Rustic Pathways 2016 Groups Catalog

Our Mission We empower students through innovative and responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities around the world.

BEYOND SERVICE

LOCAL IMMERSION

CURRICULUM BASED

We at Rustic Pathways Groups firmly believe that service is among the most important aspects of immersive travel, global understanding, and personal development. Leading up to your Beyond Service program, we provide materials to educate your students about the issues, people, and cultures they are soon to encounter. During your program, we facilitate meaningful service initiatives and daily reflective discussions. As your program comes to a close, we work with you to brainstorm productive and progressive means for you and your students to stay involved in global development projects.

Local Immersion programs are designed to immerse your group in a foreign culture, open a dialogue between your students and their local hosts, and provide your students with an appreciation for cultural diversity. Join communities rarely touched by the outside world as you live in an ancient monastery in India, work on village projects in Costa Rica, or delve into life in the vibrant river communities of Cambodia. Our Local Immersion programs will get your students off the beaten path, inviting them to reevaluate the luxuries they enjoy at home with an experience only Rustic Pathways Groups can provide.

Supplement your classroom curriculum with hands-on learning. Teach biology or environmental conservation as your students monitor the health of coral reefs in the Fiji Islands. Immerse them in Mandarin as they study with professors at Shanghai’s East China Normal University. Bring history to life with a lesson about the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu while they practice their Spanish in Peru. Push your photography students to create a narrative of the Moroccan Sahara nomadic communities. Rustic Pathways Groups will help you construct the perfect addition to your students’ classroom experience.

PUSHING BOUNDARIES

CULTURAL EXPLORATION

SCHOOLS TO SCHOOLS

Expand your students’ understanding of their own abilities and their relationship with the world around them. Lead your students on a hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, journey off the map on the Mongolian steppe, or explore the challenges each day brings for refugees in a camp on the Thai-Burmese border.

Rustic Pathways' Pushing Boundaries programs will challenge your students to step beyond their previously imagined limitations. Your students will return home from their program with a newfound group cohesion and an empowered sense of self.

Whether you meet with a village chief in Ghana, tour the Taj Mahal at sunrise, or participate in a traditional Thai Buddhist ceremony, each of our Cultural Exploration programs proves that learning can be an adventure. With energetic and well-informed local staff in each of our countries, your students will gain firsthand insight into the local way of life.

These journeys take you from top tourist attractions to hidden local gems, from bustling cities to handicraft markets and jungle scenes. They provide your students with the opportunity for deep understanding of a culture outside their own.

Rustic Pathways' Schools to Schools programs offer the opportunity to forge a long-term partnership with a high-need community in the developing world.

Working beyond a simple sister school relationship, Schools to Schools provides the local expertise and support your group needs to champion large-scale projects in educational development, while simultaneously fostering critical thought about the meaning of global citizenship. Work with our team to identify a partner community in need of a new educational facility. Communities are selected based on your interests and established local needs.

Rustic Pathways Group Travel Programs

United States Morocco Cuba Dominican Republic Costa Rica Ghana

Peru

Mongolia

China

India

Laos Vietnam Cambodia

Sri Lanka Nepal Tanzania Burma Zimbabwe

Thailand Australia

Fiji

Lesotho South Africa

New Zealand

This catalog includes a selection of our programs, and is meant to display the breadth of options available from Rustic Pathways. To explore our full catalog of programs, visit our website at groups.rusticpathways.com.

All of our programs are private and will be customized to meet your needs.

AUSTRALIA Outback Aboriginal Immersion

14 days | 40 service hours | from $2,685 + airfare

The Sunshine Coast

8 days | 6 service hours | from $1,995 + airfare

COSTA RICA Pushing Boundaries Page 32 Cultural Exploration Page 34

Volcano and Rainforest Service Base 8 days | 24 service hours | from $1,265 + airfare

Costa Rica Natural Wonders

10 days | 24 service hours | from $2,195 + airfare

Spanish Language Immersion

9 days | 16 classroom hours | from $1,665 + airfare

Maleku Indigenous Immersion

8 days | 20 service hours | from $1,325 + airfare

Young Explorers

10 days | 12 service hours | from $1,895 + airfare

Beyond Service Page 56 Beyond Service Page 58 Curriculum Based Page 60 Local Immersion Page 62 Cultural Exploration Page 64

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Life in the Bateyes

8 days | 24 service hours | from $1,175 + airfare

Mountain Air & Village Service

8 days | 24 service hours | from $1,235 + airfare

Intro to Public Health

8 days | 15 service hours | from $1,495 + airfare

Beyond Service Page 68 Beyond Service Page 70 Curriculum Based Page 72

FIJI South Pacific Eco-Lodge Service Base 8 days | 30 service hours | from $1,265 + airfare

Marine & Environmental Monitoring 8 days | 18 service hours | from $1,495 + airfare

Children of the Highlands

BURMA Golden Lands Service Adventure

10 days | 24 service hours | from $1,595 + airfare

Tribal Issues

8 days | from $1,365 + airfare

8 days | 24 service hours | from $1,295 + airfare Beyond Service Page 36 Curriculum Based Page 38

14 days | 30 service hours | from $2,485 + airfare

Snapshots of Southeast Asia

9 days | 18 instruction hours | from $1,675 + airfare

Floating Village Service

8 days | 15 service hours | from $1,285 + airfare

Beyond Service Page 42 Curriculum Based Page 44 Local Immersion Page 46

8 days | 18 service hours | from $1,785 + airfare

Mangroves and Tulous

8 days | 20 service hours | from $1,425 + airfare

Chinese Language Immersion

10 days | 24 classroom hours | from $1,595 + airfare

Beyond Service Page 48 Beyond Service Page 50 Curriculum Based Page 52

Curriculum Based Page 76 Local Immersion Page 78 Cultural Exploration Page 80

GHANA 10 days | 20 service hours | from $1,475 + airfare

CHINA Giant Panda Conservation Project

8 days | from $1,785 + airfare

Volta Village Service

CAMBODIA From the Ground Up

Big Fiji Explorer

Beyond Service Page 74

Schools to Schools Page 84

INDIA Wildlife SOS: Sloth Bear Conservation Project 8 days | 18 service hours | from $1,435 + airfare

Himalayan Photo Expedition

12 days | 22 instruction hours | from $2,095 + airfare

Namaste India

14 days | from $1,795 + airfare

Beyond Service Page 86 Curriculum Based Page 88 Cultural Exploration Page 90

LAOS Impacts of the Vietnam War 9 days | from $1,895 + airfare

Sticky Rice Service Adventure

8 days | 18 service hours | from $1,245 + airfare

TANZANIA Curriculum Based Page 92 Local Immersion Page 94

Save the Rain: Water Conservation Project 10 days | 30 service hours | from $1,835 + airfare

Climbing Kili

9 days | from $3,635 + airfare

Beyond Service Page 110 Pushing Boundaries Page 112

THAILAND Ricefields Service Base

8 days | 30 service hours | from $1,195 + airfare

Thai Elephant Conservation

8 days | 12 service hours | from $1,965 + airfare

Medical Service Certification Program 8 days | 14 service hours | from $1,635 + airfare

Rustic Pathways Children's Home 8 days | 24 service hours | from $1,195 + airfare

Beyond Service Page 114 Beyond Service Page 116 Curriculum Based Page 118 Local Immersion Page 120

UNITED STATES Rebuilding New Orleans

8 days | 24 service hours | from $1,235 + airfare

Beyond Service Page 124

VIETNAM Northern Vietnam Service Adventure

MONGOLIA Off the Map: Mongolia

15 days | 15 service hours | from $2,395 + airfare

8 days | 18 service hours | from $1,485 + airfare

Pushing Boundaries Page 98

MOROCCO Souqs & Service

8 days | 18 service hours | from $1,185 + airfare

Moroccan Wanderer

10 days | 12 service hours | from $1,295 + airfare

Local Immersion Page 100 Cultural Exploration Page 102

PERU Land of the Incas

13 days | 28 service hours | from $2,225 + airfare

Machu Picchu & the Amazon

9 days | 8 service hours | from $1,785 + airfare

Local Immersion Page 104 Pushing Boundaries Page 106

Pushing Boundaries Page 126

Welcome to Rustic Pathways Groups Educators, Travel, to me, is like jazz music: you walk into a trip with scaffolding, a basic structure to hold it all together, but the best part is the unknown, the unique and novel experiences that one comes upon in their journey. I love this metaphor particularly for the consistency it infers. You know the song, you know the hook, you may have been to the country or even the particular spot, but every performance is a little bit different. If you’re not paying attention you might miss it, but if your eyes are open, the experience will transform you.

The consistent structure of Rustic Pathways programs is found in safety and risk management, in service initiatives grown from years of commitment to a community, and in processing through reflection. The soul comes from connections made with a host family, the first time you shake “hands” with an elephant, the power of completing a service project alongside local community members. The realization that we all have something in common, the excitement of exploring historical and cultural sites, and the immensity of nature’s beauty. These unique encounters constitute experiential learning, at once unifying and personally empowering, and felt daily by our students, our staff, and you, our partner teachers.

This year, we have grown our framework to better focus on student learning. Through local knowledge, our in-country teams find creative ways for students to dig into their cultural environments. Through group discussion, our program leaders tie local learning into an understanding of global issues. Our team of experienced educators develops resources to deepen the experience and collaborates with schools to extend their classroom curriculum into the field. Across the board, we believe in lifelong learning and value the perspective that personal experiences lend to everyone’s education.

We hope that this dedication to experiential learning resonates with you. Looking to the year ahead, we are eager to partner with you in developing your own learning goals. By working together, we can provide your students the opportunity to experience the unknown within the security of our structure; the opportunity to have a transformational experience.

Travel well,

Anna Lugosch-Ecker Vice President, Rustic Pathways Group Travel

Our Vision We envision a world where travel is accepted as an essential part of every education. A world where travel is a model of sustainable development, where all people are connected by a shared humanity, and all decisions are made with a global perspective.

It’s a lofty vision, but we have always pursued the extraordinary.

Rustic Pathways wasn't created to take students on everyday tour experiences. We were founded to break the norms of student travel, engage with communities around the world, and prepare our students to contribute to a unified global humanity.

Over 30 years, we've built genuine friendships and professional relationships in the communities where we work. We connect across cultures in a meaningful way. We have an innate curiosity to learn about other ways of life. We are fascinated by our differences, and even more so by our commonalities. We believe in not just seeing the world, but experiencing it. Our students return home with more than just photos and souvenirs—they carry stories of the people they met, the friends they made, a community halfway around the globe where they felt at home.

It is these deeply personal experiences, the connections you build on a Rustic Pathways program, that sets us apart as the industry leader in immersive and experiential travel.

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What Sets Us Apart The Educational Value of Travel

A Holistic Approach to Travel

We at Rustic Pathways Groups believe travel provides an opportunity to show your students the world and immerse them in international communities. It enables your students to form new perspectives and expand their creative horizons. We believe that by traveling with your students, you are empowering them to engage with the world’s diverse cultures and to question the meaning of global citizenship. Our extensive year-round operations, top-notch country directors, and experienced global staff allow us to offer you and your students a wide range of these opportunities—fitting any budget, schedule, or interest.

We will help you achieve a deep level of engagement in your trip as we provide you with predesigned, partially customized, or fully customized itineraries. We guarantee you will be able to provide your students with the specific experience you seek.

Our responsibility to you and your students does not start and end within the confines of your trip. We work with you from the time you express interest in a program until well after your group has returned. We help you identify your perfect itinerary, provide you with personalized tools to recruit your students, and design educational resources to advance their learning. We support you in preparing for your departure, and remain available to you and your students' families throughout your trip.

Join Us! With 32 years of experience, Rustic Pathways is an industry leader in student travel and service learning. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team to learn more about all of the possibilities awaiting you and your students.

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. Believing that travel provides a unique opportunity for student learning, we intentionally design our programs to promote student growth.

We inspire curiosity and passion for exploration through genuine experiences. We stray off of the tourist track and encourage students to ask questions and engage with local community members.

We design unique programs that allow students to form meaningful connections around the world. We believe that creating personal connections improves the quality of our experiences and fosters a shared humanity across lines of difference.

We support teachers in taking student learning outside the classroom by designing custom resources that deepen student engagement in their experience before, during, and after their program.

We encourage students to think critically about global issues and to push their personal boundaries. We believe that firsthand experiences allow students to develop a better understanding of our complex world.

We facilitate debrief discussions that help our students process and make meaning of what they experience. Our program leaders are trained to ask probing questions and guide students through the learning process.

Student Impact We believe that purposefully-designed travel experiences develop students who better understand complex issues and are better prepared to take on the intricacies of modern global challenges. Our service initiatives are designed to employ students’ skill sets and facilitate interaction with local communities, allowing them to learn while contributing to deliberate projects and engaging with vibrant cultures. We provide immersive travel experiences that shape students’ perspectives on the world, fostering a shared humanity and ensuring students go into the world making globally minded decisions.

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Core Learning Values To ensure that our groups have formative experiences, we encourage students to fol足low our core learning values. These values represent how we believe the best learners operate while traveling.

Respect 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.

Engage We will strive to be active global citizens by engaging with our surroundings and understanding the inter-connectedness of our actions. We will be compassionate and open-minded participants in cross-cultural dialogue, taking responsible action when needed.

Grow We will achieve personal growth by challenging our social, physical, and emotional boundaries. As we reflect on our global travel experiences, we will work to integrate these lessons into our everyday lives.

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Community Service Rustic Pathways' community service is designed to achieve the dual goals of community impact and student learning.

We believe that through responsible travel and well-designed service initiatives, our students comprehend pressing social and environmental challenges at a global level, and are able to contribute to efforts that combat these challenges at a local level.

Our service programs engage students in a wide range of projects where they work alongside local communities. We believe this experience challenges them to think about their role in the global arena.

Five Areas of Focus Education

Community Health & Social Services

We partner with schools to upgrade facilities and enrich student learning through English tutoring, computer lessons, and arts and sports programs.

We partner with a wide range of health and social service providers in both rural and urban areas. Working alongside these medical and public health professionals, we support community health screenings, nutrition programs, and other service initiatives.

Infrastructure A variety of initiatives fall under this focus, including the installation of water systems and the construction or repairing of community facilities and homes.

Environment We partner with local organizations and national parks to support efforts in environmental conservation and restoration, wildlife protection, and animal welfare.

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Economic Development Partnering with non-government organizations or identifying local communities directly, our economic development initiatives contribute to projects that begin or improve small family businesses, such as the expansion of fish ponds, chicken coops, and other small-scale agricultural enterprises.

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Our Approach to Service We take a comprehensive approach to community service, working with community partners or local NGOs from the design process through to monitoring and evaluation. Each year, we publish a global community service report that presents our progress, accomplishments, and goals for the future. Below is the process we follow in designing, implementing, and evaluating our service initiatives: Identify and Design Projects with Local Partners We spend time with our local partners and community members on the ground to understand their needs and priorities.

In collaboration with our partners, we design projects that address needs and build on community strengths.

Provide Students Opportunities to Engage We collaborate with our partners to create well-defined roles for our students, harnessing their skills and ensuring their contributions are meaningful. In addition to participating in direct service projects, students also learn from their work and better understand their role in the global community.

Work Together to Achieve Goals 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. Through the year, our staff and local partners continue to push projects forward and monitor and evaluate their effectiveness.

Monitoring and Evaluation We constantly work to learn from our experiences and strengthen our impact. We conduct regular formal and informal evaluations with project partners and beneficiaries, evaluate both the process and impact of our ongoing initiatives, and consistently use feedback to improve project design and implementation.

Long-term Partnerships and Sustainability Our projects incorporate plans for how the results will be maintained and sustained in the future. We develop long-term partnerships, link our work with ongoing local initiatives, and support community development.

53%

38%

Youth Enrichment and Education

20%

Environmental and Animal Welfare Initiatives

18%

Community Infrastructure

7%

Health and Social Services

Central and South America

176

Service Projects Completed in 2014

2%

Asia

15%

South Pacific

7%

Africa

152,379 Service Hours Completed in 2014

5%

Economic Development Projects

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35%

North America

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Rustic Pathways Service Bases At Rustic Pathways, you do not need to choose between meaningful community service and a comfortable living environment. Our set of purpose-built service bases provide students with accommodation at familiar living standards near our longest-standing partner communities.

We believe this familiarity allows students to engage with new and difficult topics on a deeper level, as they are not concerned with the conditions of the bathroom or where they'll find their next shower. Our bases are spread around the world, supporting the facilitation of local service and immersion while ensuring our students can rest comfortably, play happily, serve wholeheartedly, and learn from their experiences.

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purpose-built bases in

8

countries around the world, with over

2,000 students each year

Eco-Lodge Base

Volcano & Rainforest Base

Perfectly balancing an island getaway with access to meaningful service, our Eco-Lodge boasts a swimming pool, sports facility, and ocean views. Students sleep on bunk beds in traditional bures, and have access to showers and Western-style toilets.

Situated on the edge of a rainforest reserve, and under Arenal Volcano’s shadow, our Volcano Base has large bedrooms, Western-style toilets, and hot showers. Return from your days of service to relax by the pool or swing in hammocks on the deck.

Ricefields Base

New Orleans Base

Our largest service base, Ricefields can house up to 120 students across several buildings. Bedrooms have full en-suite bathrooms, and the base offers a swimming pool, Thai sala, workout facility, fishing pond, internet cafĂŠ, water buffalo, and rice fields.

The Rustic Pathways New Orleans Base allows students a full cultural immersion experience, with kitchen facilities for gumbo and jambalaya, common areas to facilitate discussion and group cohesion, and Mardi Gras decorations throughout the house.

Momi Bay, Fiji

La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Udon Thani, Thailand

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Louisiana, United States

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Rustic Pathways Children’s Home

Highlands Base

Primarily a boarding facility for children of neighboring Karen hill tribe communities, RPCH is one of the largest traditional teak structures in Thailand today. Accommodations include sleeping mats, bug nets, hot shower, and Western-style toilets.

Our longest-standing community partner, Nasivikoso village has been welcoming Rustic Pathways students for more than 20 years. This is our most rustic base, with host families, sleeping mats, Western-style outhouse toilets, and bucket showers.

Mekong Service Base

Surf & Service Base

Boasting beautiful views across the Mekong River, the Rustic Pathways Mekong Service Base is uniquely designed to provide a rural village living experience while providing access to all of the resources and activities of Laos' primary cultural city.

Arriving at our base on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, you’ll be greeted by colorful surf boards stacked in the driveway and beautiful ocean views from your rooms. Students sleep in bunk beds, with en-suite bathrooms, Western-style toilets, and cold showers.

Island Base

Mountain Air Base

Boat to Naviti Island and your new island home. Sleep on camp cots in permanent raised safari tents, with composting outhouses and cold showers. There is no electricity at the base, but you’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping the beach.

Enjoy the Dominican Republic’s mountainous interior from your comfortable base in Jarabacoa. Student rooms have bunk beds, Western-style toilets, and intermittent hot showers. The base also offers a swimming pool, foosball table, and soccer field.

Mae Sariang, Thailand

Nasivikoso, Fiji

Luang Prabang, Laos

Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica

Somosomo Village, Fiji

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Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic

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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 one’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 risks ensure we remain at the forefront of our industry.

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, and for this reason, our risk management system remains a fundamental component of all our programs. It is driven by strong leadership and executed successfully by our teams and partners.

Three Tiers of Risk Management Our safety and risk management director works year-round to monitor worldwide events, evaluate our global policies, ensure we meet or exceed industry standards, and train our crisis response teams through case studies and drills.

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. A component of this is our partnership with International SOS, one of the world’s most reputable providers of medical and travel services.

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Student and Parent Responsibilities Our students and parents also play a crucial role in maintaining the safety of our programs. We rely on our students to understand and comply with the rules of our programs as outlined in our Student Pledge, and we expect our parents and students to fully and accurately complete our enrollment forms in a timely manner, allowing us to do a full medical screening well before the program begins.

What About...

International SOS

Risk Management Plans

Safety Training for Leaders

International SOS is a medical emergency service provider that allows all of our students access to emergency evacuation services and expert health advisors. As a 24-hour provider, International SOS has facilities in more than 70 countries worldwide including 27 assistance centers and 35 clinics. Their professional staff includes multilingual doctors and nurses who are supported by a fleet of air ambulances.

Risk management plans identify known or foreseen risks and detail the protocols by which we prevent or 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 where to go for help.

All summer program leaders are First Aid and CPR certified, and many also have Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness EMT certification.

Programs in our more rural areas are led by staff with the highest level of training. Additionally, all program leaders attend an annual in-country training that covers common medical issues, emergency scenarios, and critical incident protocols.

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The Rustic Pathways Global Team Our exceptional staff members are the backbone of our organization. Their incredibly diverse backgrounds provide us with a profound understanding of the destinations we visit and offer our students one-of-a-kind experiences. The faces you see in this catalog (along with many, many others!) ensure our students have fun, empowering, and safe experiences with us.

International Staff Rustic Pathways spans the globe! Most of our staff members are based outside the United States. While the cultural traditions and accents of our staff vary from country to country, the shared values that define Rustic Pathways and make us exceptional extend across all borders. We build leadership teams that pair international staff members with local employees, resulting in diverse teams that blend an understanding of our students and their needs with deep local knowledge.

Exceptional Program Leaders Our program leaders come with backgrounds in teaching, experiential education, psychology, wilderness training, river rafting, international development, and other outdoor and educational fields. Each year, we hold in-country training sessions for both new and returning staff to ensure we uphold our standards in safety, student learning, community service, and the overall Rustic Pathways student experience. Our program leaders are incredible role models for our students and, most importantly, they are all dedicated to creating the best possible programs for our students and teachers.

THE RUSTIC PATHWAYS TEAM BY THE NUMBERS more than

from more than

speaking more than

staff members

countries across the globe

different languages

500

25

48

Check out the following team pages and visit rusticpathways.com/team to learn more about our global staff.

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LEADERSHIP Chris Stakich

Oscar Hackett

An expert on travel and service-based education, Chris leads Rustic Pathways with an eye for innovation and excellence. Since graduating from Harvard in 2001, Chris has worked in virtually all areas of our organization, from running programs in Costa Rica to managing our global team. He works diligently with the Rustic Pathways global team to develop future leaders who embody a broad perspective and compassion for the world. Chris lives in San Francisco with his wife and three young sons.

A former Rustic Pathways student, Oscar “Oz” returns to us as our chief financial officer. With extensive experience in finance, business, and law, Oz applies his expertise to streamline and grow Rustic Pathways’ business operations. Oz earned his bachelor’s degree in science, technology, and international affairs from Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, and received his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. In his free time, Oz enjoys sharing his passion for adventure and travel with his wife and young son.

Anna Lugosch-Ecker

Brent Watkins

Anna is an alumna of School Year Abroad and has a dual degree in geoscience and Mandarin from Dartmouth. Anna’s passion for experiential education and travel was sparked in high school and furthered in college. She now applies this passion at Rustic Pathways, providing opportunities for teachers and students to immerse themselves in new surroundings and have meaningful engagement with other cultures. Anna began at Rustic Pathways as the China country director.

She currently resides in San Francisco.

Brent holds a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins University where he is also an adjunct faculty member in the education department.

Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, Brent managed the training and preparation of new classroom teachers for Teach For America. With extensive experience in learning development and teacher training, Brent ensures the highest level of quality across our programming. He works with our staff around the world to develop powerful curricula for all of our programs.

Dave Dennis

Ann Fuller

Dave has a master’s degree in risk management and more than 20 years of experience in the adventure and student travel industry. Prior to joining us, he owned a consulting firm that specialized in implementing risk management and emergency response programs for both domestic and global tour operators. He works with our program operations team and local country leadership to ensure the quality and consistency of all Rustic Pathways’ programs worldwide. Dave lives in Colorado with his wife and children.

Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Rustic Pathways as our global community partnerships director. With a master’s in urban planning from NYU, Ann has been integral to our Fiji operations and the development of the Nasivikoso School in the Nausori Highlands. She now applies her expertise to ensure that our service initiatives across the globe meet rigorous standards and achieve meaningful results, and that our partner organizations are legitimate providers whose approach is rooted in best practice.

Kevin Porter

Ryan Gibbons

Kevin enters his second year directing our global program operations after several years overseeing our programs in Ghana. Now based in Boston, he manages our team of diverse country directors and ensures the quality of our programs around the globe. Prior to joining us, Kevin studied international relations and social anthropology at Harvard, worked with development organizations in East Africa, completed research for the United Nations in South Korea, and oversaw the Harvard First-Year Outdoors Program.

With a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, Ryan brings his brilliant talent in design, photography, and marketing to Rustic Pathways. Originally a Costa Rica program leader, Ryan spent four years in our marketing department before taking over our business operations.

Prior to joining Rustic, Ryan worked for NPR in Washington, D.C. A professional photographer himself, Ryan spends his free time coordinating student and professional photography competitions, and scuba diving around the world.

Molly Johnston

Tim Porter-DeVriese

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Molly kicked off a 15-year career bringing strategic human resources skills and processes to a variety of organizations throughout Colorado. She now brings her diverse talents to Rustic Pathways as our VP of human resources. As a passionate professional, Molly believes that her department works best when it builds and fosters a creativity-rich environment that empowers individual employees and the organization as a whole.

After working extensively as a trip leader and program manager throughout South­east Asia, Tim has spent the last five years overseeing the development of our rapidly growing Gap Year division. With a deep understanding of our organizational ethos and host communities, he creates powerful, transformative experiences for Gap Year students from all over the world. An honors graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art, Tim speaks fluent Thai and splits his time between New England and Southeast Asia.

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Vice President, Group Travel

Vice President, Program Operations

Safety and Risk Management Director

Global Program Operations Director

Vice President, Human Resources

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Community Partnerships Director

Vice President, Business Operations

Vice President, Gap Year

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GROUP TRAVEL TEAM Matija Paunovski

Sammy Gasci

Matija completed an undergraduate degree at Northeastern University, then went on to earn a master's degree from Harvard. Her expertise in leadership training and recruitment has enabled her to achieve great success within the Rustic Pathways Group Travel division. Her highest priority is that educators and students walk away completely satisfied and fulfilled from their incredible experience. In her free time, Matija enjoys reading, kickboxing, running, and practicing power vinyasa yoga.

Sammy has a degree in sociolinguistics from the University of Szeged in Hungary which is where he was born and raised. During his eight years working with Rustic Pathways, his enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership skills have made him an integral member of our global team. Sammy takes great pleasure in sharing his passion for education and travel with our teachers and their students. After a decade of travels he now lives with his wife and son in the quaint little town of San Gil, Colombia.

Jamie Spates

Brandon Hartman

Jamie grew up living abroad and sailing around the world on Semester at Sea with his family. A Hobart College graduate with a degree in literature, Jamie spent more than a decade working for Rustic Pathways in Asia before settling down in New York City. He now dedicates his time fully to Rustic Pathways Groups, and the ongoing development of new and exciting relationships with schools and universities across the globe.

His endless energy and professional demeanor have made him a Rustic Pathways legend.

​ randon joined Rustic Pathways in January of B 2013 as a personal travel advisor before transitioning to the Groups team. He studied finance at Miami University in Ohio, and has a background in banking. Brandon takes pride in customer service, and has employed those skills and experience for the past two years as a group travel program coordinator. Brandon has a beautiful wife and baby in Ohio, and is a die-hard Ohio State and Cleveland sports fan. He can't wait to teach his new son all about his favorite teams.

Dustin Aschenbeck

Britt Herron

After graduating from Lee University in 2009, Dustin joined Rustic Pathways as the director of India operations. Whether he is busy working on the river guiding trips in the mountains of Colorado or sharing stories of his many global adventures, Dustin believes that his life’s journey should never be a destination but a journey of careful observation and intentional living. When not traveling throughout the world, Dustin enjoys playing classical piano and road biking with his friends.

As a Princeton University undergraduate and a Teach for America corps member, Britt developed an enthusiasm for educating youth and international travel experiences. After teaching mathematics and obtaining a master’s degree in education at the University of Colorado, she brushed up her Arabic language skills to lead RP programs in Morocco for two summers. Britt believes in the power of bridging gaps between people and communities by making real connections and consistently seeking to learn.

Liz Ronzio

Kristen Waldron

Liz first developed a passion for travel while summiting Mount Kilimanjaro as a Rustic student. This taught her at an early age the importance of experiential education for students around the world. She has since graduated with a bachelor’s in marketing communications from Emerson College in Boston. When Liz is not hopping from restaurant to restaurant in her new home of San Francisco or buried in a New York Times bestseller, she can be found packing her bags to spend time with family and friends.

Kristen majored in English at the University of Northern Colorado. Before moving to Ohio and joining the Rustic Pathways team, Kristen spent time traveling abroad and teaching high school students in Miami. During her free time, Kristen can be found riding her motorcycle, blazing trails with her horse, or exploring the great outdoors with her two dogs. Her love of connecting with other adventurers, friendly smile, and attention to detail makes her a delightful addition to Rustic Pathways.

Group Travel Recruitment Director

Senior Group Travel Manager

Group Travel Coordinator

Group Travel Coordinator

groups.rusticpathways.com

groups@rusticpathways.com

Senior Group Travel Manager

Group Travel Manager

Group Travel Coordinator

Group Travel Administration Manager

800.321.4353

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COUNTRY DIRECTORS Sam Murray

Braden Betts

A native Australian, Sam worked as an outdoor education teacher and camp manager for 10 years before joining Rustic Pathways in 2008.

His extensive travels abroad have fostered his passion for creating life-changing experiential education programs for students. Sam loves sharing adventures with people and is proud to show off his beautiful country. Outside of work, you’ll find Sam surfing, diving, fishing, and spending time with his wife and three young daughters in and around Melbourne.

Braden grew up in the international school system, living in South America, the Middle East, and Asia all before college. After a brief four years stateside at the University of Oregon, Braden returned to his passion for travel and working with kids as a camp counselor in Switzerland and an English teacher in Thailand. Braden joined Rustic Pathways in 2013 as our Ricefields Service Base manager. He now specializes in designing group trips for international schools and directing our program operations in Burma.

Alexis Simchak

Amanda Cortes

Alexis has extensive experience in Southeast Asia.

A graduate of Penn State with a degree in visual journalism, Lexi is a skillful photographer and has led photography programs for Rustic Pathways in Burma, Laos, and Thailand. Originally from Pennsylvania, Lexi decided to study abroad in South Africa in her junior year, where her desire for international travel and service learning blossomed. She now brings her dedication to service, cultural exchange, and experiential education to Rustic Pathways' programs in Cambodia.

Raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Amanda credits working in Switzerland and Colombia to kindling her love for travel, education, and cultural exchange. After graduating from Boston College's history program, she led international groups on camping-based adventure tours across the U.S. and Canada, eventually returning indoors to train leaders and manage operations. Amanda is thrilled to bring her industry know-how, love of travel and zeal for cultivating authentic and enriching experiences to Rustic Pathways.

Ricardo Romero

Harry Álvarez

Originally from Turrialba, Costa Rica, Ricardo joined Rustic Pathways nine years ago, after working in the rafting industry for over a decade.

With a degree in business from the University of Costa Rica, Ricardo is now working to complete his MBA. An avid outdoorsman with extensive experience as a river guide, he possesses a commitment to safety in the tourism sector that makes him the ideal director of our Costa Rica operations. He visits our different program sites with his dog Pepe following close behind.

Born in New York and raised in the Dominican Republic, Harry graduated from SUNY New Paltz with degrees in psychology and Spanish. After managing programs in both Costa Rica and Panama for four years, Harry opened our programs in the Dominican Republic in 2012. Harry takes tremendous pride in bringing students to the Dominican Republic. In addition to his passion for service and Latin dance, Harry enjoys cooking and hosting friends at his home in New Orleans with his wife Lauren and dog Chula.

Evan Wells

Eric Bragg

Born in New Zealand and living between Fiji and Australia, Evan has spent more than two decades helping to shape Rustic Pathways' global operations. 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, you can find Evan spending time with his wife Lisa and playing with their two young boys, Henry and Sam. Evan also runs competitively in long-distance and endurance events.

Prior to joining Rustic Pathways’ full-time staff in 2014, Eric worked as a program leader in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Ghana. A native of Connecticut, he earned a bachelor’s of arts from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s in sustainable development in Sweden. As Ghana country director, he enjoys sharing his passion for local wildlife, politics, and the diversity of cultures around the country. In his free time, Eric enjoys running, hiking, and exploring his surroundings in Northern California.

Kai Johnson

Tara McCarney

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in geography, Kai has been living in South Asia for the last six years. He is fluent in both written and spoken Hindi and is always up for an opportunity to shake a leg Bollywood style. Kai brings a deep passion for experiential education and expert knowledge of India to our program operations, giving him the ability to create unique and powerful experiences for our students. When not in India, he can be found hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

After studying psychology at Dartmouth College, Tara earned her master’s degree at Harvard University in language and literacy. Her interest in international development and education brought her to Thailand, where she spent a year teaching ESL students. After leading Rustic Pathways programs in Southeast Asia in 2013, Tara joined our team full-time as the Laos country director, where she uses her passion for student learning and cultural immersion to develop meaningful programs for our students.

Australia Country Director

Burma Country Director

Cambodia Country Director

China Country Director

Costa Rica Country Director

Dominican Republic Country Director

Fiji Country Director

Ghana Country Director

India Country Director

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800.321.4353

Laos Country Director

groups@rusticpathways.com

groups.rusticpathways.com

COUNTRY DIRECTORS Gaia Bonini

Chaima Ait El Mekki

After graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in journalism, Gaia decided to follow her passion for travel. She has spent time in many areas of the world, often working on documentaries. Gaia joined Rustic in 2010 and has managed programs in Thailand, Morocco, and Ghana. She is an expert program manager and now brings her adventurous spirit to manage our operations in Mongolia. Gaia’s gentle demeanor and positive attitude make her a favorite among our students.

Born and raised in Marrakech, Chaima has been an integral member of the Rustic Pathways family since her first summer in Morocco. Fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, she is an invaluable resource and guide. Chaima 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 and a strong believer in the power of cross-cultural discussions to better understand one another.

Kelly Moynihan

Patrick Ziemnik

Kelly’s fluency in Spanish, commitment to community service, and adventurous spirit make her a natural fit as director of our Peru operations. Prior to working in Peru, Kelly managed Rustic Pathways programs in Costa Rica for five years. Before joining Rustic, she earned a degree in journalism from American University in Washington, D.C., where she also interned at CNN. With 21 countries and five continents under her belt, Kelly enjoys world cuisine (the spicier, the better!) and the thrills of global travel.

Patrick began his career in experiential education managing Harvard’s First-Year Outdoor Program while a student. After graduating with high honors from the Harvard University Social Studies Department, Patrick continued his passion for social enterprise and community service as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Massachusetts. He brings his strong leadership skills, friendly Ohio nature, love of the outdoors, hearty laugh, and years of experience as Rustic Pathways' Mongolia country director to our operations in Tanzania.

Bryan Haggerty

Marc Mankowski

Bryan studied philosophy at Saint Michael’s College before moving to Southeast Asia, where he has studied, lived, and worked 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 Thailand's hill tribe region. Bryan speaks fluent Thai and Lao and has managed our Thailand operations since 2008.

Bryan now splits his year between the ski slopes of Vermont and the bustle of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

A motivated educator, Marc enjoys working with youth in all phases of life. Growing up playing a number of different sports led Marc to many jobs relating to coaching and teaching, and eventually to Rustic Pathways. He is an avid outdoorsman and spent many summers working as an ocean lifeguard on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

His love for travel, teaching, and the outdoors make Marc a natural director for our operations in the United States, where he continues to create new and exciting programs for our students.

Mongolia Country Director

Peru Country Director

Tanzania Country Director

Thailand Country Director

groups.rusticpathways.com

Morocco Country Director

groups@rusticpathways.com

United States Country Director

800.321.4353

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GLOBAL STAFF

Erin Murphy

Curriculum Coordinator

Lauren Alvarez

Medical Director

Medical Training & Safety Manager

Participant Medical Screening Manager

Ann Dunphy

Lauren Anderson

Casey Atchley

Oliver RodriguezPearson

Justin Kase Conder

Connor Stowe

Mark Goldin

Community Engagement Manager

Gap Year Admissions Coordinator

Emily Harney

Jessie Wachter

Desmond Bolia

Alejandro Romero

International Program Leader

Australia Program Manager

Yi Youern

Cambodia Program Manager

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International Program Leader

Australia Program Manager

Senghong Yourk

Cambodia Program Manager

800.321.4353

Gary Holt

Global Agent Manager

Sarah Smith

International Program Leader

International Photography Manager

Kirkland Kraines

U.S. Projects Manager

Myint Zaw

Lyin Theik

Burma Country Manager

Yusos Sles

Cambodia Program Manager

Alumni Association Coordinator

International Program Leader

Fenn McDonell

Australia Country Manager

Pannha En

Burma Program Manager

Cambodia Country Manager

Wainer Ocampo

Maricruz Acosta

Costa Rica Country Manager

groups@rusticpathways.com

Costa Rica Group Travel Manager

groups.rusticpathways.com

GLOBAL STAFF

Ignacio Mora

Andres Zuniga

Costa Rica Community Service Manager

Shalini Narayan

South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base Manager

Paradon Simphouvanh

Emily Sanders

Costa Rica Program Manager

Costa Rica Program Manager

Waisele Naivalouvou

Panapasa ‘Oro’ Orodai

Fiji Island Base Manager

Anou Phetsila

Fiji Program Manager

Maggie Lentz

Laos Country Manager

Laos Program Manager

New Zealand Program Manager

Cecelela Tomi

Josh Sadagursky

Pat Taedaengpetch

Min Soe San

Veerayut Supadee

Tanzania Program Manager

Panuwat Noikamkong Ricefields Service Base Manager

groups.rusticpathways.com

Tanzania Program Manager

Thailand Senior Program Manager

Southeast Asia Regional Director

Thailand Senior Program Manager

groups@rusticpathways.com

Ben Welbourne

Ana Dugulele

Dominican Republic Program Manager

Fiji General Manager

Moses Alhassan

Khamla Sibounheuang

Ghana Program Manager

Aaron Alvarez

Laos Country Manager

Mary O'Connor

Peru Country Manager

Peru Program Manager

Keegan Kennedy

Kadum Sanboon

Southeast Asia Group Travel Manager

Jared Kahan

Thailand Program Manager

800.321.4353

Ricefields Service Base Director

Tim Gillespie

Vietnam Program Manager

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Creating Your Program Every Rustic Pathways Groups program has a story behind it. Our programs are drafted by adventurers, edited by global activists, refined by educators, and customized for you. They are works of passion, and we take extreme pride in them. To create your own Rustic Pathways program, follow the steps below.

1

Explore Our Programs The programs in this catalog are examples of the many different options we offer. Use our itineraries to gather and inspire your own travel ideas.

2

Be Creative All of our programs can be customized to meet your own interests and needs, so be creative! When exploring our itineraries, keep in mind, what is the trip you've always wanted? This is the program we want to build for you.

3

Get in Touch Your dedicated program coordinator will collaborate with you to customize an itinerary that meets your experiential education goals, travel interests, and scheduling needs. Each of our programs combines the respect we have for our students, teachers, and communities with your travel desires.

AU S T R AL IA | PU SH I N G B OU N D AR I ES

Outback Aboriginal Immersion

14 DAYS

FROM $2,685 + AIRFARE

40 SERVICE HOURS

Explore Australia’s northern frontier as you immerse yourself in Aboriginal communities in this rugged land. Volunteer with local youth and gain familiarity with the country’s indigenous culture as you live and work in the Outback.

Day 1 Land in Darwin, meet your program leaders, and explore Mindil Beach markets.

Day 2 Explore the dramatic sandstone cliffs and lush rainforest gullies in Nitmiluk National Park’s Katherine Gorge.

Day 3 Journey across the Australian Outback, arriving in the evening at the Outback Wildlife Rehabilitation Ranch.

Day 4 Immerse yourself in the true Outback Australian lifestyle. Help ranch hands with daily chores, hand-feed kangaroos, watch herds of horses on the plains, and relax

around the bonfire as you spend the evening sharing stories under starry skies.

Day 5 Venture into Kununurra and gain insight into the indigenous lifestyle. Meet with community leaders to learn about issues children face in this region of Australia. Assist with afternoon activity programming for local aboriginal children.

Days 6 – 8 Dive into the Australian Outback community as you work with Aboriginal youth who lack stable provision from their families. Support the development of a school and assist students with their education.

Live in the community and learn about this fascinating ancient culture firsthand.

UP TO 18 STUDENTS

Days 9 & 10 Assist a school with afternoon activity programming. Participate in an overnight camping trip with local Aboriginal kids, where you will provide excursion opportunities that the students wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Learn about the alarming effects that invasive cane toads are having on Australia’s biodiversity.

Days 11 & 12 Head west to a cattle station in the Kimberley to learn how large-scale ranches operate. Explore El Questro Wilderness Park, which boasts picturesque waterfalls, billabongs, and hot springs. Spot wild crocs, and fish for barramundi. Alternatively, choose to explore the remarkable bee-hive domes of the Bungle Bungle range in Purnululu National Park.

Days 13 & 14 Catch a flight back to Darwin, and spend some time shopping for souvenirs before you head to the airport and fly home.

Liam Lannigan

Australia Program Leader Liam grew up in a small town in the desert of Australia’s Outback. As a 12 year old, he was in the movie “Australia,” and subsequently was sponsored by Nicole Kidman to attend one of the finest private schools in Australia.

Liam now joins Rustic Pathways to support our Outback operations. His smile and humor is infectious, and he loves basketball, music, and sharing his country.

groups.rusticpathways.com

groups@rusticpathways.com

800.321.4353

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AU S T R AL IA | CULTU R AL E XPLOR ATION

The Sunshine Coast

8 DAYS

FROM $1,995 + AIRFARE

6 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 24 STUDENTS

Combine surf lessons, community service, an introduction to Aboriginal culture, and native wildlife sightings for an excellent introduction to Australia's Sunshine Coast.

Day 1 Land in Brisbane and settle into our surf house for a program orientation.

Days 2 – 4 Put on your “boardies” and get ready to catch some waves! With help from our team of expert coaches, you'll be up and riding the waves before you know it.

After each day’s surf lesson, get to know your surroundings. Visit Noosa National Park, provide service at a local elementary school, and relax on the beach as you immerse in the region’s surf culture.

Day 5 Assist at a wetland cleanup, then hop on the ferry to Stradbroke Island, known for Naree Budjong Djara National Park's natural beauty. Camp out on the beach, and watch for dolphins as the sun sets.

groups.rusticpathways.com

Day 6 Learn about the environmental significance of Stradbroke Island’s Moreton Bay, then don your snorkel gear and search for fish, turtles, manta rays, and dugongs.

In the afternoon, sandboard down the island’s biggest dunes, then learn about the island's indigenous Aboriginal culture, with demonstrations of boomerang throwing, fire making, and didgeridoo playing.

Day 7 Spend the morning exploring Stradbroke Island’s stunning scenery. Spot kangaroos grazing in the bushland and look for koalas in the trees. Return to Brisbane for lunch, then explore the city by bike.

Day 8 Buy any last minute souvenirs, then head to the airport. We hope you've had an amazing journey on the Sunshine Coast!

groups@rusticpathways.com

800.321.4353

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B U R M A | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

Golden Lands Service Adventure

10 DAYS

FROM $1,595 + AIRFARE

24 SERVICE HOURS

Learn about Burmese culture and Buddhist traditions, run an English tutoring program at a monastery, be immersed in a local village, and visit some of Burma's most famous sites.

Day 1 Arrive in Burma, enjoy a delicious Burmese lunch, then visit the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Days 2 & 3 Fly to Bagan and get started with your first service project—teaching young boys at a monastery school. Learn about the monastery’s mission, prepare interactive teaching materials, and lead games and activities to challenge the students’ English conversational skills.

When not at the monastery, wander among the hundreds of temples dotting Bagan’s stunning landscape.

Day 4 Shop at the local market for dinner's ingredients, then hop on boats to cross the Irrawaddy River to a small island which several Rustic Pathways staff members call home. Explore the village, meet with teachers, elders, and the village head, and end your day with dinner cooked from the ingredients you selected that morning.

Days 5 & 6 Return to the island each day to run a day camp for the local kids. Known affectionately as “Htay Lin & Soe Than’s Island,” visiting this village has been the highlight of the trip for many of our students.

UP TO 30 STUDENTS

Spend each evening relaxing by the pool and enjoying Burmese food in Bagan.

Days 7 & 8 Drive into the mountains, entering the Shan state where the Tai Yai people live.

Tour this region’s famous gardens, swim in waterfalls, learn about the state’s military history, and explore surrounding hill tribe villages. Wander among the Tai Yai markets and purchase exotic souvenirs.

Day 9 Drive out of the mountains to Mandalay.

Sample Shan food and gourmet Burmese fare, hang out with locals in teashops, and visit the famous U Bein Bridge.

Day 10 Grab some final Burmese snacks before heading to the airport.

Soe Than

Burma Program Manager Soe Than is an impressive athlete and particular expert in cane ball, an acrobatic sport that he loves to share with our interested students. Raised on a small island in the middle of the Irrawaddy River, Soe Than is an enthusiastic traveler and has visited nearly every corner of Burma and most countries in Southeast Asia. He is an integral and valued part of our Southeast Asia team.

groups.rusticpathways.com

groups@rusticpathways.com

800.321.4353

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B U R M A | C U R R I CU LUM B A SE D

Tribal Issues

8 DAYS

FROM $1,365 + AIRFARE

UP TO 24 STUDENTS

Tribal Issues provides a thought-provoking look at the issues facing Burma’s Shan State. Trek from village to village, practicing responsible journalistic techniques as you conduct interviews with local community members.

Day 1 Land in Yangon, then hop on a quick flight to Heho and settle into Kalaw, an old colonial town in the enchanting Shan State.

Day 2 Get to know Kalaw. Visit a colorful produce market, spend time at a children's home, explore a fair trade shop, and learn about other NGO projects in the region.

Days 3 – 5 Spend the next several days trekking from village to village as you learn about the local way of life on your journey to Inle Lake.

Interview members of various ethnic minority groups, including the Pa-O and Inthar, and speak with activists who focus on conservation, agriculture, trafficking, and land dispute issues in the region.

Take time each day to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery around you.

Day 6 Arrive in Inle Lake this morning. Explore bustling markets and vibrant villages on the lake shores, be challenged by a scavenger hunt for various local handicrafts, and interview vendors in the market.

Day 7 Explore the culture and history of the various ethnic groups who call Inle home.

Boat between villages and historical sites, and consider the impact of tourism on the residents, economy, and environment.

Day 8 Drive back to the Heho airport, connect to Yangon, and continue to your flight home.

Chit Oo

Burma Country Manager Hailing from Kengtung in eastern Shan State, Chit Oo is fluent in Shan, Burmese, Thai, and English, and has a degree in geography from Kengtung University.

He enjoys sharing his Shan culture and stories of the colorful hill tribe people with Rustic Pathways students. He is also an avid photographer and brings his cheerful personality to our Burma team.

groups.rusticpathways.com

groups@rusticpathways.com

800.321.4353

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Ausangate Glacier reflections in the Paqchanta natural hot springs Peru | Land of the Incas

C AM B O D IA | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

From the Ground Up

14 DAYS

FROM $2,485 + AIRFARE

30 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 16 STUDENTS

Designed specifically for students who want to gain an understanding of the inner workings of on-the-ground NGO operations, this program allows students to research a variety of NGOs in Phnom Penh before heading to the BSDA base to contribute to ongoing service initiatives.

Day 1 Land in Phnom Penh, meet your Rustic Pathways leaders, and have an introduction to your program over dinner.

Days 2 – 5 Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. Having gained an understanding of Cambodia’s tumultuous history, begin planning your contribution to their future.

Meet with local and international aid organizations. Attend talks with organization directors, tour ongoing projects, and become familiar with development sectors including renewable energy, at-risk youth, and human rights issues. Internalize, discuss, and reflect on your experiences as a group each evening.

Days 6 – 11 Work with our partner organization, BSDA,

to apply your newfound knowledge in the field. Join in a series of educational activities designed for children attending one of the BSDA educational centers, or complete infrastructure projects to improve community grounds. Spend your evenings exploring the peaceful riverside town.

Days 12 & 13 Drive to Siem Reap and unwind with a massage before bed. Rising early, visit Angkor Wat before dawn to witness the first rays of sunshine break over this internationally recognized architectural marvel, then relax in the shade at the Ta Prohm tree temple and explore the carved faces of Bayon. Spend your final night in Siem Reap,exploring the night market for one last Cambodian meal and souvenirs.

Day 14 Pack your bags, say final goodbyes, and begin your journey home.

BSDA Kampong Cham Founded in 2005 by a handful of local monks, BSDA (or Buddhism for Social Development) dedicates its time to supporting women and children from marginalized populations in Cambodia's rural communities. With several project sites in the Kampong Cham province, BSDA's crucial development work focuses on a variety of initiatives including health, education, and family support networks.

groups.rusticpathways.com

groups@rusticpathways.com

800.321.4353

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C AM B O D IA & V I E T N AM | CUR R I CU LUM BASED

Snapshots of Southeast Asia

9 DAYS

FROM $1,675 + AIRFARE

18 INSTRUCTION HOURS

Photograph bustling Phnom Penh, take shots of Angkor Wat, and explore the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, then fly to Vietnam to tour Hanoi. Travel with a professional photographer, honing your photography skills with assignments and critiques throughout your program.

Day 1 Land in Phnom Penh, enjoy a Cambodian meal, and have your program orientation.

Day 3 Drive to Battambang, capturing images of the beautiful countryside.

Day 2 Meet as a group each morning to discuss your photography goals and assignments for the day. Then, head into Cambodia’s capital to learn about the country’s tumultuous past. Go to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Use the landmarks to put contemporary Cambodia into perspective. Head to the Russian Market for lunch and some shopping, returning to your hotel in the evening for your nightly photo critique.

Day 4 Continue your journey to Siem Reap, then enjoy an afternoon on the Rustic Pathways riverboat. Meet families living in floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake and photograph this unique way of life.

groups.rusticpathways.com

Day 5 Head to Angkor Wat to capture the sun rising over the temple complex. Climb through temples overtaken by jungle, capture light traveling over the carved

groups@rusticpathways.com

UP TO 20 STUDENTS

faces of Bayon, and play with movement as the Apsara dancers perform.

Day 6 Hop on a quick flight to Hanoi, get settled into your hotel, and critique your portfolio of Cambodian photos.

Days 7 & 8 Explore Vietnam, documenting the experience as you go. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, stop by Confucius’ Temple of Literature, and visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. Enjoy steaming bowls of noodle soup and ice-cold fruit shakes as you wander through Hanoi’s rambling streets and busy markets, capturing the old world charm of this bustling city.

Day 9 After an incredible week of photography, exploration, and learning, head to the airport for your flight home.

800.321.4353

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C AM B O D IA | LOCA L I MME R SI ON

Floating Village Service

8 DAYS

FROM $1,285 + AIRFARE

15 SERVICE HOURS

Hop aboard Rustic Pathways’ own Cambodian riverboat and immerse yourself in this unique way of life as you live and work in these rarely visited floating villages.

Day 1 Land in Phnom Penh, meet your Rustic Pathways leaders, and dive into an introduction to your program.

Day 2 Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields so you can gain an understanding of Cambodia’s tumultuous past. Enjoy lunch in the Russian Market, then catch a quick flight to Siem Reap.

Day 3 Stop by the local market for last-minute supplies, then hop on the Rustic Pathways riverboat, cruise across Tonle Sap Lake, and settle in with your floating village hosts.

Days 4 – 6 Spend your next few days learning about these unique floating communities as you work on projects designed in partnership with the community. Service will include

UP TO 15 STUDENTS

repairing homes and teaching English in the primary school. In the evening, hang out on the boat, play games, and get to know the local community members.

Day 7 Visit Angkor Wat before dawn, capturing the first rays of sunlight on this architectural marvel, then relax in the shade at the Ta Prohm tree temple and explore the carved faces of Bayon. In the evening, browse the night market for souvenirs.

Day 8 Enjoy a final breakfast, then head to the airport for your flight home.

Sothy Than

Cambodia Program Manager Sothy was raised in the Battambang countryside where he worked his way up through school and became a champion kick boxer. In addition to his native Khmer, Sothy learned English and Thai from the monks at Phreah Phrom Rach Pagoda. He loves sharing the wonders of his country with students and spending time with his two sons. Sothy spends his summers on our Floating Village program.

groups.rusticpathways.com

groups@rusticpathways.com

800.321.4353

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C H IN A | B E YON D SE RVI CE

Giant Panda Conservation Project

8 DAYS

FROM $1,785 + AIRFARE

18 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 24 STUDENTS

Donate your time to adorable, endangered giant pandas.

Help staff at the Bi Feng Xia Panda Conservation Center in Ya’an, Sichuan. Monitor the pandas’ diet, clean and maintain their living spaces, and contribute to ongoing research.

Day 1 Land in Chengdu, meet your leaders, and head into the city for a day of acclimation.

Day 2 Drive through the mountains to the Bi Feng Xia Panda Conservation Center in Ya’an. Get acquainted with the pandas’ habits, the center’s grounds, and current research efforts. Receive your official volunteer uniforms and have an orientation with the conservation center staff.

rounding national reserve, tour temples, and learn to make local delicacies.

Day 5 Visit the nearby zoo this morning. Compare the for-profit model with the panda center’s research-focused facility.

Day 6 Spend today exploring the Hailuogou Glacier. A cable car will carry you 6 km into the valley, then you’ll trek across the glacial tongue to the lush forest waiting below.

Days 3 & 4 Spend several hours each morning working on your service projects. Care for the pandas’ living areas, plan and prepare their food, learn about their habitat and the ever-growing threats to their environment, and assist in any current research.

Day 7 Return to Chengdu. Get to know the city’s integration of ancient cultures and traditional values as you see the city’s best sites and sample its delectable dishes. End your day with the region’s specialty: hot pot!

Each day’s service assignment will be followed by an afternoon activity, providing you the chance to explore the beauty and culture of this region. Hike trails in the sur-

Day 8 Swing by the Jinli shopping street for any last minute souvenirs, then head to the airport for your flight home.

Mary Yuan

China Country Manager Mary is originally from Chengdu, the home of our Giant Panda and Wild China programs.

Now in her sixth year working with Rustic Pathways, Mary continues to excel at managing our operations and logistics in China. Mary loves traveling and has been to almost every province in China. She has also spent significant time in both South Korea and the United States, and speaks both English and Korean fluently. She dreams of finishing her China travel checklist and then moving on to see other destinations around the world!

groups.rusticpathways.com

groups@rusticpathways.com

800.321.4353

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C H IN A | B E YON D SE RVI CE

Mangroves and Tulous

8 DAYS

FROM $1,425 + AIRFARE

20 SERVICE HOURS

Explore Fujian province. Contribute to conservation efforts in mangrove forests, stroll through Xiamen’s bustling streets, and immerse yourself in a traditional Hakka tulou village.

Day 1 Land in Xiamen, have your program orientation, and get a good night’s sleep.

Day 2 Drive to a tulou village. Built by the Hakka ethnic minority group, tulous are ancient circular structures that house an entire village. Learn the traditional trades of tea leaf harvesting, vegetable cultivation, and wine making, then enjoy a barbecue dinner with your Hakka hosts.

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Day 3 Continue your adventure at Yuchanglou, a 700-year-old tulou boasting 270 rooms, then stop for lunch at Taxia water town before returning to Xiamen.

Days 4 - 6 Join the China Mangrove Conservation Network, our NGO partner, in the Zhan Jiang River Nature Preserve. Explore the mangrove forest by boat, learning about its flora and fauna and the vital role this

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UP TO 24 STUDENTS

ecosystem plays in the local environment.

Contribute to the environment's protection through service initiatives which may include planting saplings, cleaning up trash, conducting soil and water quality testing, constructing honey bee hives, and assisting in educational workshops.

Day 7 Hike Wulao Mountain for a view of Fujian’s coast, stopping at the botanical gardens on your way. Stop by a market in the afternoon to buy souvenirs, and end your day at Baicheng Beach for a final group dinner.

Day 8 Pack your bags and return to the airport.

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C H IN A | C U R R I CU LU M B A SE D

Chinese Language Immersion

10 DAYS

FROM $1,595 + AIRFARE

24 CLASSROOM HOURS

UP TO 20 STUDENTS

Live and study at East China Normal University. Complete four hours of language classes each morning, then spend your afternoons exploring and practicing Chinese through cultural engagement activities on the streets of Shanghai.

Day 1 Land in Shanghai and, after taking the world’s fastest train into the city, drive to campus and settle into your dorms.

Day 2 Spend your morning touring campus, then head into downtown Shanghai for an introduction to Chinese culture. Visit the Shanghai Museum, walk along the banks of The Bund, and travel up the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for views across the skyline of this ever-changing city.

Day 6 Begin your day with an hour-long train ride to Hangzhou, a city famous for its beautifully manicured gardens, delicious tea, and perfectly peaceful West Lake— a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Days 3 – 5 Attend four hour-long classes each morning. Faculty will focus your lessons on vocabulary and grammar relating to your daily experiences in and around Shanghai.

Days 7 – 9 Return to your class schedule and build upon the foundation you laid last week as you delve into more complex subject matter. Leverage your increasing comfort with the Chinese language and culture to make rapid progress in these last few days. Continue to explore Shanghai and the surrounding areas in your afternoons.

Visit bird and flower markets; travel to vast urban parks; and partake in evening gong fu, tai ji, and cooking classes.

The fast pace of the city will provide ample opportunities for you to engage in real-world situations. Each day after class, you will be divided into teams and challenged to complete activities as you immerse yourself in the community.

Day 10 Enjoy one last round of Shanghai soup dumplings, pick up final souvenirs, pack up, then it’s off to the airport! Say goodbye to your program leaders, head through security, and board your flight home.

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Buddhist monks collect alms at Angkor Wat Cambodia | Floating Village Service

C OS TA R IC A | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

Volcano and Rainforest Service Base

8 DAYS

FROM $1,265 + AIRFARE

24 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 25 STUDENTS

Teach children, support community improvement projects, engage in a cultural exchange, and contribute to green initiatives, all from our stunning Volcano and Rainforest Base.

Day 1 Land in San José and meet your Rustic Pathways leaders. Depending on your flight schedule, sleep in San José or drive to La Fortuna. Get settled into the Rustic Pathways Volcano and Rainforest Service Base for your program orientation and first local Tico dinner.

Days 2 – 5 Work on service initiatives in the villages around La Fortuna. Split your time between morning and afternoon service sessions, returning to the base for lunch, a quick siesta, or dip in the pool.

Choose from a variety of ongoing service initiatives designed and monitored by Rustic Pathways staff in cooperation with local community leaders. Projects will focus on community infrastructure de-

velopment, educational facility improvement, and environmental initiatives.

Spend your evenings hanging out at the Volcano and Rainforest Service Base, hiking to waterfalls and hot springs, or exploring La Fortuna’s markets.

Days 6 & 7 Having completed your service projects, take advantage of Costa Rica’s exciting adventure opportunities. Choose from optional activities including zip lining, whitewater rafting, a visit with indigenous animals at the nearby zoo, and a hike through Rio Celeste National Park. In the evenings, learn to salsa and merengue. Return to San José for your last night.

Day 8 Head to the airport for your journey home.

Carolina Bolaños

Costa Rica Program Manager Carolina has a background in business administration from the Universidad Interamericana. Her firm handle on complex logistics and ever present smile make her an integral member of Rustic Pathways' Costa Rica team.

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C O S TA R IC A | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

Costa Rica Natural Wonders

10 DAYS

FROM $2,195 + AIRFARE

24 SERVICE HOURS

Explore Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, learn to surf, and serve local communities in Bahia Ballena. Then head inland for jungle hikes, waterfall rappelling, animal spotting, and whitewater rafting in the vibrant and diverse Costa Rican rainforest.

Day 1 Meet your Rustic Pathways leaders at the airport, and head to Bahia Ballena on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.

the evenings, play soccer with local kids, hike in the oceanside rainforest, go animal spotting with your leaders, or simply relax and soak in the sunset.

Days 2 – 5 Enjoy an early morning surf lesson each day, then head to your service site, where you will work on community development projects, teach and lead activities in the local school, and contribute to rainforest conservation efforts alongside rangers in Bahia Ballena National Park. In

Day 6 Take a boat trip to Ballena Island. Spot whales and dolphins, snorkel along the reef, and enjoy a beach barbecue.

Day 7 Depart Bahia Ballena, hiking inland through primary and secondary rainfor-

UP TO 20 STUDENTS

est. Rappel down a 30 meter waterfall to The Cave, a natural cavern outfitted with modern conveniences, and spend the night listening to crashing waters.

Day 8 Continue hiking through the rainforest, keeping an eye out for toucans, monkeys, and sloths. Head to Turrialba in the evening for a hearty meal.

Day 9 Raft the class III-IV rapids of the beautiful Pacuare River, known for its striking canyon walls and jungle overgrowth. Return to San José for your last night.

Day 10 Head to the airport and fly home. Pura vida!

Mauricio Carazo

Costa Rica Program Manager A former river guide and photographer who hails from the hills of Turrialba, Mauricio is a great asset to our Costa Rica team. With a degree in business management and tourism and a fervent passion for mountain biking, kayaking, and adventure, he provides invaluable insight into the logistics and safety of our adventure and surf programs.

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C O S TA R IC A | CUR R I CU LU M B ASE D

Spanish Language Immersion

9 DAYS

FROM $1,665 + AIRFARE

16 CLASSROOM HOURS

UP TO 24 STUDENTS

Perfect for students at any Spanish level, this program offers a local homestay and 16 hours of class time as you enhance your linguistic ability and immerse in Costa Rica’s vibrant culture.

Day 1 Land in San José, meet your Rustic Pathways leaders, drive to Turrialba, and have a program orientation.

falls, hiking in Irazu Volcano National Park, and mountain biking through the jungle.

Each evening, return to your host family for a traditional Costa Rican dinner.

Day 2 Explore Turrialba, meet with the language school director for placement tests, go on a walking tour to familiarize yourself with the city, then meet your new host family and get settled into your home for the week.

Day 6 Spend one final morning in classes, then pick up any remaining souvenirs in town and return home for one more evening with your host family.

Days 3 – 5 After breakfast with your host family, attend four hour-long class periods with your Spanish teacher each morning. Focus on vocabulary and grammar related to the experiences you are having and your scheduled afternoon activities.

Each afternoon, enjoy lunch in town as a group, then set out to explore your surroundings with immersive activities such as touring a butterfly garden, visiting a snake zoo, swimming in nearby water-

Days 7 & 8 Depart Turrialba for a two-day whitewater rafting adventure on the class III-IV Pacuare River. Enjoy the spectacular scenery, adrenaline-pumping rapids, and picnic meals. Spend your night at a river lodge, taking time to explore natural swimming holes and relax in the tranquil jungle surroundings. Complete your trip at the end of your second day, then return to San José for dinner.

Day 9 Say goodbye to your leaders and head to the airport for your flight home.

Nilson Oviedo

Costa Rica Program Manager Our resident Rustic Pathways musician, Nilson divides his time between playing bass in his successful ska band and working for our Costa Rica team. For the past four years, Nilson has been a key player on our Costa Rica operations team and service initiatives.

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C O S TA R IC A | LOCAL I MME R SI ON

Maleku Indigenous Immersion

8 DAYS

FROM $1,325 + AIRFARE

20 SERVICE HOURS

Join the Maleku, an indigenous community in northern Costa Rica. Live in a traditional house, participate in ceremonies, learn about the medicinal uses of plants from the rainforest, and engage in service projects supporting the community.

Day 1 Land in San José, meet your Rustic leaders, and drive to Palenque Tonjibe, the indigenous Maleku reservation. Settle in and get acquainted with the traditional village and your service projects.

Days 2 – 5 Provide service in and around Palenque Tonjibe. Work on a community building, plant a school garden, or help dig an ir-

rigation system in the reservation’s communal space. When service is done for the day, explore your surroundings with your local hosts. Walk the mountain trails with village elders and learn about Maleku natural medicines and the threat posed to their culture by modern deforestation.

Work on ecological initiatives like planting native trees, collecting seeds, and participating in other rainforest rehabilitation efforts. Hike to waterfalls, swim in

UP TO 16 STUDENTS

Rio Cucaracha, and explore the beautiful Rio Celeste National Park.

Day 6 Raft the class III-IV rapids of the wild Sarapiquí River, then spend a final evening on the Maleku reservation with pick-up soccer games and a celebration of the service you have accomplished.

Day 7 Enjoy a final Maleku breakfast with views of the Arenal rainforest before packing up and heading back to San José.

Day 8 Depart San José on your flight home.

Max Elizondo

Maleku Program Manager As a member of the Maleku tribe, Max brings a unique perspective to the Rustic family.

The once-shy Max has been involved with our team since we first started working in his community, and has blossomed over time into one of our most outgoing staff members.

He is currently working toward a degree in sustainable tourism, and loves to talk flora and fauna with Rustic Pathways students.

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C O S TA R IC A | CULT U R AL E XPLOR ATION

Young Explorers

10 DAYS

FROM $1,895 + AIRFARE

12 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 16 STUDENTS

Explore Costa Rica at a pace specifically designed for middle school students. Provide service at elementary schools, take advantage of the natural beauty and adventure activities this country has to offer, and relax on picturesque beaches.

Day 1 Land in San José, meet your Rustic Pathways leaders at the airport, enjoy a delicious Costa Rican meal, and settle in to your room for the night.

Days 2 – 4 Drive to El Castillo village near Arenal Volcano. Work on small-scale service projects at a local elementary school, play pick-up soccer, explore the La Paz waterfall gardens, swim in streams, tour Lake Arenal by boat, zip line in the jungle canopy, learn Latin dance moves, and partake in team-building activities.

Days 5 & 6 Enjoy a day of exotic jungle views and exciting rapids as you raft down the

Sarapiquí River, then settle into the Maleku reservation and the culture developed over centuries in the rainforest.

Day 7 Drive to Guanacaste and get settled into the sabañero cowboy culture of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.

Days 8 & 9 Head to the beach for surfing lessons, sea kayaking, and beach soccer games.

Students will be invited to take ownership of the group’s schedule.

Day 10 Enjoy one last breakfast of gallo pinto, then pack your bags and head to the San José airport for your flight home.

Casey Atchley

Costa Rica Program Manager Casey received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Indianapolis in Spanish culture and philosophy. With exceptional bilingual communication skills, Casey manages our leadership programs in Costa Rica. He has also worked throughout Nicaragua as a guide and English teacher. In his spare time, Casey practices his photography skills, capturing awesome travel moments.

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A Tibetan monk performs during the yearly Guru Rinpoche Festival India | Himalayan Photo Expedition

DOM IN IC AN R E PUB LI C | B E Y ON D SERVICE

Life in the Bateyes

8 DAYS

FROM $1,175 + AIRFARE

24 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 18 STUDENTS

Learn about the issues affecting Haitian migrant workers in the Dominican's expansive sugar cane fields as you contribute to Rustic Pathways’ ongoing service initiatives designed to increase the standard of living in these communities.

Day 1 Arrive in Santo Domingo, head to your bateyes volunteer facility, and prepare for your upcoming service projects.

to agricultural work, leading educational workshops for the community, and facilitating activities and interactive games with the local children.

Day 2 Enjoy breakfast at your volunteer facility, then head to a batey community. Spread across 236,000-acres of sugar cane fields, bateyes are predominately Haitian communities so neglected by Dominican infrastructure that they often lack such basic necessities as running water, electricity, and access to public education.

After each day’s service is complete, learn more about your surroundings. Take a trip to the beach, explore a nearby cave system, and continue to learn about batey communities through documentaries and guest speakers.

Spend your day learning about the sugar cane process, the Haitian cane cutters, and the challenges of citizenship and immense disparity between batey communities and those across the rest of the Dominican Republic.

Days 3 – 5 Spend your next several days contributing to ongoing service projects. Projects may include infrastructure development in batey Monte Coca, as well as contributing

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Day 6 Having completed your service projects, say goodbye to the batey communities and drive to Bayahibe. Grab your bathing suit and sunscreen, then hop on board your private catamaran for a day of snorkeling and beach lounging on Isla Saona.

Days 7 & 8 Return to Santo Domingo. Spend your afternoon exploring the city’s colonial zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas. Enjoy a final Dominican meal, then head to the airport.

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DOM IN IC AN R E PUB LI C | B E Y ON D SERVICE

Mountain Air & Village Service

8 DAYS

FROM $1,235 + AIRFARE

24 SERVICE HOURS

Immerse yourself in the welcoming Dominican community as you work alongside Jarabacoa’s residents to improve village infrastructure and lead a daylong kids’ camp. Raft down rapids, hike to pristine waterfalls, swim in turquoise waters, and relax on the white sand beaches of the northern coast.

Day 1 Land in Santo Domingo and depart directly for Jarabacoa, a beautiful mountain town. Settle into your rooms at the Rustic Pathways Mountain Air Service Base.

Days 2 & 3 Head further into the mountains each morning, where you will provide rural villages with a most basic need—clean water—by working on aqueduct construction. Over the past three years, Rustic Pathways students have built five

UP TO 20 STUDENTS

laying pipework, then wrap up your project and embark on a whitewater rafting adventure down the Rio Yaque del Norte.

aqueducts, bringing drinking water to over 200 people in this community.

Day 6 Drive to Sosua and Cabarete, beach towns on the northern coast, and spend the day relaxing on the sand and swimming in the turquoise Caribbean ocean.

Day 4 Take a break from your infrastructure project to engage the community’s youth in a daylong camp. Lead games, team-building exercises, art projects, and sports activities. In the evening, take time to discuss responsible tourism and water access.

Day 7 Return to Santo Domingo to explore the city’s colonial zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas.

Purchase any last-minute souvenirs, then enjoy a traditional Dominican meal.

Day 5 Return for one more morning in the village

Day 8 Board your flight home. Safe travels!

Halle Jackson

Dominican Republic Program Manager A native of the fishing town of Sabana de la Mar in the Dominican Republic, Jackson is an integral part of our team. As a naturalist guide he has led conservation efforts in Los Haitises National Park for many years and is one of the founding members of the local Green Brigade group. His constant smile, big heart, and local knowledge have made him a student favorite.

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DOM IN IC AN R E PUB LI C | CUR R I CULUM BASED

Intro to Public Health

8 DAYS

FROM $1,495 + AIRFARE

15 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 16 STUDENTS

Work alongside health care professionals on high-impact public health projects in the Dominican Republic. Identify health needs of rural, urban, wealthy, and impoverished communities and help develop meaningful public service initiatives.

Day 1 Arrive in Santo Domingo. Get settled at your hotel, then dive into your program.

Watch a documentary providing context on public health in Latin America.

Day 2 Meet with our partner NGOs and learn about the initiatives they focus on in this city of immense socio-economic disparity, then head to a local hospital for a firsthand look at the urban health care system.

ture. Speak with locals about the impacts of specific health problems, and tour a rural clinic. Your evenings will include discussions on public health case studies.

Day 5 This morning will be your last day of service! Wrap up your service project, then drive north to Samana, a beautiful beach town. Have dinner as you watch the sunset turn the ocean orange.

Having built a baseline for health in the Dominican’s urban environments, leave the city for San Pedro de Macoris, a rural region roughly an hour outside of the capital.

Day 6 Spend your day enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Hike to the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean, then return to the beach for an afternoon of lounging on the white sand beach and swimming in the turquoise sea.

Days 3 & 4 Begin your service initiative. You may contribute to construction projects relating to sanitation or clean water, or conduct educational health workshops for local community members.

Day 7 Enjoy time at the beach, then return to Santo Domingo for a tour of the city’s colonial zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend your afternoons visiting nearby communities to better understand the cul-

Day 8 Enjoy one last tropical Dominican breakfast, then catch your flight home.

Kate Lubina

Dominican Republic Program Manager A native of Southern California, Kate is at home near the ocean with her feet in the water. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and a master’s degree in global medicine. Bringing her interest in the application of international public health, Kate now applies her expertise in health and development while inspiring our students on programs in the Dominican Republic.

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FI JI | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

South Pacific Eco-Lodge Service Base

8 DAYS

FROM $1,265 + AIRFARE

30 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 40 STUDENTS

Partake in various service projects designed to strengthen education, sanitation, nutrition, environmental conservation, and access to health care in neighboring communities. Live at the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Service Base, taking advantage of the many tropical adventure opportunities surrounding you.

Day 1 Land in Nadi, meet your leaders, and settle into the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Service Base. Snorkel, swim, and unwind on the beach, then get oriented for your service projects and participate in a formal sevusevu ceremony.

Days 2 – 6 Work on service initiatives in small communities surrounding the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base. Split your time between morning and afternoon sessions, with the option to focus on one large-scale initiative to gain a more diverse understanding of need in this region, or to contribute to a few smaller ongoing projects.

Tutor English grammar, teach computers, and lead arts and sports enrichment activities in local elementary schools. Support underprivileged families as you prepare and deliver nutritious meals. Donate your time to help local communities develop sustainable farming initiatives. Contribute to construction projects such as waste

management, home repair, or school facility improvement in surrounding villages. Partake in environmental conservation initiatives as you plant trees to battle coastal erosion and clean up the beaches on Fiji’s western shores.

Wrap up your service projects each day, then spend your evenings enjoying Fiji’s immense natural beauty. Soak in hot springs, enjoy mud baths, and play in the waves. Learn Fijian or IndoFijian dance from women in nearby villages, and relax by the pool.

Day 7 Explore some of the many exciting activities that Fiji has to offer. Relax, swim, snorkel, and body surf at the beach, take a day trip to a neighboring shore, or elect to skydive above the idyllic tropical islands.

Day 8 After packing, head to the Nadi handicraft market, then on to the airport for sad farewells and your flight home.

Bethany Thomas

Eco-Lodge Program Manager Bethany has been part of our Fiji team since 2011 and loves sharing her passion for the island culture with our students. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she took a gap year and spent time living in Tokyo and London before attending The George Washington University.

An avid soccer player, Bethany has extensive experience both playing and coaching, and she can frequently be spotted challenging the locals to a pickup game on the Eco-Lodge field.

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FI JI | C U R RI CU LU M B A SE D

Marine & Environmental Monitoring

8 DAYS

FROM $1,495 + AIRFARE

18 SERVICE HOURS

Learn about Fiji’s marine ecosystem. Identify tropical fish and coral species as you work to conserve and restore the natural habitat, keeping an eye out for dolphins and other unusual marine animals. When not working in the water, get to know Fijian culture with visits to nearby villages.

Day 1 Land at Nadi International Airport, and settle into the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base.

Snorkel and relax on the beach, then meet with your marine instructors for an orientation on your week’s initiatives.

Day 2 Take a boat to the Yasawas, arrive at Naviti Island, and settle into the Rustic Pathways Island Base. Get oriented to the Fijian culture, then head out with a snorkel and fins for your first hours on the reef.

Days 3 – 5 Explore the marine reserve in the bay out-

side your home. Rustic Pathways leaders will work with you to create your project schedule, factoring in the weather conditions, tides, and objectives of the group.

Time can be spent performing fish counts, creating coral gardens, planting mangroves, or searching for manta rays (seasonal) and other unusual ocean creatures.

After wrapping up your environmental initiatives each day, head out to explore your surroundings. Hike a mountain to watch the sun set, try your hand at night fishing with the villagers, head to nearby coves by ocean kayak, and enjoy a traditional Fijian meke dance.

UP TO 20 STUDENTS

Spend your evenings with your neighbors, playing with and tutoring school kids, learning traditional mat weaving from village women, and immersing in this unique culture. End each day with reflection and discussion on your experiences around a bonfire.

Day 6 Return to Momi Bay, relax by the pool, and enjoy the comfort of the Rustic Pathways South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base.

Day 7 Compare your observations from the Yasawas to islands off the Viti Levu coast.

Relax, swim, snorkel, or body surf through this nearby island chain.

Day 8 After packing your bags, head to the Nadi handicraft market for last-minute souvenirs, then the airport and home.

Aimee Gunn

Fiji Program Manager Aimee’s appreciation of nature and passion for the outdoors led her to study natural resource conservation at the University of Florida. She grew up with sand between her toes on the beaches of southern Florida and finds solace in the sunshine and ocean. Aimee has extensive experience working with young adults through experiential education.

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FI JI | L O C AL I MME R SI ON

Children of the Highlands

8 DAYS

FROM $1,295 + AIRFARE

24 SERVICE HOURS

Lead enrichment programs for local kids, build school facilities, and live with local families in Nasivikoso, a traditional Fijian mountain village that has offered a home to Rustic Pathways students for the past 20 years.

Day 1 Settle into the South Pacific Eco-Lodge Base, and unwind with the tropical waters and golden sands of Natadola Beach.

into service as you work alongside the villagers to further ongoing construction projects at the village school.

Day 2 Stop in Nadi for last-minute supplies, then drive to Nasivikoso village, deep in the Nausori Highlands. Partake in a sevusevu ceremony with the village chief, and get to know your host family.

Day 4 Break into small service teams. Plan lessons and lead English and arts projects at the village kindergarten, or continue to work on constructing school facilities.

Take a break and hike to a waterfall for a swim and a picnic lunch.

Day 3 Meet with the village school committee to learn about the challenges local children face in getting an education. Dive

Day 5 Apply your lessons from yesterday at a neighboring village’s elementary school, and learn what a typical school in the

UP TO 25 STUDENTS

Nausori Highlands is like. Build on your observations with guided discussions as you help forge Nasivikoso’s curriculum and infrastructure into a regional model.

Day 6 Return to your service projects around Nasivikoso, either in the village kindergarten or on construction projects on school grounds and around the village. Spend a final evening with your host family enjoying a village celebration.

Day 7 Head out of the mountains for lunch in Nadi, then spend your afternoon relaxing and reflecting at the Eco-Lodge Base or exploring a nearby beach.

Day 8 Head to the Nadi handicraft market, then to the airport for goodbyes to your leaders.

Jone Nagodrolevu

Highlands Base Manager Jone is a proud member of the Rustic Pathways Fijian family, having grown up around generations of our amazing students and staff. After graduating from Navosa Central College, Jone returned to Rustic to spread his energy and love for his village to all of our lucky students through continued service and ceaseless positive energy.

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FI JI | C U LT U R A L E XPLOR AT I ON

Big Fiji Explorer

8 DAYS

FROM $1,785 + AIRFARE

Swim, kayak, and immerse in traditional Fijian culture on Naviti Island; zip line, relax in natural hot springs and mud baths, and spend time swimming, snorkeling, and getting to know the immense diversity of Fiji’s coral reefs.

Day 1 Meet your program leaders and hop on a ferry to the Rustic Pathways Islands Base on Naviti Island. Have a program orientation, then grab your swimsuit and hit the beach for some relaxing and snorkeling.

Days 2 – 4 Enjoy island paradise with new adventures each day. Explore a sunken plane wreck, go night fishing and ocean kay-

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aking, snorkel with manta rays (seasonal), learn the traditional Fijian war dance (meke), play soccer on the beach with the local kids, and wake early for a hike to watch the sun rise over this island chain.

Day 5 Return to Fiji’s main island, exploring Nadi before you head to Momi Bay and the Rustic Pathways Eco-Lodge for a hot shower and good night’s sleep.

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UP TO 24 STUDENTS

Day 6 Spend a relaxing morning in natural hot springs and mud baths, then head to the Tau Caves for a ride on Fiji’s largest zip line.

Enjoy the stunning coastal vistas as you fly through the tropical canopy.

Day 7 Enjoy one last day on the water, with a trip to the beautiful islands off of Viti Levu.

Swim, snorkel, relax, and play on the stunning white sand beaches.

Day 8 Return to Nadi for souvenir shopping, then head to the airport and say goodbye to your Rustic Pathways leaders.

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Dusk at Hassan Il Mosque in Casablanca Morocco | Souqs & Service

G H AN A | S C H OOLS T O SCH OOLS

Volta Village Service

10 DAYS

FROM $1,475 + AIRFARE

20 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 18 STUDENTS

Partner with a local community to rebuild a junior high school in Ghana's Volta Region. Live with a host family, learn ancient crafts, and partake in traditional ceremonies, then visit some of the country’s most impressive sites.

Day 1 Land in Accra, meet your program leaders, and settle into your beachside hotel.

Day 2 Drive through the morning to Adaklu Kpatove in Ghana’s Volta Region. Explore the village, greet your homestay families, and have your first dinner with your hosts.

Days 3 – 5 Kick-off your days of service as your group supports the construction of a new junior high school, raising the learning facility out of the natural floodplain so students can attend classes year-round.

After completing service each day, get to know your village hosts better. Learn to spin cotton at a local cooperative's workshop, hike Mount Adaklu for panoramic views of the Volta Region, and participate in a traditional Durbar celebration.

Day 6 Say goodbye to your hosts at Adaklu Kpatove and drive north to Wli, home to West Africa’s tallest waterfall. Enjoy a dip in pools below the falls, then settle into your lodge for a night of relaxation.

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Day 7 Continue your journey through the Volta Region with a trip to Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, home to the traditionally sacred mona monkeys. After lunch, drive to Amedzofe in time for sunset views from the highest village in Ghana.

Day 8 Head southwest to Cape Coast, a bustling colonial city. Climb to the top of the city’s lighthouse for views of the idyllic coast.

Day 9 Start your day at Elmina Castle, a former slave castle and current UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour of this imposing castle provides an eye-opening perspective on the transatlantic slave trade.

Stop by the local arts market for souvenirs, then explore Kakum National Park by suspension bridges strung through the jungle canopy. End your day with a dip in the ocean and final reflections on your journey.

Day 10 Return to Accra, stop at a large market for last minute souvenirs, then head to the airport for your flight home.

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I N DIA | B E YON D SE RVI CE

Wildlife SOS: Sloth Bear Conservation Project

8 DAYS

FROM $1,435 + AIRFARE

18 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 20 STUDENTS

Work with Wildlife SOS to improve the lives of rescued sloth bears in Agra. Learn all about sloth bear conservation, human and wildlife conflicts, and the story of the dancing sloth bears in India as you build structures, monitor bear behavior, and work on other Wildlife SOS projects.

Day 1 Clear customs, meet your Rustic Pathways leaders, and settle into your hotel in New Delhi for a good night's sleep.

Day 2 Drive to Agra and dive in to your service project! Meet with representatives from Wildlife SOS, learn the history of dancing bears in the Kalandar community, and have an intro to the sloth bear rescue facility and your service responsibilities.

Days 3 – 6 Dedicate your time to service at the Wildlife SOS center. Your main tasks will include constructing pen enrichment structures and helping bear keepers with their daily

work. You'll also help care for elephants at the nearby elephant rescue center.

Spend your evenings immersed in your surroundings. Play sports and visit with a former snake charming community that now works with Wildlife SOS. Day 7 Wake early and head to the Taj Mahal for a stunning sunrise on the famous marble structure, then return to New Delhi. Relax in the afternoon, and stop by the market to pick up any last minute souvenirs.

Day 8 After a final breakfast of puri sabzi, head to the airport for your flight home.

Wildlife SOS Established in 1995, Wildlife SOS began as a movement to make lasting change and conserve India’s natural heritage and wildlife wealth. Over their 20 years of operation, they have grown to protect Indian wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity, to conduct research, and to create alternative and sustainable livelihoods for poacher communities or those communities that depend on wildlife for sustenance.

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I N DIA | C UR R I CU LU M B ASE D

Himalayan Photo Expedition

12 DAYS

FROM $2,095 + AIRFARE

22 INSTRUCTION HOURS

Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of the Ladakhi plateau as you photograph its people and vistas. Learn about the linguistic, cultural, and religious history of the ethnically Tibetan region as you polish your photography skills.

Days 1 & 2 Land in Delhi, and get to know the vibrant city around you with visits to historical sites, religious temples, and modern markets. Have a program orientation and plan your photographic goals for your trip.

Days 3 & 4 Fly into the mountains and acclimate to the 3,500 meter altitude. Depart Delhi for Ladakh, the Land of High Mountain Passes, where the peaks reach the roof of the world. Spend your time in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, learning about sustainable development and religion in this historic city. Visit monasteries, laugh with monks, spin prayer wheels, and capture your expe-

riences with your lens. Activities throughout this program will be interspersed by photography lessons and critiques.

Day 5 Drive into the Rupsu Valley to explore Tso Moriri Lake, where the blue waters sparkle against the Himalayan landscape, and goats roam the hills. The occasional fox, marmot, and kiang strike elegant poses against the mountains’ dramatic backdrop.

Days 6 – 8 Live in yurts and tents of the Changpa, gaining a unique insight into the lives of these nomadic people. Learn about and photograph their ancient culture, and

UP TO 16 STUDENTS

lend a hand with daily chores. Spend an evening recharging in Leh at the end of your two-day homestay.

Days 9 – 11 Return to the mountains. Stay first in Themisgam, home to a stunning ancient monastery. After absorbing and photographing the monastic way of life and incredible natural backdrop, continue to Hemis, a neighboring hamlet. Spend your time in Hemis learning about its rural culture, history, and daily activities. After two nights in the villages, return to Leh for a hot shower, a feast of momos and curry, and a photo critique with your group.

Day 12 Fly to Delhi in the morning, then spend your final day in India shopping for gifts in the bustling markets. Have a photography review, then head to the airport for your evening flight home.

Divya Parameshwaran India Country Manager

A native of Kerala and an invaluable member of our Rustic Pathways India team, Divya earned her MBA with a focus on international tourism and has worked extensively in India’s tourism industry.

Divya’s constant cheerful demeanor and zest for adventure makes her extremely popular among Rustic Pathways students.

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I N DIA | C ULTU R AL E XPLOR ATI ON

Namaste India

14 DAYS

FROM $1,795 + AIRFARE

Experience India using all your senses. Explore Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur in north India, then connect to Kerala on the southwest coast. Namaste India focuses on major historic sites as well as local arts, crafts, cuisines, and languages.

Days 1 & 2 Spend your first days in India getting to know the capital. Discover New Delhi’s markets and become familiar with the Hindu gods and goddesses with a scavenger hunt. Learn about Mahatma Gandhi, visit India Gate, and explore Sikhism at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.

visit a lac workshop to learn how local artisans make the famous bangles. Partake in a Rajasthani cooking class, then get a customized mehandi design and learn the traditional Ghoomar dance.

Day 3 Head south for a day in Agra. Learn about Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, then explore his famous contribution to Indian architecture, the Taj Mahal.

Days 7 & 8 Depart northern India for Kerala, India’s tropical paradise. Stay in historic Fort Cochin, visit the centuries-old Jewish Synagogue, learn a handful of words in Malayalam, be enthralled by a Kathakali dance performance, and watch the sun set as you cruise on the Arabian Sea.

Days 4 – 6 Continue on to the Pink City of Jaipur.

Ride elephants to the Amber Fort and

Days 9 & 10 Hop aboard a traditional Ketuvallam houseboat on Vembanad Lake. Fish for

UP TO 24 STUDENTS

your dinner, swim in the lake, and compete in a canoe race. Conclude your time on the southern coast with a mock Onam Festival, welcoming the gods to Kerala by dressing in traditional clothing and creating vibrant patterns of fresh flowers.

Days 11 & 12 Head inland to Munnar. Once the colonial British government’s summer resort, Munnar is famous for being one of India’s most beautiful tea plantations. Learn the history of growing and making tea, visit nearby tribal colonies and learn about their cultures. End your evenings sampling local dishes around a bonfire and watching a Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration.

Days 13 & 14 Return to New Delhi after a stop in the Cochin spice markets. Spend your last day in the capital picking up some final souvenirs, relaxing, and reflecting on your experiences before heading to the airport.

Sunny Singh Deora

India Country Manager Sunny comes to us with a degree in tourism management. Sunny is a constant source of energy and excitement for RP students in India, and is always ready to teach about his native state of Rajasthan.

He’s a fan of Indian folk music and a star cricket player. If you’re lucky, he’ll teach you how to swing for sixes!

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L AO S & VIE T N AM | CUR R I CULUM BASED

Impacts of the Vietnam War

9 DAYS

FROM $1,895 + AIRFARE

UP TO 20 STUDENTS

Learn about the Vietnam War and Laos' Secret War from a local perspective. Visit little-known battle sites in northern Laos, then connect to Vietnam to see Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and Cu Chi tunnels.

Day 1 Land in Luang Prabang, an UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Laos. Hike up Phousi Hill for a program orientation and sweeping views of the city.

Day 2 Rise early for morning alms as Buddhist monks stroll through the streets, then learn about the Laotian monarchy and subsequent communist takeover as you explore Luang Prabang by bike.

After lunch, drive east to Phonsavan province, home of the mysterious Plain of Jars and many battle sites of the Vietnam War. Day 3 Spend your morning learning about Laos’ Secret War. Meet with professionals who raise awareness about Unexploded Ordinances (UXOs), then drive to a nearby village built primarily of scrap metal from bombs and other war agents, a haunting reminder of the Vietnam War’s legacy.

Day 4 Visit the Plain of Jars, a mysterious site loaded with prehistoric relics and home to many battles between Hmong resistance

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fighters and the communist army. Then, take a break from your history lessons as you hike to a nearby waterfall for a picnic lunch and afternoon swim.

Days 5 & 6 Visit the Pak Ou caves, a famous pilgrimage site filled with thousands of Buddha statues, and enjoy a massage and trip through Luang Prabang's night market before departing Laos for Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 7 Continue learning about the Vietnam War with a tour of Reunification Palace, where communist tanks crashed the gates and Saigon surrendered to North Vietnam in 1975. Visit the War Remnants Museum, and end your day in Ben Thanh market.

Day 8 Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground tunnels that served as the Viet Cong's base for the Tet Offensive of 1968. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening for a water puppet show.

Day 9 Enjoy a final Vietnamese coffee, then head to the airport for your flight home.

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L AO S | L O C AL I MME R SI ON

Sticky Rice Service Adventure

8 DAYS

FROM $1,245 + AIRFARE

18 SERVICE HOURS

Immerse yourself in a rural Laotian community with a village homestay. Contribute to service initiatives centering on infrastructure development, swim at Khuang Si Waterfall, ride elephants through the jungle, and cruise up the Mekong River.

Day 1 Meet your leaders at the Luang Prabang Airport. Settle into your hotel, have a program orientation, then hike up Mount Phousi for sunset views.

Day 2 Wake early to participate in a Buddhist alms-giving ceremony, then explore Luang Prabang by bike before heading into the countryside. Settle in to your homestay, meet with the village leaders to plan and understand your service projects, and begin to absorb this fascinating culture.

Days 3 – 5 Work on your service projects. Depending on the season and needs of your host village, you may repair classrooms, build bathrooms, re-grade roads, or help on a variety of other infrastructure initiatives.

UP TO 16 STUDENTS

Day 6 Say goodbye to your host families, then stop at Khuang Si Waterfall for an afternoon playing in the turquoise waters. Return to Luang Prabang in the evening and enjoy a delicious dinner, relaxing massage, and well-deserved night's sleep.

After a solid day of service, help the village children as they work on their English homework or join a soccer game.

Day 7 Get to know Luang Prabang's winding colonial streets. Visit the Laos Elephant Village and suit up for a morning elephant ride, then journey by long-tail boat to mystical caves on the Mekong River.

Swing through the market in the evening for any final souvenirs.

You will also have time to explore your surroundings with a hike to a hillside cave and a traditional Laotian string ceremony.

Day 8 After a final French-Laotian breakfast, head to the airport for your flight home.

Chanthavong ‘Vong’ Keopanya

Laos Program Manager From a small village outside Luang Prabang, Laos, Vong joined our team full-time in 2012.

He is a graduate of Luang Prabang Technical School, speaks Lao, Thai, and English, and manages several of Rustic Pathways' community service projects at both the Ricefields Base and in Laos. Vong has spent time as a monk, and has traveled throughout Southeast Asia and the United States.

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A setting sun over the Yasawa chain's Naviti Island Fiji | Marine & Environmental Monitoring

M O N G O L IA | PU SH I N G B OU N D AR I E S

Off the Map: Mongolia

15 DAYS

FROM $2,395 + AIRFARE

15 SERVICE HOURS

Join host families in gers and live life the nomadic way, then trek into the Tavan Bogd mountains to see some of the world's most stunning scenery. Journey off the map in Mongolia and leave the modern world behind.

Day 1 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and settle in to your guesthouse for dinner and an orientation.

Day 2 Get to know Mongolian culture. Learn about the Mongol Empire and enjoy displays of cultural dress, traditional dance, and khoomi throat-singing.

Day 3 Fly to Ulgii, home to Mongolia’s Kazakh ethnic minority. Settle into your host families’ gers, and prepare for your service projects in Sogoog village.

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Days 4 – 6 Work with a locally-run NGO to teach English, lead community workshops on dental hygiene, and contribute to an initiative to balance the local meat-anddairy-heavy diet with vegetables.

UP TO 18 STUDENTS

Mountain range. Hike into the mountains along the Tsaagan Gol – White River – and summit Maalchin Uul peak. Complete your circuit with a night at the mountain's base, then stop by Bronze Age petroglyph on your way back to Sogoog.

Day 13 Say farewell to your generous hosts in Sogoog, then fly back to Ulaanbaatar.

Spend evenings riding camels, training eagles, learning traditional Kazakh handicrafts, and enjoying nomadic dances to the tune of the two-stringed dombor.

Day 14 Shop in Ulaanbaatar’s outdoor market, featuring everything from hand-carved wooden saddles, to traditional Mongolian jackets. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner and closing ceremony.

Days 7 – 12 Drive to Tavan Bogd, home to the highest peaks in Mongolia's legendary Altai

Day 15 After breakfast, say goodbye to your leaders and begin your journey home.

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M O R O C C O | LOCAL I MME R SI ON

Souqs & Service

8 DAYS

FROM $1,185 + AIRFARE

18 SERVICE HOURS

Experience rural life in the Atlas Mountains as you work with local organizations on education, health, and agriculture service initiatives. End your program in the colorful souqs of Marrakech, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 1 Land in Casablanca. Explore the markets and wonder at the intricate Hassan Il Mosque, then head to Marrakech and your riad in the heart of the city.

Day 2 Depart Marrakech for the High Atlas Mountains. Stop for lunch and a hike at the majestic Cascade d'Ouzoud falls, before continuing to a Berber village in the Zawiya Ahansal Valley.

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Days 3 – 5 Partner with the Ourikt Development Association, a group of Amazighi men and women dedicated to improving education, agriculture, and the economy in the Tighza Valley. Your projects may entail running a youth camp or digging irrigation canals in the wheat fields.

Spend your evenings enjoying a traditional tagine at your guesthouse and immersing in local village life.

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UP TO 16 STUDENTS

Day 6 Return to Marrakech, an UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its still-bustling thousand-year-old market.

Day 7 Rise for an early breakfast as the call to prayer rings over the city, then head into the market. Wander the bustling, colorful souqs of Jamya’ Al-Fna, visit the Bin Youssef Madrasa, and hike to picturesque ruins overlooking the medieval city. In the evening, celebrate your trip with a Moroccan feast, concert, and traditional (temporary) henna tattoo.

Day 8 Head to the Marrakech airport to fly home.

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M O R O C C O | CU LTUR AL E XPLOR AT I ON

Moroccan Wanderer

10 DAYS

FROM $1,295 + AIRFARE

12 SERVICE HOURS

Immerse yourself in the colors, sounds, and smells of Morocco.

Provide service to a small mountain community, ride camels under a starry Saharan sky, and explore the golden kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 1 Land in Casablanca and meet your Rustic leaders. Visit the Hassan II Mosque and wander through the city’s art deco region, then fly to Ouarzazate, gateway to the Sahara. Spend your night in a riad (courtyard hotel) in Ait Benhaddou.

Day 2 Explore the golden kasbah of famous Ait Benhaddou on a scavenger hunt through the overflowing markets, then drive to Dadès Gorge. Hike to the river for dinner.

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Day 3 Head into the Sahara for a night in a Bedouin camp. Ride a camel along sand dunes at sunset, enjoy cool tea and Berber cuisine, and sleep under the stars.

Day 4 Photograph the Sahara at sunrise, then depart the desert for a day of hiking in the rugged Todgha Gorge. Explore the stunning limestone cliffs and ancient Moroccan architecture, then return to your hotel for a delicious tagine dinner.

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UP TO 16 STUDENTS

Days 5 – 7 Drive to the Tighza Valley and contribute to service initiatives focusing on infrastructure development and education.

Gather as a group each evening over meals to discuss your projects.

Day 8 & 9 Journey across the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the bustling thousand-year-old market, then depart the red city for Casablanca. Enjoy a final Moroccan feast in a 17th century Portuguese fort near the water.

Day 10 Head to Casablanca’s international airport, where your flight home awaits.

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P E R U | L O C AL I MME R SI ON

Land of the Incas

13 DAYS

FROM $2,225 + AIRFARE

28 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 24 STUDENTS

Work in a rural Sacred Valley community with local villagers on sustainable service initiatives addressing public health, education, and economic concerns. Explore the mountains around you and visit Machu Picchu. Become fully immersed in this ancient South American culture.

Day 1 Land in Lima, meet your leaders, connect to Cusco, and settle in to Pisac, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

project or shift your focus to a new initiative. Your time in the village will culminate with an inauguration ceremony, a traditional Incan meal, and dancing.

Days 2 – 4 Visit Pisac’s colorful handicrafts market, then get set up in your Sacred Valley village. Spend three days working on sustainable village improvement projects.

Design and build waste management systems, contribute to potable water projects, or work with local children at underfunded schools. In the evenings, get to know your high-altitude surroundings, learn a few words of Quechua, and relax under the clear night sky.

Days 9 & 10 Hike in the mountains and camp alongside the Urubamba River, then board a train for a ride under majestic Veronica Peak and up to Aguas Calientes. Spend an afternoon shopping in local markets, or hike to a nearby waterfall.

Day 5 Whitewater raft down the class III rapids of the Urubamba River in the morning, then bike along dirt paths in the surrounding mountains. Spend your night in the ancient Incan city of Ollantaytambo.

Days 6 – 8 Return to the village and continue your

Day 11 Arrive at Machu Picchu in time to enjoy views of the morning mountain mist spread between the peaks. Explore the ruins and intricate stonework of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 12 Return to Cusco and spend your day exploring the ancient capital city. In the evening, enjoy a final celebration dinner.

Day 13 Return to Lima, then fly home.

Alex Ball

Peru Country Manager With a degree in international relations from Brandeis University, Alex uses his knowledge and expertise to set up sustainable service initiatives. He is a veteran guide with a love of Peruvian culture and global humanitarian work. Alex is also the founder of a nonprofit educational dormitory in the Sacred Valley that aims to provide school access for Peruvian girls from indigenous communities.

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P E R U | PUS H I N G B OUN DA R I E S

Machu Picchu & the Amazon

9 DAYS

FROM $1,785 + AIRFARE

8 SERVICE HOURS

Explore Incan culture with a trip through the Sacred Valley as you mountain bike, zip line, and trek your way to Machu Picchu, then connect to the Amazon rainforest for several days immersed in the diverse flora and fauna.

Day 1 Land in Lima and head to your hotel for a program orientation.

ecosystems, stopping in Santa Maria for lunch before arriving in Santa Teresa where a soak in a natural hot spring awaits.

Day 2 Catch a flight to Cusco then drive to Ollantaytambo, where locals are still living in houses built by the Incas. Spend your afternoon exploring the town.

Day 4 Start today zip lining across the Santa Teresa River Valley, then hike to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Day 3 Drive into the mountains, past Incan ruins and llamas, to the 3,900 meter Abra Malaga Pass. Hop on mountain bikes and make your way downhill through diverse

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Day 5 Wake early and get to Machu Picchu in time for sunrise over the ancient complex.

Spend your morning exploring the ruins and photographing the stunning views, then return to Cusco by train.

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UP TO 18 STUDENTS

Day 6 Depart Cusco for the Amazon jungle.

Land in Puerto Maldonado and hop on a riverboat headed for Tambopata National Reserve. This evening take a guided jungle tour in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Days 7 & 8 Get to know the Amazon rainforest. Go on jungle walks and learn about the flora and fauna you encounter. Build traditional rafts, then climb aboard and float downriver. Stop by an animal sanctuary and spend a few hours caring for the grounds.

Spend each evening listening to the incredible jungle sounds.

Day 9 Return to Puerto Maldonado, then hop on a flight back to Lima. Enjoy a final dinner and board your flight home.

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Students fly through the bayou in search of 'gators United States | Rebuilding New Orleans

TA N Z AN IA | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

Save the Rain: Water Conservation Project

10 DAYS

FROM $1,835 + AIRFARE

30 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 18 STUDENTS

Partner with Save the Rain to build a complete residential rainwater harvesting system, providing a family with clean water for life. Take time off from service for an African safari in Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 1 Land at Kilimanjaro Airport, then head to Arusha for an introduction to Tanzania and your save the Rain service initiative, followed by a good night’s sleep.

Day 2 Get started on your service project! Meet with our grassroots nonprofit partner, Save the Rain, to learn about water access issues in Tanzania. Conduct a health assessment at the primary school, to be used in post-project evaluations.

Days 3 & 4 Work alongside community members and a mason to build a family’s residential rainwater harvesting system, getting to know your community hosts and traditional Tanzanian culture. After your work is done each day, engage in extracurricular and enrichment activities with students at the local primary school.

Days 5 – 7 Take a break from service to let the catchment system construction set. Use this time to explore Africa’s wild side with a three-day safari. Begin your adventure in Tarangire National Park, where you can spot elephant herds and giraffes, then continue on to Ngorongoro Crater, keeping an eye out for lions, hyenas, and zebras! Finish this journey in the Rift Valley, home to traditional Maasai warriors.

Days 8 & 9 Return to your service site and complete the residential rainwater system. Each family’s structure is large enough to store a year’s worth of clean water, allowing children to return to school and women to work instead of carrying water.

Day 10 Return to Arusha, buy final souvenirs, then head to the airport for your flight home.

Save the Rain Join our partnership with Save the Rain, an innovative, grassroots nonprofit working in Tanzania to address symptoms of the global water crisis. Founded in 2006, Save the Rain’s efforts has brought clean water access to over 300,000 people in rural Tanzanian communities, and with your help, the number will continue to grow.

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TA N Z AN IA | PUSH I N G B OUN DA R I E S

Climbing Kili

9 DAYS

FROM $3,635 + AIRFARE

Become one of the few climbers to reach the peak of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro on this exciting six-day trek.

Day 1 Land at Kilimanjaro Airport and meet your Rustic Pathways leaders, then drive to Arusha to settle in for an evening of orientation, acclimation, and rest.

Day 2 Visit a market in Arusha, sample local Tanzanian dishes, and learn about the importance of Mount Kilimanjaro. Meet with your mountain guides to review your gear and prepare for your climb.

Day 3 Join your mountain guides, drive to Marangu Gate, and register with the Kilimanjaro National Park rangers. Gain

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nearly 1,525 meters in altitude as you trek into the rainforest to Mandara Hut. Day 4 Trek past Maundi Crater as you leave the rainforest and ascend into open moorlands. Today, you'll climb from 2,710 meters to Horombo Hut at 3,660 meters.

Day 5 Spend a second night at Horombo. Explore your surroundings, acclimate to the altitude, and gain your first clear views of towering Kilimanjaro.

Day 6 Climb to Kibo Saddle, a broad desert

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UP TO 14 STUDENTS

zone between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Achieve 4,725 meters of altitude, then retire early at Kibo Hut to rest up before your early morning summit.

Day 7 Depart Kibo Hut at midnight, climbing past Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters) to summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) in time for sunrise. You’ve made it! Rest up, then descend to Horombo Hut. Day 8 Hike out to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your certificate of accomplishment. Return to Arusha for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Day 9 Shop, say goodbye to your RP leaders, and head home full of stories.

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T H AIL AN D | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

Ricefields Service Base

8 DAYS

FROM $1,195 + AIRFARE

30 SERVICE HOURS

Participate in ongoing service initiatives designed to strengthen education, nutrition, environmental conservation, animal safety, access to health care, and improving youngsters’ quality of life in neighboring communities, while living at the purposebuilt Rustic Pathways Ricefields Service Base.

Day 1 Land in Bangkok, meet your leaders, then hop on a quick flight to Udon Thani. Settle into the Ricefields Service Base, meet your new neighbors in Baan Chiang Yuen village, and enjoy a delicious dinner and a program orientation in the sala.

Days 2 – 6 Work on service initiatives in Udon Thani’s outlying villages. Split your time between morning and afternoon service sessions, returning to the base in the heat of the day for lunch and a quick dip in the pool.

Choose from a variety of ongoing service initiatives designed and monitored by Rustic Pathways staff in cooperation with local community leaders. Your projects may include Swing Sets, Coloring Books, and Kiddies (working with young village children in a kindergarten supported by Rustic Pathways); Meals on Flip-Flops (preparing and delivering food for elderly and underprivileged families in the region); Bobbing and Floating (teaching swimming to children in the neighboring village); Welcome Homes (building and improving houses in nearby communities); and more.

UP TO 90 STUDENTS

After wrapping up your projects each day, enjoy all the Ricefields Base has to offer.

Swim; play pingpong, volleyball, or soccer; use the internet café; exercise in the gym; or just relax after your day of service. After dinner each day, meet with your leaders and the Ricefields staff to discuss your projects from the day, prepare for your work tomorrow, and gain insight into the intricacies of Thai culture.

Day 7 Discover some of the many exciting activities that Thailand has to offer. Explore markets, relax on the Mekong River, take a trip to the Laos border, or visit the region’s most impressive temples.

Day 8 Fly back to Bangkok, then transfer to your connecting flight home.

Lay Lay Ooh

Ricefields Program Manager Originally from Burma, Ooh lives full-time at the Ricefields Service Base, diligently caring for our students. A natural-born leader and an exceptional English speaker, Ooh is integral to facilitating service projects at the Ricefields Base and the Rustic Pathways family.

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T H AIL AN D | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

Thai Elephant Conservation

8 DAYS

FROM $1,965 + AIRFARE

12 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 28 STUDENTS

Live and work with elephants and their mahouts at one of Thailand’s most respected elephant conservation centers.

Learn to ride, guide, drive, bathe, and feed elephants as you help to ensure a bright future for these magnificent animals.

Day 1 Land in Sukhothai, Thailand’s ancient capital. Get a foot massage, enjoy a delicious Thai dinner, and spend the evening recovering from your travels.

Day 2 Explore the ancient ruins of Sukhothai, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, by bicycle. Next, drive to the elephant camp, get fitted for your mahout suit, meet the elephants, and tour the grounds. Learn how the role of these traditionally revered animals has evolved over the centuries.

Days 3 & 4 Start each morning bathing and feeding your elephants. Spend the rest of your days in a combination of activities, classes, and hands-on elephant care. Learn about the life and practices of a mahout; the tools, skills, and communication involved in working with elephants; preparation of elephant saddles and cargo; and the unique personality of each elephant you

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meet. Explore your jungle surroundings or swim in the pool during down time.

Day 5 Say goodbye to your giant new friends, then hit the road for Chiang Mai. Enjoy a Thai massage after dinner.

Day 6 Continue your eco-adventure as you zip line through the trees at Flight of the Gibbon, learning about Thailand’s primary forest and the plethora of wildlife it supports. Spend your evening in Chiang Dao, surrounded by the hill tribe people who inhabit this dramatic landscape.

Day 7 Explore a meditation and holy cave in Chiang Dao. Return to Chiang Mai in the afternoon, and end your day in the city’s famous night bazaar.

Day 8 Say goodbye to your leaders, and fly home.

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T H AIL AN D | CU R R I CU LUM B A SE D

Medical Service Certification Program

8 DAYS

FROM $1,635 + AIRFARE

14 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 30 STUDENTS

Earn your Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification working on the front lines of community-based healthcare as you monitor and treat preventable diseases and injuries alongside our medical staff in rural northeast Thailand.

Day 1 Land in Bangkok, meet your program leaders, and hop on the short connecting flight up to Udon Thani. Take a dip in the pool, then spend your evening getting settled into the Ricefields Service Base.

Hang out with the villagers, sample your first local Thai dishes, and get to know the Rustic Pathways Ricefields staff.

Day 2 Spend your morning exploring Baan Chiang Yuen village and joining monks at the local temple for morning meditation.

In the afternoon, receive an introduction to Thai medical care from a local physician, then begin your service projects in neighboring villages.

Days 3 – 6 Earn your WFA and CPR certification as you learn from our medical staff in the classroom, train in simulations, and apply the skills you’ve learned while volunteering in village health clinics.

Work with staff at one of our four partner clinics each morning, as you apply the skills and concepts you are studying. Head into the surrounding villages with travel-

ing medical providers to set up temporary clinics for routine screenings of elderly and non-mobile patients.

In the afternoon spend time in the classroom learning about, training for, and running simulations on how to assess medical situations. Practice determining appropriate medical response in an emergency, providing basic first aid and CPR, and caring for wounds.

In addition to earning your WFA and CPR certifications on this program, you will become educated about international healthcare systems, and help to prevent heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and bacterial infection in rural Thailand’s impoverished communities.

Day 7 Your final day at the Ricefields Base will be spent exploring the region’s cultural attractions. Visit the Buddha Cave, swim at a local waterfall, tour temples, or partake in a Muay Thai boxing lesson.

Day 8 Sadly, it’s now time to say goodbye to Thailand and begin your journey home.

Wilderness First Aid Rustic Pathways is proud to partner with Wilderness Medical Associates to offer a first-rate Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification program. Valid for three years, WFA certification serves as an introduction to general medical concepts with an emphasis on patient assessment and management in limited-resource and extreme environments.

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T H AIL AN D | LOCA L I MME R SI ON

Rustic Pathways Children’s Home

8 DAYS

FROM $1,195 + AIRFARE

24 SERVICE HOURS

Live, teach, and learn alongside over 30 Karen hill tribe students sponsored by the Rustic Pathways Foundation at the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home. Teach classes, tutor students, help out on the organic farm, and get to know the Karen culture.

Day 1 Land in Chiang Mai, meet your program leaders, then drive up to the Children's Home in Mae Sariang. Spend the evening settling into your new surroundings.

Day 2 Learn traditional weaving from local village women, have a Muay Thai lesson, and spend time tutoring the students at the base. Meet after dinner to prepare your service projects for the coming week.

Day 3 Spend today at the village primary school,

where you will teach English, play games, and lead arts and sports activities.

Days 4 & 5 Rise early and depart for your village homestay. Drive into the jungle where you will contribute to Rustic’s Rural Outreach and Development service initiative, established to address development issues in the community. Enjoy a Thai barbecue dinner and meet with community leaders in the village. Continue with your service projects on the second day, working hard to complete construction. Return to the Children’s Home in the evening to reflect

UP TO 45 STUDENTS

on your homestay experiences and lesson plan in preparation for tomorrow.

Day 6 Return to the village school for another day of teaching, then spend your afternoon enjoying the landscape around you with a waterfall hike, village market visit, river float, or bike ride along the terraced rice fields.

Reflect on the lasting bonds you built with the people and culture of this region.

Day 7 Drive back to Chiang Mai. Walk the ancient city wall, visit the area’s cultural and historic sites, and watch the sun set from Doi Suthep. In the evening, wander through Chiang Mai’s famous night bazaar.

Day 8 Say goodbye to the Land of Smiles.

Yutthana Sangtiengnan RPCH Director

Born in Mae Sariang, Yutthana has been part of the Rustic family for more than a decade.

A native Karen speaker with a kind-hearted nature, Yutthana manages day-to-day operations at RPCH. He most enjoys his time spent mentoring the children who live at the Home, and loves sharing this place with people from around the world.

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Women dance at a traditional Durbar celebration in Adaklu Kpatove village Ghana | Volta Village Service

UN IT E D S TATE S | B E Y ON D SE RVI CE

Rebuilding New Orleans

8 DAYS

FROM $1,235 + AIRFARE

24 SERVICE HOURS

UP TO 18 STUDENTS

Take part in the recovery process of New Orleans as you help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and assist the city and surrounding parishes to become greener through grassroots initiatives. When not working on service projects, enjoy the charm of this amazing city.

Day 1 Settle into our comfortable base house in the heart of the city, learn about the lasting effects of Hurricane Katrina, have an orientation and discussion of the week’s activities and service projects, and enjoy jambalaya for dinner.

Day 2 Volunteer at a local charter school. Learn how Hurricane Katrina affected the education system in New Orleans and contribute to a service project on the school grounds. Spend your evening in the French Quarter enjoying beignets.

Day 3 Aid in erosion-halting efforts by removing invasive species and planting grasses along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, or care for an urban garden that focuses on fostering community in the Tremé.

Days 4 – 6 Work with the St. Bernard Project, a local

NGO dedicated to rebuilding homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Safety and guidance will be provided, as well as lessons in construction for those new to the field. Learn how to put up drywall, hang trim, set floors, and paint walls— everything that needs to happen to get families back into their homes. Spend evenings hearing live music, exploring new neighborhoods, checking out cultural museums, and trying local cuisine.

Day 7 Explore New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Haggle over souvenir prices at the outdoor market, check out the local art in Jackson Square, relax with live music on Royal Street, and enjoy the sights and sounds all around you. After dinner, cap off your week by heading down to the bayou for an airboat tour.

Day 8 Pack and head to the airport. Now you know what it means to miss New Orleans.

Emily Bomersback

USA Program Manager Emily comes to Rustic Pathways with an avid enthusiasm for connecting education, service, and exploration. She has traversed the globe, living everywhere from the mountains of Germany to the shores of Wales. Emily now proudly calls the vibrant city of New Orleans home.

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VI E T N AM | P U SH I N G B OU N D AR I E S

Northern Vietnam Service Adventure

8 DAYS

FROM $1,485 + AIRFARE

18 SERVICE HOURS

Trek through northern Vietnam, where you will live in a Muong village and contribute to a service initiative. Then, return to the coast to sail around Halong Bay, stopping to explore caves, karsts, and islands as you go.

Day 1 Land in Hanoi and hit the streets for an introduction to Vietnam. Learn about the country's 54 unique ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology, then take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 2 Rise early and head to Noc Son Ngo Luong Nature Preserve, home to incredible landscapes and Muong villages. Trek to your homestay village and get to know the culture of your village hosts.

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Days 3 - 5 Get started on your service initiative, building the infrastructure to promote sustainable development in Muong communities. You will also spend time working on agricultural projects, teaching English, making handicrafts, and playing sports.

End your service projects with a community celebration showcasing traditional Muong culture through song and dance, then return to Hanoi for a show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

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UP TO 20 STUDENTS

Day 6 Drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb aboard traditional "Chinese Junk" boats for a cruise among the jagged limestone karsts. Explore Sung Sot cave and swim at Titop Beach, then settle in for a night under the stars.

Day 7 Continue your loop around Halong Bay, kayaking in Luon cave and stopping by Bai Tu Long Bay and Fire Island to see the exotic birds, monkeys, and antelope. Return to Hanoi in time for dinner.

Day 8 Enjoy one last steaming bowl of pho and pick up souvenirs in the Old Quarter before heading to the airport.

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Ok… What Now? Booking a trip with Rustic Pathways Groups is fast and easy. Now that you’ve explored our programs, follow the simple steps detailed below: 1

Talk with Our Staff Pick up the phone, send us an email, or submit a contact request on our website. Whichever method you choose, we are ready to help!

2

3

4

Customize Your Itinerary Whether you want to replicate an existing itinerary or prefer something completely new, your personal program coordinator at Rustic Pathways will help you create a program that perfectly matches your needs.

Recruit Your Students Your program coordinator will provide exciting and interactive materials to further educate your students about your program. We will also host an orientation night at your school for interested families.

Take Off Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Take off!

Important Information Program Payments

General

All program prices are in U.S. dollars. Program payments will be orga-

This catalog provides a brief summary of some of the 2016 group travel

nized with your group's teacher chaperons to consider your unique

programs (“the programs”) offered by Rustic Pathways Australia (USA),

schedule. Our typical payment plan has an initial deposit due at the time

Inc. (“Rustic Pathways”), a tour promoter based in the state of Ohio. Each

of student enrollment, with the balance due in full to Rustic Pathways

itinerary contained herein is a sample of a Rustic Pathways Groups pro-

no later than 60 days prior to the program start date.

gram. Each program itinerary, group size, dates, service or class hours,

Rustic Pathways Waivers and Medical Forms

and price will be customized to fit each unique group.

As a contingency of enrollment on a Rustic Pathways program, all par-

All program participants and their parents and/or legal guardians (collec-

ticipants must complete all required waivers and medical forms. These

tively “the participants”) are required to read, sign, comply with, and abide

documents will be due to Rustic Pathways no later than 60 days prior to

by a comprehensive Statement of Terms and Conditions and various

the program start date.

waivers and liability limitations that govern and regulate participation in the programs. Rustic Pathways will furnish these various materials.

Immigration Costs The participant will be responsible for any immigration costs, including

All travel can be dangerous, and adventure travel to the more remote

but not limited to airline, airport, arrival, and departure taxes or fees;

areas of the world poses unique risks. Rustic Pathways insists that all

passport costs; and visa costs unless clearly stated on the invoice.

participants and potential participants seriously consider the dangers of any program undertaken. Participants should not apply for or partici-

Taxes, Airline Fees, and Surcharges

pate in any Rustic Pathways program if they are unwilling to accept any

Quoted flight costs are subject to change without notice pending fare,

and all of the potential risks and dangers such a program could pose.

tax, and surcharge fluctuation up until tickets have been purchased in full. Participants will bear responsibility for any increase in these costs.

The number of days listed in each itinerary reflects time on the ground, not including travel time to and from the program.

International Exchange Rates The majority of Rustic Pathways’ programs operate outside the United

We reserve the right to alter program itineraries before and during the

States and are paid for in local currency. Should the value of the U.S.

trip, with no notice and at the sole discretion of Rustic Pathways em-

dollar change, we reserve the right to increase our program price in pro-

ployees, if the environmental, social, political, or economic situation in

portion with the U.S. dollar value change.

the country of travel dictates such action.

Refunds and Cancellation Penalties

International travel to and domestic travel within overseas destinations

We reserve the right to cancel, alter, reschedule, or amend all programs

will be on several airlines (“the airlines”). No airline by virtue of its endorse-

offered at any time. If a trip is canceled by Rustic Pathways, all or a por-

ment in this brochure represents itself as contracting with any purchaser

tion of the participant’s payment will be refunded, pending the can-

of the programs. The airlines are not responsible for any act, omission, or

cellation date. If the participant cancels, it may result in a penalty of up

events during the time passengers are not on board their planes or con-

to the full program tuition, depending on date of cancellation. Verbal

veyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines, when issued, shall

notice will not serve as valid cancellation notification.

constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the participant.

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TEACHER APPRECIATION PROGRAM

FLIGHT LEADING

EMPLOYMENT

Educators form the cornerstone of a successful society. We applaud your work and your dedication to youth. As thanks, Rustic Pathways offers discounts of up to 50% for children of educators on almost all of our summer programs. For more information, please visit rusticpathways.com/tap.

Don’t have a class to travel with, but still hoping to get out and see the world next summer? Consider flight leading for a Rustic Pathways summer program, and escort students to and from their international trip. Keep an eye out for this volunteer position at rusticpathways.com/about/employment.

Every summer, Rustic Pathways hires hundred of seasonal program leaders to help us run our trips.

If you are passionate about travel, love working with high school students, believe in experiential education, and need something to do next summer, apply at rusticpathways.com/about/employment.

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