy pavilion next door to a temple, is the perfect mix of traditional architecture and immaculate modern amenities. Embrace local living through village immersion and give back to the community through infrastructure service work. Hike to the stunning Kuang Si Falls for a refreshing dip. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,165 USD plus airfare
5 to 13 days
Up to 100 students
10 to 40 service hours
• Homestay • Elephant trek
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Mekong Service Base Luang Prabang, Laos Located in the country's cultural center overlooking the Mekong River, the Mekong Service Base is a perfect jumping off point for your adventure. The base is designed to provide a rural village living experience with easy accessibility to program resources and activities. Featuring traditional Laos accommodations, students will sleep on simple mats with mosquito nets and personal fans. Bathrooms are modern with showers and flushing toilets. Capacity: 100 students
Sample Itinerary
Beds: Mattresses with mosquito nets
Day 1: Arrive in Laos Touch down in Luang Prabang, where ancient temples, French colonial architecture, rich history, and unmatched beauty have earned the town UNESCO World Heritage status.
Showers: Intermittently hot Toilets: Standard western Air Conditioning: Teacher rooms only
Day 2: Conversation Partners and Laos Cultural History Sit down with local teens and university students to learn about their lives and swap stories as you help them improve their English fluency through practice with a native speaker. Bike through the side streets and back roads of Luang Prabang, stopping at temples, small shops, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, and the UXO Lao Visitors Center. Day 3: Village Orientation and Service Work Venture into the countryside to a Khmu hill tribe community, where Rustic students have worked to improve village infrastructure, build a primary school, and improve water access. •
Customization Example: Choose to stay with local families in homestays or return to the base house each night.
Day 4: Village Service Dive in for another day of service, working hard as a team that includes locals who want to assist with the project. Afterward, relax with your new friends, play games, and start collecting your memories in a journal and settle into northern Laos living. Day 5: Hike to Kuang Si Falls Leave the village for a three-hour hike through the surrounding countryside, passing small villages, farmland, and rice fields before you arrive at the stunning Kuang Si Falls. Take a refreshing dip in the bright blue pools or hike to the top and enjoy the sweeping views across the valley of Luang Prabang. Enjoy a traditional Lao massage before returning to the base for another delicious Lao-style dinner and service reflection discussion. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your to trek alongside elephants.
Day 6: Morning Alms and Kayaking Rise early to the sound of the gong, which calls the monks to morning prayer every day before they give morning alms. Kayak to Tad Sae Waterfalls for a dip and snack before continuing down the river. Close out your program with a special Laotian dance performance by a troupe of local women before they show you a few moves. Day 7: Return Home After one last French baguette and Lao coffee, head to the airport for your departing flight. You’ll no doubt leave with many amazing memories of your time in Laos! groups.rusticpathways.com
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Southern Laos Adventure Split time traveling between land, air, and sea traveling through Southern Laos during a unique adventure exploring history and traditional Laotian culture. Cruise the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and ancient stone temples, trek through beautiful waterfalls, kayak between river islands, spot rare river dolphins, and taste unique local cuisine. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,245 USD plus airfare
6 to 10 days
Up to 40 students
• Zip lining • Trekking
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Thailand, Transfer to Laos Sawadee and welcome to Thailand! Meet your Program Leaders at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Hop on a quick flight to Ubon Ratchathani, the gateway to the southern Mekong region. Cross the Laos border, a transition that will surely feel like you’ve gone back decades in time. •
Customization Example: Fly directly to Pakse, Laos, to cut down transportation time.
Day 2: Wat Phou Champasak Board a long-tail boat and cruise Lao-style on the Mekong River to Champasak. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phou, a Khmer Hindu temple complex dating to the fifth century. Explore the ruins, climbing over the stones to discover carvings that adorn the palace walls in the style of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Day 3: Trekking to Waterfalls in the Bolaven Plateau Venture into the Bolaven Plateau, created long ago by a volcano and home to breathtaking mountain views, extensive coffee plantations, and cascading waterfalls. Stop at the famous Tad Yuang Waterfalls and take in the view of the valley below. Enjoy a traditional Lao massage in town to conclude your day. •
Customization Example: Add a two-day zip lining and trekking adventure in the jungle. Spend the night in a tree house before returning to the village.
Day 4: Four Thousands Islands Wander among the bustling stalls of the local market to see how local commerce takes place in this part of the world. Drive three hours south in private vans to Si Phan Don, the four thousand islands region of southern Laos. Take a boat ride to Don Khong, where you’ll spend the next few days getting accustomed to southern Lao living. Day 5: Biking and Dolphin Watching Hop on bikes and explore the island of Don Khong, passing through local villages and riding between water buffalo on your way to waterfalls where the locals fish. Climb aboard a long-tail boat and head onto the river and search for endangered Irrawaddy dolphins! Continuing by bike, you’ll come to the gushing Li Phi Falls. Day 6: Kayaking and Back to Pakse Explore the waters of Si Phan Don, kayaking between the small islands, marveling at the gorgeous scenery. Pack and head to the mainland, driving back to Pakse for a celebratory meal. Day 7: Return Home Enjoy a final baguette and fresh Lao coffee before heading to the airport to catch your flight home. Your time in Laos will be full of adventures you’ll never forget! groups.rusticpathways.com
Khamla Sibounheuang Laos Country Manager Khamla has managed our Laos operations since 2008. Originally from the Xayaboury province, he received a degree in economics from Souphanouvong University in Luang Prabang, where he now lives with his wife and young daughter. He has also been instrumental in the expansion of our Mekong Servie Base in Luang Prabang.
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MONGOLIA
Terelj Park and Nomadic Service Journey to beautiful Mongolia, one of the most rustic locations we visit. Marvel at breathtaking scenery near Ulaanbaatar. Participate in service to support members of ger communities where many Mongolian citizens reside despite challenging living conditions. Explore Mongolia’s fascinating history, which includes the reign of Genghis Khan whose historical significance is large underemphasized in Western textbooks. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,625 USD plus airfare
8to 10 days
Up to 100 students
0 to 10 service hours
• Trekking • Skiing or snowboarding (weather permitting)
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar Greet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders at the airport and transfer directly to your first Mongolian meal. Participate in a short orientation to prep you for your enterprising week. Day 2: Explore Mongolia’s History Start your day with a 300-step climb to Zaisan Memorial for views of Ulaanbaatar. Unwrap the history of nomads and the great Mongol Empire at the National Museum of Mongolia. Discover the intellectual games and puzzles of Mongols at the International Intellectual Museum. Day 3: Volunteer at a Local School Work in the district outside Ulaanbaatar City to support a public school. Help build a more attractive and comfortable learning facility for children who face the hardship of low income life in the ger district, the area not connected to water or sewage lines. Return to your gers for dinner and evening activity. •
Customization Example: Extend your trip by a day to deliver food to local families.
Day 4: Finish Service Projects Enjoy a cultural show from the students at the school where your group volunteered to conclude your service. Be prepared to potentially perform a cultural show of your own! Stop at the 130-foot-tall Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, part of the Ghenghis Khan Statue Complex on the bank of the Tuul River, on the way back to camp. Day 5: Aryabal Temple Hike and Archery Hike to mountainside Buddhist monastery Aryabal Temple in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and spend some time reflecting on your experience so far in Mongolia at this center of peace. Take a lesson in archery, one of Mongolia’s traditional “manly” sports. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings before visiting a herding family to try different types of dairy products. •
Customization Example: Add several days to your trip to participate in winter activities in Mongolia (weather permitting). Learn to dog sled by guiding a team of dogs and hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding at Sky Resort.
Day 6: Journey Back to Ulaanbaatar Marvel at the views over the expansive city as your trek further out into Mongolia’s wilds. Look out for snow patches, camel crossings, and a hospitable family’s ger to stop for tea. Day 7: Experience Mongolian Culture Spend the day souvenir shopping at fair trade stores. Enjoy a rousing cultural show that features traditional dance, music of various ethnic groups, and the one-of-a-kind khoomi throat singing. At dusk, commemorate your time in Mongolia with Rustic ties, a Rustic Pathways tradition to honor experiences in country. Day 8: Head Home Say goodbye to Mongolia and your new friends before heading home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Haley Jacobson Mongolia Program Leader Haley has extensive experience in Asia having lived in China and Vietnam prior to joining Rustic Pathways in 2014. Discovering her passion for languages and travel at a young age, Haley brings her dedication to cultural exchange to our Group Travel and Gap Year programs year round. In between programs you can find her reading an interesting book, planning her next adventure, and trying local delicacies.
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MOROCCO
Arabic Language Immersion This is an incredible opportunity for students to put their Arabic skills to the test and dive into a completely different culture. Get instruction in the local Moroccan dialect Darija and Modern Standard Arabic, which you’ll hear on TV and read in the newspaper—both to help you interact better with the people you meet. Morocco is an ideal setting for international study, with a rich, colorful, and fascinating history. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Language Immersion
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,795 USD plus airfare
8 to 12 days
Up to 24 students
16 to 20 instruction hours
• Cooking class • Hiking • Visit Essaouira
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech Meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders and head to your riad in the heart of the medina, Marrakech’s old city. Eat a wonderful welcome dinner of tagine in the city’s famous main square Jamaâ El-Fna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Day 2: Start Language Lessons Sabah al-khair! Rise and shine for your first day of Arabic lessons. Get ready for engaging, conversation-focused classes in small groups with other students at a similar proficiency level. Partner with a local Arabic-speaking partner and start learning Darija, the local dialect. Days 3 – 5: Experience the Souqs Start each day with your Arabic class before a variety of afternoon activities. Head into the medina after morning lessons to explore some of Marrakech’s vibrant souqs, or marketplaces. Stop by a genuine Moroccan spice shop and try not to be overwhelmed by the colors and scents. Sample argan oil, jasmine, amber, and more! Participate in a souq scavenger hunt, putting your new Arabic skills to the test with local merchants. Explore the ruins of the 16th-century El Badi Palace in the southern part of the medina. •
Customization Example: Add a cooking class to enhance your knowledge of Moroccan culture while practicing your Arabic in a different setting.
Day 6: Language Through Crafts Conclude your final Arabic lesson and head back into the medina’s markets. Stop by a wood carving and silversmith shop where you’ll participate in a workshop from skilled local artisans. Practice your Arabic through conversations with the artisans to learn more about their profession. Present what you’ve learned during your language lessons with the rest of your group. •
Customization Example: Add a hike to a nearby village in the Ourika Valley and learn about saffron making in Morocco.
Day 7: Wrap Up Your Time in Morocco Say goodbye to Marrakech and head back to Casablanca. Pay a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret in the world. Stop by the souqs of Casablanca to do some last-minute bargaining for Moroccan souvenirs. •
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Customization Example: Add a day to your trip to visit the funky beach town of Essaouira. Meet with a women’s co-op to learn about Morocco’s rapidly-growing argan oil industry. Spend your afternoon wandering the European-style streets of the white-walled medina and bartering for souvenirs. Customization Example: Stay overnight in Essaouira and spend the next day at the beach relaxing in the sand or taking surfing lessons (weather permitting).
Day 8: Bid Bsslama to Morocco Drive to the airport where you'll bring your epic journey to conclusion and fly home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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Souqs and Service Participate in service projects that provide important space for exchange between our students and locals while dedicating positive energy and resources to ongoing development initiatives in rural Morocco. Spend time reflecting in the evenings about everything you’ve done and learned over the past few days with your group. Explore the famous bustling souqs of Marrakech before heading home. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,485 USD plus airfare
7 to 10 days
Up to 20 students
10 to 20 service hours
• Hiking • Zip lining
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Morocco! Arrive in Casablanca and meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Get to know members of your group in the afternoon at Bin El Ouidane Lake, a majestic crystalline lake that reflects the beauty of the surrounding mountains where you’ll stay the night. •
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Customization Example: Add a hike to a nearby farm to learn about the Moroccan saffron and argan oil industries that have emerged as important exports for local producers in recent years. Customization Example: Add a day to your trip to zip line and complete the high ropes course at Terres d’Amanar Eco-Park.
Day 2: Leave for a Berber Village Depart for a quaint Berber village nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, the largest mountain range in North Africa. Days 3 – 5: Community Service Projects Start learning French by practicing with locals before heading to the service site to work on grassroots projects designed and implemented in partnership with the local community. Service could include participating in English language enrichment activities with children in a local school, helping with a construction project in the village, or assisting local farmers with their harvest. Spend your evenings as a group discussing your service, its impact on the community and you, and reflecting on the experience. •
Customization Example: Add more days of service.
Day 6: Journey to Marrakech Weave your way through the towering peaks of the High Atlas Mountains toward the red city of Marrakech. Stop at Cascades d’Ouzoud Waterfall for lunch and take a short hike. Day 7: Explore the Vibrant Markets of Marrakech Experience Marrakech and its bustling souqs full of fascinating wares—everything from magic boxes to ostrich eggs and whale vertebrae. Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, Bahia Palace, and an authentic spice shop. Conclude your day with dinner in Jamaâ El-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Weave your way through the stands to find a good seat and enjoy a warm bowl of soup, skewers, and mint tea. Day 8: Bid Bsslama to Morocco Drive to the airport in Casablanca, where your flight home awaits you. groups.rusticpathways.com
Often, students have preconceived notions about countries and cultures. Though educators try to break down those stereotypes through innovative lessons, nothing compares to students seeing a culture first-hand and meeting people from that culture who don't fit any mold they have seen in the media. During our time with Rustic Pathways, my students were able to have meaningful conversations and discussions that slowly melted away any stereotypes they had. I saw my students blossom as they discussed religion, politics, and education with locals and their Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. My students came away with a profound appreciation of another culture, and I believe if every student had this experience, there would be so much more understanding in this world." Alexis Savas French Teacher, Rock Canyon High School Highlands Ranch, Colorado Morocco, 2017
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MOROCCO
Peace, Wonder, and Understanding Islam Critical Issues: Religious persecution and multicultural acceptance
Explore Islamic faith in Morocco during this Critical Issues program. Islam is often misunderstood in politics and the media, leading to polarization and fear surrounding the religion and the people who subscribe to its teachings. Join us to examine the roots of stereotypes in an effort to promote peace and build empathy by engaging with local Islam experts, scholars, and religious leaders in Morocco. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,575 USD plus airfare
7 to 10 days
Up to 20 students
• • • •
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Female empowerment focus Desert excursion Arabic or French lessons Community service
Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Morocco! Arrive in the imperial city of Marrakech where you’ll check into a hip riad in the heart of the old medina. Enjoy a welcome meal of tajine and watch the city come to life after sunset prayers and relish experiencing Morocco during this time. •
Customization Example: Shift the focus of the program to female empowerment and uniting girls and women to be change agents throughout the world. Explore Islam from a female perspective and examine traditional women’s roles in Morocco and the Middle East.
Days 2 – 4: What’s Islam? Spend the next three mornings in workshops with local Islam experts. Engage with university professors, Quran scholars, and religious leaders called imams. Discuss gender roles and Islam with a female imam, known as a mursheda. Examine the role of the media in furthering stereotypes. Interact with a local student of a similar age to get a more nuanced perspective from your Moroccan peers. Learn the historical and cultural significance of Ramadan, the monthlong religious observance that requires Muslims to fast. •
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Customization Example: Add a desert excursion and camel ride to experience a different part of Moroccan culture. Take a break during your camel caravan to sip mint tea in a Bedouin tent and learn about these nomadic people. Customization Example: Add a language component to your trip with formal language lessons to start each day in Arabic or French.
Days 5 – 6: Islam in Rural Morocco Head to Sbiti Village in the Ourika Valley to get exposure to a different aspect of Moroccan and Muslim culture. Settle into your guesthouse and tour the village. Start exploring the role of religion in rural life and compare what you’ve seen and learned about the urban areas to this small Berber village. •
Customization Example: Extend your trip by several days by adding a service component to your trip. Participate in English language enrichment activities with children in a local school, help with an infrastructure project, or assist farmers with their harvest to get a better sense of what day-to-day life is like in a rural Moroccan community.
Day 7: Bid Bsslama to Morocco Wrap up your time in Morocco with a final group discussion before a Rustic Ties end-of-program ceremony. We genuinely hope your time spent here, the experience you’ve shared, and the things you’ve reflected on will stay with you for a lifetime. Catch your flight home after some final group photos and high fives from Team Morocco. groups.rusticpathways.com
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French Language Immersion in Morocco Discover the rich heritage of this former French colony where French is still the main language spoken in government, commerce, education, and medicine. More than half of the population communicates in both French and Darija Arabic. Experience the wonders of this breathtaking country while observing influences of French culture blended with native Berber, Arab, and other European and African cultures. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Language Immersion
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,795 USD plus airfare
8 to 14 days
Up to 24 students
16 to 20 instruction hours
• Desert excursion • Service in the High Atlas Mountains
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Bienvenue au Maroc! Arrive in Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque before checking into your hotel. Enjoy your first cup of mint tea, a warm sweet tea famous in northern Africa. •
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Customization Example: Extend your program with a three-day trip into the desert to Merzouga. Caravan by camel into the desert and visit a Bedouin camp where you’ll stay overnight after enjoying a hearty dinner of harira and tagine. Spend the second day visiting the historic ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and frequent movie and television backdrop. Stay overnight in the mudbrick kasbah before heading back to Marrakech the following day. Customization Example: Extend your program by adding a service component in the High Atlas Mountains. Contribute to ongoing service projects related to education or infrastructure.
Days 2 – 6: Parlez-vous Francais? Start each day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast before three hours of French instruction. Prepare yourself for conversation-focused classes in small groups with students at a similar proficiency level. Spend your afternoons and evenings practicing your French while exploring Marrakech during the following activities: participating in a souq scavenger hunt to test your bargaining skills, hearing from local artisans about their crafts, visiting the stunning Ben Youssef Madrasa, pairing with a native Moroccan French speaker to interact one-on-one, taking a cooking class, getting a henna tattoo, and other cultural activities—all conducted in French. •
Customization Example: Extend your trip with additional activities that could include belly dancing, calligraphy lessons, a spice shop visit, tannery exploration, and more!
Day 7: Visit an Amazigh Village Drive to an Amazigh Berber village near Marrakech for your first experience with this fascinating culture. Hear about saffron in Morocco in French as you visit le paradis du safran. Walk around the village and meet with a local family for an open Q&A. Finish your afternoon with lunch prepared from local ingredients while looking out toward the High Atlas Mountains before heading back to Marrakech. Day 8: Bid Bsslama to Morocco Head to the airport in Casablanca where your flight home awaits you and brings your epic journey to conclusion. groups.rusticpathways.com
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MYANMAR
Hiking and Biking Inle Lake Embrace the natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes of Myanmar’s Shan State in this weeklong outdoor adventure. Hike and bike for three days through hills of farmland on the epic more than 35-mile route from Kalaw to Inle Lake. Immerse in the Inle Lake community. Cruise the waters, gaze at graceful fishermen, and meet the people who call these fascinating floating communities home. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,335 USD plus airfare
6 to 14 days
Up to 40 students
• Bagan attractions • Visit to the Shan State
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Mingalabar and Welcome to Yangon! Meet your Program Leaders and the many smiling faces of Team Myanmar. Catch a second quick flight north to Heho, the gateway to the enchanting Shan State (depending on your arrival time). Drive to Kalaw and have an orientation into Burmese culture, language, and history. •
Customization Example: Add several additional days in Yangon. Explore the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous religious site in the nation and dine at the former home of Gen. Aung San, the father of prominent politician and Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
Days 2 – 3: Trekking to Inle Lake Spend the next two days trekking through the stunning mountains, stopping in villages, and learning about life in one of the premier hiking destinations in Southeast Asia. Stay overnight in one of the villages before continuing the trek in the morning. Day 4: Biking the Final Leg to Inle Lake Switch from trekking to biking as you make the final push to Inle Lake, one of the most-visited natural attractions in Myanmar. Spend five to six hours cruising along dusty roads and visiting villages for snacks and lunch along the way. Reflect on the epic journey you just completed. Day 5: Inle Lake Immersion Hit the waters of Inle Lake on your way to a bustling morning market and the vibrant villages on the shores of the lake. Hunt in teams to find various handicrafts and learn about the journey many products make from rural villages to reach the market. Visit the homes of some of our staff, learning to cook a few Burmese and Shan dishes before a game of soccer to end your day. Day 6: Journey to Yangon Make the short drive to Heho Airport and fly to Yangon. Explore Myanmar’s majestic and glistening Shwedagon Pagoda. Navigate the bustling stalls of Bogyoke Market as you bargain for souvenirs and gifts for your family. Reflect on your incredible journey thus far and participate in the Rustic Ties closing ceremony to end your program. •
Customization Example: Add several days to your trip continuing farther north into the gorgeous Shan State to meet ethnic minorities and trek through tiered rice paddies.
Day 7: Return Home Grab your last local snacks before heading to the airport for your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Thien Than Aung Myanmar Program Manager Aung’s famous smile and laid-back attitude make him a favorite among both staff and students. Before joining Rustic in 2013, Aung worked at a five-star hotel in his hometown of Inle Lake, where he serves as our regional specialist. He has led a variety of programs across Southeast Asia including Dreams of a Nation, the Thai Elephant Conservation Project, and Life on the Margin.
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Documenting Democracy Critical Issues: Political change, storytelling, and democratization
Explore the evolution of democracy in Myanmar through interviews with local artists, filmmakers, students, and families. Myanmar is slowly making strides to open up to the outside world, which is reflected in local art. Spend a week developing stories about how life has changed in recent years through the eyes of your interview subjects in Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,795 USD plus airfare
6 to 12 days
Up to 36 students
• Visit Shwenandaw Monastery
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Yangon Meet your Rustic Pathways staff, a combination of native Burmese and non-local staff with backgrounds in filmmaking and digital storytelling. Visit the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous religious site in the nation. Day 2: Learn the Power of Storytelling Identify your story through a series of activities before heading into the streets of Yangon to put your new skills to the test. Explore the famous Bogyoke Market, have conversations with locals at tea shops, and interview university students. Day 3: Hear from Burmese Storytellers Visit a local monastery and give alms, an integral part of local Buddhist tradition and Burmese culture. Screen two Burmese documentaries before meeting the filmmakers. Get the millennial perspective of how Myanmar has changed at Inya Lake. Eat dinner at the former home of Gen. Aung San, the father of prominent politician and Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Day 4: Fly to Bagan Wander the dusty roads and explore the hundreds of temples that dot the landscape. Visit a monastic school in the afternoon to learn about its initiatives and the goals it has for students. Watch a beautiful sunset over ancient ruins. •
Customization Example: Skip Bagan to reduce the program length to six days.
Day 5: Meet Rustic Families Take a chartered boat across the Irrawaddy to a small island in the middle of the river rarely visited by tourists—home to several of Rustic Pathways’ staff members and their families. Learn about the village by meeting local community members, including the head of the village. Play soccer and cane ball, ride oxen, and enjoy a traditional Burmese dinner. Day 6: Fly to Mandalay Touch down in Mandalay, one of the most famous and intriguing cities in all of Southeast Asia and home to 70 percent of the country’s Buddhist monks. Head across the historic U Bein Bridge to visit meet with members of a local community. Interview them and learn about the complicated land rights issues playing out in Myanmar. •
Customization Example: Add a day or two in Mandalay. Interview local journalists, visit a monastic school, or explore Shwenandaw Monastery, built by King Thibaw in 1878.
Day 7: Finish Your Interviews Explore a village where traditional life is as it was several decades ago during home visits— your last day to conduct interviews and develop your story. Take an evening flight to Yangon and reflect on the people you’ve met, places you’ve visited, and moments you’ve captured. Day 8: Head Home Bid farewell to your Burmese staff and connect to your international flight back home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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NEPAL
Nepalese Village Life Contribute to the ongoing 2015 earthquake relief effort in Nepal. Participate in service initiatives designed to address the needs of your homestay community by contributing to local environmental conservation, water quality, construction, or education projects. Spend a day hiking to a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site, marveling at the mighty Himalayas on the way, and whitewater raft a class II and III river. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,525 USD plus airfare
5 to 14 days
Up to 25 students
16 to 24 service hours
• Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square • Bungee jumping
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu Meet your Rustic Pathways leaders at the airport in Kathmandu and head to your hotel to drop off your bags. Visit Nepalese temples and get your first glimpse of local culture and hustle and bustle of the capital city. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip with a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the history of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley.
Day 2: Whitewater Rafting Depart Kathmandu for the three-hour trip to Dholaghat, where you’ll experience the class II and III rapids of the Bhote Koshi River for 18 miles. Spend the night camping by the river, recounting your adventure with the rest of your group over dinner by a bonfire. •
Customization Example: Add two days to your trip with a visit to the Last Resort in the Sindhupalchok District of Nepal. Bungee jump, mountain bike, swim, or simply relax at the resort pool the following day.
Day 3: Hike to Mechchhe Village Hike one hour to the village, where you’ll greet your homestay families with a traditional Nepalese ceremony. Explore the village and get acquainted with your hosts. Days 4 – 7: Mechchhe Village Service Wake up each day to the cool mountain air and enjoy home-cooked breakfasts. Participate in ongoing service projects, which could include assisting with earthquake relief, helping with community construction initiatives, or implementing education enrichment activities in a local school. Share meals and chiya with your homestay family and explore Nepalese culture in the evenings, including playing cricket or soccer with village children. •
Customization Example: Add several days to your homestay and service experience in Mechchhe Village.
Day 8: Trekking to Nomo Buddha Say goodbye to your host families and spend the day hiking to Nomo Buddha, a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and home to a beautiful monastery. Explore the monastery and have lunch at a local dhaba before settling in for the night in the mountains. Day 9: Explore Kathmandu Head back to Kathmandu and explore the city. Learn about the history, culture, and art of Nepal. Visit Durbar Square and marvel at the old royal palaces. Experience Swayambhunath, also known as the “Monkey Temple,” and admire the views below. Haggle for souvenirs in Kathmandu’s bazaars. Day 10: Return Home Spend your last few hours in Nepal visiting Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a historic resting place for Tibetan merchants. Head to the airport for your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Divya Parameshwaran Nepal Program Leader With an MBA in Tourism Marketing from Delhi, eight years of guiding experience, and fluency in four Indian languages, Divya is an excellent ambassador in the local communities in which we work. A native of Kerala, India and an invaluable member of our Rustic Pathways India and Nepal team since 2010, Divya’s constant cheerful demeanor and zest for adventure makes her extremely popular among Rustic Pathways students.
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NEPAL
Himalayan Photo Adventure Hone your photography skills during this 10-day sightseeing adventure with experienced Rustic Pathways photo guides. Capture the mighty Himalayas, one of the world’s most impressive mountain ranges, and explore Nepalese culture through visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional villages, and bustling marketplaces. Leave with an impressive portfolio of one of the world’s most beautiful places. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,585 USD plus airfare
8 to 10 days
Up to 25 students
• Zip lining • Bungee jumping
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu Meet your Program Leaders at the airport and head to your hotel for a brief orientation. Day 2: Venture into Kathmandu Valley Explore Buddhist and Hindu architecture with a visit to Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former home of the Nepalese royal family until the 19th century. Catch a glimpse of the living goddess Kumari, a child believed to bring good fortune. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip with a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Learn about the history of Nepal and the Kathmandu Valley.
Day 3: Visit Buddha’s Birthplace Depart for the daylong journey to Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Siddhārtha Gautama, whose teachings inspired Buddhism. Prepare your photography gear for a full day exploring the famous pilgrimage site. Day 4: Discover Lumbini Capture the beauty of Lumbini’s sacred garden, which covers three square miles. Put your photo skills to the test snapping images of the garden’s ancient ruins. Day 5: Majestic Views of the Himalayas Drive five hours to Pokhara, a city on Phewa Lake in central Nepal. Photograph waterfalls and gorges, beautiful pagodas, and the Himalayas. •
Customization Example: Add an adventure component to your trip with zip lining or bungee jumping from Pokhara.
Day 6: Experience the Sights of Pokhara Hike to Peace Pagoda, a remarkable display of Buddhist architecture constructed by Japanese monks. Capture the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the beautiful Phewa Lake. Day 7: Trek to Australian Base Camp Grab your camera for a short ride before trekking to the Australian Base Camp at Dhampus Village, where you’ll stay overnight. Photograph views of the Himalayas' Annapurna Range on the way and experience local Nepalese culture in the village. Day 8: Return to Pokhara Start your journey back to Pokhara after breakfast. Explore the sights and sounds of the outdoor market before an afternoon massage. Spend your evening by the lake. Day 9: Enjoy Your Last Day in Nepal Venture back to Kathmandu where you’ll spend your last afternoon exploring Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a historic resting place for Tibetan merchants. •
Customization Example: Add a day or two to your trip to continue exploring Nepal’s fascinating capital city.
Day 10: Return Home Spend your last morning in Nepal haggling for souvenirs before heading to the airport. groups.rusticpathways.com
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NEW ZEALAND
North Island Environmental Adventure Experience the adventure capital of New Zealand! Explore the country’s variety of outdoor adventure activities. Hike to beautiful waterfalls and hot springs, take surf lessons at a world-class destination, and explore underground cave systems by raft. Give back by participating in environmental conservation or infrastructure service projects in a local community. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,495 USD plus airfare
7 to 12 days
Up to 24 students
8 to 20 service hours
• South Island excursion • Bungee jumping • Skydiving
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Auckland where you’ll be met by Rustic staff who will help you settle into your new Kiwi lifestyle. Eat a traditional meat pie and explore downtown Auckland. Head to Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, and take an optional SkyJump or SkyWalk. Conclude your first day with an orientation at Mount Eden overlooking at the Auckland skyline. •
Customization Example: Add a week extension in the South Island to visit glaciers and understand how environmental changes are impacting the landscape.
Days 2 – 4: Community Service Travel south through Waikato to see beautiful rolling farms and hundreds (if not thousands) of sheep on your way to Hamilton. Contribute to projects that may include invasive species removal, native species replanting, or infrastructure projects to help contribute to conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy games, hikes, and debriefs after full days of service. •
Customization Example: Add more service days to continue assisting the local community or experience the country's famed adventure activities bungee jumping or skydiving.
Day 5: Surf Trip at Raglan Head to the beach and take a surf lesson with professional surf instructors that call the worldclass surfing destination of Raglan home. Test your sea legs, jump into your wetsuit, and head out into the break with your instructors. Paddle out and continue to catch wave after wave. Share stories around the dinner table and get a good night’s sleep before tomorrow’s adventure. Day 6: Waitomo Caves Venture underground for an exhilarating caving experience that blends climbing, tramping, and floating through a unique underground river system. Lower yourself into a sinkhole to see the awesome limestone and experience the adrenaline rush as you slide through squeezes, zip into the black water-filled abyss, and scramble up waterfalls in your pursuit of daylight. Day 7: Gondola and Luge Conclude your unforgettable experience in New Zealand with a gondola to the top of Mount Ngongotaha. Strap on your helmet and race your friends down the winding curves of the high speed luge track at the top of the mountain. Afterward, make your way back to Auckland. Day 8: Departure Day Finish packing and head into the city for some final souvenir shopping. Say goodbye to your new friends and this incredible country before hopping on your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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PERU
Sacred Valley Service Understand life in rural communities of the Peruvian Andes by exploring issues such as clean water infrastructure, education, and access to public services. Stay with local families (hotel option available), contribute to sustainable service projects, and learn about the former capital of the Inca Empire. Hike through majestic mountains, zip line across valleys, and visit Machu Picchu. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,175 USD plus airfare
8 to 13 days
Up to 24 students
12 to 28 service hours
• Visit Pisac • Biking excursion
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Peru! Arrive in Lima, meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders, and take a private bus to the Miraflores neighborhood where, after a brief orientation, you’ll settle in for the night. Day 2: Travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley Rise from a good night’s sleep and head back to the airport for the final leg of your journey. Fly to Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire high in the Andes Mountains. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip with a stop and overnight in Pisac. Explore the local market, a central source of trade for villagers and local artisans, to understand the local way of life.
Days 3 – 4: Service and Quechua Culture Hike to the rural communities where you’ll stay for the next couple of days. Visit with local families, explore Inca ruins, and witness majestic mountainscapes to better understand life and culture in Peru. Participate in a meaningful service project that in the past has included assisting on a potable water project and helping at a girl’s dormitory. •
Customization Example: Add more days of service to your trip.
Day 5: Travel to Aguas Calientes Start your day with a picturesque train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the Machu Picchu ruins. Explore the town and shop, gearing up for the adventure ahead. Day 6: Experience Machu Picchu Wake up early and experience the grandeur of Machu Picchu in the morning mist. Start with a guided tour of the site’s history before marveling at the intricate stonework or stealing a moment of relaxation with the breathtaking views from the perched terraces. Take the train back to Ollantaytambo later in the day to relax at the hotel. Day 7: Explore the Ancient Inca Capital of Cusco Enjoy this mix of the past and present as you explore Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit 16th-century cathedrals, admire ancient Inca temples, and wander colonial streets. Visit the ChocoMuseo and make your own handmade chocolates from Peruvian cacao. •
Customization Example: Add a one-day hiking and biking excursion.
Day 8: Return Home Visit the local San Pedro market, taste the fresh fruits and vegetables, and bargain for any last-minute gifts for family and friends during your final morning in Peru. Head to the airport for the flight to Lima and your connecting flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
Raul Cobos Mejia Peru Program Manager Raul, a Cusco native, joined Rustic in 2010 and is now our Sacred Valley Service community service coordinator. Raul is trilingual, speaking Quechua, Spanish, and English. He has a passion for social change and is a beautiful storyteller, sharing stories with students of the Inca Empire. Raul’s passion for indigenous rights and commitment to social service projects make him a fantastic Program Leader for Team Peru.
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PERU
Machu Picchu and the Amazon Travel from the base of the Andes into the Amazon rainforest on this unforgettable adventure. Fly to the Andean mountains to view majestic peaks, valleys, and glacial lakes before descending into the Amazon jungle for a journey through dozens of microclimates. Spot wildlife up close and experience the ecological diversity of Peru while getting an authentic look at Peruvian life. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,295 USD plus airfare
10 to 14 days
Up to 18 students
• • • •
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Homestay Community service Mountain climbing Zip lining
Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Peru! Arrive in Lima where you’ll stay for the night before heading to the Andes the next morning. Day 2: Travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley Fly to Cusco, the historic Inca capital located high in the Andes Mountains. Day 3: Andean Culture and Adventure Visit a traditional Quechua village to learn about culture and history, attend a brief weaving workshop, and share a traditional lunch with members of the local community. Mount a bicycle for an exhilarating ride back down to Ollantaytambo. •
Customization Example: Add a multi-day service and homestay experience to immerse in Quechua culture.
Day 4: Travel to Aguas Calientes Start your day with a picturesque train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the Machu Picchu ruins. Explore the town and shop, gearing up for the adventure ahead. Day 5: Explore Machu Picchu Wake up early and experience the grandeur of Machu Picchu in the morning mist. Start with a guided tour of the site’s history before marveling at the intricate stonework or stealing a moment of relaxation with the breathtaking views from the perched terraces. Take the train back to Ollantaytambo before heading to Cusco. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip to climb a 1,300-foot rock face in a harness using bolted holds and ropes. After reaching the top, zip line down via six different platforms to finish your adventure-filled day.
Day 6: Capital of the Inca Empire Enjoy this mix of the past and present as you explore Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit 16th-century cathedrals, admire ancient Inca temples, and wander colonial streets. Visit the ChocoMuseo and make your own handmade chocolates from Peruvian cacao. Day 7: To the Amazon Fly to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon. Head to a secluded jungle lodge located deep in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Days 8 – 9: Issues of the Amazon and Puerto Maldonado Learn about many of the complex issues that threaten the Amazon and continue your exploration of its diverse flora and fauna. Take a guided night tour of the river and look for nocturnal wildlife. Return to Puerto Maldonado by boat and tour the city. Day 10: Lima and Home Leave Puerto Maldonado and fly back over the Andes to Lima, where you’ll say adios to your Program Leaders and catch your flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
It was quite a powerful experience for our students to work alongside students within the community that were their same age. Rustic helped our students step outside of their comfort zone and take a humble approach to service and culture. As an IB World School, taking action is a quality we try to instill within our students every day. To have them do this on a global scale was monumental. We look forward to planning our next trip!" Tim Reilly Head of School, International School of Texas Austin, Texas Peru, 2017
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PERU
La Niña Andina Critical Issues: Access to education, gender equality, and women’s empowerment
La Niña Andina gives students the opportunity to delve into the issues surrounding gender inequality in Peruvian education. Explore and discuss the realities of access and obstacles to education with local students. Participate in meaningful service projects with our partner, the Sacred Valley Project. Hike through majestic mountains, zip line across valleys, and visit Machu Picchu. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,395 USD plus airfare
10 to 14 days
Up to 15 students
10 to 20 service hours
• Camping • Weaving workshop
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Peru Arrive in Lima, meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders, and take a private bus to the Miraflores neighborhood where, after a brief orientation, you’ll settle in for the night. Day 2: Travel to Cusco and the Sacred Valley Fly to Cusco, the historical capital of the Inca Empire high in the Andes Mountains. Days 3 – 4: Service at the Sacred Valley Project Participate in service with the Sacred Valley Project that include infrastructure improvements and cultural exchange. Get to know the local students during group activities and meals. •
Customization Example: Add several days of service to continue supporting the Sacred Valley Project and its students.
Day 5: Hike to Rural Communities Hike to the rural communities where you’ll stay for the next couple of days. Visit with local families, explore Inca ruins, and witness majestic mountainscapes to better understand life and culture for students served by the Sacred Valley Project. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip spending the night camping under the stars. Enjoy a weaving workshop run by local women who have kept the weaving traditions of the region alive for generations the next morning.
Day 6: Travel to Aguas Calientes Start your day with a picturesque train ride to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the Machu Picchu ruins. Explore the town and shop, gearing up for the adventure ahead. Day 7: Explore Machu Picchu Wake up early and experience the grandeur of Machu Picchu in the morning mist. Start with a guided tour of the site’s history before marveling at the intricate stonework or stealing a moment of relaxation with the breathtaking views from the perched terraces. Take the train back to Ollantaytambo before continuing to Cusco. Day 8: Climbing and Zip Lining Climb a 1,300-foot rock in a harness using bolted holds and ropes. Zip line down via six different platforms and enjoy the breathtaking scenery to cap your adventure-filled day. Day 9: Experience Cusco Enjoy this mix of the past and present as you explore Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit 16th-century cathedrals, admire ancient Inca temples, and wander colonial streets. Visit the ChocoMuseo and make your own handmade chocolates from Peruvian cacao. Day 10: Return Home Visit the San Pedro market, taste fruits and vegetables, and bargain for last-minute gifts for family and friends during your final morning in Peru. Fly to Lima for your connecting flight home. groups.rusticpathways.com
In the Sacred Valley of Peru, the descendants of the Inca Empire are faced with many obstacles and often lack access to public services like education, especially indigenous girls. While boys often move to urban centers to pursue a secondary education, only four in 10 girls do. Women’s education is so important because they pass on what they learn to their children and help reduce the cycle of poverty. Studies show that an educated woman is more likely to have a smaller and healthier family, a stronger voice in family negotiations, and the ability to advocate for herself and her children. The Sacred Valley Project has been providing girls access to secondary education since 2009 and Rustic Pathways is proud to support this important work.
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TANZANIA
Village Service and Safari Contribute to a sustained relationship with a friendly and welcoming community outside Arusha as you participate in a long-term service project. Immerse in village life by exploring local culture and assisting area students in a variety of after-school activities. Spend the final two days of your trip with an epic safari in Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater in search of African wildlife. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,595 USD plus airfare
7 to 12 days
Up to 30 students
18 to 42 service hours
• Visit a fair trade coffee cooperative • Cultural bicycle ride
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania Spend your first night in the village getting to know your group, your home, and its culture. Discuss your expectations and assumptions for service, cultural immersion, and exploration. •
Customization Example: Add a visit to a fair trade coffee cooperative where local farmers sell to a roaster within their own village.
Days 2 – 4: Service With a Purpose Focus your daily service on an education and community infrastructure project designed to provide an improved and sustainable learning environment for students. Engage in after-school games and activities with primary school students to enhance their crosscultural competence, communication, and teamwork skills. Immerse in village culture as you learn to cook local foods, milk a cow, try to make the local style of pottery, and explore the geography of the village. • •
Customization Example: Add several days of service and cultural immersion. Customization Example: Add a visit to a Maasai market where people come together twice a week to buy, sell, and barter produce, basic household supplies, cows, and more.
Day 5: Into the Wild View the country through a different lens on an epic two-day safari! Spend a half day in Tarangire National Park, which has the most dense elephant population left in the world. Make the most of your safari by picking the brains of your experienced guides, who are eager to teach you everything they know about animals, their behaviors, and their environment. Overnight at a cozy tented campground over the Rift Valley, fenced for safety and comfort. Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater Wake up before sunrise and head to the famous Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive through dense animal populations. Experience the scenic descent into this lush valley, known for its herds of zebra and wildebeest, lion prides, and hyena packs. Get really lucky and spot the endangered black rhino, but remember, you never know what you’ll see as animals follow their own instincts. Return to Arusha in the evening. Day 7: Return Home Spend your final morning doing some last-minute souvenir bargaining for family and friends. Visit a local artisan social enterprise, if time permits, where Tanzanians with disabilities make high-quality crafts and goods. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Kwaheri na safari njema! Goodbye and safe travels! groups.rusticpathways.com
It was meaningful for the students to be able to work alongside the local community. They also found the conversations surrounding service particularly meaningful because it allowed them to see that when service puts the community and culture first, the work they do is beneficial and enhances the community rather than being superficial. They walked away from this week seeing how a weeklong service project could actually make an impact." Anne Ferrara Counselor, Hong Kong International School Hong Kong Tanzania 2016 and 2017
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TANZANIA
Climbing Kili Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with a challenging seven-day trek through five unique climate zones on Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa. Improve your safety and chances of successfully summiting by allowing your body to better acclimate to the altitude with this seven-day route. Recover from your climb with a relaxing trip to a secluded hot springs and an epic safari experience in search of African wildlife. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $4,875 USD plus airfare
9 to 14 days
Up to 24 students
6 to 12 service hours
• Cultural exploration and service on Kilimanjaro • Safari
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Tanzania Karibu Kilimanjaro! Meet your Program Leaders and your Tanzanian mountain guides. Check your gear thoroughly and listen closely as your guides brief you on the week ahead. •
Customization Example: Learn about the local cultures of the Kilimanjaro region and participate in a community-centered conservation project before your climb.
Day 2: Rainforest Trekking Trek from the gate through rainforest to Machame Camp. Check in each morning and evening with your trip leaders who will monitor your health and encourage you to hydrate and fuel up each day. (Distance: 6.8 miles; Altitude: 5,380 to 9,350 feet; Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours) Day 3: Into the Moorlands Practice your Swahili hiking songs as you trek out of the rainforest and into the open moorlands to Shira 2 Camp. (Distance: 6.8 miles; Altitude: 9,350 to 12,500 feet; Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours) Days 4 – 5: Acclimatization Hike between 13,044 and 16,000 feet over the couple of days following the “climb high, sleep low” wisdom to acclimatize. Trek through alpine desert to Karanga Camp on Day 5. Day 6: Preparation for the Final Push Continue through alpine desert to Barafu Camp to complete the South Circuit. (Distance: 2.5 miles; Altitude: 13,107 to 15,331 feet; Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours) Day 7: To the Summit! Ascend through the most challenging portion of the trek toward Stella Point on the crater rim, hopefully in time to see a breathtaking sunrise. Continue another hour or two through the arctic zone to Uhuru Peak for a group photo and brief celebration. Descend to Mweka Camp for the night. (Distance: 3.2 miles ascent, 7.5 miles descent; Altitude: 15,331 to 19,341 feet ascent, descent to 10,068 feet; Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours ascent, 4 to 6 hours descent) Day 8: Return to Moshi Reflect on your experience in Moshi, the challenges you faced, and what you learned about your potential. (Distance: 6.4 miles; Altitude: 10,068 to 5,380 feet; Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours) Day 9: Relax at the Hot Springs Take a drive in the afternoon down gravel roads to the Moshi hot springs, locally popular but largely off the beaten path for a relaxing soak. Day 10: Safari in the Wild Awake early for one last adventure in Arusha National Park, an oft-overlooked gem in Tanzania’s famed Northern Circuit, full of giraffes and buffaloes. •
Customization Example: Add a three-day safari starting with Tanzania’s famed Serengeti National Park for two days before finishing your adventure with the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 11: Return home Kwaheri na safari njema! Goodbye and safe travels! groups.rusticpathways.com
Jackson Paul Tanzania Program Leader Always full of energy and entertaining students with jokes and stories, Jackson has been an invaluable member of our Tanzania team and a favorite on our programs since 2013. Using his knowledge of the region, Jackson is constantly looking for ways to innovate and tweak our programs to improve the experience for students and the communities in which we operate.
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Ricefields Service Base Participate in a variety of service initiatives on this program at Rustic Pathways’ Ricefields Service Base in northeastern Thailand. Contribute to home construction projects, get your hands dirty with community garden and agriculture projects, and learn the basics of Thai cuisine to deliver meals to local families. Relax after service at the base with a dip in the pool or friendly pick-up games of soccer or volleyball. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,195 USD plus airfare
5 to 10 days
Up to 115 students
18 to 30 service hours
• Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary
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Ricefields Service Base Udon Thani, Thailand Situated in the heart of a rural farming village in northeast Thailand, Ricefields is a modern oasis amid traditional Thai life. Surrounded by expansive rice fields and village homes (and with the neighborhood Buddhist temple only steps away) students have the opportunity to witness traditional, rural Thai life. Our largest service base, Ricefields offers a swimming pool, work-out facilities, a Thai sala, fishing pond, and a few wandering buffalo. Capacity: 115 students
Sample Itinerary
Beds: Single beds or bunk beds
Day 1: Sawadee and Welcome to Thailand! Arrive into Udon Thani, meet your Rustic Pathways leaders, and head to the Ricefields Service Base. Take a dip in the pool, or join a pickup soccer or volleyball game. Enjoy a Thai feast in the traditional sala before learning about your upcoming service projects.
Showers: Hot Toilets: Standard Western Air Conditioning: Yes
Day 2: Dive into Service Work Participate in the Welcome Homes project to help build and repair homes for elderly and disadvantaged families in the area. Return for lunch at the base before getting your hands dirty and your thumbs green with Hands in the Dirt, the local community garden and agriculture project. Day 3: Isan Service Immersion Continue working on the Welcome Homes project in the morning before contributing to another project in the afternoon. Visit a local market in town and buy supplies for the Meals on Flip Flops project. Cook the ingredients you bought and deliver the finished meals to elderly and ailing members of the local community. Day 4: Continue Service Spend your morning on the Welcome Homes project before shifting to an educational exchange initiative in the afternoon called Teaching and Tutoring. Prepare English language enrichment activities to implement with local students. Finish your day by trying local Thai delicacies. Day 5: Final Day of Service Work Spend your last day of service finishing your work on Welcome Homes before switching to Hands in the Dirt that afternoon. Enjoy a swim and some pick-up sports before an evening trip into town to see the night market in Udon Thani. •
Customization Example: Add an extra day or two of service to spend more time contributing to ongoing projects.
Day 6: Experience Buddhist and Hindu Culture Visit the Smugglers Market along the Mekong River and enjoy a traditional Thai-Lao lunch. Explore the fascinating and strange sculpture garden Sala Keoku and marvel at the large concrete sculptures inspired by both Buddhist and Hindu legends and traditions. •
Customization Example: Add a three-day excursion south to the Sappraiwan Elephant Sanctuary. Learn about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and assist mahouts with their daily responsibilities caring for the elephants.
Day 7: Return Home Say goodbye and fly home after an incredible experience in northeastern Thailand. groups.rusticpathways.com
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Thai Elephant Conservation Spend time at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center, the largest elephant conservation center in Southeast Asia. Learn about the ancient bond between elephants and their mahouts, or elephant keepers, in the tranquil forested mountains of northern Thailand. Work with restoration ecologists from Chiang Mai University who are developing methods to quickly and sustainably restore the forests. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,895 USD plus airfare
7 to 10 days
Up to 28 students
0 to 4 service hours
• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep • Visit the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Sawadee and Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in Chiang Mai, the laid back and relaxing Jewel of the North and former capital of the Lan Na Kingdom. Transfer to your hotel to freshen up and unpack, then enjoy a delicious Thai welcome dinner and get to know the Rustic staff. • •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip to visit some of the region's most impressive temples and trek to a waterfall. Customization Example: Add a couple of days out at the Rustic Pathways Children's Home to make connections with the wonderful community.
Day 2: Explore Local Conservation Issues Spend the day with Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit hearing about the effects of deforestation in the region. Learn about the different forest types and ongoing efforts to protect and restore the fragile ecosystems and work in the onsite nursery. Day 3: Start Mahout Training Head to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center and start your elephant caretaker training. Learn how to communicate with and understand these amazing animals, each with its own personality. Discuss what you’ve learned about conservation in Southeast Asia, including the challenges elephants face as the continent’s population booms. Day 4: Jungle Ride Start your day feeding and bathing your elephant before embarking on a one-hour ride into the jungle to the camp where you’ll stay overnight. Have lunch and continue learning about life as a mahout in this forest setting. Finish your day with a bonfire and jungle feast. Day 5: Graduation Journey with your elephants back to the center where you’ll have a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate for your training. Head back to Chiang Mai to get a traditional Thai massage, eat dinner, and shop at a market popular among local university students. Day 6: Thai Cuisine and Kickboxing Start with an introduction to the ancient art of Thai cooking by learning to make your favorite dishes. Experience Muay Thai, ancient martial arts that are an integral part of Thai culture. Finish your day at the Chiang Mai night bazaar. •
Customization Example: Add a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, northern Thailand's holiest shrine, for remarkable views of the city below.
Day 7: Return Home Head to the airport after one last Thai breakfast, recounting memories from your adventure. Say farewell and board your flight home. Chokdee and come back to visit soon! groups.rusticpathways.com
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Medical Certification and Community Health Earn an internationally-recognized Wilderness First Aid certification through Wilderness Medical Associates while enjoying the legendary amenities of the Rustic Pathways Ricefields Service Base. Learn how health care works in a rural context and gain valuable experience assisting with service projects designed to provide support for community health projects in the area. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,525 USD plus airfare
7 to 12 days
Up to 30 students
12 to 18 service hours
• Study holistic medicine in Chiang Mai • Visit Laos to explore rural health care
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Ricefields Service Base Udon Thani, Thailand Capacity: 115 students Beds: Single beds or bunk beds Showers: Hot Toilets: Standard Western Air Conditioning: Yes
Sample Itinerary Day 1: Sawadee and Welcome to Thailand! Meet your Rustic Pathways staff before heading to the Ricefields Base. Visit a local market to get a sense of what life’s like in the surrounding village, then sit down for orientation to understand what to expect during your trip. •
Customization Example: Add a three-day trip to Chiang Mai to take a more holistic approach to health, learning about herbal medicine, yoga, meditation, and Thai cuisine.
Days 2 – 3: Wilderness First Aid Certification Learn how to assess medical situations, determine appropriate medical response in an emergency, provide basic first aid and CPR, and care for wounds. Return to the base and delve into Thai culture with engaging activities with your group. Days 4 – 5: Community Health Service Partner with a local clinic that provides outreach health services to the community by assisting with patient screenings for high blood pressure and diabetes, and with screenings at local schools. Learn how rural health care is delivered in Thailand and what obstacles local communities face in accessing even basic medical services. Spend the afternoons and evenings playing games at the base or visiting town. Day 6: Experience Buddhist and Hindu Culture Visit the Smugglers Market along the Mekong River and enjoy a traditional Thai-Lao lunch. Explore the fascinating and strange sculpture garden Sala Keoku and marvel at the large concrete sculptures inspired by both Buddhist and Hindu legends and traditions. •
Customization Example: Add several days across the border in Laos in Na Som Village, where you can learn about the role of the village shaman and health care in rural Laos.
Day 7: Return Home Shop for last-minute souvenirs, say goodbye to new friends, and fly home after an incredible experience in northeastern Thailand. groups.rusticpathways.com
Wilderness First Aid Rustic Pathways is proud to partner with Wilderness Medical Associates to offer a first-rate Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification program. Valid for three years, a WFA certification serves as an introduction to general medical concepts with an emphasis on patient assessment and management in limited-resource and remote environments.
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Rustic Pathways Children’s Home Participate in a variety of service initiatives in this weeklong program at the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home in northwestern Thailand. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you contribute to education enrichment projects at our partner schools, help out with ongoing infrastructure initiatives in nearby villages, and become part of the extended family at this unique facility. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to meet the CAS requirements of the IB curriculum. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,155 USD plus airfare
5 to 10 days
Up to 60 students
17 to 24 service hours
• Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep • Cooking class • Muay Thai • Whitewater rafting
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Rustic Pathways Children's Home Mae Sariang, Thailand The Rustic Pathways Children’s Home was established to provide Karen youth from remote areas of northwestern Thailand the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. The Children’s Home provides basic needs, school fees, books, and uniforms, and has a team dedicated to supporting these students every day. While staying at the base, Rustic students will sleep on simple mattresses. Bathrooms have showers and flushing toilets. Capacity: 60 students Beds: Mattresses with mosquito nets Showers: Hot
Sample Itinerary
Toilets: Standard western
Day 1: Sawadee and Welcome to Chiang Mai! Meet your Rustic Pathways leaders and depart for the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home. Stop along the way for your first Thai meal and enjoy the beautiful views of rural Thailand. Get acquainted with the layout of the facility before learning about the plans and service projects that you’ll be working on over the next several days.
Air Conditioning: No
Day 2: Delve into Thai and Karen Culture Visit a nearby village to learn about traditional weaving and the art of Muay Thai with a training session at an open-air gym. Start learning the basics of lesson planning as you prepare for education enrichment activities that you’ll present to the Children’s Home students. Days 3 – 5: Infrastructure Service Work in the Mountains Head into the mountains to assist with a service project in one of our partner villages, where you’ll stay with a local family for the next two nights. Prepare to get your hands dirty on a project that will depend on the time of year and needs of the community. Help staff and locals with an infrastructure project like building a library or mixing cement for the floor of a local school building. Spend your afternoons playing soccer with local children, practicing Thai with your homestay family, or finding a quiet place to journal. •
Customization Example: Add some time for an extended village stay to learn more about life in the mountains.
Day 6: English Camp and Return to Chiang Mai Use your lesson plan during an English language exchange camp for Children’s Home students. Work together to deliver the activities your group created for the students. Say goodbye to your new friends after finishing the camp and return to Chiang Mai. Enjoy your final dinner in Thailand before shopping for last-minute souvenirs at the Chiang Mai night bazaar. • •
Customization Example: Spend an extra day in Chiang Mai and visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, northern Thailand's holiest shrine, for remarkable views of the city below. Customization Example: Additional activities in Chiang Mai include taking a Thai cooking class or going whitewater rafting in Mae Taeng.
Day 7: Return Home Head to the airport for your flight home. Chokdee and come back to visit soon!
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Rebuilding New Orleans Situated on the edge the Mississippi River and the mighty Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans has strong French, Spanish, African, and Native American roots. Help with the ongoing Hurricane Katrina relief effort by assisting with home construction projects and interacting with local families. After service, explore the French Quarter, try traditional local foods, and take a swamp tour before heading home. Customizable Program Options This program can be adapted to take place in Houston, Texas, to assist with Hurricane Harvey relief. Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,725 USD plus airfare
5 to 10 days
Up to 24 students
16 to 30 service hours
• Visit a Creole plantation • Shop on Magazine Street
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New Orleans Service Base Louisiana, United States Located in the heart of the city, the New Orleans Service Base provides a comfortable retreat after a long day of service. The base boasts large communal spaces with an open floor plan, dorm-style bunk rooms, and modern western bathrooms. Spend downtime relaxing by the nearby lake, listening to live music, exploring New Orleans' vibrant neighborhoods, and trying local cuisine like crawfish, gumbo, or beignets from Café du Monde. Capacity: 25 students
Sample Itinerary
Beds: Bunk beds
Day 1: Arrive in New Orleans Enjoy your first taste of jambalaya and watch a documentary about the city’s recent history during and after Hurricane Katrina.
Toilets: Standard western
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Showers: Hot Air Conditioning: Yes
Customization Example: Our service partner SBP, a New Orleans-based national disaster relief organization, immediately began working to support Houston after Hurricane Harvey devastated the city in August 2017. The Rustic Pathways Foundation began supporting SBP’s relief effort and Rustic Pathways Group Travel created a version of this program called Rebuilding Houston to allow students to participate in that effort. Visit groups.rusticpathways.com for more information about the program that combines home building assistance with an exploration of Houston with visits to Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, and other local attractions.
Day 2: Discover the French Quarter Venture to the famed French Quarter and wander to Royal Street where musicians play as visitors shop and explore the area. Visit the historic St. Louis Cathedral before heading next door to the Hurricane Katrina Museum to learn how one of the costliest natural disasters in American history impacted New Orleans. Enjoy listening to live jazz in the evening. Day 3: Rebuild Homes and Enjoy Café du Monde Learn basic home construction skills and participate in the effort to rebuild New Orleans by helping to put families back in their homes. Interact with the families and hear about their experience before, during, and after Katrina. Spend your evening eating beignets at Café du Monde. Days 4 – 6: Volunteer and Wander the City Continue working on your service project. Spend your evenings listening to live jazz or zydeco music, engaging in friendly competition at Rock ‘N Bowl, and trying delicious foods. Day 7: Complete Service and Explore the Bayou Spend your last day finishing up at the work site. Take a short drive out of town for an airboat tour through the swamp after dinner. The airboat guides will catch alligators and bullfrogs with their bare hands and teach you about the various plants and animals that call the swamp home! Spend the evening recounting the week’s memories with your group. •
Customization Example: Add extra days in New Orleans to visit a Creole plantation, shop on Magazine Street, and explore the roots of the city’s Mardi Gras celebration.
Day 8: Return Home Reflect on the experiences you shared with your group and fly home. groups.rusticpathways.com
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California Rush Welcome to California, home of rolling hills, giant redwood forests, and an endless coastline. Build positive group dynamics in Monterey and Santa Cruz among the redwoods, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge and marvel and what some declare one of the wonders of the modern world. Take in the views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,465 USD plus airfare
7 to 14 days
Up to 20 students
10 to 20 service hours
• • • •
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Kayaking Hiking Camping Surfing
Sample Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in California! Meet your Program Leaders and head to the hostel where your group will participate in an orientation to the Golden State and on your program ahead. •
Customization Example: Add up to a week exploring California’s natural beauty. Kayak and hike at Lake Tahoe, visit the ghost towns and tufa towers at Mono Lake, experience Yosemite National Park and camp overnight, and learn to surf in Santa Cruz.
Day 2: Enjoy Muir Woods and Endless Coastline Drive to the Muir Woods National Monument, breathe the fresh air, and explore the beauty of the giant redwoods as you adventure through the park. Continue south along historic Highway 1 and admire the staggering cliffs and expansive Pacific Ocean. Stop for a scenic picnic lunch at Half Moon Bay and wind along the coastline with stops for picturesque views before arriving at your lodging for the evening. Day 3: Team-Building and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Spend the morning with expert facilitators who will lead the group through a series of intentional and fun activities designed to cultivate skills that lead to positive group dynamics. Work on creative problem-solving, clear communication, and self-awareness. Drive toward Monterey where you'll explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Day 4: Redwoods Canopy Tour and Back to the City Have an exhilarating adventure while exploring the redwood forest. Select your challenge level on aerial trails and more than 30 elements, including swinging logs, cargo nets, and cables set 30 to 80 feet in the air! Continue to strengthen the team bond, focusing on challenge, fun, and group interaction. Drive north to San Francisco along the coast and settle in. Days 5 – 6: Service and Explore the City Spend your mornings volunteering at a nonprofit dedicated to the people of San Francisco. Learn what hunger and homelessness looks like in the city and participate in service that could include serving food at a shelter or organizing donated clothing. Enjoy museums in the afternoons, visit the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, and walk through the infamous Alcatraz. •
Customization Example: Add a day or two to your trip to complete additional service in the community.
Day 7: Return Home Reflect on time well spent in nature and the bonds you made with your group throughout your adventure before heading to the airport. groups.rusticpathways.com
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Key Largo MarineLab Spend a week in Key Largo discovering an entire world under the ocean’s surface with MarineLab, the education arm of the nonprofit Marine Resources Development Foundation. Situated on the coast of southern Florida, Key Largo is full of marine wildlife and beautiful ocean vistas. Learn about marine and coastal ecosystems while enjoying the warm sun and applying your new knowledge from the lab to the outside world. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $2,255 USD plus airfare
7 to 9 days
Up to 28 students
• Beach days in Miami • Visit a marine life rehabilitation center
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Welcome to Florida! Arrive in Miami, meet your Rustic Pathways staff and, depending on your arrival time, settle into the hotel or drive to MarineLab’s campus in Key Largo. Your Program Leaders will share the plan for the week ahead during an orientation. •
Customization Example: Add a beach day in Miami at the beginning or end of your trip to get a different experience in south Florida.
Day 2: Discover MarineLab and Snorkel Head to MarineLab’s campus and learn about seagrass ecology. Get comfortable with your snorkeling gear as you perform a swim test and snorkel in the lagoon before leaving for your first field trip to study seagrass and mangrove ecology. Day 3: Study Coral Reef Ecology Take a field trip where you’ll focus on coral reef ecology. Learn about phytoplankton monitoring and zooplankton identification in the lab and start to identify different reef fish. Day 4: Field Trip and Coastal Cleanup Learn how to identify and classify invertebrates and take a test on identifying fish during your field trip about marine debris and coastal cleanup. Examine microplastics and their impact on the marine environment in Key Largo. Day 5: Kayak and Survey Fish Kayak in Pennekamp State Park before participating in fish surveys on the reef to identify and count the different species for research. Learn about different sponges and their impact on coral reefs and participate in a nighttime snorkel to observe nocturnal adaptations on the reef. Day 6: Learn about Shark Research and Conservation Head to the reef for some snorkeling followed by an afternoon activity about shark research and conservation during your last field trip of the week. Have one final dinner as a group before taking part in a closing ceremony. •
Customization Example: Add a day to your trip and visit the Turtle Hospital, a marine life rehabilitation facility south of Key Largo.
Day 7: Return Home Pack your bags and head to the airport. We hope you had an incredible week with Rustic Pathways in the Florida Keys and learned a lot from your time at MarineLab! groups.rusticpathways.com
The nonprofit Marine Resources Development Foundation was founded in 1971 to develop underwater research stations and technology for living and working in the sea. Those activities were expanded to include education of local students in 1985. Now more than 5,000 students travel to MarineLab each year in Key Largo, Florida, to participate in service learning programs about seagrass, mangrove, and coral reef ecology taught by marine science instructors. Lessons include discussions, lab work, and snorkeling trips to the surrounding marine habitats. The curriculum meets the United States National Science Education Standards and state science standards.
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Northern Vietnam Service Adventure Wander the quaint and history-packed streets of Old Hanoi, sampling the freshest and most delicate flavors of Vietnamese cuisine on every corner. Trek through Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong Nature Reserve where you’ll live in a Muong village and contribute to an ongoing community service initiative. Spend a night aboard a private junk boat on the UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay. Customizable Program Options Starting Cost
Typical Program Length
Capacity
Community Service
Add-On Activities
Sample itinerary starts at $1,625 USD plus airfare
9 to 12 days
Up to 20 students
18 to 24 service hours
• Visit Danang or Ho Chi Minh City
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Sample Itinerary Day 1: Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi Arrive in Vietnam’s capital city and meet your Rustic Pathways Program Leaders, who will give you a brief orientation of what to expect during your trip. Drop off your bags and hit the streets. Learn about the country’s 54 ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and take a stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. •
•
Customization Example: Add a three-day excursion to Danang. Fly south to visit a traditional lantern village in Hoi An and learn about the craft. Explore areas of significance to the Vietnam War before heading back to Hanoi. Customization Example: Fly into Ho Chi Minh City and visit the Mekong Delta and other sites associated with the war before heading to Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi to the Hill Tribe Villages Marvel at the landscape on the three-hour drive through the mountains. Arrive at a hill tribe village off the beaten path inside Ngoc Son-Ngo Luong Nature Reserve. Enjoy lunch with a local family before hiking the remaining four miles to your home for the next few nights. Days 3 – 5: Service and Village Life in Tu Do Commune Head to your service site to assist with an ongoing project designed to support the protection of the area’s natural resources, provide alternative income opportunities, or improve infrastructure of the surrounding villages. Spend your afternoons and evenings exploring the surrounding rice fields and interacting with your homestay family. Conclude your homestay experience with a community celebration showcasing traditional Muong song and dance. •
Customization Example: Add one or two more days of service to extend your trip and spend more time assisting the community and immersing in the local culture.
Day 6: Return to Hanoi Say goodbye to the host families and trek to the village where you’ll board the bus and return to Hanoi for an evening in the city. Day 7: Overnight on Ha Long Bay Drive to Ha Long Bay and climb aboard a traditional Chinese junk boat for a cruise among the jagged limestone karsts. Explore Sung Sot Cave and swim in the waters off Ti Top Island. Settle in for a night under the stars on the deck of the boat. Day 8: Explore Ha Long Bay Continue your loop around Ha Long Bay, kayaking in Luon Cave and stopping by Bai Tu Long Bay and Fire Island to see the exotic birds, monkeys, and antelope. Return to Hanoi for dinner. Day 9: Return Home Head to the airport and prepare for your flight home. We hope your time spent here, the experiences you’ve shared, and the things you’ve reflected on will stay with you for a lifetime. groups.rusticpathways.com
The students completed service work alongside the villagers we were staying with, which demonstrated to them that the work was necessary and therefore meaningful. I enjoyed the variety in the programme and gained something different from each part. Our students were very happy to complete the service and they unanimously loved kayaking and spending a night on a boat in Ha Long Bay!" Sarah Hill Middle Years Programme Coordinator, Victoria Shanghai Academy Hong Kong Vietnam 2014, and Myanmar 2015
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Important Information Program Payments
General
All program prices are listed in U.S. dollars. Payments will be organized with your group's chaperones to consider your unique schedule. Our typical payment plan has an initial deposit due at the point of student enrollment, with the balance split between two subsequent payments, and due in full no later than 60 days prior to the program start date.
This catalog provides a brief summary of some of the 2018-2019 Group Travel programs (“the programs”) offered by Rustic Pathways Australia (U.S.A.), Inc. (“Rustic Pathways”), a tour promoter based in the state of Ohio. Each itinerary contained herein is a sample of a Rustic Pathways Group Travel program. Each program itinerary, group size, dates, service or instruction hours, and price will be customized to fit each unique group.
Rustic Pathways Waivers and Medical Forms As a condition of enrollment on a Rustic Pathways program, all participants must complete all required waivers and forms. These documents will be due no later than 60 days prior to the program start date.
Immigration Costs The participant will be responsible for any immigration costs, including but not limited to airline, airport, arrival, and departure taxes or fees; passport costs; and visa costs unless clearly stated on the invoice.
Taxes, Airline Fees, and Surcharges Quoted flight costs are subject to change without notice pending fare, tax, and surcharge fluctuation until tickets have been purchased. Participants will bear responsibility for any increased costs, including those resulting from inaccurate information provided during enrollment.
International Exchange Rates The majority of Rustic Pathways’ programs operate outside the United States and are paid for in local currency. Should the value of the U.S. dollar change, we reserve the right to increase our program price in proportion with the U.S. dollar value change.
Refunds and Cancellation Penalties We reserve the right to cancel, alter, reschedule, or amend all programs offered at any time. If a trip is canceled by Rustic Pathways, all or a portion of the participant’s payment will be refunded, pending the cancellation date. If the participant cancels, it may result in a penalty of up to the full program tuition, depending on date of cancellation. Verbal notice will not serve as valid cancellation notification.
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All program participants and their parents and/or legal guardians (collectively “the participants”) are required to read, sign, comply with, and abide by a comprehensive Statement of Terms and Conditions and various waivers and liability limitations that govern and regulate participation in the programs. Rustic Pathways will furnish these various materials. All travel can be dangerous, and adventure travel to the more remote areas of the world poses unique risks. Rustic Pathways insists that all participants and potential participants seriously consider the dangers of any program undertaken. Participants should not apply for or participate in any Rustic Pathways program if they are unwilling to accept any and all of the potential risks and dangers such a program could pose. The number of days listed in each itinerary reflects time on the ground, not including travel time to and from the program. We reserve the right to alter program itineraries before and during the trip, with no notice and at the sole discretion of Rustic Pathways employees, if the environmental, social, political, or economic situation in the country of travel dictates such action. International travel to and domestic travel within overseas destinations will be on several airlines (“the airlines”). No airline by virtue of its endorsement in this brochure represents itself as contracting with any purchaser of the programs. The airlines are not responsible for any act, omission, or events during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the participant.
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Teacher Appreciation Program Educators form the cornerstone of a successful society. We applaud your work and your dedication today's youth. As thanks, Rustic Pathways offers discounts of up to 50% for children of educators on many of our summer programs. For more information, please visit rusticpathways.com/tap.
Flight Leading Don’t have a class to travel with, but still hoping to get out and see the world next summer? Consider flight leading for a Rustic Pathways summer programs, and escort students to and from their international destination. Keep an eye out for this volunteer position at rusticpathways.com/careers.
Employment Every summer, Rustic Pathways hires hundreds of seasonal Program Leaders to help us run our trips. If you're passionate about travel, love working with high school students, believe in experiential education, and need something to do next summer, apply at rusticpathways.com/careers.
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