Rustic Pathways

Rustic Pathways Reviews

Maria
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning experience

I have learnt a lot in this experience, I have learnt that we have to save this planet. We have to help the fish and save their habitat. They have organized really well the program, we have got to see many different things. And I have learnt a lot about this country. It is really fun doing things with your group, and it is really fun because you get to know new people from different places. Overall it is a really fun experience which I really recommend to everyone. You will learn a lot and gain a lot of experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing I saw was the amount of mosquitos in Saona Island
Pros
  • Learnt a lot
  • Had a lot of fun
  • Experienced a different culture
What other participants should know
  • Cat calling
  • Lots of walking
  • It’s really hot
Response from Rustic Pathways

Hi Maria! We're so happy to hear you had a great time and learned a lot on your travel program. Thank you for joining us in the Dominican Republic, and we hope to see you again next summer!

Alexys
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Adventure 1-12

My time in Thailand was unique, because we got to have some people from the Thailand elephant and some from places out of the US. Meeting people from all around and trying to learn some of there languages was one of my favorite favorite parts! I really liked that everyone was so easy to get to know and they were all open to do new thing like food, activities, and experiences. Thailand is definitely a place I can see myself coming back to and I loved it so much. I hope anyone who is thinking of going on this trip goes and tries it!! It’s amazing!

What was your funniest moment?
My funnies moment was either when we went to the sticky water fall and went to climbed but slipped and fell on my butt, I was laughing crying, or it was when all my friend and I came up with funny inside jokes and used them throughout the trip
Pros
  • Making new friends
  • Having a good time and not having to worry about really anything
  • Not fully being under control/ having many freedoms
What other participants should know
  • You may not like some people
  • Food might not be your forte
  • And some activities might be out of your comfort zone because this is very adventurous
Response from Rustic Pathways

Hi Alexys! Thanks so much for joining us in Thailand. We love that you got to make connections with other students from around the world. We hope to see you next summer!

Christian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Pura vida

I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in this pura vita trip, and it was truly a life-changing experience. The organization was well-structured, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was meaningful. From the moment I arrived they tried to make you feel comfortable. Also the people I met I will never forget. I felt safe the whole time and the events were really fun. I went alone but i quickly made a ton of friends so by the end of it I did not feel alone like I came into the trip.

Response from Rustic Pathways

Hey Christian! Thank you so much for traveling with us! We love when students step outside of their comfort zones and travel alone. We're glad you made so many new friends too and had a great time. We hope to see you next summer!

Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My review

I had a lot of fun in the time that I was at the pura vida service and I loved helping out with the local community. It was fun to make friends both with the locals and with the other students who came on this trip. We went on a lot of adventures, such as zip lining and white water rafting. I made a lot of memories while I was here and I definitely will try to bring back what I learned to my hometown. I loved trying the local food, I also loved being able to make some of my food. I would definitely come back.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would want to do more service
Pros
  • Helping out with the commjnity
  • Good food
  • Made friends
What other participants should know
  • Early mornings
  • Got lost
  • Not enough service
Response from Rustic Pathways

Hi Anna! We're so happy you joined us in Costa Rica! It seems like you had an incredible time! We hope to see you again next summer! Pura Vida!

Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly Recommend

All the students were very inclusive and made me experience a joy! I enjoyed learning about the Costa Rican culture, language, and food. The community service has not only impacted the community here but has changed my mindset on how I view the opportunities I have back at home. In addition, the activities were a blast. It was my first time white water rafting and I felt so safe. The views and environment here is so clean and beautiful. I love how the program leaders are easily approachable and enjoy playing games and making jokes with the students.

Response from Rustic Pathways

Hi Kayla!
We're so glad that you joined us in Costa Rica! We love that your mindset has changed for the better. You seem to have made the most of this trip. And we hope you get to join us on another adventure next summer!

Alana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

highly recommend!

i had a lot of fun and i felt very taken care of by my program leaders. they truly were the highlight of my trip! i got to try a lot of new foods and experience activities like ziplining and rafting that i never would have done otherwise. i also got to experience a new culture and felt immersed because of the people who helped our group. i would definitely suggest someone in high school to go with a friend and have a fun trip! even just a week is awesome and you will never forget it. as someone who travels a lot but never alone, i got to experience something new and i loved it

Response from Rustic Pathways

Hi Alana! We're so glad that you joined us in Costa Rica. We know that the Program Leaders were happy you were a part of the group! And we hope others take your advice to travel with a friend, and join us on a trip! We hope you join us again next summer!

Nicholas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nick’s 2nd Experience in South Korea

My experience left me feeling highly satisfied with both the productivity of the program, but also what they meant for my cultural identity. As I’ve matured, I’ve found that embracing my Korean ethnicity and expressing myself through my heritage gives me a strong sense of purpose and inspires my personal growth. I was able to experience South Korea for a second time, just one year after my first visit, and from various perspectives that I previously missed. The journey was not only enjoyable, with lots of great food and laughs, but it also let me appreciate the cultural richness, bustle, and enthusiasm of the nation that makes it so special.

What was your funniest moment?
Trolling Dawson Lin
Pros
  • Incredible and varied cuisine
  • Plethora of fun activities and things to explore, both rural and urban
  • Exploration of historical richness and lasting cultural significance.m
What other participants should know
  • Bugs in temple
  • Humid weather
  • Dawson Lin
Response from Rustic Pathways

Hey Nicholas! We're so glad that this trip made you feel more connected to your heritage. South Korea is an AMAZING place. We hope to see you next summer!

Jack
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Seoul searching

This trip experience was truly amazing where i got witness everything great about Korea. From the students and senior citizens we met to the markets and food we visited, this program truly encapsulates everything there is to Korea. Throughout this trip I was able to take step away from my normal life in New Jersey and take a different perspective on the world and just realize that I and my community are only small parts of what makes this world great. Our guides were absolutely amazing and navigated us everywhere and our experience defiantly wouldn’t have been as great without them.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
my most nerve racking moment would probably have to be other people trying to speak Korean to me. I am Korean, and it definitely made me nervous that they would try to speak to me and I would have no idea what they said. Fortunately, for the most part, they all spoke some sort of english and language wasn’t really a barrier for me.
Pros
  • Food
  • Shopping
  • Traveling
What other participants should know
  • Heat
  • Transportation
  • Bugs in room during temple stay
Response from Rustic Pathways

Hi Jack! Thank you so much for traveling with us to South Korea. We're so happy to hear you gained a new perspective on the world. We hope to see you again next summer!

Dawson
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Seoul Searching: Summer 2024

This trip was truly an opportunity to experience the diverse aspects of life in Korea in little over a week. We were able to immerse ourselves in Korean culture through cuisine, faith, and service activities. We traveled throughout the country by bus, visiting major cities like Seoul and Busan as well as cultural landmarks such as Korean Buddhist temples. My favorite parts of the trip was teaching senior citizens and school-age kids English, as well as learning how to cook glass noodles. Would absolutely recommend this experience to future travelers.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Stir-fried eel
Pros
  • Tour Bus
  • shopping
  • Karaoke
What other participants should know
  • Bugs in room during temple stay
  • Weather
  • Language barriers
Response from Rustic Pathways

Hey Dawson! We're so glad to hear you had such a diverse and immersive experience in South Korea! We hope you're able to join us again next summer!

Bryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Phenomenal Program

Though there was less service than expected, the service trip to Japan exceeded all other expectations. The group leaders were well informed about the locations, we were taken to various different places, all with a different kind of impact, we were encouraged to think about the purpose of the trip for ourselves and how we could accomplish our goals in Japan. It truly was a very well thought out and carefully planned trip, with an amazing team to support the students. I highly recommend. Thank you.

What was your funniest moment?
At night, usually between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, one of the group leaders, Chet, would play cards with some students and show us magic tricks in the kitchen of the hostel we were staying in. Chet was hilariously good at slapjack (one student made the comment that his arm was like a gun). Despite him crushing us every time in slapjack, he remained humble and courteous, and always made us smile.
Pros
  • Great team of group leaders
  • Fantastic and engaging activities
  • Delicious foods
What other participants should know
  • Lack of service
  • No background checks on students (as far as I know)
Response from Rustic Pathways

Hi Bryn! We're thrilled to hear your experience in Japan exceeded your expectations! Thank you so much for being a part of our group there. We hope you join us again next summer!