2018 – 2019 Rustic Pathways Gap Year Catalog

Rustic Pathways

®

Our Vision Rustic Pathways is committed to creating a world where…

• Travel is accepted as an essential part of every education • Travel is a model of sustainable development • All people are connected by a shared humanity and all decisions are made with a global perspective

What’s Inside The Rustic Pathways Difference

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Why You Should Consider a Gap Year

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Gap Year Ambassador Scholarships

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Semester Programs

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Spanish Immersion: From Havana to Machu Picchu

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Golden Lands and World Heritage

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South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills

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Block Programs

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Wonders of East Africa

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Come With Nothing: Golden Triangle Expedition

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Adventure Capital of the World

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What's Next

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The Rustic Pathways Difference We’re Established We’ve been the leader in international student travel and experiential education since 1983. We now facilitate more diverse and ambitious programs all over the world than ever before. More than 12,000 students traveled with Rustic Pathways in 2017.

We Take Safety Seriously Our Safety and Risk Management Director works year-round to establish global policies, support local country teams, and train all full-time and seasonal staff members on emergency response activities. We also partner with International SOS, the leading provider of international medical consultations, emergency evaluations, and urgent travel services.

We Have an Exceptional Team Our staff of more than 500 people from more than 30 countries who speak more than 50 different languages are the backbone of our organization. Their incredibly diverse backgrounds provide us with profound connections to the destinations we visit and offer you an unforgettable experience.

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We Employ Local Staff Our local staff will take you to their villages and hometowns, introduce you to their families and friends, and share with you what it’s like to live in their communities. They’re experts who enable you to have a truly authentic experience.

We Have Empowering Leaders We invest heavily in hiring the most qualified Program Leaders. They have experience in experiential education, wilderness training, and international development and will help you process your experience.

We Have Long-term Partnerships We’ve partnered with many of the communities where we operate programs for years, even decades. We collaborate with those partners to create sustainable projects that satisfy the community's vision and have a lasting impact.

We’re Accredited with the AGA The American Gap Association was founded in 2012 to hold gap year providers to the highest standards of safety, program quality, sustainability, and educational impact. The AGA also helps students and their parents explore different organizations.

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Rustic Pathways Gap Year Program Locations

Cuba Dominican Republic Costa Rica

Peru

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Laos Cambodia Uganda

Rwanda

Tanzania / Zanzibar Myanmar Thailand Australia

Fiji

New Zealand

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Semester Programs Spanish Immersion: From Havana to Machu Picchu Costa Rica, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Cuba This program is highly structured, but also includes short homestay experiences where pairs or small groups of students will live with local families and interact in Spanish. Improve language skills, dive into indigenous culture, and explore the best landscapes in Latin America.

Independence

3/5

Cultural Immersion

4/5

Service Learning

4/5

Physical Activity

3/5

Golden Lands and World Heritage Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia This program offers a structured experience with the highest level of supervision and mentorship by our local and international staff. Explore ancient ruins; travel by tuk tuk, train, and river boat; compare religious values and customs; and get to know local staff members as they share undiscovered gems across Southeast Asia.

Independence

1/5

Cultural Immersion

3/5

Service Learning

4/5

Physical Activity

2/5

South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia This program offers a structured experience with the highest level of supervision and mentorship by our local and international staff. Participate in community service projects while immersing in Fijian culture then surf, sail, scuba dive, and earn a Bronze Medallion lifesaving certificate.

Independence

1/5

Cultural Immersion

3/5

Service Learning

3/5

Physical Activity

5/5

Block Programs Wonders of East Africa Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar This program offers a structured mix of wildlife exploration and adventure in three countries on the African continent. Spot mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Africa’s Big Five on safari in Tanzania. Trek Tanzania's famed Mt. Kilimanjaro and raft the iconic Nile River in Uganda.

Independence

1/5

Cultural Immersion

3/5

Service Learning

1/5

Physical Activity

5/5

Come with Nothing: Golden Triangle Expedition Laos and Thailand This program offers a structured experience that balances cultural immersion, service learning, and adventure in one of the more challenging programs Rustic Pathways offers. Travel to three remote villages where you’ll stay with local families and assist them with projects to benefit the communities.

Independence

2/5

Cultural Immersion

4/5

Service Learning

5/5

Physical Activity

4/5

Adventure Capital of the World Fiji and New Zealand This program offers a structured variety of adrenaline-pumping activities in New Zealand and Fiji. Whitewater raft, surf, explore caves, rock climb, and hike in New Zealand. Head to the tropical paradise of Fiji and swim, snorkel, zip line, kayak and scuba dive.

Independence

2/5

Cultural Immersion

2/5

Service Learning

0/5

Physical Activity

5/5

Why You Should Consider a Gap Year Supplement Traditional Classroom Learning with Experiential Education You’ve been through the intense pressure to get into college. That’s important, but so is taking time to explore and learn outside of the classroom before making life-defining decisions. A gap year provides a welcome relief from the years of hard work it takes to get to graduation day. It also gives you life skills and experiences that will make you a stronger student in college and help you prepare to launch a satisfying career.

Arrive on Campus More Prepared for College More universities are actively encouraging students to take structured gap years and many even subsidize gap year programs. That’s because independent studies of gap year alumni have shown that they return from their experiences more mature, confident, and with a better understanding of what they want to study and which career paths they plan to pursue.

Develop New Skills That Will Position You for Success Educational institutions and employers value empathy, curiosity, resilience, maturity, and global understanding in their students and employees. These qualities correlate far more closely with future success and happiness than high grades alone. Gap year programs provide unmatched opportunities for building these strengths through real-world experiences.

Discover Your Passions While Experiencing the World Interested in medicine? Explore developing countries and learn how preventable diseases still cause so much harm.

Considering a career in law? Observe the rights of citizens in various countries across the world. Not sure of your career path? Immerse yourself in the global community and open yourself to options you may never have considered—or even known about—before.

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Gap Year Ambassador Scholarships Every year, Rustic Pathways commits up to $40,000 toward meaningful, lifechanging gap year experiences for students who demonstrate outstanding merit.

The award amount is determined by financial need, our assessment of each candidate’s commitment to success, and the qualities they will bring to a group.

Gap Year Ambassadors are passionate, engaged, and excited about learning new skills and bringing them back to their hometowns and universities. They are hardworking individuals who impress their teachers and peers with their drive and determination. Gap Year Ambassadors go above and beyond expectations. Each Ambassador is asked to write a reflection after his or her trip and work with Rustic Pathways to share the life-changing benefits of taking a gap year. Ambassadors often complete projects of their own choosing, such as a videos, blogs, documentaries, art projects, or service initiatives.

Learn more and apply for an Ambassador Scholarship at gap.rusticpathways.com/financial-aid.

“My gap year ignited a passion for seeing the world that I don’t ever see fading. I learned that the world is huge and diverse and full of different people living different lives, but there are certain common values that belong to any person and any culture. Whether you grow up in America or Germany or India, there are traits that connect us all as humans. Being a global citizen to me means realizing that although we all are different and unique, we’re also so similar.”

Jenny Harding | Seattle, Washington Gap Year Ambassador, 2016

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Semester Programs

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Spanish Immersion: From Havana to Machu Picchu Improve your Spanish language skills through immersion and community engagement while enjoying the best landscapes in Latin America

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Semester Program

Discover the stunning natural wonders, friendly people, and rich cultures of Latin America while studying Spanish and participating in meaningful community service projects. Learn about indigenous cultures and engage with locals through service projects and homestays in three different regions: Central America, the Andes, and the Caribbean. Whether you’re a first time Spanish language learner or nearly fluent, practicing Spanish in places with varying accents and dialects will give your skills a major boost.

This gap semester charts a course through the contrasting landscapes and cultures of Costa Rica, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Each country offers a unique experience and opportunities to practice Spanish. Plan a multiday, student-led expedition in Peru, work with environmental projects, and learn a few salsa dancing steps.

Independence

3/5

Cultural Immersion

4/5

Service Learning

4/5

Physical Activity

3/5

Activity Breakdown Physical Activity Cultural immersion

LOCATIONS: Costa Rica Peru Dominican Republic Cuba DATES:

37.5% 25%

Service Learning

SEMESTER DETAILS

Fall 2018 Sep 12 - Dec 5 COST:

37.5%

$15,995 USD + $2,495 USD internal airfare

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Costa Rica

Dominican Republic

Experience the stunning beaches, vibrant jungles, and pristine rivers of Costa Rica, Rustic Pathways’ most popular destination country. Costa Rica is consistently listed among the happiest countries in the world because it has invested heavily in protecting its natural resources and its citizens’ quality of life. Pura vida is the unofficial national slogan and multifunctional greeting.

Soon, you’ll find it rolling off your tongue as easily as if you were a Tico. Spend time honing your Spanish, during morning classes and through interactions with the locals during an extended homestay with a family in Turrialba. During the afternoons, participate in service projects and activities, including surfing, whitewater rafting, biking, rappelling, and zip lining.

The Caribbean portion of your journey will begin in the Dominican Republic’s Cordillera Central. Continue with Spanish classes, hike to a waterfall, live with a homestay family, and enjoy Jarabacoa’s fresh mountain air. Spend afternoons working with local children on activities that will supplement their learning and help improve your Spanish skills. Study public health with our local partner organization in Santo Domingo. Next, work on service projects in the bateyes, underserved communities where Haitian-Dominicans survive by cutting sugar cane for low wages. Spend your last days on the coast enjoying the picturesque beach town of Bayahibe, where you can snorkel, swim, and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Peru

Your first week in Cuba will include a Spanish language course at the University of Havana and a homestay where you’ll share conversation and meals with a local family. Throughout the week, get a taste of Cuban culture with visits to picturesque Santa Maria del Mar Beach, an Industriales baseball game at the Estadio Latinoamericano, a tour of Old Havana and its castle, museums, and modern art galleries. Outside of the capital city explore Trinidad, a 500-year-old colonial city, and one of Cuba’s artistic jewels. Next, head to Tunas de Zaza and participate in mangrove restoration to support coastal ecosystems. Your semester will conclude in Havana by visiting the Mercado de San Jose and watching one last sunset on the Malecón.

From the Amazon rainforest and dry desert coast to the peaks of the Andes, Peru’s complex national identity blends indigenous roots with colonial influences. After arriving in Lima, your first destination is Ollantaytambo and nearby Machu Picchu, where masterfully constructed ancient stone ruins dominate the landscape.

Work on service projects alongside descendants of the Incan empire, bolster your Spanish skills by living with a homestay family in the Sacred Valley, and observe how they maintain their cultural traditions. Spend a day exploring historic Cusco, then descend 10,000 feet through dozens of microclimates to explore the ecological diversity of the Amazon basin.

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Cuba

Semester Program

“The most valuable lesson that I learned on my gap year is to trust myself and do the things that make me happy.

I think I spent too much time during high school trying to do what I thought others wanted that I forgot what I wanted. My gap semester changed who I am and who I want to be in the future. If I could give any advice to a student thinking about a gap year, it would be to do it.

Don’t worry about the “traditional path” because there is no such thing—there is only the right path for you.”

Kelsey Smith | Middlebury, Vermont Spanish Language Immersion and Service, 2016

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Golden Lands and World Heritage Explore welcoming communities and undiscovered gems in four countries in Southeast Asia

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Semester Program

From remote villages to modern cities and sacred ruins to tropical islands, this semester traces a spectacular route through Southeast Asia’s celebrated sites and best-kept secrets. While exploring history, encountering traditional cultures, living like a local, and contributing to community-driven service projects, you'll gain a profound understanding of the region.

We have many long-term service initiatives here, in the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia to the communities of our local staff from Laos. Spend time getting to know students at the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home from Thailand’s rural Hill Tribe villages and help students practice their English at a school for monks in Myanmar. After completing the semester, you’ll have gained a broad understanding of the varied cultures and history of Southeast Asia.

Independence

1/5

Cultural Immersion

3/5

Service Learning

4/5

Physical Activity

2/5

Activity Breakdown Physical Activity Cultural immersion

LOCATIONS: Myanmar Thailand Laos Cambodia DATES:

40% 20%

Service Learning

SEMESTER DETAILS

Spring 2019 Feb 5 - April 26 COST:

40%

$14,995 USD + $1,295 USD internal airfare

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“After traveling with Rustic, I’m convinced that seeing new parts of the world, meeting new people, and immersing oneself in new cultures is a unique and highly valuable sort of education, maybe the best there is. The people traveling with me and the relationships I formed were really important, so was an open-minded attitude towards new experiences and people. Sharing emotions with them and being open about everything was a great experience that helped me mature and grow. My new friends helped me through hard times and made the good ones even better ” Tom Steinemann | Mönchengladbach, Germany Golden Lands and World Heritage, 2016

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Semester Program

Myanmar

Laos

Start in Yangon with a visit to the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Next, explore thousands of stupas by bicycle in the ancient city of Bagan. At Mount Popa, pay your respects to the nats, spirits that are believed to have inhabited this site for thousands of years. Serve as a conversation partner at a language center supporting local students and young professionals. Venture to Kalaw in the Shan State and work with a local NGO supporting children from surrounding ethnic minorities. Spend your last days in Myanmar exploring beautiful Inle Lake, famous for stilted villages, teak wood temples, and acrobatic fishermen.

After traversing the Mekong by riverboat, you’ll arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang where you’ll find French colonial buildings and ancient temples. Spend a few days wandering the charming streets giving morning alms to monks. In Nong Khiaw for several days, work on an ongoing service project and learn about Hill Tribe life. Following a short flight to southern Laos, explore the natural beauty of the Four Thousand Islands on the Mekong. Take a long-tail boat to Wat Pho, an ancient temple, and explore the markets of Pakse. Pass through impressive jungle and visit magnificent waterfalls on a two-day trek on the Bolaven Plateau.

Thailand

Cambodia

Continuing south to Thailand, arrive at Mae Sot for a visit to the biggest refugee camp in the country where you’ll meet with a group of exiled political prisoners. Fly to Bangkok and visit the Grand Palace, shop at the largest outdoor market in the world, and dine during a cruise through the center of the city. Venture to picturesque Krabi, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters. Kayak, rock climb, swim and snorkel at Railay Beach. Head north and spend three days at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center before a village homestay in the mountains outside of Chiang Rai where you’ll learn about the ancient traditions and daily lives of local Hill Tribe communities.

Traveling overland by a lesser-used route, we’ll reach Cambodia, another rapidly modernizing Southeast Asian country with a fascinating past. In Siem Reap, the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat will help you understand the Kingdom of Wonder’s rich history. Here you’ll cruise the waterways of the Tonle Sap and drop anchor at a floating village for a few days of service. Traveling south, you’ll spend time in the countryside comparing traditional ways of life to all that you’ve seen in Southeast Asia. Your last stop in Cambodia is Phnom Penh where a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields will provide education about the suffering the Khmer Rouge inflicted on Cambodia.

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South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills Dive into action-packed adventure and meaningful service through the far reaches of the South Pacific

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Semester Program

Surround yourself in sun, sand, and surf as you travel to the far reaches of the South Pacific. Visit Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia* on this marinefocused, high-energy semester. In Fiji, splash in waterfalls, soak in the laidback island life, and live with a homestay family in the rural highlands.

Venture through New Zealand, and find incredible adventures at every turn. Spot dolphins and penguins and marvel at breathtaking landscapes.

In Australia, learn how to surf and scuba dive, and earn certificates in Wilderness First Aid and surf life saving.

Throughout this semester, you’ll experience a balance of community-driven service, adventure, and experiential learning. You’ll hear the legends of the South Pacific from the local people and return their kindness through a variety of service efforts that may include agricultural, educational, and public health-based projects.

Independence

1/5

Cultural Immersion

3/5

Service Learning

3/5

Physical Activity

5/5

SEMESTER DETAILS LOCATIONS: Fiji New Zealand Australia *Trip order changes to New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia in Spring 2019 because of weather.

DATES: Fall 2018 Sep 12 - Dec 1

Activity Breakdown

30% 30%

Service Learning Cultural immersion Physical Activity

Spring 2019 Feb 5 – Apr 26 COST:

40%

$18,995 USD + $1,995 USD internal airfare

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“I believe Angelie gained confidence and stronger sense of self. Her ability to adapt was tested and strengthened. Her experience to learn about and immerse into other cultures is immeasurable. It's tough to put into words the positive outcome it's made on Angelie.

Lastly, her gap year family will be a part of her life forever. A wonderfully treasured family.�

Gina Mazza, Angelie's Mom (Angelie pictured) | Tigard, Oregon South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills, 2016

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Semester Program

Fiji

New Zealand

Your journey begins in Fiji at our Eco-Lodge Base with sweeping views of idyllic Momi Bay. During orientation you’ll get up to speed on Fijian culture before starting a Wilderness First Aid certification course that will prepare you to assess and manage medical emergencies in remote environments. Then, work on long-term community service initiatives, including a health and sanitation project. Spend a week in the Yasawa Islands working on marine monitoring and educational service initiatives with exciting excursions to search for manta rays, fish with the locals, or paddle around the bay.

Leaving Fiji, a short flight will take you to New Zealand, where jaw-dropping landscapes and action-packed adventures await. Your journey in the Land of the Long White Cloud will begin in the bustling metropolitan capital of Auckland. You’ll learn to surf in Raglan before visiting the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Travel to Rotorua, famous for Maori culture and boiling mud pools. Whitewater raft the Kaituna River, and try caving, blackwater rafting, zorbing, and agrojetting.

Next, it’s off to the Rustic Pathways service base tucked among the hills in the rugged Nausori Highlands. Live with a homestay family while working on the farm, help with ongoing construction to build an elementary school, and tutor local children. Our local program leaders will teach you how to live the laidback island lifestyle and enjoy the paradise of the Fiji Islands.

Next, it’s off to the thrill-seeker’s paradise of the South Island. In Te Anau, cruise through Milford Sound, looking out for penguins, seals, dolphins, and whales. Road trip to Wanaka to experience even more of the natural beauty that makes the South Island a top destination for any adventure seeker. Finish in Queenstown where you’ll find heart­-pounding optional activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving before flying to Brisbane, Australia, where the adventure continues.

Australia Your month of aquatic adventures begins with a Surf Rescue Bronze Medallion certification course taught by expert Aussie lifeguards. Living within walking distance of the beach, you'll develop valuable skills in the fields of surf rescue, ocean safety, and first aid. Take surf lessons taught by local experts. Next, embark on a multi-day excursion aboard a yacht in Moreton Bay learning to sail and earning a Royal Yachting Association certificate.

More adventures await in the city of Cairns, the gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Check out the intricate ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving rainforest. Embark on a multiday dive boat trip and obtain your Open Water Diver certification as you keep an eye out for marine life. Finish your semester with a trip to Sydney. Visit beautiful beaches, stunning harbors, and the iconic opera house, and perhaps an optional climb to check out the view from atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

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Block Programs

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Block Program

Wonders of East Africa

BLOCK DETAILS LOCATIONS: Rwanda Uganda Tanzania Zanzibar

Explore three countries (and a semi-autonomous region) in East Africa during a one-month introduction to this fascinating continent.

DATES: Start in Rwanda where you’ll enjoy rare opportunities to track mountain gorillas in the country’s dense jungles. Head to neighboring Uganda and spend three days on the mighty Nile River before leaving for Tanzania, where the majority of your trip will take place. In Arusha, you’ll prep for your six-day hike through four climate zones to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the largest freestanding mountain in Africa.

Continue your adventure in Tanzania by venturing into the famed Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in search of Africa’s Big Five game animals. Continue your wildlife expedition into Ngorongoro Crater.

Finish your epic East African Adventure in Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. Explore the winding alleys of Stone Town, tour a spice farm, snorkel, or just relax on the beach to wrap up your time in Africa.

Independence

1/5

Cultural Immersion

3/5

Service Learning

1/5

Physical Activity

5/5

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Fall 2018 Sept 25 - Oct 25 COST: $9,995 USD + $995 USD internal airfare

Block Program

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Block Program

Come with Nothing: Golden Triangle Expedition

BLOCK DETAILS LOCATIONS: Thailand Laos DATES:

Pack one light bag with a single change of clothes and no more than five essential items to use throughout one of the most challenging immersion experiences offered by Rustic Pathways.

Fall 2018 Nov 1 - 30 Spring 2019 Feb 18 - Mar 19

Travel to three remote villages where you’ll live with the locals and work with them on school and community infrastructure projects. Start with a homestay in a village along the Thai-Myanmar border. Moving from northern Thailand and into Laos, travel by boat overnight down Mekong River before delving into village life in northern Laos.

Challenge yourself in just about every way imaginable during this deeply immersive experience. Live like the locals in communities where Rustic students have worked for decades. When not staying in local communities, stay at our service bases including the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home and interact with students your age from local Hill Tribe villages.

Independence

2/5

Cultural Immersion

4/5

Service Learning

5/5

Physical Activity

4/5

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COST: $5,995 USD

Block Program

BLOCK DETAILS LOCATIONS: New Zealand Fiji DATES: Spring 2019 Mar 20 - Apr 18 COST: $7,995 USD + $995 USD internal airfare

Adventure Capital of the World Get ready to lace up, strap in, and take the plunge into this one-month program perfect for extreme sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in New Zealand and Fiji.

In New Zealand, start on the North Island with exciting daily adventures such as whitewater rafting, surfing, navigating caverns, and exploring downtown Auckland. After a short flight to the South Island, rock climb, hike, and cruise through Milford Sound. Optional activities such as skydiving, canyon swinging and bungee jumping are also favorites for those who really want to push the limits!

Say Bula! to the tropical paradise of Fiji and explore endless sand dunes and enjoy pristine beaches. Take an island hopping tour of the Mamanuca Islands to swim, snorkel, and splash in the waves. Zip line through ancient Fijian cave systems and kayak through coastal mangrove forests. You’ll also have a chance to don scuba gear and explore the undersea world.

Independence

2/5

Cultural Immersion

2/5

Service Learning

0/5

Physical Activity

5/5

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Frequently Asked Questions Below you'll find some of the most frequently asked questions at Rustic Pathways. Upon applying, our Enrollment Coordinator will walk you through the process of preparing for your gap year. Our goal is to provide a simple, easy to understand enrollment process and give personal attention to your needs. If any of your questions aren’t addressed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Who should join a Rustic Pathways program?

Our programs are designed for positive, open-minded students with keen interests in experiential learning, adventure, and cultural exchange. Be ready for mental, emotional, and physical challenges! For more information, visit gap.rusticpathways.com/eligibility.

Do I need any special skills or experience?

Students join us from a variety of backgrounds and bring a mix of skills and experiences. First and foremost, we ask that you bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

What is the age requirement?

We can accommodate participants 17 to 22 years old. Most participants are 18 or 19 years old. Seventeen year olds may join as long as they have either graduated from high school or have fulfilled all their requirements to graduate.

What is the average group size? What is the gender ratio?

Our semester and block programs are typically made up of five to 14 participants. If you’re curious about the age and gender of other participants on a program, just ask—we can let you know!

Who are the Program Leaders?

Primary Program Leaders are fully fluent in English, proficient in local languages and cultures, have medical training, and are among our most experienced and highly-trained leaders. In addition, support staff members, such as local guides help to supervise students. Every program will include staff members certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

How are groups supervised?

Supervision and levels of structure vary by program type. We maintain a staff to student ratio not less than 1:7 on all programs.

What are the accommodations during the program?

Accommodations vary by location. Most programs include hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and sometimes include camping in tents. While accommodations may be basic at times, we carefully check each location to ensure that it meets our safety standards.

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What about safety?

As an industry leader, Rustic Pathways takes the health and well-being of our students seriously. We have comprehensive risk management and emergency response systems and go to great lengths to educate and train our leaders to be prepared for urgent situations. In fact, nearly all of our full-time operations staff, including Program Leaders are certified as Wilderness First Responders. To complement these efforts, we have partnered with International SOS, the leading provider of international medical consultation, emergency evacuations, and urgent travel services. All participants have access to International SOS’s benefits through the Rustic Pathways’ membership. Visit gap.rusticpathways.com/safety to learn about our safety and risk management policies.

What if I have food allergies or dietary requirements?

We can accommodate most dietary requirements. However, certain types of allergies may not be conducive to travel in some remote areas. It’s very important that you advise us of any allergies or special dietary needs at the time of your application as well as on your medical forms, so we can support you in making the right decision about which program to choose.

How do I apply? Is there an application deadline?

Our application is located at gap.rusticpathways.com/enroll and can be submitted online. We accept applications on a rolling basis—however, applying sooner rather than later secures your spot on the program of your choice, makes it easier to obtain tickets and visas, and allows you to pay by installments.

What happens after I apply?

After your application is reviewed, we’ll contact you for an enrollment meeting to review the information you provided and discuss the programs you’ve chosen. You’ll also receive an enrollment letter via email with details about forms and payment necessary to complete the enrollment process.

What forms will I need to complete?

We’ll ask you to electronically sign a Participant Enrollment Agreement, submit an online medical history form, and send a copy of your passport. We may request additional forms in some cases.

How do I book my flights?

We’ll send you information about booking your program start and end flights about two months before your trip begins. You’ll have the option to book your own flights or have Rustic Pathways book them for you. Internal flights, which are flights that occur between or within destination countries during your program, will be automatically booked and managed by Rustic Pathways. Please refer to gap.rusticpathways.com/travel for more information.

How do I apply for visas?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, the country you are traveling to, and the length of time you'll be there. Students with United States passports are able to use our partner, G3 Visas and Passports to streamline this process. Students traveling on passports from other countries will be able to apply for visas independently or by using local visa expeditors.

We're happy to answer any questions and provide guidance, but it’s each student’s responsibility to ensure that they have the necessary visas.

Will I need insurance while I’m traveling?

We require all students have active medical insurance coverage valid for the duration and locations of their programs. In the event of injury or illness, we’ll help you seek proper medical attention. However, you're ultimately responsible for all expenses incurred for medical treatment and services received.

Will I need any vaccinations or medications for my trip?

Discuss your travel plans with your physician and schedule an appointment with a travel clinic well in advance of your departure. Print the itinerary from the program website and show it to a travel doctor or clinic, so they can suggest vaccines and preventative medications for the regions where you’ll be traveling. Be aware that some immunizations require multiple injections spread out over several weeks so plan accordingly.

The following websites provide useful information for travelers: • mdtravelhealth.com • cdc.gov • hx-global.com

Are there scholarships or discounts available?

Yes. We offer a number of scholarships that are awarded based on financial need and commitment to success. For more details, please write us at gap@rusticpathways.com.

How will I stay in touch?

Phone and internet service are often readily available to our students. However, there are portions of our programs when students will need to go up to two weeks without access to phones or internet. We encourage students to limit communication with their parents to a phone call or message no more than once per week. This ensures group cohesion, the building of trust among students and leaders, and allows for the most culturally-immersive experiences. We suggest that students and their parents create communication plans that set clear expectations around the frequency of, and reasons for contacting each other. In urgent situations, students and parents have access to our 24-hour emergency line, which they can call for immediate assistance.

Important Information This catalog provides a brief summary of the 2018 and 2019 travel programs (“the programs”) offered by Rustic Pathways Australia (USA), Inc. (“Rustic Pathways”), a tour promoter based in the state of Ohio. All program participants and their parents and/or legal guardians (collectively “the participants”) are required to read, sign, comply with, and abide by a comprehensive Statement of Terms and Conditions and various waivers and liability limitations that govern and regulate participation in the programs. Rustic Pathways will furnish these various materials to all qualified participants.

All travel can be dangerous, and adventure travel to the more remote areas of the world poses unique risks. Rustic Pathways insists that all participants and potential participants seriously consider the dangers of any program undertaken. Participants should not apply for or participate in any Rustic Pathways program if they are unwilling to accept any and all of the potential risks and dangers such a program could pose.

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Get In Touch Enroll Online Enroll online at gap.rusticpathways.com/enroll. If you still can’t decide between programs, contact one of our gap year experts.

To connect with a member of our Gap Year team, call 800.321.4353 (United States) or +1 440.975.9691 (international), or email gap@rusticpathways.com.

Meet Us We’re hitting the road and heading to cities across the world. Meet in person with one of our Recruitment Coordinators and learn more about our programs. Our Gap Year Team is always happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best program for your interests and goals. We also host virtual presentations to provide information about our programs. For more information, visit gap.rusticpathways.com/events.

Connect With Us Join the larger Rustic Pathways community. Follow us on social media: @rusticpathways @rusticpathways @rusticpathways /rusticpathways /rusticpathways

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Rustic Pathways

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