Program Reviews

In the summer of 2019, I attended the Marine Life and Coastal Restoration program in the Dominican Republic. This trip impacted my life in so many ways and because of that, I learned so much more about myself. Not only did a learn in two weeks what many would learn in a classroom throughout the year, but I made some of the most real and genuine connections with other student attending this trip. When working on specific projects, we would split up into different groups each time, giving us the opportunity to get to know everyone attending the trip, including our leaders. I went on this trip alone and it was the best decision I made. It gave me the opportunity to form real connections with others and learn about other kids experiences from around the country. These connections along with learning about the very real effects of climate change on our earth and taking steps ourselves to help this issue, has made me much more of a well-rounded person. I am always open to meeting new people now and finding little things to help better our environment. By meeting new people, I can also teach them what I've learned and inspire them to take little steps like I am to improve and help save our environment.

This program was amazing! I traveled with two friends from home, but it would have been just as fun going alone! There was a lot of in-country travel, which allowed me to get to know my group and bond with them very quickly which was amazing! There were not always hot showers at the places we stayed, but that was very easy to get used to, especially in the Costa Rican heat! The schedule of the program allowed my group to learn a lot about the Costa Rican culture, and for us to have some fun adventures! We toured a farm, a coffee plantation, visited a hot spring, went zip lining, and much more! Being able to create and run a summer camp that the kids loved was a great experience, and it taught me a lot about the value of communication, as the children spoke very little English. I highly recommend this program, the friendships I made were life long and the memories I made will stay with me forever!

Well my rustic trip « the Mekong expedition » was actually my best experience abroad. I still have contacts with all my rustic group and consider them as true friends. To me, during the trip, the most important thing was that we grew up together. Indeed, we matured a lot and we learned much from Thai and Lao people we met, from our program leaders ( who were awesome by the way loved them !! ) but also from each of us. Moreover, I was really amazed to see the everyday cheerfulness of all the Thai and Lao people. It made me realize our fortune to live in developed countries as USA or France. I know it can appear as a paltry act but now I really try to be happy ( and SMILING :) ) and enjoy every moments of my life.
To you, future young rustic travelers, I have one advice : ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY ! If you are open minded, ready to discovering new people ( and culture !) and having fun as never before, the Rustic trips are made for you ;)

This trip has changed my life and I will never forget it. The people who I was lucky enough to accompany on this trip truly had the drive to help others in need and to learn about Thai culture, just as I had. The staff was incredible, as we had teamed up with Thai tour guides to make the trip as authentic as we could. I would literally do anything to go back. No complaints whatsoever! Thai food is great, so many different flavors that I would never be able to find in the u.s. The Thai people are on a whole new level of kindness; I felt welcome the whole time and everyone seemed to be willing to make a friend. The base house was such an amazing place to stay and get to know the workers so I’m very sad it will no longer be in use the next year

I had the best experience of my life in Cambodia this summer! I had the opportunity to visit Angkor Wat and the Tomb Raider Temple where trees grew in and around the temple! I was able to cross Angkor Wat off of my bucket list. To say it was fantastic would be an understatement. I had so so so much fun, and the best part is that I was able to be 100% myself. I never felt as if I was not included or able to be true to who I am. If you are a history buff, love photography, or are interested in trying new foods, Cambodia is definitely a place you should visit. I was challenged to discover the intricacies of another culture so different from my own. I want to study Anthropology in university and this experience was like dipping my feet in. 10/10 would recommend it!

I went to Thailand in 2018 and was exposed to a completely different lifestyle. Not only were these experiences enlightening to what privilege meant, but also that it wasn't necessarily that important. When I visited these rural communities I was greeted with huge grins and helping hands, they were the nicest and most inviting group of people. They helped us build walls for their new school and encouraged us to use their bathrooms, they were welcoming in every aspect. This was something that was so unique for me, especially coming from America where people are hesitant when it comes to helping others. The most important thing to remember while visiting these communities is to be thankful and appreciative of anyone's help because they are not obligated and are doing it out of the kindness of their hearts.

My main piece of advice for Rustic Pathways trips is to choose a trip that will push you out of your comfort zone. It may seem scary, daunting, and, frankly, like you won’t enjoy your time, but I guarantee you, no matter what, you will have the most amazing time on a Rustic Pathways trip. Throughout my high school years, I have been on two different trips with Rustic. First, in the summer of 2018, I went to Thailand on Elephants and Amazing Thailand, and secondly, I went on Moroccan Wanderer in Morocco in the summer of 2019. Both trips were amazing. I started my journey to the airport before my first trip in 2018 worrying about making friends. I have never been an extrovert, and, although I do have many friends, I have never been one to eagerly associate with others with as much enthusiasm as some of my friends, something that scared me when entering an environment with people I had never met. Yet, that’s the beauty of these trips. Student travelers are all likeminded kids. We are all seeking out new experiences and want to learn about the world. Although I have met many types of people throughout each and every trip, coming from different political views, backgrounds, and cultures, many of which, having very different personalities than my own, Rustic has a way of bringing people together. To this very day, I consider many of my fellow travelers to be my best friends, talking to many of them every day. That is just one reason why I have continued going on trips with Rustic Pathways, as not only were the staff members some of the most amazing and understanding people I have met, with so much experience to share about life and careers, and not only for the fact that the trips as a whole were an amazing experience fit with athletic activities, new foods, and new languages and cultures, but that it has helped me break out of my comfort zone and create new friends that I now consider family.

This trip was amazing. I made friends from all over the country, got to experience a new culture, try new food, and work with Asian elephants hands on. The program leaders were all amazing and so supportive, making the trip a lot more fun.The first part of your trip you are at the elephant conservation center, you start your day by getting your elephants from the jungle and giving them a bath, and the end the day the same. You are able to do many activities that the mahouts (elephant caregiver) do on a daily basis. Being able to work with elephants, in their own environment, is something many people don't get the chance to experience. The second part of your trip you travel around Thailand, trying new food, seeing their beautiful temples, and getting the chance to walk through some of their markets. If you love animals, especially elephants, and want to experience a new culture by traveling around a new country, this trip is perfect for you.

In just a span of two weeks, I was able to create lasting friendships, make a direct impact on the environment and alter the way I view the world. The Marine Life and Coastal Restoration allowed me to really appreciate the environment and see what impact humans can have on the planet. In general, I learned about conservation in a way that I never imagined possible. For the first week, we snorkeled either picking up trash or identifying parrot fish and collecting data for FunDeMar, a local organization. I learned so much including that parrot fish and coral reefs are crucial components of the ecosystem. Even more, not only was I directly helping the ecosystem, but I was also creating lasting bonds with those around me. I never knew it was possible to connect with so many people in such a short amount of time. Rustic Pathways allowed me to open my eyes and view the world in a completely new and exciting way.

Having the privilege to travel throughout my high school career has given me the ability to see the world through a different lens. By experiencing other cultures and meeting new people I have been given a deeper understanding of global interaction. Through this understanding, I have also been able to develop a stronger sense of empathy. I believe empathy is an incredibly important aspect of finding global peace. Traveling with Rustic has lead me to pursue a career in International Development at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. I also believe being able to travel with Rustic at such a young age forced me to mature earlier through the experiences I had on my trips and understanding what life is like for those living outside of my small hometown bubble. Overall, Rustic has been an incredibly positive force in my life and being able to travel made me a better person.