Costa Rica Summer High School Programs with Rustic Pathways

I was really on the fence about doing this service trip because I would have to go alone, but it ended up being the best experience of my life. The Intro to Community Service program in Costa Rica was perfect for me because it enabled me to try a lot of new things. With this program, we had three days of community service, a bunch of fun activities (zip lining, white water rafting, swimming in hot springs, and more), and multiple close interactions with the community. Although I originally wanted to travel with a friend, I highly recommend traveling alone because you interact with people in a more meaningful way. The Rustic leaders in my group were amazing (shoutout to Alyssa, Raleigh, Katie, Lyndsay, and Oscar!) and opened up my eyes to a lot about the world. Also, the food served at our base house was always delicious, and our base house was very nice. If you're having doubts about going on a Rustic trip, DEFINITELY do it because it will change your life in so many amazing ways.

I met people from all over the world, and this trip opened my eyes to new places and people. In addition to being in a new country, the people on my trip and program leaders expanded my knowledge of the world around me. It was a great 9 days. I loved the people I met and everyone was so welcoming and nice. The chef and cleaners were lovely local people and were so accommodating about my difficulties speaking Spanish and tried to help me. The food was also great! I wish laundry was free, but it’s okay because if you pack enough you won’t need to do it. BRING MULTIPLE TOWELS!!!! Things do not dry in Costa Rica!! I also saw many new animals and things I never see back home, like wild sloths, tucanes and monkeys. I also loved to try new foods- the pineapple in Costa Rica is incredible- and the staff at rustic pathways is very accommodating and understanding of everyone’s dietary restrictions and choices. One thing I was a bit annoyed with is that they list the trip as 9 days, but it’s only 7 because you leave very early in the day so it’s not even close to a full day in Costa Rica. Besides that, it was very fun! I also wish I had a little more independence- we were watched over like hawks! We’re teenagers! Let us have a little fun sometimes! Besides all of this, I would still consider it to be a great trip, and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Rustic is a great organization and I never felt unsafe or like it was sketchy. The staff was very nice and I loved everyone I met. Everyone was inspiring, and I got to practice my Spanish a lot. If you are in intro to Community service in Costa Rica- be ready to meet the best dog ever! Paco is the local dog there! He is the best. Despite it being a bit overpriced, I had a lot of fun and would recommend it

I went on my first rustic trip this summer. It was the best two weeks of my life. I met so many amazing people and was able to explore and see awesome parts of Costa Rica. I also completed Service on my trip. It would be impossible to get better program leaders. They were very approachable, fun, and just overall amazing. Even from the first day everyone was so kind and sweet. On my trip I’ve met some of them the most amazing people and I know that I will remember my rustic trip for the rest of my life. I could tell the service we did really did make a difference and I had so much fun doing it. I would recommend for anyone to go on a rustic trip! It is so much fun and an amazing experience!

I could not have had a better time on my service trip with Rustic Pathways. I came home with a different perspective on life and travel. My program balanced community service, immersion, and tourist like activities. We helped build bathrooms for a school in desperate need of them, and we laid the concrete floors for a community center. Throughout this community service, I bonded with the new friends I met and with the Ticos (aka Costa Ricans) I worked with. I had the opportunity to spend the day with school children to learn about their culture, like what they liked to eat, what music they liked, and what sports or activities they participated in. This interaction elevated my spanish knowledge, but others in my group had no prior knowledge of spanish and still learned a lot. One of my favorite parts of the trip was going zip lining, rafting, and to the hot springs. These activities showed me a different side of Costa Rica. The people on my program could not have been better, my program leaders became my friends, teachers, and always made me feel safe and comfortable. If you are someone looking for adventure, service, new relationships, and fun, I would recommend this program to you!

Last summer of 2017, I traveled to Costa Rica with Rustic for the first time ever. To say I was a bit nervous was an understatement, as I’ve never traveled alone. The minute I met my group at the airport I knew I was in the right place. The staff and travelers were so welcoming and everyone bonded so well together! My favorite thing about this program was the countless laughs I shared with my new life long friends, our endless rounds of card games during free time, and the incredible vibe the leaders gave off. I never once questioned my safety or security and the staff were always so willing to help anyone who was having trouble adjusting to the country. I loved zip lining, white water rafting, and swimming at the hot springs, but my service work was by far the most rewarding and eye opening. If you’re looking for a fun, yet rewarding program I highly recommend the Intro to Community Service in Costa Rica!

I not only got to enjoy a week of practicing Spanish, making memories with local children, creating great bonds with my group members, and practicing leaderships skills during the time running the summer camp, but I also got to see and adventure around the country. This program was the absolute perfect mix of service and adventure and it was so easily the best 2 weeks of my summer. It was an amazing first time travel experience because I constantly felt safe, while also getting to live like a local. I so so highly recommend this program, especially as a first rustic trip or if you’re looking for some seriously fun (and tiring haha) community service.

I went on this trip by myself and it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I used Spanish and got to experience life in a different country, from the beautiful sights to the locals. My life is forever changed because I now know what it’s like to step out of my comfort zone, and now I crave it. It is exciting now and it never has been before. I’d recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn and make a difference, supporting others who may not be as fortunate as you are.

BEST. TRIP. EVER!!!! Leaving home behind and traveling with Rustic Pathways had been the best experience of my life: better than any vacation to a foreign country, better than sleepaway camp. The experience changed me for the better and I will never forget the magical night sky at the wildlife refuge. Underneath the shooting stars and the Milky Way, I would lay on the sand and collect the mama turtle’s eggs as she lay them. At that moment I finally realized that it only takes one person to change the world for the better. You matter. From dancing at the refuge, to picking up plastic, to surfing and coffee and dolphins, this was truly the trip of a lifetime. Let go of any doubt and sign up because IT IS SO WORTH IT!