Rustic Pathways
™
GA P Y E AR
Student Handbook
Welcome to
Rustic Pathways
™
Congratulations! You are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime! The experiences you’ll have and the friends you’ll make will change your life. We will do everything in our power to ensure that your gap year is the best it can be, but we can’t do it alone. It is your responsibility to take full advantage of this very special time away from home and school. Challenge yourself to learn, give, grow, and become a true global citizen. This handbook contains very important information that you will need as you prepare for your gap year. It is your responsibility to read this document and understand the expectations we make of our students.
OUR MISSION At Rustic Pathways, we empower students through innovative and responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities around the world.
Our gap year programs build on this mission to provide our students opportunities to develop global perspectives, empathy, communication skills, leadership ability, and self-awareness. Our programs are designed with the belief that international travel, community service, and experiential education are vital elements of a complete education, and we work to make these programs as effective as possible.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Contact Information
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The Rustic Pathways Code of Conduct
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Guidelines for Managing Danger, Risk, & Impact
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Health Information
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Student Medication Policy
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Health & Safety Resources for Travelers
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Forms & Documents
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Visa Information
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Air Travel Information
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What to Pack
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Luggage Information
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Program Costs
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Optional Program Activity Cost
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Revising, Cancelling, or Extending Your Trip
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Communication Before, During, & After Programs
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Community Service
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Your Semester Project
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EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION For emergencies only, during a program, use our 24-hour emergency line: 800.321.5264 or 440.602.2700 from outside of USA. Rustic Pathways will provide parents and students with in-country and global contact information prior to each trip. This is usually sent as an email from the program leaders or country team and comes about two weeks prior to the start of each program.
CONTACT INFORMATION Rustic Pathways Main Office Tel: 800.321.4353 or 440.975.9691 from outside of USA. Fax: 440.578.4200 Email: rustic@rusticpathways.com Rustic Pathways Gap Year Tel: 800.321.4353, ext. 6088 Fax: 440.578.4200 Email: gap@rusticpathways.com US Mail: Rustic Pathways Gap Year P.O. Box 429 Chardon, OH 44024 FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.: Rustic Pathways Gap Year 15345 Chardon Windsor Road Huntsburg, OH 44046
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RUSTIC PATHWAYS CODE OF CONDUCT To have the best experience, we ask you to conduct yourself as follows: Be Safe Think safety at all times! Listen to instructions, take advice from your leaders, ask questions if you are unsure, and use caution and common sense at all times. Watch out for yourself and others. In foreign and unfamiliar environments, there are dangers you may not be aware of. Ultimately, you must practice self-reliance and responsibility. Be an Adult Our gap year programs are designed for adults. You must be able to conduct yourself as an adult at all times. This means that you, not your parents, and not us, are responsible for ensuring that you have a positive experience. If you are unable to take control of and responsibility for your actions, your emotions, and needs, you will not be able to participate. Our rules exist to encourage safety and provide the highest quality experiences possible, not to restrict anyone’s freedom. Be Honest and Open Be clear, honest, direct, and prompt in your communication with others. If there is an issue that needs to be talked about or that your leaders and fellow students should be aware of, speak up. Do not manipulate people, exaggerate, lie, talk behind people’s backs, or use your parents or fellow students to speak for you. These are destructive behaviors that may lead to your dismissal from the program. Be Communicative Your needs, opinions, and ideas are very important to us! Do not rely on your parents or others to speak for you. You’ll need to be comfortable communicating with program leaders, fellow students, and locals. Expressing your needs, observations, and advice to others will help you make friends, have a safer experience, and enrich group discussions. Be Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco-Free If you purchase, possess, obtain or use illegal drugs, abuse prescription drugs, or drink alcohol while traveling on a program, you will be sent home immediately. If you help others to do any of these things, you will be sent home. The purchase, possession or use of tobacco, including e-cigarettes and vaporizers is also forbidden on all Rustic Pathways programs and will result in your dismissal. If you are a smoker, quit at least two months prior to the start of your program.
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Be Sensitive and Tolerant On your gap year, you will learn to move and live within new cultures. Be respectful of local customs and cultural standards. Each country Rustic Pathways visits has a special and unique culture and lifestyle. Be sensitive and aware of how your words, actions, dress and behavior are perceived by those around you. While overseas, you are an ambassador for your family, your country, your school, and Rustic Pathways. Understand and appreciate the differences between yourself and your fellow students. We all have different comfort zones, sociability, and levels of travel experience. Be tolerant, empathetic, and supportive toward other students as they work to meet their own personal goals. Be Respectful Treat everyone with respect. Talking behind others’ backs, harassment, insulting others, and fighting will not be tolerated. Anyone who acts disrespectfully toward others may be removed from the trip and sent home at their own expense. You have to live with your group, so don’t burn bridges. Learning to accept others and trust others to accept you is crucial to successful completion of these programs. If you’re doing your best, but having trouble maintaining a respectful relationship with anyone else, you need to let a program leader know so that a solution can be found. Be Thoughtful Help those who need it, welcome others who are outside the circle, pitch in willingly on hard jobs and give others space when they need it. Make sure you clean up after yourself. Keep your tent, your truck, your hut, your host home, and your sailboat clean! Dispose of waste and respect the natural environments you are privileged to visit. Think of how others perceive you and do not be an intrusive, offensive, or disruptive presence. Be Excited! Take full advantage of your adventure. Be proactive to make sure your gap year is everything you hoped for. Make it your own and fully enjoy it!
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RULES AND MISCONDUCT Below you will find a partial list of various categories of misconduct ranging from severe to mild. In assessing whether or not a student has broken a rule, we look only at each student’s actions and not at what others may have been doing. Consequences listed are typical and likely. Actual consequences will be at the discretion of Rustic Pathways. It is up to each participant to communicate any instances of misconduct, warnings by program leaders, or restrictions of participation resulting from misconduct to their parents. “Restricted participation” means not being allowed to fully take part in activities or not being allowed to enjoy unsupervised down time until such time as program leaders regain trust in a student’s judgment and intentions. For students 18 or older, Rustic Pathways will not be required to notify parents of misconduct or action taken, unless a student is dismissed, in which case we will make a reasonable effort to contact parents listed on the application and medical forms in order to facilitate a student’s departure logistics. Severe Misconduct Severe misconduct is behavior that presents a high safety risk. Standard consequence is removal from program as soon as reasonably possible. • • • • • •
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Disobeying or disregarding the safety instructions of a guide or program leader Alcohol possession or consumption, being drunk Abusing, sharing, selling, prescription medications and drugs, or not adhering to our prescription medication policy Theft Violating another person’s privacy Any sexual misconduct or engagement in conduct of a sexual nature that endangers health and well-being of anyone else; sexual contact with anyone who is not a student on the same program Violence; harming or attempting to harm to others physically or emotionally Self-harm (actual or expressed desire to harm oneself ) Harassment, threatening, bullying, bigotry Getting a tattoo or piercing Leaving the group without telling a program leader or intentionally sneaking out Breaking any local or international law Riding on or driving motorbikes except in cases of emergency
Moderate Misconduct Moderate misconduct presents a safety risk, jeopardizes program quality and/or damages local relationships. The first offense results in a warning and temporary restricted participation. The second offense results in dismissal. • • • •
Being disrespectful to any person or group Physical intimacy that negatively affects the experiences of other students or is culturally inappropriate Being excessively or repeatedly flirtatious with any non-participant Digitally sharing material that is intentionally defamatory of Rustic Pathways, our activity and service partners, or host communities
Mild Misconduct Mild misconduct is behavior that damages the quality of the program. The first two offenses result in warnings. The third offense results in restricted participation. The fourth offense results in dismissal. • • • • • • • •
Inappropriate or inadequate dress Cell phone, tablet, or computer usage outside of approved times or in a disruptive manner Using inappropriate language; talking inappropriately about behavior that is against the rules Inadequate participation in community service Repeated lateness for group activities Disruptive behavior Uncooperative and negative behavior, complaining Failure to communicate directly with program leaders when necessary
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GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING DANGER, RISK, AND IMPACT Travel, anywhere, can be potentially dangerous. Leaders will do their part to inform, warn, and educate you about conditions. As a participant on our program you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Those who ignore instructions or don’t use common sense can quickly get into serious trouble. Rustic Pathways reserves the right to send participants home who pose a risk to themselves or the group by ignoring these rules. You may be in unfamiliar situations or working with equipment, animals, or objects that can seriously injure you if handled improperly. If you have concerns, stop and ask. Do not do something if you are not comfortable with it. If in doubt, ask before you do it, touch it, try it, leap off it, or eat it. Below are important safety guidelines to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Listening to your Program Leaders The program leaders are trying to keep you safe, not limit your fun. Listen to them. Leaving the Group Do not leave the group on your own without first consulting with your program leader. Leaving the group without permission not only abuses the trust your leaders put in you, it may also put you or others in jeopardy. Your program leaders need to know where you are in case of emergencies or if someone at home needs to contact you. “In for the Night” Policy If you would like to leave your room for any reason after your group has gone to bed for the night, let a program leader know what you are doing and when you’ll be back. They need to know what you are doing to help you avoid taking unnecessary risks. By disobeying this policy, you would put yourself at risk and limit our ability to help you! Animals Animals may attack humans or serve as vectors for diseases such as rabies. You should not approach any animal unless a guide or trainer is present. Some animals pose no threat to you, but you may inadvertently harm them by handling or scaring them. In many of our destinations, dogs are semi-tame or essentially wild. They are often kept around homes only for protection, are not vaccinated, and are not accustomed to being touched or played with. If you approach a dog that doesn’t know you, you are likely to be growled at or bitten. Approaching a dog with your hand outstretched, as you might do to a dog in your neighborhood at home, may lead to a bite on the hand. 10
If an animal bites, licks, or scratches you, even if there is no visible damage to the skin, you should wash the area thoroughly. Your program leader will help you assess the wound and determine proper next steps. Often, animals approach humans in search of food. This is especially true of animals that frequent areas where humans have fed them. Monkeys can be especially aggressive, jumping into vehicles, climbing on people, stealing belongings, biting, and scratching. Avoid contact with monkeys and other animals unless a guide is present who can instruct you on how to safely conduct yourself and secure your belongings. The same is true of many other types of animals. It’s best to learn to appreciate them from afar. Crime Crime is a part of life wherever people are found. You don’t need to let fear of crime prevent you from traveling, but you should take steps to limit your risk. We carefully plan our programs in locations where we feel there are acceptable levels of risk from crime. This section will give some basic information on how to avoid rare, but dangerous, worst-case scenarios. Whether you’re at home or in a foreign country, taking risks or failing to be aware of your surroundings can invite others to take advantage of you. If you leave your belongings unattended or leave valuables in easy to reach locations, you may find that they disappear. If you walk alone at night into poorly lit places, you may be mugged or attacked. Stay with your group, with a buddy, or in small groups; maintain a watchful eye on your belongings, and keep to areas with lots of people and good lighting, especially at night. Many countries have tourist police, special branches of the police force equipped with fluent English speaking officers whose primary job is to protect foreign visitors and the tourist industry. You will be given the phone numbers of local police and tourist police if available. If a situation is out of hand and you are not with a program leader, you should immediately contact the police.
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Pickpockets and Thieves Cash is a target for thieves. If someone gains access to your belongings and wants to steal from you, chances are that they will skip your phone, camera, credit card, and go straight for the cash. Consider keeping it on you at all times, either in a pocket, a money belt, or some other type of small pouch that is connected to you by a strap or a cord. Keep your money closed in a front pocket or a zipped or buttoned pocket. Consider traveling with nondescript, old bags instead of brightly colored expensive-looking new bags. If you have a large amount of money on you, keep a smaller amount in a different pocket and avoid pulling out and showing the world your whole roll of cash every time you buy something. When you need to keep your cash in a larger bag such as a backpack, bury it deep inside the bag, preferably inside a locked pouch. Pickpockets are present in some crowded areas, such as markets or tourist attractions where there are lots of people with money wandering around. Be aware of your surroundings. If someone is trying to take something from you by force, let it go and do not struggle, since this will increase your risk of being physically attacked. After you have let go, shout for help. Finally, if you didn’t see it happen, don’t assume your property has been stolen. The vast majority of incidents reported as theft actually are the result of students dropping, forgetting, or misplacing their belongings. Rustic Pathways is unable to reimburse students whose money or valuables have been lost or stolen. Disagreements with Locals or Travelers not in your Group Regardless of what has transpired, it is never acceptable to fight or argue with locals. Do not argue with them, point your finger at them, shout, lose your temper or get physically violent in any way. There may be cultural differences that you are unaware of that have played a part in the disagreement and you may inadvertently take actions that put you at risk. If you find yourself at odds with a stranger, whether they are a foreign visitor or a local, immediately withdraw from the situation and find your program leader. Scams Scammers target foreigners because they carry money with them and are not familiar enough with local customs and risks to make good decisions. Scams take many forms and the criminals who engage in scamming are called “artists” because they can be astonishingly good at what they do, even with the wariest travelers. Never follow a stranger who approaches you anywhere. Don’t let money leave your pocket unless you are comfortable never seeing it again. Ask program leaders, especially local staff to help you ascertain whether any proposition is a scam. If you feel you have been scammed, tell a program leader first. Do not get loud, angry, or violent with locals. You are on their turf and have no idea what you’re getting into. Even local police may side with scammers in disputes if they are paid off or part of the operation. Again, always consult your program leaders before making any deals or purchases involving larger sums of money.
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Counterfeit and Fake Goods Buying expensive items that are presented as very valuable due to their age, material, brand, or rarity is often a way to fall victim to scammers, particularly if you are led away from a public area to conduct business or view merchandise outside of a shop. Similarly, accepting a “free tour” from someone who will take you to view goods for sale can put you at risk for being scammed. If you are even the slightest bit hesitant to say no to a scammer, they will immediately take advantage of the situation. Remember, they have had hundreds or even thousands of times to practice their routine and know just what to say to shame you, threaten you, or tempt you into parting with your money. Never let your money leave your pocket unless you are 100% sure that you don’t expect it back and that whatever you may be buying is valuable to you, even if it is not what the seller claims. Counterfeit products are ubiquitous and unless you’re an expert, you have no way of knowing what you’re getting. In addition, bringing pirated movies and music and fake brand name goods home with you tends to be illegal and may result in problems with clearing customs on your journey home. Gambling Most forms of gambling are illegal and highly unadvisable. Ask a staff member before playing any type of game for money or placing bets on anything. Do not expect fair play from locals who invite you to gamble and understand that showing money and a willingness to lose it will make you a target. Animal Products If you do find genuine goods for sale, keep in mind that it is usually illegal to buy or carry antiques or animal products out of any country. Buying items such as animal bones, pelts, claws, tusks, claws, teeth, ivory, shells, and medicines made with animal products is usually illegal and contributes to the extinction of many species.
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Supporting Sustainable, Ethically-Run Local Businesses As you travel, you’ll have the opportunity to buy food, souvenirs, and services. Always think about the businesses you are patronizing. Where does the money go? Is it a locally owned business that benefits the community or a large corporation that takes money out of the local economy, providing little in return? What are the employment conditions faced by the workers? Is it ethically run? What are the environmental and humanitarian impacts of the operation? The answers to these questions are often complex, but they are important to consider in order to minimize the negative impacts you make as you travel and maximize the benefit your presence brings. Ask a program leader about this and you will likely gain some insights about the places you visit. Women’s Safety It is especially important for women to be careful with belongings and to be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Tips for Women Travelers: • Whenever possible, travel with at least one other person • Keep hotel rooms locked, only open the door for those you know • Leave expensive jewelry at home • Avoid prolonged eye contact with male strangers • Dress in a culturally appropriate manner • Walk confidently and with purpose • Be wary of anyone who approaches you and don’t accept offers of food, drink, companionship, or rides in vehicles • Don’t leave food or drinks unattended or with strangers • Stick to well lit areas with people around and don’t let anyone draw you into a secluded area • When walking or jogging, bring at least one buddy with you • Trust your gut and do not be embarrassed or afraid to move quickly away from someone who makes you uncomfortable.
Alert your program leader immediately if you are concerned about your safety, if you have had valuables go missing or get stolen, or if you have been harmed in any way.
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ONLINE RESOURCES There are plenty of resources for travelers available on the internet. We recommend doing some research on your own. For the most part, they assume that the traveler is alone and not part of an organized, supervised group program, but there are still many helpful tips. General Information for Travelers: State Department travel information Lonely Planet travel tips For Students: State Department tips for students abroad FBI student safety abroad guide For Women: State Department guide for women travelers Her Own Way: a woman’s safe-travel guide Health Information: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) International SOS For International SOS, you’ll need the membership number from your ISOS member card. If you have not yet received your card and would like to log in to the site, please contact us. Resources for Students with Food Allergies or Celiac Disease: Translate your food allergies into other languages Gluten-free restaurant cards
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HEALTH INFORMATION Rustic Pathways does not supply medical or psychiatric advice. It is the responsibility of the participant and his or her family to make decisions regarding medical and mental health and care. Visit your doctor or therapist to inquire about how to prepare yourself before traveling. Travel clinics are great places to go to get valuable medical information and advice. This list of medical concerns is not exhaustive. This information is provided to help you understand and prepare for some of the risks inherent in travel. International SOS All participants will be enrolled with International SOS. International SOS is the world’s largest and best service for travelers in cases of medical emergency and other urgent situations where safety is a concern. The membership includes an evacuation insurance policy as well, so you won’t need to buy additional coverage unless you are not satisfied with the level of coverage they provide. You will receive your membership card with your t-shirt and luggage tags. Visit www.internationalsos.com for more information. You’ll need the membership number from your ISOS member card. If you have not yet received your card and would like to log in to the site, please contact us. Your Medical and Mental Health Documents and History It is extremely important for you to be honest with yourself and with us about any medical and mental health issues that you are currently experiencing or have experienced in the past. Foreign travel, rural, and wilderness environments, and other factors can increase the levels of stress on your body and mind. Having a plan to manage these issues is key to managing the amount of risk you take as a traveler. The input of your health professional is invaluable in creating this plan. You will need to honestly and completely answer questions about your health during your admissions interview. In addition, you must complete your medical form carefully and accurately. In some cases, we may ask you to have your health professional complete a questionnaire to help us assess your condition and its implications. Students must provide any additional forms or information we request to assess whether it is advisable for them to participate in our programs. Omitting, misrepresenting, or withholding information in your interview or forms may result in dismissal or restrictions on full participation in your program. Mental Health Support Our staff and program leaders are trained first and foremost in the fields of experiential education, outdoor recreation, travel and cultural exchange. They are not qualified in any way to deliver any psychiatric support or treatment. Our programs are not therapeutic and do not provide any mental health treatment or support. They should not be
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used or recommended as a component of mental health treatment regimen. We are not able to provide support or treatment to students struggling with substance abuse issues. As a policy, we do not accept students requiring regular consultation with their mental health care provider. If such consultation becomes necessary during a program in response to a particular situation, we will make a reasonable effort to facilitate it. In an urgent situation, we are prepared to provide our independent adolescent psychology consultant on a temporary basis to the extent needed to stabilize the situation. Allergies Be sure to note any allergies on your medical form, in your interview, and with your program leaders at the start of your program. If you have an anaphylactic reaction to foods, animals, or substances, we need to know about it before you travel. Remember that the exposure levels abroad can be different than what you’re used to and what may seem like moderate allergy may become more severe. If you carry an Epipen, consult your doctor and bring enough Epi for multiple injections during a severe exposure. Vaccines and Protection Against Disease When you visit your doctor or a travel clinic to discuss where you’re going on your trip and how to give yourself the best possible protection against disease, they will most likely check your immunization record. Consider updating your standard vaccinations if they are outdated. You may wish to get vaccinated or take preventative medicines for diseases that may be present in your destination countries. For any questions concerning inoculations and diseases please check with your physician, a travel health clinic, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website. Certain countries in South America, Africa, and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccine certificate if you have recently traveled to other countries where yellow fever is present. Peru, Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana are among these countries. It is your responsibility to obtain a vaccination and have the certificate ready to present when you enter these countries. In some cases, vaccines and certificates are available in airports. Special Dietary Needs If you have any special dietary requirements or preferences, please remember to inform us during your interview and on your medical form. Whenever possible we make an effort to accommodate the requests and needs of all of our travelers. We are prepared to offer vegetarian and vegan meals on all programs. We sometimes operate under conditions that are quite remote, and we cannot guarantee that all requests can be fulfilled. Make a point of asking your interviewer what the food will be like on your programs.
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Insect and Spider Bites and Stings Statistically, the most dangerous animals you will encounter during your travels are mosquitoes. One of the most important ways to avoid illness overseas is to avoid their bites. Mosquitoes are known to carry many illnesses, some of them life-threatening. Allergic reactions bees, wasps, and scorpions can also create very dangerous situations. The most effective mosquito repellent is DEET. You can find it in concentrations of varying strengths, but the most effective is 30%. Concentrations higher than 30% are not more effective, but a single application will offer protection for a longer period of time. The health risk for adults using DEET as recommended is lower than the risks associated with contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, chikungunya, and dengue fever. Bring DEET and apply it as needed. It can eat through some plastics, so bring it in a container that is unlikely to rupture or spill in your bag and damage your belongings. It can be hard to find in some countries so bring enough from home to last for your entire trip. Another chemical that has been proven effective in repelling mosquitoes is found in Avon Skin So Soft lotion. It is FAR less effective than DEET, however, so it should only be used if DEET is not an option for you because of an allergy or sensitivity. Other insects and spiders may also present risks. Your program leaders will brief you on local bugs. Be aware, check your shoes and clothing before putting them on, and always be cautious placing a hand or foot anyplace you can’t see into.
More Information on Insect and Spider Bites and Stings CDC information on mosquito-borne diseases CDC information on vector-borne diseases
Blisters, Cuts, Scrapes, and Burns Whenever an injury breaks your skin, you are at risk for a skin infection. Minor wounds that you might ignore at home can become quickly infected when you travel abroad. Ask a program leader to help you assess any wounds, especially if the skin is broken. Avoiding Germs You may be traveling to countries that have significantly different health and sanitation standards. Your body may be unfamiliar with many of the bacteria that you encounter and therefore have less natural resistance, increasing your risk of infection.
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One of the most common ways students get sick is eating with dirty hands or touching their mouth or face with something that is not clean, such as a camera or telephone. Be particularly aware of this during and after time spent in schools when participants will be playing and socializing with large numbers of children. We suggest you bring both hand sanitizer and hand wipes. These are inexpensive, easy to carry, and helpful in rural areas. Using a hand sanitizer does not guarantee that your hands are clean. When washing your hands, carefully wash all surfaces, including in between your fingers and around your fingernails, where germs can be harder to remove. Travel Illness It is common to get at least one bout of travel illness while visiting foreign countries. Your body is not as resistant to the local strains of bacteria as it is to bacteria at home, so it’s much easier to get sick. Common symptoms include diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, fever, sore throat, and coughing. Most of these illnesses respond well to antibiotics. All of our programs operate in areas where antibiotics are available through local doctors and clinics. If your doctor gives you a prescription for an antibiotic to combat travel illness, be sure to let your program leaders know before you begin a course of medication. It is very important to know your health status. Sometimes the symptoms above, alone or in combination with other symptoms, can indicate a more severe infection. Be honest and upfront about your health so that we can get you the care you need promptly and not take chances with more serious illnesses. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and apply hand sanitizer before eating, handling food, practicing oral hygiene, or touching your face. Click here for more information. Water and Hydration When traveling overseas, it is extremely important that you drink only clean water. Your program leader will speak with you about where to get safe drinking water during your orientation when you arrive overseas. Pay careful attention to these instructions. In many areas, water may be safe to wash your face with or brush your teeth with, but you cannot safely drink it. In other places, you will want to use only bottled water or water that has been boiled for you. If you don’t know if water is safe to use or drink, do not chance it! Ask a program leader first. Staying hydrated will help you stay healthy. It keeps your body functioning optimally, allowing your natural cooling system to work properly and helping to fight infection. You will probably find yourself living in hot conditions, so avoiding dehydration should be one of your top priorities. Be sure to carry extra water in your daypack before heading out for activities. We will provide as much water as you need, so don’t be afraid to ask for it. If you keep a reusable water bottle with you, be sure to wash it regularly with soap and not allow others to drink directly from it.
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Food Safety One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is the food! We encourage you to be adventurous and try new things. It is very important that you follow the instructions of your program leaders on what to avoid. Refrigeration is scarce in many of our destinations, health codes are nonexistent or unenforceable, and foodborne illness is a real risk. While we carefully choose meals in places that we trust, it is still possible to get sick from eating food that is not clean or that has been washed in contaminated water. Here are a few guidelines to help you avoid getting sick: 1. If you have food allergies, be aware that pans may be used to cook multiple dishes without being completely washed out. Allergens such as seafood and eggs may contaminate dishes that don’t contain these ingredients. If you have a food allergy, it’s extra important for you to exercise caution when ordering or eating anything. Do not assume or hope for the best, be sure to ask or let your program leader know if you have any concerns. 2. Eat only food that has been thoroughly and recently cooked. Deep-fried, pan fried, boiled, or baked foods are usually safer than raw foods. 3. When eating raw food, such as fruits or vegetables, stick to those that have a thick skin that can be peeled off and thrown away. 4. Use caution when eating foods that have not been cooked, like salads, as they may not have been washed with clean water. 5. Wash fruits and vegetables using bottled or purified water. 6. Wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly before eating or touching your mouth. 7. Eat at restaurants or food stalls with high turnover and at peak times of day. The longer food sits around, the greater the risk of bacterial contamination. 8. Avoid raw meats, raw eggs, and raw fish. 9. Avoid uncovered food that is displayed very close to areas where lots of people are walking, kicking up dust, coughing, and touching things.
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STUDENT MEDICATION POLICY •
At various times during the application, admission process, and during the program, students are asked to disclose any prescriptions that they will be taking on their program. Failure to accurately or completely disclose this information may result in dismissal from the program if their use is indicative of a previously undisclosed condition that may affect participation.
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Students are advised to inquire about the availability of prescription replacement or refill during travel. Rustic Pathways will accept delivery of prescriptions to be given to students, but in some cases, customs clearance may cause delays. Applicants are advised to inquire with their doctors about the availability of medication overseas. In addition to consulting a physician, participants may use their International SOS memberships to access this information.
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As a condition of participation, applicants must be able to carry their own medications and take them as prescribed without assistance from anyone else.
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Students are advised to take medicines as directed and not to begin taking a prescription medication, stop taking a prescription, or adjust dosages of prescription medications unless an examining doctor or qualified healthcare professional familiar with the student has advised the student to do so.
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Students must carry prescription medication in original containers from the pharmacy including the recommended dosage, prescribing doctor, the expiration date, and the student’s name.
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Prescription medication must not be past its expiration date.
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Students requiring medical examination or treatment must make the doctor or nurse aware of medications they are currently taking or may take in the future.
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It is against the rules for any individual to share a prescription, take medication prescribed to someone else, or to take medication in a way inconsistent with its prescribed use. Participants engaging in inappropriate use of prescription medications may be dismissed from the program at their own expense.
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Students must alert program leaders when beginning or ending use of a medication, or changing the dosage.
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GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR PROGRAM Your Program Leaders Key to enjoying a successful program is forming good relationships with program leaders. They are amazing people with incredible stories and insights to share. They are experienced, trained, and knowledgeable professionals who are fully committed to providing life-changing programs for every student. They can’t do it alone; you will need to listen to them carefully and follow their instructions. Their top priorities in order are safety and program quality. Sometimes they need to put safety before the individual wishes of their students, so be understanding if this happens. You should feel comfortable going to a program leader when you need help or have something on your mind. They will respect your privacy when appropriate and do everything they can to help you. Go to your program leader prior to contacting your parents when you need something. Your parents are not with you on the program and cannot help you as quickly or efficiently as your leaders. When you contact your parents, they will need to contact our office to pass your message on to your leader. This is a long and often costly way of getting what you need, and it costs everyone a lot of time. It also shows that you are still dependent on your parents and not making an effort to take care of your own needs by speaking directly to the people who can help you most. Here are a Few Examples of Who to Contact in Various Situations: Talk to a program leader if: • you don’t feel well • you need help resolving a problem with another student • you need more vegetarian options at dinner • you want to learn a few phrases of the local language • you just had the best day of your life! Contact your parents if: • you’re feeling grateful that they supported you in taking a gap year • you want to wish one of them a happy birthday • you finally remembered where you left your dad’s keys • your flight home has been changed and is arriving earlier than planned • you just have to tell them how amazing Australia is! Owning Your Experience From raising money to pay for your gap year to actively participating in discussions and contributing to group decisions, it is very important that you step up and “own” your experience. This means taking responsibility for ensuring a positive outcome for your program. Remember, Rustic Pathways is facilitating your gap year experience, not providing it, and we can’t do it without significant effort and buy-in from each student. 22
The Gap Year Curriculum While our programs are not academic in the traditional sense, they do offer learning experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. The lessons to be learned by contact with new cultures and ideas are profound. To enhance the learning outcomes share positive energy among our groups, we have developed a curriculum for our programs. It emphasizes resilience, cultural understanding, and empathy; these are qualities that correlate strongly with success in careers and in higher education. Please come prepared to communicate well with your leaders, locals, and fellow students. Group discussions, short writing assignments, activities, and community service work are all essential to having truly life-changing experiences. You’ll be asked to reflect on what you’re seeing and doing, and share your thoughts with the group. Community Service Community service can be challenging in many ways. Building projects and farm work can be hot, sweaty, muddy work. Teaching effectively takes a huge mental and sometimes physical effort. As tough as this can be, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Although we climb mountains, surf legendary breaks, have close encounters with wild animals, and visit some of the most revered sites in the world, there is nothing that compares with the feeling of helping others. Keep this in mind when the going gets tough. Your service work is likely to change the way you see the world and open your eyes to the power that you hold to make positive changes in the lives of others. The work you begin while on your gap year doesn’t have to end when you return home. Many students take what they’ve learned on their programs and put it to use in their own communities. They start charities, raise money, volunteer with refugees and immigrants, and even pursue degrees in international development. Your Semester Project It’s important to have something to show for your time and energy beyond a few photos and stories. This is an incredibly powerful, transformative time in your life, and your gap year is the nexus of all that you’ve done in life and all that’s still to come. Topical photo essays, poems, videos, written stories, blogs, post-trip community service projects, drawings, paintings, performances—these are some of the many ways to frame your experience in a way that not only displays what you’ve achieved, it will help you to get the most from your gap year while it’s happening. Your finished project will be something you proudly share with friends, family, teachers, colleagues, and employers for years to come! Our staff can help you plan your project realistically and execute it to completion. Sharing projects at the end of your program will strengthen the bonds you’ve made with your fellow participants and program leaders. Be thoughtful about your semester project and get excited about the finished product!
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If You Bring a Cell Phone... A cell phone can be helpful while traveling to and from programs, but it is not essential. Cell phones are only permitted during the program at designated times. Rustic Pathways provides both regular and emergency toll-free telephone numbers to assist you during travel. You will be able to use phones provided by your program leaders. The rates for these phones are much cheaper than international roaming tends to be, so consider using our phones instead of your own. If you do decide to bring a cell phone, we strongly recommend leaving it off as much as possible. At times, we will ask you to keep your phone off and out of sight. Please respect these requests. This protects the integrity of the program, ensures that we work as teams, and prevents people from disconnecting from others in their group. A phone can be a means of delaying or avoiding the process of acclimating to new surroundings, getting to know new people, and becoming comfortable communicating face to face. Having a phone can really detract from the quality and power of your program. Please take a moment to read our Open Letter to Students with Cell Phones. Parents: We are in frequent contact with program leaders and will tell you if there’s anything you need to know about. Often, our groups are out of cell phone range and without email access. In general, no news is good news. Consider helping your child fully immerse in their program by limiting contact to one phone call or email a week, but not a constant stream of texts. Please read our Open Letter to Parents about Cell Phones.
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FORMS AND DOCUMENTS Rustic Pathways will distribute additional documents to be completed before travel. All forms will be emailed to the email addresses that you specify at the time of submitting your original application. If you need to correct this information please send an email to gap@rusticpathways.com. Participant Enrollment Agreement (PEA) This contract can be signed electronically and is delivered via email by Echosign. It is mandatory and must be e-signed by the Participant and two parents or legal guardians. If the participant is 18 years of age or older, then only one parent signature is required. Medical Form You will be sent a link to complete your online medical history forms. Once everything is entered online, you will be asked to print and sign the completed form. You may keep this copy for your records, and send a scanned copy of the final page (with participant and at least one parent signature) to forms@rusticpathways.com. A physician’s signature is not required, but we do strongly recommend you seek medical advice from a qualified licensed physician before your program. It is very important that you answer the questions on this form truthfully and completely. Medical and Mental Health Professional Questionnaires Participants with certain medical or mental issues, or who have been under the regular care of a medical or mental health care professional within the past year will be asked to have their medical or mental health care professional complete a questionnaire to help us assess their needs while traveling.
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Passport We require a copy of the first page of your passport. Please scan and email a copy to forms@rusticpathways.com. The passport must be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return date. We use the passport info we have on file to book flights for you, so be sure to send us an updated copy anytime you get a new passport. If you need to replace an old passport or obtain a new passport, you must do so at your own expense. You will not be able to board your flight if you do not have a current passport with you. Click here for information about obtaining and renewing your passport. Prohibited Activities Addendum At the Parents/Legal Guardians request, they can prohibit Participants who are minors from engaging in certain activities. By default the family approves of all activities on RP trips. If the family has completed the Addendum prohibiting SCUBA Diving, but completes SCUBA waiver, they cannot SCUBA Dive. In the event of any conflict/confusion, safety prevails and the activity will not be allowed. If you have questions regarding this paperwork, please contact us at forms@rusticpathways.com or call us at 800.321.4353. You may also view our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
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VISA INFORMATION Acquiring a visa for travel is your responsibility – please be mindful of processing times. You may be denied access to destinations without the appropriate paperwork. Rustic Pathways is not responsible for travel delays or cancellations due to invalid travel documents. Rustic Pathways has a partnership with G3 Global Services, experts in visa and passport services. As you prepare for your program, please visit the G3 website for any pre-travel visa requirements needed for your destination countries. G3 representatives are available to assist you and can be contacted using the information listed below: Phone: 703.276.8472 Toll Free: 888.883.8472 Email: rusticpathways@g3visas.com Most of these visa instructions are written for U.S. citizens, so if you are traveling on a passport from another country, you’ll need to check what the visa procedures are for citizens of your country. If you get stuck, contact G3 or a member of the Gap Year team, and we’ll do our best to help you find the information you need. Note for ALL travelers: Your passport should always be valid for 6 months after your intended return to your home country and you should have at least 2 blank visa pages per country you will be visiting.
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AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION Your program begins and ends in the locations listed on our website and in our catalog. Rustic Pathways books and pays for all internal flights and transportation. You will not need to worry about these bookings. Rustic Pathways has a team of licensed travel agents that can book your international flights for you if you’d like. If you prefer to book your own international flights, around 60 days before your program begins, we will send you information to help you find these flights. This gives you time to obtain reasonably priced tickets, but limits the amount of time during which anything could arise that would require costly adjustments to travel plans. The information will give windows of time during which we ask you to arrive or depart. We may also suggest specific flights. We ask that you wait until you receive your flight instructions before shopping for flights and that you send your proposed itinerary to us before you pay for the tickets. Please print and carry itineraries for your international flights, as well as any other flight details provided to you by Rustic Pathways. T-Shirt and Trip Package Prior to your departure, you will receive a t-shirt, luggage tags, stickers, International SOS membership card, and country information booklets. Wear your t-shirt when you arrive in your destination airport. It will help our staff to quickly spot you. If you sign up less than 30 days before your program starts or if you live outside of the United States, you may not receive this package before you travel. Don’t worry, you are still able to travel and join our programs without your t-shirt or luggage tags and you can still access ISOS services without your card. If you would like to order additional shirts, please contact our main office by emailing us with your preferred size at gap@rusticpathways.com.
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Missed or Delayed Flights If your flight to your start location is delayed, be sure to let us know as soon as possible. We will have your flight info and will be able to see the status of your flight and your new arrival time, so that we can be sure that someone is on hand to meet you. If you are going to arrive outside of our arrival window, we may need to make special arrangements for you. In general, this is easy for us to do, but in some situations, there will be added costs for you to pay, such as hotel bookings, internal flight changes, or taxi fares. If you miss your flight, go directly to an airline representative and ask for help. Show them your airline ticket/boarding pass and your itinerary. Next, contact Rustic Pathways on the emergency number provided to you in the Pre-Trip Packet and in this handbook. Frequent Flyer Programs You may want to enroll in frequent flyer programs to accrue miles for the flights to, from, and during your gap year. You are responsible for providing frequent flyer information upon check-in for each flight. If you forget to provide your frequent flyer info at checkin, you can request mileage credit later only if you can provide the name of the airline, flight number, route, seat number, and ticketing class (for examply Y, J, or B).
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LUGGAGE INFORMATION All luggage and carry-on bags should have at least two identification tags. Put one sturdy nametag on the outside of the bag and contact information detailing your home address and phone number inside the bag. Smart travelers put identification on everything they could lose. We will send you Rustic Pathways luggage tags. These tags will help identify your bag if it is separated from you during travel, help you know which bag is yours, and also makes it easy for our staff to know which bags belong to our group when we are moving from place to place. You will receive baggage claim receipts for your luggage from the airline when you check in. Keep your baggage claim receipts with your boarding passes. Do not throw them away. Match the tag to your bag when you pick it up. You must be able to carry your own luggage. Resist the temptation to over pack. Please check with your airlines to confirm baggage charge policies and fees. Any fees charged for baggage are your responsibility. When checking in for any flight, it is important to ask whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage for connecting flights. Do not assume that your luggage will automatically transfer with you, especially when connecting from domestic to international flights. Carry-On Luggage Each participant on a Rustic Pathways trip needs to bring a carry-on bag. We suggest a small book bag with shoulder straps. This bag will hold everything you will need while on the plane ride and it should double as a daypack while you are on your trip. It’s often too cold or too hot on long flights. Wear a lightweight, comfortable base layer and pack a long sleeve shirt in your carry-on in case it’s too cold. Reading material, lip balm to protect against dry air, a toothbrush, and a spare set of socks and underwear also make long-haul travel much more comfortable. Bring at least 2 pens. These will allow you to complete your arrival cards without having to stand in an extra line at passport control just to use a pen. Plus, you’ll have an extra pen to share with that forlorn family with 4 kids and nothing to write with.
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Checked Luggage For our programs, the most practical bag is a water-resistant, medium duffle bag with backpack straps and a zipper that runs across the entire top of the bag. This makes it easy to carry and get in and out of without having to completely unpack and repack. Your checked baggage must remain unlocked at check-in. Anytime you check a bag, you should ask where and when you should claim it, especially when connecting between domestic and international flights. Be careful not to exceed the weight limit for any of your flights. Most flights have a limit of one piece of checked luggage not more than 20 kilograms in weight (44 pounds). Note: Airline security has specific regulations for your luggage. Please check the TSA website for an up-to-date list of prohibited items.
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WHAT TO PACK For detailed and program-specific packing lists, please refer to the packing list on your program page. If you have multiple trips, please review each program’s packing list and consolidate accordingly. Bring only what you need. Remember, personal belongings are brought at your own risk! Rustic Pathways cannot reimburse losses resulting from misplaced, broken, damaged, or stolen items. Passport and Copies Make several copies of the page of your passport with your picture and information and put one in each bag you bring. These are useful in case of lost luggage. Email a copy to us. If you replace your passport before or during your program, be sure to send us an updated copy or you may be unable to check into flights or access certain services. Keep your passport in your carry-on bag, in your pocket, or in your hand at all times. NEVER place it in the seat pockets of planes, vans, or buses. It’s easy to do this as you settle in for your trip, but very hard to remember when you get off! Printed Flight Details Print and carry flight details of any flight that you booked yourself or through an agent. These should be stored in your carry-on bag in case you are asked to present them at check-in or immigration. Laptop/Tablet/E-Reader These are not recommended but can be useful for storing photos, emailing, or reading during your downtime. If you decide you can’t live without your tablet or you need your laptop for some reason, you’ll want a very durable protective case to carry it in. We’ll ask you to refrain from using these items at certain times.
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Cameras Your trip is one giant photo opportunity! Almost all participants bring a camera along. Cameras (and equipment) vary from point and shoot models all the way to professional gear. Here are a few pointers to help you decide what to bring: Bring only what you can carry, care for, and use. Limit the amount of gear you bring. Tripods, spare lenses and large flash units are OK if you are able to protect and carry them. Otherwise they are simply extra weight to lug around. Check your travel insurance policy to make sure expensive equipment is covered in case of loss or damage. Smartphone apps like Instagram provide ever more advanced filters and controls, plus the ability to instantly share pictures with others. Remember, it may look great on a small screen, but the resolution is too low for much else. If you do want to take good quality photos, consider bringing a small camera, rather than using only your smartphone. When taking photos of locals, it’s important to ask permission first. If there’s a language barrier, you can use gestures to determine whether or not someone is comfortable being photographed. Enter new places with a smile and hello first to acknowledge people before you start snapping away. Larger body cameras take wonderful photos, but can be intimidating and create more of a wall between yourself and your subject than smaller point-and-shoot models. Your program leaders will brief you on proper photo-etiquette during your orientation. Electrical Adapters For questions regarding the electric current & plug adaptors that may be necessary in the country you will be visiting, please visit http://electricaloutlet.org. This is an excellent site and includes a lot of information you will need (as well as some illustrations) to understand what adaptors to bring. Diary/Journal Many students keep a journal or scrapbook. This running diary of the trip is a great way to process what you’re experiencing, save small mementos, and remember moments that might otherwise be forgotten over time. We suggest you start writing in it as you prepare for the trip—jot down what you are looking forward to and what you expect will happen—you may be surprised when you finish your gap year and compare notes! Gifts When traveling to villages and small towns on our community service programs, you may wish to bring small gifts to give to the local people, such as host families, who make your trip special. Participants can find more information about gift giving in our specific trip packing list(s). T-shirts, key chains, items with the name of your hometown, toys, Frisbees, and soccer balls are a few examples of gifts that you may wish to bring.
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First-Aid Kit We recommend bringing a small personal first-aid kit. Items such as alcohol wipes, Band-Aids, medical tape, tweezers, triple antibiotic ointment, and ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol) may come in handy. Be sure to let your program leaders know if you get any cuts, scrapes, aches and pains, or if you feel ill in any way. Your program leaders will also carry a well-stocked med kit in case of any health issues. Proper wound care is extremely important, even for very small wounds, since infections can spread quickly and affect your ability to participate in your program. Sunscreen and Sunglasses The sun in many of our destinations is remarkably strong and we’re outside most of the time. Bring a good sunscreen to protect against sunburn. SPF 50 with moisturizer is recommended. Those with sensitive skin need to be extremely cautious, as it is easy to get burned. Certain medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Be Sure to Pack at Least One of Each: • High-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen lotion • Hat or visor to keep the sun off • Sunglasses with UV protection • Lip Balm with sunscreen • Long-sleeve shirt, long pants – lightweight, fast-drying are best Toiletries You’ll find that in most of our destination countries, it’s easy to find usable soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and other toiletries. If you need specific products due to sensitive skin or personal preference, you’ll want to bring these from home. Women should bring any feminine hygiene products that they need. It’s easy to find basic products such as pads in other countries, but items such as tampons, are sometimes unavailable. Contact lens care products tend to be available only in large cities and should be brought from home. Whenever possible, use all-natural, biodegradable products that will limit your impact on local environments.
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Other Items Aside from the items that appear on our packing lists, participants may want to bring with them one of the following: • • • •
Playing cards Frisbee, hacky sack, football, soccer ball, volleyball etc. Pictures of family & friends Musical instrument – if you play something fun and are good at it, bring it! (Please be mindful of baggage allowances on airlines and possible breakage)
Spending Money Meals, water, accommodation, and group activities are all included in your program. You’ll need to bring some money for visa fees, souvenirs, snacks, optional activities, and perhaps to purchase materials for donations to schools and villages (not required). We recommend bringing a combination of cash, a debit card connected to an account that someone at home can deposit into, possibly a credit card, and some traveler’s checks. Cash Cash is the easiest way to pay for things around the world. You’ll definitely want to bring a few hundred dollars with you when you travel. US Dollars are the preferred currency around the world, so consider exchanging other currencies into USD before you arrive in your destination country. Bring crisp, new bills without tears, deep creases, stamps or marks on them for the easy exchange. If your debit card is lost during travel, please use Western Union or Moneygram to get money from home sent to you. We can contact program leaders to request they take you to the nearest Western Union location. International SOS can also be used as a resource. We recommend that you bring $350-$600 per month, plus money for any optional activities that you want to try (see Optional Activity Costs, p. 37).
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PROGRAM COSTS The Cost of Your Program Includes: • • • • • •
3 meals per day during your programs Drinking water All accommodation while overseas All scheduled events Park entry fees Departure taxes
The Cost of Your Program Does Not Include: • • • • • • • • • •
Snacks Fruit shakes, soft drinks, additional drinks at mealtimes Souvenirs and gifts Medical insurance and treatment Visa fees Optional activities and associated equipment Food, travel, and accommodation when traveling to, from, or between programs Replacement of lost or stolen items Airline change fees or new tickets for flights to and from programs Visa overstay charges
OPTIONAL PROGRAM ACTIVITY COSTS We’ve packed lots of fun and rewarding activities into your program. We keep your program cost down by not including certain activities that aren’t for everyone. Anything marked “optional” on our website is not a part of the program, but may be available at your own cost. Check the program page and itinerary to determine what activities may be available on your program. NOTE: These activities are provided by outside vendors. Prices are estimates and subject to change without notice. Availability is not guaranteed.
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Australia
Bungee Jumping – $120 Sky Diving – $300 -$500 Video and Photo Package – $110 Jet boat - $70 Scuba diving - $50 - $100 Jungle Swing - $100
Burma
Massage - $10
Cambodia
Traditional Khmer massage - $5-10 per hour
Costa Rica
Zip Line (Canopy) Tour – $65 Horseback Riding – $45 Mountain Biking – $35 Bungee Jumping – $75 ($45 for second jump) Hot Springs (1st visit is included in program, 2nd is optional) – $45 Rappelling – $60
Fiji
Massages: $20 - $60 Skydive (when available): $330 - $550 depending on height and photo/DVD package Scuba Diving (when available) 1 tank dive for Open Water certified divers – $105 2 tank dive for Open Water certified divers – $135 Refresher class – $20 (must be completed by certified divers who haven’t dove in the last 6 months.) 1 tank Discovery dive for non-certified divers – $135 Medical forms must be completed by scuba participants. Some participants may need a medical checkup by a doctor prior to diving. This can be done in town and usually costs around $30.
India
Camel Trek – $40 Hang Gliding – $85 Horseback Safari – $120
New Zealand
Paragliding – $175 Bungee Jump – Between $150 - $300 for single jump (discounts available for combos) Skydiving – $225 - $550 depending on location, jump height, and photo/dvd package Jet boating – $110 Canyon Swing – $120 - $180 NZD Sky Jump: $200 USD or Sky Walk: $125 Zipline Tour: $110 - $160
Peru
Zip Line – $50 Bungee Jump or Slingshot – $75
Thailand
Custom suit or outfit from tailor – $100 - $500 1 hour Traditional Thai Massage – $15 Bungee Jumping - $50 Paintball - $10 Kayaking - $20
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REVISING, CANCELLING, OR EXTENDING YOUR TRIP Every year, many of our participants realize they want to stay overseas longer. While we try to accommodate these extensions whenever possible, there is a limited availability of airline seats and program spots. Please give as much advance notice as possible when you want to add more programs. Revisions, extension, or cancellations to the programs you have applied for must be done in writing. Email us at gap@rusticpathways.com to make changes. Each change of programs after your enrollment letter is issued will incur a $100 administrative fee. There is no fee for adding programs. Cancellation by the Participant If the participant cancels a program after being accepted and making payments, their refund, if any, will be determined according to our refund policy. Cancellation by the applicant 90 days or more prior to the first scheduled departure date will result in a 100 percent refund of the program cost. Cancellation by the applicant from 89 to 45 days prior to the first scheduled departure date results in a loss of 50 percent of the total trip cost. Cancellation by the applicant 44 or fewer days prior to the scheduled departure date results in the loss of 100 percent of the total trip cost. Internal airfare charges will not be refundable with the program charges if nonrefundable bookings have been made, regardless of when cancellation occurs. Internal airfare charges will be refundable in full for any flights that have not been made, regardless of when cancellation occurs. To cancel a trip, we must receive written notice via gap@rusticpathways.com. The trip cancellation date is determined by the date we receive the message. Verbal notice will not serve as valid cancellation notification. Cancellation due to family emergencies, illness, injury, or other emergencies constitutes cancellation by the applicant.
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Travel Insurance Trip insurance can help to offset the risk of an unexpected cancellation. Contact your insurance provider or visit Allianz Travel Insurance to learn more. Cancellation by Rustic Pathways Rustic Pathways will make a final decision to offer or cancel a program not less than 60 days prior to the start date for a given program. If a program is cancelled by Rustic Pathways prior to the start date, the participant may choose between a full refund of the application fee and all money paid for the canceled program and internal flights or a credit valid towards any other program offered by Rustic Pathways. If a trip is cancelled by Rustic Pathways after it has begun, a portion of the total payment will be refunded. Rustic Pathways is not responsible for any expenses paid by the participant to third parties such as airlines and hotels. In the event that a program is canceled by Rustic Pathways and the participant chooses a less expensive alternate program, the participant will receive a refund of the difference in cost. If a more expensive program is selected, the participant must pay the difference.
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COMMUNICATION BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER YOUR PROGRAM How to Contact Rustic Pathways in an Emergency If you need to get in touch urgently with us or with a student, you can always use the 24-Hour Emergency Phone Number 800.321.5264 or 440.602.2700 from outside the U.S. For non-urgent requests, give us a call on our general line or send us an email. Pre-Trip Email Your program leaders will send you an email one to two weeks prior to each program. They will let you know who they are and how to navigate immigration, customs, baggage claim, and meet them in the airport. It will include information necessary to complete your arrival card and emergency contact numbers for in-country and international staff members. Please read this information carefully and carry it with you in printed form. If you only save it to an electronic device, you may run out of battery life before you can recharge, and then be unable to access the information when you need it. Safe Arrival Email Within 12 hours of arrival in your destination country, Rustic Pathways will send a “Safe Arrival Email” to your parents or guardians to let them know that you have safely arrived and been met by your program leaders. Typically, you will be provided with access to email or phone home and are strongly encouraged check in with parents or guardians. This email will be sent to the email addresses we have on file for each participant, so be sure to give us the correct address. Parents and guardians: if you donot received a safe arrival email please check your spam email folder. Remember, some flights cross the international dateline and will “lose” one to two days in transit. Be aware of international time changes and local times. Internet and Email Access Participants on most programs will have internet access at least once every two weeks at hotels, guesthouses, or internet shops. You should not expect to have consistent access to email throughout their trip. Email access charges vary and are at your own expense. In hotels and guesthouses, computers are often provided free of charge for guests. Internet shop prices range from $1-$5 per hour of use. Wifi is typically available once or more per week. Computer and smartphone messaging applications like Skype and WhatsApp are a great way for students to stay in touch with their families.
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Phones Participants may bring phones from home or they may use the phones of their trip leaders on a pay-as-you-go basis. Rates for using our phones are much cheaper than international roaming rates, which range from $2-$5 per minute. Participants who bring their own phones will be asked to keep them turned off and out of sight for the majority of the program. This aids in group bonding, cultural immersion, and other important aspects of the programs that can be hindered severely by frequent use of cellphones and contact with people outside of the program. Dangers of Failing to Disconnect We ask that students and parents limit contact with each other to once a week and do not try to maintain continuous channels of communication with each other by texting, calling, or messaging. It can be tempting to check in frequently as we might do at home. Students need to trust and develop relationships with each other and with their program leaders. By staying in communication with parents, students often fail to establish these relationships and the safety and quality of the entire group’s collective and personal experiences are compromised. It is extremely important that students talk to program leaders BEFORE talking to their parents when they need something or have an issue. Parents, please do not expect to hear from your student on a daily or even weekly basis. If you have an expectation as to the frequency of contact with your son or daughter, please discuss this as a family. We are often in areas that do not have reliable internet or phone service. Keep in mind that there are many qualified people directly and indirectly supervising the group and that no news is good news. Parent Updates We understand that you are eager to know about your son or daughter’s travels and will do our best! Time permitting, program leaders will send group photos and updates to parents. This is not always possible in parts of the world where internet access is slow or nonexistent and our schedule is quite busy. However, we are typically able to send a few words and photos to parents about every two weeks. Follow-up and Surveys At the end of each program, we’ll ask you to let us know how it went by completing a brief survey.These give us a valuable tool to assess what is working and what needs to be improved. In addition to these formal means of capturing data, we welcome candid feedback of any kind and will be very glad to hear from you and your parents.
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YOUTUBE
Rustic Pathways
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