2016 Gap Year Catalog by Rustic Pathways

Rustic Pathways

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OUR MISSION Rustic Pathways empowers students through innovative and responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities around the world.

CONTENTS Welcome to Rustic Pathways

Our Vision

Why You Should Consider a Gap Year

Gap Year by the Numbers

The Rustic Pathways Experience

Our Global Team

Scholarships

Safety and Risk Management

Responsible Travel

Our Approach to Community Service

Our Approach to Student Learning

Our Gap Semesters

Service and Exploration Semesters

South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills

Golden Lands and World Heritage

Pan-African Service Adventure

Spanish Immersion & Service Semester

Rustic Roadtrip Semesters

Roadtrip United States

Roadtrip Australia

Roadtrip Southeast Asia

Roadtrip India

Rustic Internship Semesters

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

63 3

WELCOME TO RUSTIC PATHWAYS Students today face unprecedented pressure to succeed, and yet our educational model can leave them unprepared. By focusing on credits, grades, and tests, they can miss out on the introspection and self-discovery necessary for fulfillment. How can we better empower our students to find their paths? Let them explore. Busy with all that is asked of them, students have few opportunities to make their own choices. Often what they are allowed to see of the real world is sterilized, sugarcoated, and neatly packaged. They set off ill-prepared to figure out college, independent living, and careers. Efforts to shield students from the challenges that are part of growing up can instead deny them important opportunities to prepare for what’s to come. On Rustic Pathways programs, we challenge young people to speak from the heart, work collaboratively, be resilient in the face of challenge, live more independently, and engage with people who will change the way they see themselves and the world. Our students are encouraged to make their own connections between the factual knowledge they learn in high school and their real world experiences. This learning process fuels lifelong curiosity, wonder, and personal growth. Students—your gap year will be an incredibly powerful part of your education. It’s a crossroads and a time that will rank among the most memorable in your life. It’s not a small world out there: It’s huge! Now is the time to get out there and learn from it. Whether it’s with Rustic Pathways or on your own, make time, save money, apply for scholarships, and do what you have to do to make this happen. You’ll be forever richer for it. Sincerely,

Tim Porter-DeVriese Vice President of Gap Year

OUR VISION Rustic Pathways is committed to creating a world where… •

Travel is accepted as an essential part of every education

•

Travel is a model of sustainable development

•

All people are connected by a shared humanity and all decisions are made with a global perspective

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A GAP YEAR You need a change of pace. Or a different type of challenge. The pressure students face to get into college or define a career path is intense. Taking time to explore and learn outside of the classroom before making that life-defining decision is not only a relief from years of hard work to get you to graduation day, it also gives you life experience that can make you a stronger applicant for college and more satisfied in your career.

Colleges and universities support it. Institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, and UNC-Chapel Hill encourage students to take structured gap years and many even subsidize gap year programs. Independent studies of gap year alumni have shown that they return from their experiences more confident and with better understandings of what they want to study and which career paths they plan to pursue.

Prepare yourself for success. Educational institutions and employers value empathy, curiosity, resilience, maturity, and global understanding in their students and employees. These qualities correlate far more closely with future success and happiness than grades alone. Gap year programs provide unmatched opportunities for building these strengths through real-world experiences.

Discover your calling while experiencing the world. Interested in medicine? Explore developing countries and learn how preventable diseases still cause so much harm. Considering a career in law? Observe the rights of citizens in various countries across the world. Not sure of your career path? Immerse yourself in the global community and open yourself to options you may never have consideredâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or even known aboutâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;before.

GAP YEAR BY THE NUMBERS: Rustic Pathways has been operating community service, travel, and adventure programs across the globe for 33 years. We began providing gap year experiences in 2007.

60%

90%

of students reported their gap year experience “set me on my current career path or academic major, or confirmed my choice of career or academic major”

of students surveyed who took a gap year returned to college within a year

Of students surveyed, the highest reported outcome of their gap year was: “I gained a better sense of who I am as a person and what is important to me” *Gap year data from The Gap Year Advantage, an independent study of 300 Gap Year students between 1997 - 2006 by Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson

THE RUSTIC PATHWAYS EXPERIENCE The Rustic experience is what sets us apart from other programs in our field. It’s why you can feel confident that traveling with Rustic Pathways is the right choice.

Powerful Programs We don’t follow other organizations—we lead the way. Rustic Pathways creates programs that stand out, challenge assumptions, and expand possibilities. Our programs were created to take students to locations not available to tourists, and to push the boundaries of student travel. We continually improve our programming to provide the very best experiences for students. Our efforts are based on fundamental principles of experiential learning, design thinking, and global citizenship, and we work to continually develop and refine the most impactful programming available.

Industry-Leading Safety Management We understand the inherent risks of travel and diligently work to mitigate these risks as much as possible. Overseeing a team that includes EMTs, medical screeners, and wilderness first responder instructors, our Safety and Risk Management director works year-round to set company wide standards and train our staff members in crisis management and response. Program Leaders are certified in wilderness first response, first-aid, and CPR. In addition, all of our students and staff are enrolled in International SOS, the leading provider of medical and safety support for travelers.

Student and Parent Support Being there for you and your family is a top priority for Rustic Pathways. We take pride in helping you properly choose and prepare for a your gap year experience. Whether you need to ask a question, connect with a son or daughter overseas, or figure out exactly what you need to pack, we are here for you every step of the way. We are happy to take as much time as needed to help you understand our programs, find your best fit, and get ready for a truly transformational experience. While students are on programs, families receive regular updates from Program Leaders and have a 24-hour number to get in touch. 8

Programs that Meet Your Needs Our four semester types feature different levels of independence, teamwork, structure, supervision, and student autonomy. Programs are available in a variety of regions and countries, enabling students to choose locations that interest them. Whether you prefer a group experience with a high degree of structure or you want to schedule your own time and work independently, you can find the program that’s the right fit for you.

Local Connections Rustic Pathways doesn’t just hire local people, we are local people. Among our Country and Regional Directors, Program Managers, and Program Leaders, you’ll find highly qualified, experienced, and dedicated staff hailing from our destination countries. The input and guidance provided by these staff members provides a higher degree of safety, open doors for our students, and allow us to offer programs in places unknown to other organizations.

The Global Rustic Family You’ll find a sense of shared experience, purpose, and unity among our global network of students, staff, and alumni. We are truly a global family of like-minded individuals. Even long after you travel with us, you’ll be connected with Rustic people across the globe. Our Alumni Association makes it easy to stay in touch in the months and years after you complete a program, and offers exciting alumni-only opportunities and ways to stay involved.

Commitment to Communities Our community service projects are effective because they are based on long-term commitments with real, measurable results. Rustic’s projects are planned and executed in partnership with local communities and designed based upon their needs and our students’ skills. Our initiatives are carried out through the combined efforts of summer, gap year, and private school groups all year long, enabling us to continue long-term projects and increase impact.

Inspiring Leaders Our Program Leaders are among the most highly trained, qualified, effective, and inspiring staff members in our organization. They are born adventurers and travelers who’ve had life-changing experiences abroad themselves. In addition to their passion and drive to provide the best experiences for our students, they are specifically trained to guide young people in their journeys of exploration and transition into adulthood. 9

OUR GLOBAL TEAM Our exceptional staff members are the backbone of our organization. Their incredibly diverse backgrounds provide us with profound connections to the destinations we visit and offer our students unforgettable experiences. The faces you see in this catalog (along with many, many others!) belong to some of the people who ensure our students have fun and empowering experiences while they travel, learn, and grow.

THE RUSTIC PATHWAYS TEAM BY THE NUMBERS

more than

from more than

speaking more than

500

staff members

countries across the globe

different languages

RUSTIC PATHWAYS LEADERSHIP Chris Stakich

Tim Porter-Devriese

Dave Dennis

Brent Watkins

Ann Fuller

Kevin Porter

Casey Atchley

Erik Schoon

Carly Calderone

Erin Murphy

Chief Executive Officer Committed to developing future leaders who embody compassion and global understanding, Chris has worked at the intersection of education, community service, and student travel his entire career. A Harvard graduate, he joined Rustic Pathways in 2002, and has worked in virtually all areas of the organization, from running programs in Costa Rica to managing the global team.

Safety and Risk Management Director Dave has a master’s degree in risk management and more than 20 years of experience in the adventure and travel industry. Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, he owned a consulting firm that specialized in risk management and emergency response for tour operators. He works with our global team and local country leadership to ensure the quality and consistency of all programs.

Community Partnerships Director With a master’s in urban planning from NYU, Ann has been integral to the development of our long-term community service initiatives and partnerships for nine years. She applies her expertise to ensure that our service initiatives meet rigorous standards and achieve meaningful results, and that our partner organizations are legitimate providers whose approach is rooted in best practice.

Gap Year Admissions Coordinator Casey received his bachelor’s from Indiana University in Spanish literary translation and philosophy. Between years of undergrad, he took a gap year to volunteer as a volcano tour guide and English teacher in Nicaragua. Before joining our Gap Year team, he managed our summer camp leadership programs in Costa Rica. Now he enjoys guiding students to plan their own gap years.

Gap Year Administrator With a gift for organization and a compassionate personality, Carly has supported our gap year team since 2012. She holds a degree in international relations from Miami University of Ohio, and from her own global adventures, she knows firsthand how powerful world travel can be. She loves helping to provide similar opportunities to young people on the threshold of adulthood.

Vice President of Gap Year Tim has spent the last eight years overseeing the development of our Gap Year division. With a deep understanding of our organizational ethos and host communities, he creates powerful, transformative experiences for gap year students across the world. Prior to running our Gap Year division, Tim, who is fluent in Thai, spent extensive time running programs throughout Southeast Asia.

Vice President of Program Operations Brent holds a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins University where he is also an adjunct faculty member. Before Rustic, Brent managed the training of new classroom teachers for Teach For America. With extensive experience in learning development and teacher training, Brent helps our staff develop program curricula and ensures the highest level of quality across our programming.

Program Operations Director Kevin enters his third year managing our team of diverse Country Directors and ensuring the quality of the programs. He was also our Ghana Country Director for three years and prior to joining us, Kevin worked with development organizations in East Africa, completed research for the UN in South Korea, and oversaw leadership programs while attending Harvard University.

Gap Year Operations Manager Having visited more than 60 countries and lived in numerous locations across the globe, Erik might be the most welltraveled person at Rustic Pathways. With eight years under his belt with the company and several years as our global gap year guide, he now helps ensure that our gap operations run smoothly. Erik is an avid skydiver, scuba diver and fisherman, and is known to be a connoisseur of wild foods.

Curriculum Coordinator After graduating from Notre Dame, Erin spent three years in Thailand teaching business English at Khon Kaen University through a Princeton in Asia Fellowship. She earned her master’s in education at Harvard and brings great energy to our team of educators. Erin now builds enriching curricula for our programs and works to measure the impact they have on our students.

COUNTRY DIRECTORS Sam Murray

Evan Wells

Braden Betts

Alexis Simchak

Ricardo Romero

Harry Alvarez

Australia Country Director Sam joined Rustic in 2008 after working in outdoor education for 10 years. With degrees from La Trobe and Monash universities, he is passionate about experiential education and travel. Sam and his team continually develop and refine our Australian programs, all of which are unique and exclusive to Rustic. Sam loves sharing adventures with people and is proud to show off his beautiful country.

Burma Country Director Having grown up in Kuwait, Thailand, and Singapore, Braden has over 20 years of international life experience. He previously managed our Ricefields Service Base, fueling a passion for service-learning and sustainable international development. Braden now applies his energy and enthusiasm to the enrichment of our programs, service projects and local staff across Burma.

Costa Rica Country Director Ricardo joined Rustic Pathways eleven years ago 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 anything that falls in between. His commitment to safety in the tourism sector and degree in business from the University of Costa Rica make him the ideal director of our Costa Rica operations.

Eric Bragg

Ghana Country Director Before becoming our Ghana Country Director, Eric was a Program Leader in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Ghana. A native of Connecticut, he earned a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s in sustainable development from the Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden. He enjoys sharing his passion for wildlife, politics, and the diversity of cultures in Ghana.

Tara McCarney

Laos Country Director After graduating from Dartmouth with a degree in psychology, Tara earned her master’s at Harvard in language and literacy. Her interest in international development and education brought her to Thailand, where she spent a year teaching ESL students. She uses her passion for student learning and cultural immersion to develop meaningful programs for our students in Laos.

Fiji Country Director Born in New Zealand and living between Australia and Fiji, Evan has spent more than two decades with Rustic Pathways. With a degree in business, a love of the outdoors, and a deep commitment to Fijian communities, Evan proudly manages our South Pacific operations. When not at our Eco-Lodge Base in Fiji, you can find him with his wife, playing with their two young boys.

Cambodia Country Director Alexis has extensive experience in Southeast Asia where she has managed our Cambodia operations for the past three years. Filled with a passion for service and travel, Alexis loves exploring new places and discovering hidden gems along the way. She is a proud alumna of Penn State and she brings her dedication to service and cultural exchange to our programs in Cambodia.

Dominican Republic Country Director Born in New York and raised in the Dominican Republic, Harry holds degrees in Spanish and psychology. After managing programs in Costa Rica and Panama for four years, Harry opened our programs in the Dominican Republic in 2012. He carries tremendous pride in bringing students to his home country. When not in the DR, find Harry hosting friends at his home in New Orleans.

Kai Johnson

India Country Director Originally from Wisconsin, Kai has been living and working in South Asia for close to a decade and is fluent in Hindi. Prior to joining us, he led gap year and summer programs throughout India and Bhutan. Kai has developed an expert knowledge of India that he brings to our operations. Kai’s passion for experiential education give him the ability to create powerful experiences for our students.

Chaima Ait Al Mekki

Morocco Country Manager Born and raised in Marrakech, Chaima is fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish. She has a degree in actuarial finance and combines her knowledge of business, languages, and culture to manage stellar programs. Chaima is a champion of giving back to her community, a role model for students, and a strong believer in the power of cross-cultural discussions to help us better understand one another.

Kelly Moynihan

Patrick Ziemnik

Pattiya Taedaengpetch

Bryan Haggerty

Peru Country Director Kelly is an integral part of our global team with eight years of guiding and managing programs under her belt. Her fluency in Spanish and commitment to community service make her a great Country Director. Prior to joining Team Peru, Kelly was a Program Manager in Costa Rica for five years, primarily working with indigenous communities, and on turtle conservation efforts.

Tanzania Country Director Patrick began his career in experiential education managing Harvardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FirstYear Outdoor Program and continued his passion for social enterprise as an AmeriCorps volunteer. He now brings his strong leadership skills, love of the outdoors, and experience to our operations in Tanzania. His dedication to creating meaningful student experiences continue to shine through in our Tanzania programs.

Southeast Asia Regional Director For 17 years, Pat has brought his professionalism, zany sense of humor, vast knowledge of Buddhism, and love of adventure to our Southeast Asia team. An experienced computer engineer, talented photographer, former Buddhist monk, and fully licensed tour guide, Pat can do pretty much anything! A true all-star, he is responsible for smooth operations throughout all of Southeast Asia.

Thailand Country Director Fluent in Thai and Lao, Bryan has lived and worked in Southeast Asia for over a decade. Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, he spent several years teaching at Chiang Mai University and volunteering for an NGO that advocates for ethnic minority groups in the region. Bryan has managed our Thailand operations since 2008 and now splits his time between Vermont and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

GAP YEAR PROGRAM LEADERS

Soroosh Vafapoor

Louis Bryant

Kayla Freshwater

Halle Jackson

Ropate Waqaiquma

Jackson Paul

Allison Kuney

Rolando Carazo

Shannon Calloway

RJ Partington

Alejandro Romero

Anthony Chambers 13

GAP YEAR AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIPS Every year, Rustic Pathways commits up to $50,000 to fund meaningful, life-changing gap year experiences for students with financial need and outstanding merit. An average of 70 candidates apply and between three and eight are ultimately awarded scholarships. The award amount is determined by financial need and Rusticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assessment of the candidatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aspirations and the qualities they bring to the gap year experience. Gap Year Ambassadors are passionate, engaged, and excited about learning new skills and bringing them back to their hometowns and universities. They are hardworking individuals who impress their teachers and peers with their drive. Gap Year Ambassadors go above and beyond expectations. Each Ambassador is asked to write a reflection after his or her trip and work with Rustic Pathways to share the life-changing benefits of taking a gap year. Ambassadors often complete projects of their own choosing, such as a videos, blogs, documentaries, art projects, or service initiatives. Learn more and apply for an Ambassador Scholarship at gap.rusticpathways.com/financial-aid.

Allison Plessett

Nicholas Kee

Gap Year Ambassador ‘15

“Growing up I was repeatedly asked: ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ As I finished up high school, my answer was: ‘I have no clue! How am I supposed to know what I want to do in the world when I’ve never really lived in it?.’ All I knew was I wanted to be independent, travel the world, learn about new cultures and have a positive impact on others. I wanted to use the world as my classroom and learn about myself while doing it. I felt I could do this through a Rustic Pathways Gap Year program.

“Throughout my gap year, I focused on learning how to be empathetic. I wanted to get a better understanding of how people interact with each other, especially considering different cultural backgrounds. I wanted to experience life through other people’s eyes. I wanted to understand their pain, their happiness, and their reason for being. It was important for me to make genuine connections with others.

Before this trip, I was interested in animal rights but also considered working in the hospitality and tourism industry. One of my Rustic Program Leaders suggested eco-tourism to me. Now I am pursuing this path at Coastal Carolina University.”

I am still pursuing my passions as before, however, now I am pursuing them with a global mindset. I am currently running a startup company called Zyclin. I am also working on a social enterprise called Next Gen Creators to help budding entrepreneurs turn their ideas into real products. I also still find time to continue research in biochemical engineering.”

SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT As a leader in our industry, Rustic Pathways takes the health and well-being of our students very seriously. While we believe in the transformative power of expanding oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundaries, we are heavily invested in managing the risks of doing so. Our comprehensive training programs, year-round presence in countries, rigorous safety standards, and continued commitment to evaluating real-world conditions are all part of our thorough risk management strategy.

Philosophy of Risk 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 elsewhere. For this reason, risk management remains a fundamental component of our programs. It is driven by strong leadership and implemented thoroughly throughout our ground teams and partners.

Three Tiers of Risk Management 1

Our Safety and Risk Management Director works year-round to monitor worldwide events, maintain global policies, and train our global operations teams in crisis response.

Country Directors and their teams develop risk management plans for each program and location visited, while continuously monitoring local conditions through on-the-ground reports and State Department councils.

Our Program Leaders are trained to monitor risk and ensure the safety and health of our students. We partner with one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most reputable providers of medical and travel services, 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.

INTERNATIONAL SOS International SOS is a medical emergency service provider that offers all our students access to emergency evacuation services and expert health advisors. A 24-hour provider, International SOS has 27 assistance centers around the world a team of 5,600 multilingual professionals, and a fleet of air ambulances.

SAFETY TRAINING FOR LEADERS Primary Program Leaders are certified in First Aid, CPR, and wilderness medicine. Our gap year leaders attend specific pre-program training that covers common medical issues, emergency scenarios, risk management, and critical incident protocols. Safety training sessions are held yearly to ensure Program Leaders are current in their knowledge.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL We believe travel can support sustainable development around the world. We have partnered with Sustainable Travel International, a global NGO, to evaluate our on-going impact and to help us continue to operate in the most responsible manner. Through our work, we are committed to decreasing our environmental footprint, stimulating local economies, providing direct support for community needs, and teaching our students responsible travel practices. We travel to locations off the tourist track, buy goods from locally owned businesses, engage in community service, and respect local cultures and customs. Our programs support education, infrastructure development, job growth, and other community initiatives.

OUR APPROACH TO COMMUNITY SERVICE Through responsible travel and well-designed service initiatives, our students are able to comprehend pressing social and environmental challenges at a global level, and contribute to efforts that address these issues at a local level. We take a comprehensive approach to community service, working with community partners from the design process through to monitoring and evaluation. Each year, we publish a report that presents our progress, accomplishments, and goals for the future.

Identify and Design Projects with Local Partners

Provide Students Opportunities to Engage

Work Together to Achieve Goals

Monitor and Evaluate

Build Long-Term Partnerships

We spend time with our local partners and community members on the ground to understand their needs and priorities. We then collaborate with them to develop projects that address key needs and build on community strengths.

We collaborate with our partners to create well-defined roles for our students that harness their skills and ensure they make a meaningful contribution. Students are able to select programs based on personal interests and skill sets, maximizing both their experience and the success of our projects.

Our students join the efforts of our local partners during their programs and work collaboratively to achieve project goals. Both students and communities utilize the unique skills they bring and learn from and about each other.

We conduct regular evaluations with our project partners and beneficiaries around the world. Together, we evaluate both the process and impact of our ongoing initiatives and consistently use feedback to improve project design and implementation.

We establish partnerships with a long-term view, recognizing that real, measurable change often takes time. We provide ongoing support to partners and projects, take on initiatives in a range of areas and work to ensure a lasting impact.

OUR APPROACH TO STUDENT LEARNING At the core of our program design is the notion that what students experience while traveling will profoundly shape who they are and how they view the world. We believe that travel provides an unparalleled opportunity for learning, and we intentionally design our programs to promote the personal growth of our students. We inspire curiosity and passion for exploration. We stray off of the tourist track and encourage our students to ask questions and learn from the people and places they encounter. We design programs that allow students to form meaningful relationships around the world. We believe that creating personal connections fosters a shared sense of humanity across lines of difference. We encourage our students to think critically about global issues and to push their personal boundaries. Students who travel on our programs develop a better understanding not only of our complex world but also of themselves. We facilitate debrief discussions that help our students process and find meaning in what they experience. Our Program Leaders are trained to ask thoughtful questions and guide our students through the personal growth process as they travel.

Student Impact Traveling on gap year programs gives students chances to explore new places and cultures and to learn from people in communities around the world. We know that this kind of experiential education has transformative potential, offering students opportunities to become more engaged global citizens. Rustic Pathways is committed to providing students with the skills necessary to identify and take action on the things that they are most passionate about, and with the empathy and self-awareness to listen to and learn from others, and to think critically while doing so.

OUR LEARNING VALUES Rustic Pathways programs are centered around three learning values. We believe that embracing these values helps students make the most of their time while traveling in new locations and experiencing new cultures.

RESPECT

ENGAGE

GROW

We will learn to conduct ourselves as positive ambassadors of our home countries, families, and the Rustic Pathways global community. We will be respectful of local cultures and remain aware of how our actions are perceived.

We will engage with our surroundings, considering the impacts of our actions as global citizens. We will be open-minded participants in cross-cultural dialogue, taking responsible action when appropriate.

We will achieve personal growth by challenging our social, physical, and emotional boundaries. As we reflect on our global experiences, we will work to integrate and build upon these lessons at home and during future experiences abroad.

OUR GAP YEAR SEMESTERS Rustic Pathways offers four different types of three-month gap semester programs that range from guided to self-directed experiences. Each type of program is designed based on specific student interests, activities, and learning or growth goals. Every semester offers unique advantages, and we’ll be happy to help you decide which is ideal for you based on your individual interests, goals, and comfort levels.

GUIDED

SEL F- DIREC TED

GUIDED

SEL F- DIREC TED

Service and Exploration

Spanish Immersion and Service

Our most popular and longest-running programs, these experiences will allow you to travel to several countries within a semester alongside our amazing local and international Program Leaders and build positive relationships with a peer group of fellow gap year students. These programs offer the highest levels of supervision and mentorship by our staff members, and structured experiences tailored to the typical gap year age of 17 – 21. With an average group size ranging from eight to sixteen, you will bond with your team, share experiences, and become friends with like-minded students. Whether you choose to travel across Africa, Southeast Asia, or the South Pacific, you’re guaranteed to gain a new perspective on the world. Read details on pages 26 – 39.

Similarly structured to our Service and Exploration Semester, this program is highly structured, but features multi-day portions during which pairs or small groups of students stay with local families with whom they will converse in Spanish. Our host families are carefully screened and endeavor to create a positive and culturally immersive setting for you to put your Spanish to use. Traveling between the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Peru, you’ll learn firsthand how diverse and fascinating these countries are. Outside of classes and service you’ll have a blast on activities such as zip lining and rappelling. While in Peru, you and your fellow students will plan and manage a portion of your own unique travel experience. Read details on pages 42 – 45.

GUIDED

SEL F- DIREC TED

GUIDED

SEL F- DIREC TED

Rustic Roadtrips

Rustic Internships

These semesters are a powerful way to explore career options and life choices by meeting and interviewing people who have already found success and fulfillment. Rustic has partnered with Roadtrip Nation—a like-minded, forward-thinking career exploration program—to offer a completely new way to take a gap year. Students break into small teams to plan and execute an epic Roadtrip in one of four locations: USA, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia. Each team will plan its own itinerary around a series of interviews they schedule with professionals from all walks of life. A Program Leader will facilitate logistics while students themselves take the lead and decide where their Rustic Roadtrip will take them. Read details on pages 48 – 53.

Ideal for independently driven students, this program offers internships in Rustic Pathways’ destination countries across the globe. Take advantage of our extensive network of service partners in incredible locations and embark on a ten-week internship to propel yourself toward academic and professional success. You will take on real-world work responsibilities, be immersed in local culture, and gain invaluable career and life skills. Our carefully selected internships range from volunteer aid work to commercial enterprises and are offered in a variety of countries and settings. If you’re ready to take what you’ve already learned and head out into the world to live on your own terms, this advanced internship program is for you. Read details on pages 55 – 59. 23

RUSTIC PATHWAYS GAP YEAR PROGRAM LOCATIONS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first thing to know about Rustic Pathways is that we are not a tour company. We do not believe in seeing sights through a bus window. We were founded to break the norms of student travel, to create experiences that give our students a greater understanding of the world, and to play a role in building a more unified global community.â&#x20AC;? Chris Stakich, CEO 25

SOUTH PACIFIC SERVICE AND OCEAN SKILLS An immersive journey in the sun, sand, and surf

Surround yourself in sun, sand, and surf as you travel to the far reaches of the South Pacific. You’ll visit Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia on this ocean-focused, high-energy gap semester. This program is ideal for students looking to spend time outdoors enjoying the natural wonders of the Southern Hemisphere. In Fiji you will splash in waterfalls, soak in the laid-back island life, and live with a home stay family in the rural highlands. Then venture through New Zealand, where you will find incredible adventures at every turn. Spot dolphins and penguins and marvel at breathtaking landscapes. In Australia, you will learn surfing, sailing, scuba diving and life-saving skills. Throughout the semester you’ll experience a balance of community service, adventure, and learning. You and your group will grow close as you work together on service projects, push your boundaries on adrenaline-pumping activities, and stay up sharing stories under starry night skies. You’ll hear the legends of the South Pacific from the local people and return their kindness through a variety of service efforts that may include agricultural, educational, and health-based projects.

SEMESTER DETAILS LOCATIONS: Australia Fiji New Zealand DATES: Fall 2016 Sept 8 – Dec 7 Spring 2017 Feb 1 – May 2 COST: $18,995 USD + internal airfare

FIJI Your journey begins in Fiji, where you’ll settle into our ecolodge base house with sweeping views of idyllic Momi Bay. During orientation you’ll get up to speed on Fijian culture before you participate in a long-term health and sanitation project. Next it’s off to the picturesque Yasawa Islands, where you’ll spend a week on a small island, working on marine monitoring and educational initiatives with a few exciting excursions to search for manta rays, fish with the locals, or paddle around the serene bay. The Rustic Pathways farm house base, tucked among the hills in the rugged Nausori Highlands, is your next destination. Here you will live with a warm and welcoming home-stay family, which is the highlight of the month for most students. You’ll spend some time working on the farm planting taro and kava. You will also contribute to many of our longest-standing projects, building an elementary school for the village. When not working on construction, help tutor the energetic students.

NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

Leaving Fiji, a short flight will bring you to New Zealand, where jaw-dropping landscapes and action-packed adventures await. Your journey in the Land of the Long White Cloud will begin in the bustling metropolitan city of Auckland. You’ll visit the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and travel to Rotorua, famous for Maori culture and boiling mud pools. Whitewater raft the foaming Kaituna River and try caving, blackwater rafting, zorbing, and agrojetting!

Safety first! Your month of aquatic activities begins with a Surf Rescue Bronze Medallion certification course taught by expert Aussie lifeguards. Living within walking distance of the beach, you’ll develop valuable skills in surf rescue, ocean safety, and first aid. You’ll also receive surf lessons taught by local experts. In Moreton Bay, you’ll live aboard a yacht , practice sailing basics, and earn a Royal Yachting Association certificate. Learn about knots and sailing techniques by day and relax under a starry sky at night.

Next it’s off to the thrill-seeker’s paradise of Queenstown on the South Island where you’ll find heart-pounding activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving. In Te Anau you’ll cruise through spectacular Milford Sound, keeping your eyes peeled for penguins, seals, dolphins, and whales. Road trip to Wanaka for rock climbing and challenging day hikes in the stunning Roy’s Peak area. Return to Queenstown to hop a short flight to Brisbane to continue your adventure in Australia.

More adventures await in the city of Cairns, the gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. First, check out the intricately connected ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving rainforest. Then embark on a multiday dive-boat trip and obtain your Open Water Diver certification. Before finishing your semester, you’ll spend a few days exploring Sydney. Visit stunning harbors and the famous opera house, and take an optional climb atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Gap Year Alum Fall 2015 – Spring 2015

“I could fill a book on how I grew as a person during the past year. Primarily, my gap year prepared me for college. I became more comfortable with making friends as new people were constantly coming and going. I learned how to live with someone and be a respectful roommate while still being able to voice my opinions. I learned how to be away from home. I learned how to adapt to extremely unfamiliar situations. I learned who, at my core, I truly am. But mostly, I learned about the world around me. What I learned on my gap year is unrivaled by anything I could have learned in a classroom. I debated ethics with a writer who carried his entire life’s possessions in a backpack. I interviewed a woman who built a home for people with special needs in India. The conversations I had with these people taught me more about life and myself than any textbook ever could have.”

GOLDEN LANDS AND WORLD HERITAGE An exploration of Southeast Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought-after sites and undiscovered gems

Southeast Asia is brimming with mysterious archaeological sites, fascinating cultures, welcoming people, and delicious food. Learn about Buddhist traditions and visit magnificent, gilded temples. Tracing a path that will take you to the region’s celebrated wonders and off-the-beaten-path treasures, you will gain a deeper insight into what makes each country and culture unique. Explore the storied history of each new destination and gain first-hand knowledge on the region’s current events. We have many long-term service initiatives here. In Cambodia, you will volunteer in floating villages on the Tonle Sap lake, and in Laos you will participate in service projects in our local staff members’ villages. Spend time at the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home in Thailand, where you will get to know students from rural Hill Tribe villages pursuing secondary education unavailable in their home villages. Take in the many splendors of Burma, and help students practice English at a school for monks. Upon completion of this semester, you will have gained a broad understanding of the varied cultures and history of Southeast Asia.

SEMESTER DETAILS

LOCATIONS: Burma Cambodia Laos Thailand Vietnam DATES: Fall 2016 Sept 8 – Dec 5 COST: $14,995 USD + internal airfare

VIETNAM Your grand Golden Lands and World Heritage adventure begins as you land in Hanoi, the 1,000-year-old capital of Vietnam. After exploring the narrow streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll head into the spectacular limestone mountains and lush terraced rice paddies of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Ninh Binh Province. Next, travel to Ha Long Bay, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, where you’ll take an overnight cruise through hundreds of stunning islands that make this a must-see destination for any Vietnam visitor.

CAMBODIA

THAILAND

A short flight will bring you to another rapidly modernizing Southeast Asian country with a fascinating past: Cambodia. In Phnom Penh, a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields will educate you on the suffering inflicted on Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge. Traveling north, you’ll spend time in the rural countryside learning about traditional ways of life. Here you will try authentic local food and take a ride on the bamboo train. Next, cruise through the waterways of the Tonle Sap, and drop anchor at a floating village for a few days of volunteer work. Saving the best for last, your journey through the Kingdom of Wonder concludes in Siem Reap, home to the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat.

Kick off the Thai portion of your journey in Chiang Mai. Visit the city’s many temples and practice your bargaining skills at the famous night bazaar. Head out of town to Chiang Dao where you’ll embark on a challenging overnight trek up one of Thailand’s tallest peaks, explore a meditation retreat and holy cave, spend time with elephants, and learn how to cook pad thai like a pro. Next, continue north through the mountain towns of Pai and Mae Hong Son, and then follow the Thai-Burmese border south to Mae Sariang, home of the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home. Your final destination in Thailand is Krabi province, where limestone karsts and tropical beaches offer some of the best rock climbing and sea kayaking in the world.

LAOS

BURMA

After an overland crossing into southern Laos, spend a few days exploring the natural beauty of the Four Thousand Islands on the Mekong River. Take a long-tail boat to Wat Phou, an ancient temple complex, and explore the markets of Pakse. Pass through impressive jungle and visit magnificent waterfalls on a two-day hike on the Bolaven Plateau. Flying north to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, you’ll be struck by the lingering French colonial influence on the architecture and food. Here, you’ll spend a few days wandering the charming streets, giving morning alms to monks, and exploring caves. The next stop will take you north to Nong Khiaw, where you will spend four days in a rural village working on an ongoing service project and learning about Hill Tribe life.

End your semester with one of the most fascinating countries: Burma. In Yangon, visit the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Next, explore thousands of ancient stupas by bicycle in Bagan. Pay your respects at Mount Popa to the nats, spirits that are believed to have inhabited this site for thousands of years. You’ll also have a chance to give back to the community by serving as a conversation partner at a monastic school, and running a day of activities for local students. Next, explore villages of stilted houses and floating tomato plantations in Inle Lake. Before leaving the Golden Land, you’ll head into the Irrawaddy Delta to relax on beautiful beaches, swim, snorkel, and enjoy southern Burma’s idyllic coast.

PAN-AFRICAN SERVICE ADVENTURE An ambitious survey of East, West, and North Africa

This semester will forever enrich your understanding of this vast and varied continent. Volunteer in rural schools, and spot elephants and lions in the wild. Embarking on the ultimate bonding experience, you and your group will even summit the continent’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. You will also experience the diversity of Morocco, sandboard down dunes in the Sahara, and wander the vibrant souks of Marrakech. Those interested in animal conservation and biology will enjoy rare opportunities to track silverback gorillas in dense jungles and raft the headwaters of the Nile. Each country you visit will offer a new cultures, unique experiences, and another perspective of life in Africa. Enjoy the diverse sights, smells, and foods, of Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, and Morocco. Form meaningful relationships with the local people as your travel off the tourist track and work on long-term community service initiatives. Your local Program Leaders are proud to share their culture with you, and you’ll begin to understand what it is like to live in these countries as you gain first-hand insight into current and historical issues.

SEMESTER DETAILS

LOCATIONS: Ghana Morocco Rwanda Tanzania Uganda DATES: Spring 2017 Feb 1 – Apr 30 COST: $18,995 USD + internal airfare

TANZANIA

GHANA

Start your gap semester off with a perfect balance of service, cultural immersion, and adventure. After arriving in Tanzania, orient yourself to the Swahili culture as you participate in service projects in villages around the northern city of Arusha. Work on construction projects to improve a school facility and lead English-enrichment and after-school activities for the children. Next, pack your bags for adventure! You and your group will go on safari in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater and witness the rhythms of life in the savanna. Spend time with the resourceful indigenous Hadzabe people and learn about their way of life. Then, it’s off to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro during a multiday trek through five climate zones. After all the adventure, relax on the beach, snorkel, and swim in the warm tropical waters of Zanzibar.

Akwaaba, Ghana welcomes you! Pile into a small bus, called a tro-tro, and embark on a ride through what many say is Africa’s friendliest country. Your first stop is the village of Adaklu Kpatove, where you will live with a welcoming local family and work on a community development project. Before leaving this lush mountainous region, visit a monkey sanctuary and hike to the tallest waterfall in West Africa. Catching a flight from Accra to Ghana’s less developed north, service work continues in Bolgatanga, where you will assist with an educational initiative driven by a local NGO. Next, it’s off to Kumasi where you’ll explore bustling Kejetia Central Market, the largest in West Africa. Spend your last days in southern Ghana exploring historic sites of the transatlantic slave trade, taking a canopy walk through Kakum National Park, and swimming in the tropical ocean waters.

RWANDA AND UGANDA Fresh off the beach, you’ll begin the semester’s most unique wildlife adventure at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in search of critically endangered mountain gorillas. With pressures from an expanding human population and the constant threat of poaching, these gentle giants live peacefully here against all odds. Your adventure continues as you arrive in Jinja, Uganda, home to the headwaters of the mighty Nile for two days of the most incredible rafting in the world!

MOROCCO You spend the final leg of your semester exploring the colors, sounds, and smells of Morocco. Beginning in the Ourika Valley, you will participate in an ongoing effort to improve the living and learning conditions for the local children. You’ll explore the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and ride through the massive dunes for an overnight stay in the Sahara. Next it’s off to Marrakech to explore the bustling Djemma el-Fna Square, where hundreds of vendors peddle their goods. You won’t tire of the wonderful cuisine that makes this city famous. Then you’re off to Fez and the famous blue-washed city of Chefchaouen in the beautiful Rif Mountains. Wrap up your three-month journey with one last night in Casablanca. You and your close-knit group will say b’salaama to Morocco and an incredible, action-packed adventure across North, West, and East Africa.

Gap Year Alum Spring 2015

“Having the privilege to travel on a gap year was one of the more formative experiences in my life. As a passionate filmmaker, I decided to take a gap year to broaden my horizons and continue making emotively impactful films. After spending about six months finishing a short and working for 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles, I was yearning to travel. While I found several Asia-trotting opportunities, nothing quite piqued my interest as much as Rustic did. The blending between experiential travel (especially access to far, remote locations that would otherwise be incredibly difficult to navigate alone) and service was very appealing, as was the opportunity to document my travels via a series of photographs and videos. I’m currently toiling away at crafting a coherent, fun film out of the mounds of footage I captured in Southeast Asia. However, I hope to make a film every month during my freshman year at Harvard.”

SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION AND SERVICE An engaging exploration of language and cultures in Latin America

Come discover the stunning beauty, friendly people, and diverse cultures of Latin America while studying Spanish and engaging in meaningful community service projects. This gap semester will take you through the contrasting landscapes and cultures of the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Peru. You’ll practice your Spanish, learn from indigenous communities through service projects and home stays, and gain an understanding of three distinct regions: the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Each country will offer you a completely unique experience and many opportunities to practice Spanish. You will come home with a deep knowledge of the cultures and lifestyles of these three countries. You will learn Spanish through a combination of classes and interaction with local people. This semester will provide you with immersive Spanish-speaking practice, valuable first-aid skills, experience with sustainability efforts, and perhaps a few salsa-dancing steps as well. You’ll leave having gained tight-knit group of friends and incredible stories to share with your family back home.

SEMESTER DETAILS LOCATIONS: Costa Rica Dominican Republic Peru DATES: Fall 2016 Sept 8 – Dec 7 Spring 2017 Feb 1 – May 2 COST: $15,995 USD + internal airfare

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

COSTA RICA

Jump into your gap year with fun-loving Caribbean culture and impactful service projects in the Dominican Republic. Your experience begins in the central mountains, where you will take Spanish classes, hike to waterfalls, work with school children, live with a local family, and enjoy a less-visited region of the country. Next, head to the capital, Santo Domingo, where you will study public health with our partner organizations. Moving east to rural San Pedro de Marcoris, work in the bateyes, communities that are home to Haitian sugar cane workers, where you will serve alongside locals on initiatives related to clean water, nutrition, and sanitation. You will also take part in a Wilderness First Aid course to learn practical medical skills useful for travelers and adventurers. Finally, it’s on to the small coastal town of Bayahibe. Take a ride on a catamaran to Isla Saona, where you can snorkel, swim, and enjoy the idyllic scenery.

The second month of your semester brings you to Costa Rica, where you’ll continue learning and practicing Spanish and explore this jewel of Central America. Pura vida is the unofficial national slogan and multifunctional greeting. Soon, you’ll find it rolling off your tongue as easily as if you were a Tico. Spend your time learning about sustainable farming and conservation, and improve your Spanish in the classroom and in conversations with the locals. When you are not taking Spanish lessons, work directly with families to help improve their homes and standard of living. Surf, rappel, raft, and zip line your way through pristine beaches, jungles, and rivers. Visit Uvita on the Pacific coast and relax in the sun, swim in the warm waters, and play games of beach soccer. Spend your last night sleeping in a cave behind a waterfall and then rappel 150 feet into the jungle below—the perfect ending to your Costa Rican adventure.

PERU From the Amazon rainforest to the peaks of the Andes, Peru’s complex national identity blends indigenous roots with colonial influences. Here you’ll explore iconic sites such as Machu Picchu and spend time in rural villages and off-the-beatenpath locales. In the Sacred Valley, live with a home stay family and work alongside community members on teaching and construction projects. Then, head east and descend into the Amazon basin. Venture deep into the jungle reserve and experience the sights and sounds from within. Your final weeks will culminate in the ultimate backpacking challenge. You and your group will manage your budget, arrange your transport and accommodation, and use your newly acquired language skills to plan the final leg of your trip, which could include sand boarding in the desert, exploring Peru’s “mini Galapagos,” or hiking to turquoise mountain lagoons.

Gap Year Alum Spring 2012

“More and more, society is accepting the idea that going to college directly after high school is not suitable for everyone. Taking a gap year was one of the best decisions for me, and who knows where I would be without it. One of the main reasons I decided to enroll in a gap year was because I was not ready for the transition and responsibility of going to college. I was looking for a more structured experience to travel and volunteer. It may sound cliche but I really did find myself. My experience made me excited for and successful in college and my future career path. I’m currently a senior at Lynn University and will be taking a semester internship program in London this spring. This past summer, I was an administrative intern at the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP) in Washington, D.C. After graduating, I plan to study for the LSAT, work, and apply to law school where I will focus on international law.“

RUSTIC ROADTRIPS We are excited to offer a new gap year program in collaboration with the career exploration experts at Roadtrip Nation. Their life-changing journey began in 2001 when a group of friends fresh out of college had no idea what to do with their lives. Their solution? Travel by RV around the country and ask successful people doing what they love how they found their passions and built their careers. What started as a post-college road trip among friends turned into a career-exploration organization. Roadtrip Nation produces innovative self-discovery resources, including an annual documentary series, best-selling books, online tools, and a continually expanding archive of video interviews with professionals of all kinds—all dedicated to helping individuals explore diverse career possibilities. Teaming up to offer a powerful gap semester, Rustic Roadtrips will combine Roadtrip Nation’s groundbreaking career-exploration experience with Rustic Pathways’ empowering programming style and love of adventure for a semester unlike any other. Students will define their interests and explore how others have used their passions to build successful careers and fulfilling lives. This semester will challenge students to develop the tools that are most important as they reach for their academic, professional, and personal goals. Skills such as collaboration, communication, planning, and leadership will be learned during the course of the semester. Students must be self-motivated and prepared to easily transition between roles of leadership, collaboration, and support.

WHAT HAPPENS ON A RUSTIC ROADTRIP SEMESTER? As part of a small group of students, you’ll schedule interviews with visionaries and innovators of your choosing in the USA, Australia, India, or Southeast Asia then set out on the Roadtrip of your life. You’ll explore the stories of leaders in industries and disciplines that inspire and interest you, and find out how they achieved their success. In doing so, you’ll have meaningful dialogues with inspirational professionals whose insights will profoundly affect your approach to life.

Orientation and Training

Scheduling Interviews and Planning the Route

Roadtrip

Reflection

The entire group of Rustic Roadtrip students will come together for eight days of orientation, planning, team building, and outdoor activities in Roadtrip Nation’s home base of Los Angeles, California. During this critical training time, Program Leaders and students will get to know each other, share interests, and gain the foundational skills needed to plan successful roadtrips. Teambuilding outdoor activities will strengthen bonds among the group and get everyone excited to work together to build a transformational Roadtrip experience.

Here is where you will break into teams of four to eight students and get down to the business of planning the Roadtrip of a lifetime. Working in your selected country, you will research potential locations and interviewees, and schedule interviews. Each student will get to plan a minimum of two interviews. Additionally, you’ll decide whether to spend a portion of your semester working on Rustic Pathways’ long-term community service projects. With interviews and activities confirmed, you and your team are ready to head out on the road!

Time to hit the open road! Moving on from your starting location, you’ll load up your vehicle and set out across the country or region to meet incredible people and hear inspiring stories of how they overcame challenges and found fulfillment. Between interviews, you may chose to engage with Rustic Pathways’ long-term community service projects, visit famous landmarks, or try exciting adventure activities. You’ll blaze an ambitious trail across the country or region on your way to your Roadtrip’s endpoint. Who knows what you’ll discover along the way!

Reuniting in New Orleans with all of the Rustic Roadtrip students, it’s time to reconnect, compare experiences, and take advantage of Roadtrip Nation’s empowering “Off-Boarding” activities. Discover ways to use what you’ve learned to guide you toward a fulfilling career in a field you’re passionate about. The stories, advice, and wisdom you’ll absorb will motivate and inspire you to achieve your college and career aspirations. While in New Orleans, you’ll have the opportunity to rebuild homes in communities still recovering from Hurricane Katrina to help restore one of America’s most important cultural cities to its past strength. 49

ROADTRIP UNITED STATES

SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2016 Sept 14 – Dec 7 Spring 2017 Feb 1 – Apr 26 COST: $21,995 USD + internal airfare

A hub for the world’s innovators and forward thinkers, and home to the world’s largest and most diversified economy, the United States is a great place to learn from incredible people in every field imaginable. Whether your interests lean toward business, technology, science, engineering, or the arts, your options to engage with progressive and successful people are nearly limitless in the USA. Your Roadtrip begins in Los Angeles, California. Then it’s up to you and your team where you’re headed next: Hollywood, Silicon Valley, the Pacific Northwest or elsewhere. Working your way from west to east, you may take a northerly route to learn about efforts to bring auto industry back to Detroit, or push south to discover the multicultural, Caribbean vibe of Miami. Take full advantage of your time by making stops in cities such as Washington D.C., the center of the nation’s government and politics, and New York City, a dynamic and complex world city in which you’ll find exceptional people of all nationalities and skills. Your road trip comes to an end in “The Big Easy”: New Orleans, home to one of Rustic Pathways’ most popular community service projects. All Rustic Roadtrip students will converge here for the final phase of the program. Whether you’re exploring your future in the country of your birth, or coming to the USA for the first time, your road trip will open your eyes to the rich geography, untold history, and optimistic spirit of the American people.

The captivating Land Down Under occupies a special place in our history as the birthplace of the very first Rustic Pathways programs. Geographically vast, but with one of the world’s lowest population densities, Australia cannot be underestimated as a cultural and economic force on the world stage. Some of the world’s largest and most prominent companies are established here, creating opportunities to explore future careers in a variety of fields. Aboriginal artists produce sought-after works and local vineyards have redefined the global wine market. Aussie surfers are renowned, and the national cricket and rugby teams are perennial forces to be reckoned with. Important conservation work and biological research take place in the vast deserts and the Great Barrier Reef, and the country as a whole places a strong importance to environmental protection efforts. You’ll arrive in Melbourne, an ideal introduction to Australia’s rich arts and culture scene. Melbourne is home to our Australian operations and will be your home as you and your group plan your Roadtrip. From Melbourne, vast open roads will invite you into the Outback where you can sleep under the stars, or lead you up and down the coast with trips to dynamic cities such as Perth, Sydney, and Brisbane. End your trip with stops at legendary surf beaches, a hike through the Daintree rainforest, and perhaps a dive at the famous Great Barrier Reef.

ROADTRIP AUSTRALIA

SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2016 Sept 14 – Dec 7 Spring 2017 Feb 1 – Apr 26 COST: $21,995 USD + internal airfare

ROADTRIP INDIA

SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2016 Sept 14 – Dec 7 Spring 2017 Feb 1 – Apr 26 COST: $20,995 USD + internal airfare

India is at once ancient, modern, chaotic, peaceful, vibrant, and full of history. From the bustling city markets to the breathtaking Himalayas, you’ll never have a dull moment here. With 1.2 billion people and 5,000 years of history, India is anything and everything all at once. It’s a kaleidoscope of people, religions, languages, cultures, food, and adventure. From the glamorous Bollywood stages to the slums of Dharavi in Mumbai, and from the streetside chai vendor to the offices of technology firms offices in Bangalore, here you will find every industry imaginable. Experience the country at an historic juncture as it creates the largest and youngest workforce the world has ever seen and as massive urbanization changes social and cultural traditions that have been held for thousands of years. Beginning in New Delhi, you’ll meet our India team members, and plan your Roadtrip. From here, it’s up to you and your team where you’re headed first: Rajasthan (land of kings), Gujarat (land of the Asian lion), Bollywood, or the backwaters of Kerala. Your route will take from north to south as you learn about the diverse industry and culture of the nation, absorbing as much from the people of India as the places. Eventually you’ll make your way to the end point, Cochin, which is popularly known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Your Roadtrip will immerse you in the rich history, culture, geography, diversity, and creative spirit of the Indian people.

Southeast Asia has an allure all its own. This ancient region is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the rich Buddhist culture offers profound insights. Southeast Asia has many stories to uncover, from the frenetic energy of modern cities like Bangkok and Hanoi to rural villages far off the beaten path. Fly into to Chiang Mai, a UNESCO Creative City, and the cultural heart of Northern Thailand. Here you’ll settle in, acclimate to local culture, and start planning your route. Our staff will help you arrange meetings with individuals in the Chiang Mai area, including social activists, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Fill your journey with enlightening excursions, such as visits to a Buddhist monastery to meet monks and meditation gurus, or to local hospitals and clinics run by NGOs to learn about public health. For the policy-minded, your journey could take you to meetings with anti-human trafficking advocates, UN representatives, and diplomats. Visits to treasured natural attractions will bring opportunities to learn from people working on projects that support fair trade and promote environmental awareness. From Chiang Mai, travel north into Burma’s Shan State, northeast into the verdant mountains of Laos, or elsewhere. You may choose to steer east into Vietnam, or head south to Cambodia to visit floating villages, Angkor Wat, and a vast network of NGOs. End your epic Roadtrip in bustling and energy-filled Bangkok, Thailand.

ROADTRIP SOUTHEAST ASIA SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2016 Sept 14 – Dec 7 Spring 2017 Feb 1 – Apr 26 COST: $20,995 USD + internal airfare

Fall 2014 & Spring 2015

â&#x20AC;&#x153;On my gap year programs, I met some very kooky yet wonderful people and shared in experiences that have and will continue to change me. Whether it was playing soccer matches with local children, mastering a cement-mixing technique, admiring the most beautiful sunrise as I ascended Mount Kilimanjaro, running down a sand dune in the Sahara, or wandering through a labyrinth of markets, my life has been incredibly enriched by the myriad experiences and I find myself applying lessons Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned from those experiences nearly every day. While I would have enjoyed traveling on my own, I chose to enroll in a program because I felt that I would be able to accomplish more than if I had gone independently. Traveling through Rustic Pathways, the transportation, accommodations (particularly the home stay families), meals, guides, and service projects are already planned and provided. Having all of these eliminates both wasted time trying to plan and idle time in the country not really doing anything purposeful.â&#x20AC;?

RUSTIC INTERNSHIP SEMESTER Designed with mature, independent students in mind, you’ll find this semester offers excellent opportunities to take advantage of Rustic Pathways’ extensive international network. You will fully immerse yourself in new cultures while gaining valuable work and travel experience. Our list of internship opportunities is broad both in location and focus. Placements are in fields including education, entrepreneurship, child development, environmental sustainability, marine biology, animal protection, public health, and microfinance. Visit gap.rusticpathways.com/internship for a current list of placements. Each internship is carefully designed based on relationships between Rustic Pathways and our partner organizations around the world. Our Country Directors visit locations, meet with project managers, and work directly with our partners in every case. We limit our placements to those in which we are confident the living and working arrangements offer the best learning and growth opportunities to our students. Your internship will allow you to see how an organization such as a small business, school, or NGO operates. The skills you gain by living independently and fulfilling a necessary role will later serve to help you to be prepared and take initiative as you transition into higher education and your career path. You’ll learn what qualities you bring to the table as a team member, and how to maximize your effectiveness. This real-world experience can be an invaluable point of entry into your future endeavors. During the enrollment process, we will connect you with one of our partner organizations and help you find your ideal internship. Placement will be contingent upon your commitment to take on work responsibilities as well as the needs and requirements of our partners.

Orientation and Training

The Internship

Your internship semester begins in Turrialba, Costa Rica with a ten-day orientation. Here, you’ll learn how to prepare for life overseas. Expert Program Leaders will train you and your group on cultural acclimation, local customs, professionalism, time management, travel safety, and goal setting. Between orientation sessions, you’ll also get outdoors to have some fun and experience Costa Rica. You’ll relax with visits to local and regional attractions, enjoying activities such as biking, hiking, and exploring the rainforest.

Having completed training, it’s time to board a flight to your destination country. Upon arrival, you’ll follow detailed instructions to the location of your placement. There you will settle into your new job and get accustomed to life in your new new home. With a schedule, a local manager, weekly check-ins, and numbers to call when you need additional support, it will be up to you to make the most of your internship and free time. Rustic Pathways staff members will regularly check in with you and offer support via phones, email, and in person. For the next ten weeks, you’ll live life on your own terms, working hard to fulfill your responsibilities and achieve your personal goals. It won’t always be easy, but it’s likely to be among the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Reflection At the end of your semester, you’ll reunite with your fellow internship semester students in New Orleans to share stories, reflect on all you’ve learned, and have some Rustic Pathways-style fun in “The Big Easy.” Our re-entry activities offer opportunities to evaluate and frame your experience with the help of Rustic Pathways Program Leaders. Here, your focus will be on connecting observations, experiences, and lessons learned, and using this information to inform your approach to building your future. Successful completion of this program will give you confidence and experience to draw on as you move into higher education and your career. You will also feel good knowing you have provided valuable assistance to an organization. 57

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES From the Dominican Republic, to India, to Morocco, to Thailand, we offer internships with a variety of organizations across the globe. Designed by our Country Directors and organizational partners, opportunities cover fields such as marine conservation, business administration, access to education, technology, sustainable farming, and more. The following pages showcase three examples of the kinds of opportunities you’ll find on our website. Visit gap.rusticpathways.com for a current list of placements.

SEMESTER DETAILS For full details on internships, countries, dates, and pricing please visit our website, gap.rusticpathways.com.

MARINE LIFE Dominican Republic Live in the beautiful coastal town of Bayahibe. Work alongside the marine conservation experts at FUNDEMAR, an organization dedicated to scientific research to improve environmental conditions for marine species. The group uses its research to encourage best practices and sustainable development within the Dominican’s education system and booming tourism industry. One of your main projects will be the conservation and restoration of coral reefs. Earn your PADI open water dive certification to be able to work under the water, constructing, transplanting, and monitoring coral nurseries. Other projects may include community education programs related to coral reefs, and FUNDEMAR’s ongoing campaign to eliminate the invasive lionfish species. When not hard at work, take a trip to Isla Saona, hike to nearby caves, and enjoy island life! Skills learned: marine conservation, environmental sustainability, research, monitoring and evaluation, scuba diving 58

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

YOUTH SERVICES

Peru

India

Help girls from rural villages gain access to an education while living in the peaceful Sacred Valley of the Incas. This internship runs in partnership with the Sacred Valley Project in Peru, which builds and manages dormitories for young women from rural indigenous communities. During the semester, you will work closely with the Sacred Valley Projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administrative team to improve systems, increase outreach to potential donors and partner organizations, and help to manage a sustainability project. You may also tutor students at the dormitories in English or mathematics. Interns have the option of living with a home stay family or renting a private room. During your free time, see the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, visit the city of Cusco, and enjoy numerous hiking and biking excursions throughout the picturesque landscape of the Sacred Valley.

Live in Jaipur and intern with TAABAR, an organization dedicated to building a free, caring, fair society with access to opportunity and livelihood for all. They specifically work to empower vulnerable and neglected members of society. TAABAR runs a mobile clinic in order to reach children in need of medical services. They provide health checks, counseling, immunizations, and medicines where they are most needed. Work with the team on the mobile clinic, provide hygiene and other learning lessons for the youths, and offer assistance with other projects and administrative tasks. Learn the ins and outs of NGO operations and how TAABAR continues to provide these essential services. When not at work, explore the Pink City bazaars, visit Amer Palace and City Palace, or sip chai at Surya Mandir on top of the Aravali mountains.

Skills learned: non-profit administration, sustainable development, teaching, business administration

Skills learned: youth empowerment, non-profit administration, public health, teaching, community advocacy 59

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions at Rustic Pathways. Upon applying, our Enrollment Coordinator will walk you through the process of preparing for your gap year. Our goal is to provide a simple, easy to understand enrollment process and give personal attention to your needs. If any of your questions aren’t addressed below, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Who should join a Rustic Pathways program? Our programs are designed for positive, open-minded students with keen interests in experiential learning, adventure, and cultural exchange. Be ready for mental, emotional, and physical challenges! For more information, view the Essential Eligibility Criteria on our website.

What are the accommodations during the program? Accommodations vary by location. Most programs include hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and sometimes camp in tents. While accommodations may be basic at times, we carefully check each location to make sure that it meets our safety standards.

Do I need any special skills or experience?

What about safety?

Students join us from a variety of backgrounds and bring a mix of skills and experiences. First and foremost, we ask that you bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Some internship placements require specific skills such as the ability to communicate in basic Spanish.

As a leader in our industry, Rustic Pathways takes the health and wellbeing of our students extremely seriously. We have comprehensive risk management and emergency response systems and go to great lengths to educate and train our leaders to be prepared for urgent situations. In fact, nearly all of our full-time operations staff, including Program Leaders are certified as Wilderness First Responders. To compliment these efforts, we are partnered with International SOS, one of the world’s leading providers of global medical and security support. All participants have access to International SOS’ benefits through the Rustic Pathways’ membership. Visit our website for more on the services provided by International SOS and to learn about our safety and risk management policies.

What is the age requirement? We can accommodate participants 17 to 22 years old. Most participants are 18 or 19 years old. Seventeen year olds may join as long as they have either graduated from high school or have fulfilled all their requirements to graduate. Rustic Internship Semester students must be at least 18 years old.

What is the average group size? What is the gender ratio? Service and Exploration and Spanish Immersion and Service Semester groups are typically made up of six to sixteen participants. Rustic Roadtrips groups are comprised of three to six students. Rustic Internships are individual placements. If you are curious about the age and gender of other participants on a particular program, just ask—we can let you know!

Who are the Program Leaders? Primary Program Leaders are native English speakers or fully fluent non-native speakers, have medical training, and are experienced, well trained group leaders. In addition, support staff members, such as local guides help to supervise students. Every program will include staff members certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

How are groups supervised? Supervision and levels of structure vary by program type. We maintain a staff to student ratio not less than 1:6 on all semesters, except for Rustic Internships, during which students live for up to ten weeks without direct supervision by Rustic Pathways staff.

What if I have food allergies or dietary requirements? We can accommodate most dietary requirements, including vegetarian. It is very important that you advise us of any allergies or special dietary needs at the time of your application as well as on your medical forms, so that we can support you in making the right decision about which program to choose.

How do I apply? Is there an application deadline? Our easy application is located on our website and can be submitted online. We accept applications on a rolling basis; however, applying sooner than later helps you secure a spot on your first-choice program, makes it easier to obtain tickets and visas, and allows you to pay by installments.

What happens after I apply? After your application is reviewed, we will contact you for an Enrollment Meeting to review the information you provided and discuss the programs you have chosen. You will also receive an Enrollment Letter via email with details on forms and payment necessary to complete the enrollment process.

What forms will I need to complete? You will be asked to electronically sign a Participant Enrollment Agreement, submit an online medical history form, and send a copy of your passport. Additional forms may be requested in some cases.

How do I book my flights? We will send you information about booking your Program Start and End Flights about two months before your trip begins. You will have the option to book your own flights or have Rustic Pathways book them for you. Internal Flights, which are flights that occur between or within destination countries during your program, will be automatically booked and managed by Rustic Pathways. Please refer to the Gap Year Flight and Travel page on our website for more information.

How do I apply for visas? Visa requirements depend on your nationality, the country you are traveling to, and the length of time you will be there. Students with United States passports are able to use our partner, G3 Visas and Passports to streamline this process. Students traveling on passports from other countries will be able to apply for visas independently or by using local visa expeditors. We are happy to answer any questions and provide guidance, but it is each students’ responsibility to ensure that they have the necessary visas.

Will I need insurance while I’m traveling? We require all students to have active medical insurance coverage valid for the duration and locations of their programs. In the event of injury or illness, we will help you seek proper medical attention; however, you are ultimately responsible for all expenses incurred for medical treatment and services received. We partner with TripMate to provide travel insurance (including flights, program disruption, property, cancellation, and primary medical coverage) for those who choose to purchase it. To learn more about the plan and to view the description of coverage, visit: tripmate.com/wpF430R.

Will I need any vaccinations or medications for my trip? Discuss your travel plans with your physician prior to travel and consider visiting your local travel clinic well in advance of your program. Print the itinerary from the program website and show it to a travel doctor or clinic, so they can suggest vaccines and preventative medications for the regions where you’ll be traveling. Be aware that some immunizations require multiple injections spread out over several weeks and plan accordingly. The following websites provide useful information for travelers: www.mdtravelhealth.com www.cdc.gov www.internationalsos.com

Are there scholarships or discounts available? Yes. We offer a number of scholarships that are awarded based on financial need and commitment to success. For more details, please write us at gap@rusticpathways.com.

How will I stay in touch? Phone and internet service are often readily available to our students. However, there are portions of our programs during which students will need to go up to two weeks without access to phones or internet. We encourage students to limit communication with their parents to a phone call or message no more than once per week. This ensures group cohesion, the building of trust among students and leaders, and allows for the most culturally immersive experiences. We suggest that students and their parents create communication plans that set clear expectations around the frequency of, and reasons for contacting each other. In urgent situations, students and parents have access to our 24-hour emergency line, which they can call for immediate assistance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION This catalog provides a brief summary of the 2016 and 2017 travel programs (“the programs”) offered by Rustic Pathways Australia (USA), Inc. (“Rustic Pathways”), a tour promoter based in the state of Ohio. 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 to all qualified participants. 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.

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEXT? Join the larger Rustic Pathways community. Follow us on social media: @rusticpathways /rusticpathways @rusticpathways /rusticpathways

Meet us in your hometown! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hitting the road and heading to cities and towns across the world. Meet our Admissions Coordinator, Casey Atchley, in person and learn more about our gap year experiences. Our Gap Year Team is always happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best program for your interests and goals. We also host virtual presentations to talk about our programs. For more information, visit gap.rusticpathways.com/events.

Have questions? Get in touch! We are always happy to chat and answer any questions you have. Give us a call at 800.321.4353 or send an email to gap@rusticpathways.com.

Apply Online! Detailed program itineraries, packing lists, and FAQs can be found on our website. Decide on your programs and apply online!

800.321.4353 440.975.9691 gap@rusticpathways.com gap.rusticpathways.com PRINTED IN THAILAND

Rustic Pathways

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