Rustic Pathways
Programs and Reviews

Rustic Pathways

Travel abroad with Rustic Pathways to one of many exotic locations. Overseas trips are organized for all kinds of travelers from high school students and college students to families and various other groups. Students as young as 12 years old can even partake in some summer programs abroad.

Whether you are looking to study or volunteer abroad programs, gap year programs or adventure programs, Rustic Pathways is a great place to start!

Programs Abroad

Thailand
Rustic Pathways | Thailand
Rustic Pathways has been operating student travel and community service programs in Thailand for over a decade. With 60 full-time employees from incredibly diverse backgrounds, our connections here ensure access to places that aren't...
4
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an alumni interview.
94% Rating
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18 Reviews
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Rustic pathways surfing in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Rustic Pathways | Costa Rica
Pristine rainforests, majestic volcanoes, and friendly Ticos brought us to Costa Rica in 2003 with just seven programs. Today, we offer twenty diverse programs that range from saving sea turtles on the Pacific Coast to working with an...
96
This program has been
rated highly supportive!
1
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an alumni interview.
95% Rating
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13 Reviews
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Rustic Pathways Travel and Volunteer Program in Fiji
Fiji
Rustic Pathways | Fiji
For 19 years, Rustic Pathways has been running the highest quality service and adventure programs in Fiji. We operate year-round private bases in Fiji. These include a tropical retreat on remote Naviti Island, a traditional village...
97
This program has been
rated highly supportive!
98% Rating
»
10 Reviews
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Cambodia
Rustic Pathways | Cambodia
A regal gem of Southeast Asia with a haunting past, Rustic Pathways is proud to provide year-round essential services in Cambodia. Since 1999, our operations have grown to include headquarters in Phnom Penh, a base in Kampong Cham,...
95
This program has been
rated highly supportive!
98% Rating
»
9 Reviews
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Rain-forest in the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
Rustic Pathways | Dominican Republic
Rustic Pathways wants to extend a warm thank you to all who joined us on our first summer adventure in the Dominican Republic. Since 2011, our dedication to service initiatives has grown through collaborative efforts in local...
1
This listing has
an alumni interview.
95% Rating
»
4 Reviews
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Rustic Pathways Australia Program Participants
Australia
Rustic Pathways | Australia
In 1983, Rustic Pathways took its first exploration through the sparse Australian Outback. Thirty years later, we're proud to continue adventures Down Under all over this gorgeous country. With offices and bases near both Melbourne...
1
This listing has
an alumni interview.
100% Rating
»
4 Reviews
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India
Rustic Pathways | India
Since 2005, Rustic Pathways has embraced the welcoming languages, culinary dishes, religions, and lifestyles of India. Our commitment to service and exploration continues to thrive as India continues to expand as a travel destination...
87% Rating
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3 Reviews
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Climbing Kili
Tanzania
Rustic Pathways | Tanzania
Rustic Pathways first ventured into Africa in 1996. In 2006 we opened our first summer programs in Tanzania and have been running enriching community service and adventure trips for high school students here ever since. From the peak...
1
This listing has
an alumni interview.
95% Rating
»
2 Reviews
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Ghana
Rustic Pathways | Ghana
Rustic Pathways opened programs in Ghana in 2011, although we have been working in Africa since 1996. Our operations in Ghana combine both touring and community service and offer a great opportunity to explore one of the most...
90% Rating
»
2 Reviews
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China
Rustic Pathways | China
Rustic Pathways operates in both the charming, old town of Dali and the bustling, modern metropolis, Shanghai. Join us as we continue to celebrate tradition and embrace the mystery of China. Service Shangri-La Culture and Service:...
60% Rating
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1 Review
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Rustic Pathways Burma Volunteer and Travel Program
Myanmar
Rustic Pathways | Burma
Enticed by the vibrancy and history of Burma, Chairman David Venning first led trips to the Golden Land in the late 1990s. Today we celebrate our eleventh year of successful adventures across the nation. Our commitment to the Burmese...
1
This listing has
an alumni interview.
90% Rating
»
1 Review
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Rustic Pathways Thailand Program Participants
Laos
Rustic Pathways | Laos
Sabaidee! Rustic Pathways has been working in Laos for over 10 years. Not only do we have a wonderful team of local staff working with us, but we are also building an amazing new base house on the banks of the Mekong River in...
90% Rating
»
1 Review
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Rustic Pathways Vietnam Program Participant
Vietnam
Rustic Pathways | Vietnam
Over eleven years ago, Rustic Pathways brought its first student group to Vietnam. For many years the focus revolved around photography and touring the country's many historic landmarks. Over time, our connections here have deepened,...
80% Rating
»
1 Review
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Rustic Pathways Panama Volunteer and Travel Program
Panama
Rustic Pathways | Panama
Five years ago, Rustic Pathways began working with the Kuna Indians on the San Blas Archipelago in Panama. We are proud to continue our work with this welcoming community and introduce our students to another beautiful and interesting...
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Rustic Pathways New Zealand Program
New Zealand
Rustic Pathways | New Zealand
For twenty years, Rustic Pathways has provided sublime opportunities during New Zealand's winter months for community service, adrenaline, and exploration. Known as "The Land of the Long White Cloud" by the Maori, both the North and...
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Reviews

Program: Rustic Pathways | Dominican Republic

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Dominican Repuclic

Truly amazing experience, wouldn't replace it for anything. It made me more aware of how I want community service to be a bigger part of my life. The people are so kind there, and it made me realize how fortunate I am. The rustic pathways staff was very friendly and welcoming; I always felt safe and knew I could talk to them about anything.

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Submitted by Caitlyn Hallman on 05/11/2013
Reviewer's Bio:    Female    |   Age: 14-18    |   Collegeville, Pennsylvania    |    Novice Traveler    |      
Program: Rustic Pathways | Costa Rica

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Heart of the Jungle

This trip was a lot of fun. The first 2 days of the trip, I hated it because i didn't know anyone and the service work was pretty annoying but then i realized that its good to give back to people and we started touring costa rica. its a beautiful country and the people are super friendly and laid back. my councellors were super nice

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Submitted by Taram on 05/11/2013
Reviewer's Bio:    Female    |   Age: 14-18    |   great neck, New york    |    Experienced Traveler    |      
Program: Rustic Pathways | Costa Rica

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Surf and Service

The Surf and Service experience is the best of both worlds. Spend your mornings surfing and afternoons providing service to the local community. If your looking for a way to gain service hours while still having lots of fun and adventure this program is for you.

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Submitted by Halle on 05/10/2013
Reviewer's Bio:    Female    |   Age: 19-24    |   Westerville, Ohio    |    Experienced Traveler    |    Wittenberg University   
Program: Rustic Pathways | Cambodia

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Loved this program

Travelling overseas was easy, because we travelled in large groups. It also gave me an opportunity to meet my peers on long flights or during layovers. The staff and fantastic and the programs are incredible.

Critical Feedback:

Nothing, I truly enjoyed every second of my trip

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Submitted by finalsarekillingme on 05/10/2013
Reviewer's Bio:    Female    |   Age: 19-24    |   Massachusetts    |    Experienced Traveler    |    Smith College   
Program: Rustic Pathways | Costa Rica

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The best week of my life

This trip was fantastic, it was a great way to practice some spanish, and experience a whole new world. I really enjoyed it, and everything was great. Accommodations, surfing, food, zip-lining, just amazing. Honestly, this was the best week of my life, I was able to spend it with some really amazing people, who I am still in contact with!

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Submitted by Anna on 05/10/2013
Reviewer's Bio:    Female    |   Age: 14-18    |   Arizona    |    Experienced Traveler    |      

Alumni Interviews

Girl riding a water buffalo in Thailand
Posted: 04/22/2013
Meet Emily Johansen
Meet Emily Johansen Emily Johansen is from central Utah, and serves as Student Body President of her high school. She enjoys being up the mountain, playing her ukulele and riding her unicycle. She makes life an adventure, and loves smiling and laughing. Emily is currently training for a marathon this summer, and can't wait to go to college next fall! Emily riding a water buffalo! What was a...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Thailand
Elephant in Tanzania
Posted: 03/14/2013
Meet Michelle Florin
Meet Michelle Florin, Rustic Pathways - Tanzania alum Michelle Florin traveled to Tanzania with Rustic Pathways in the summer of 2011. She is a sophomore at Emory University double majoring in Business and Psychology. Michelle is hoping to work for a nonprofit organization in the future and plans to continue to travel and give back to the community. She enjoys running, taking photographs, and...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Tanzania
Group in Thailand
Posted: 03/13/2013
Meet Katie Silverman
Katie Silverman - Thailand Katie Silverman is from Cherry Hill New Jersey and is working as an after school care assistant and Montessori Schools. She enjoys dancing, volunteering, being outdoors, and traveling. Where: Rustic Pathways in Thailand When: June 26- July 20 Katie with her new friends in Thailand! Highlights: There were many highlights of my trip on Thailand Come with Nothing Go...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Thailand
Rustic Pathways Volunteer
Posted: 03/12/2013
Meet Cassidy Rappaport
Meet Cassidy Rappaport, Rustic Pathways - Burma alum Cassidy Rappaport is from Chicago, Illinois, 19 years old and currently studying Human Rights and Cultural Anthropology at Hampshire College. She enjoys traveling, learning about people, baking, and meeting people from all over the world. GO: Why did you decide to volunteer with Rustic Pathways in Burma? Getting in touch with the Burmese...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Burma
Volunteer Cassidy
Posted: 03/12/2013
Meet Cassidy Rappaport
Meet Cassidy Rappaport, Rustic Pathways - Thailand alum Cassidy Rappaport is from Chicago, Illinois, 19 years old and currently studying Human Rights and Cultural Anthropology at Hampshire College. She enjoys traveling, learning about people, baking, and meeting people from all over the world. GO: Why did you decide to volunteer with Rustic Pathways in Thailand? Thailand has beautiful lush...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Thailand
Women in Thailand
Posted: 03/11/2013
Meet Eva Olaya
Meet Eva Olaya, Rustic Pathways in Thailand alum Eva in Thailand! GO: Why did you decide to volunteer with Rustic Pathways in Thailand? Eva: I decided to volunteer because my friend had told me about this program that she had heard about. So I checked out the website and found it so interesting and fun. I don't have a specific reason why I chose Thailand but I had never been to Asia and the...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Thailand
Boy looking through window in the dominican republic
Posted: 03/08/2013
Meet Amanda Nocera
Meet Amanda Nocera, Rustic Pathways in the D.R. Amanda went to the Dominican Republic on July 17, 2012 and returned August 2, 2012. She is from a small country town in Darlington, Pennsylvania. She is a senior at Sewickley Academy, which is a private high school right outside of Pittsburgh. She plans to go to college at University of Dayton to study engineering and business management. She...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Dominican Republic
Australia volunteer
Posted: 02/26/2013
Meet Emma Crockett
Meet Emma Crockett, Rustic Pathways - Australia alum Emma Crockett went on the You a Roo and Australia Zoo during the summer of 2011, July 14th to July 21st. She is from Hunt, Texas, and currently goes to Colorado State University. She is 19, but was 17 at the time of the trip. Emma is an outgoing, extroverted person who loves animals, the outdoors, photography, and finding new and exciting...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Australia
Natalie clearly embraced her experience volunteering in Costa Rica
Posted: 09/21/2012
Meet Natalie Ball
Meet Natalie Ball, Costa Rica volunteer alumni GO: Why did you decide to volunteer with Rustic Pathways in Costa Rica? Natalie: Costa Rica with Rustic Pathways was the first program I ever went on. I chose it because it had a great balance of everything I loved and wanted to experience. First off, I did the Traveling Soccer and Service because I love soccer and wanted to have a service component...
Program: Rustic Pathways | Costa Rica
69 Reviews

94%Overall
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