2017 Rustic Pathways Gap Year Catalog

Rustic Pathways

®

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OUR MISSION Rustic Pathways empowers students through innovative and responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities around the world.

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WHAT’S INSIDE Choosing a Gap Year Program

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Introduction to Programming

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Welcome to Rustic Pathways

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Our Vision

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Why You Should Consider a Gap Year

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Gap Year by the Numbers | AGA

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The Rustic Pathways Experience

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Our Global Team

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Gap Year Ambassador Scholarships

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Safety and Risk Management

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Responsible Travel

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Our Approach to Community Service

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Our Approach to Student Learning

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Student Learning Outcomes

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Alumni Association

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The Rustic Pathways Foundation

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Student Story: Tom Steinemann

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Rustic Internship Semesters

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Student Story: Lance Oppenheim

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Spanish Immersion and Service Semester

38

Student Story: Kelsey Smith

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Conservation and Culture in East Africa

44

Golden Lands and World Heritage

48

Kathmandu to Kochi: The Soul of South Asia 42 South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Next Steps

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3 UNIQUE TYPES OF GAP YEAR EXPERIENCES Rustic Pathways offers three types of gap semester programs with varying levels of travel, service, physical activity, and independence. Each three-month experience is designed for specific student interests, activities, and learning growth goals, and focuses on exploring a specific region of the world. While each semester offers unique advantages, the secret to selecting the best program for you is determining where your interests, goals, and comfort levels lie.

We are more than happy to help you decide which semester is ideal for you! Contact us anytime by email gap@rusticpathways.com, by phone 800.321.4353, or through our online chat at gap.rusticpathways.com

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CHOOSING A GAP YEAR PROGRAM The task of selecting a Rustic Pathways Gap Year program is not an easy one but, fear not! The secret to choosing the right program is identifying why you want to take a gap year, and then finding the program experience that best fits your goals and interests.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TO FIND THE BEST GAP YEAR PROGRAM FOR YOU: Why do I want to take a Gap Year?

Start by identifying why you want to take a gap year. Are you feeling burnt out and want some time to refocus before diving into four more years of school? Perhaps your biggest priority is exploring new places and having an incredible adventure. Look for program activities that will support the type of experience you want to have. Staying with a host family for instance will allow you to have deep conversations, while traveling to a new location each week will challenge you to adapt quickly.

Tip: Once you’ve identified your ‘why’ use the program scales to help you determine what type of Rustic Pathways Gap Year program is best suited for you.

Where do I want to travel?

With an entire world to explore, can be tough to narrow it down! Remember that your gap year won’t be your only chance to travel—it’s the beginning of a lifetime of adventuring! Consider what region of the world calls your name right now. Are you fascinated by the vibrant music and dance traditions of Latin America, the bustling markets and rich spiritual history of Southeast Asia, the diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes of Africa, or the warm, laid-back nature of the South Pacific?

Tip: Use the map to see where each program visits. Don’t forget to consider the weather and climate of the location during the semester which you are planning to travel.

What type of experience do I want to have?

Are you an adventure enthusiast who enjoys being outdoors? Do you want to live out of a suitcase, meet lots of people, and get a taste of many destinations, or be more settled in one location and build deep roots in a community? Your gap year is an opportunity to try different types of activities and better understand how you enjoy spending time and engaging with others. Look for program activities that best fit your personality or will allow you to step outside your comfort zone.

Tip: Check the program itineraries in this catalog to learn which types of activities are offered on each semester.

You can also find more program details on our website, gap.rusticpathways.com.

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RUSTIC PATHWAYS GAP YEAR PROGRAM LOCATIONS

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RUSTIC INTERNSHIP SEMESTER Various Countries Ideal for independently driven students, this program offers 8-week internships with our extensive network of service partners. You will take on real-world work responsibilities, be immersed in local culture, and gain invaluable career and life skills to propel yourself toward academic and professional success.

INDEPENDENCE

5/5

CULTURAL IMMERSION

5/5

SERVICE LEARNING

varies

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

varies

SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION AND SERVICE Costa Rica, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Cuba This program is highly structured, but features multi-day portions during which pairs or small groups of students stay with local families with whom they will converse 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

CONSERVATION AND CULTURE IN EAST AFRICA Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda This program offers a structured experience with the highest level of supervision and mentorship by our local and international staff. Study Swahili, learn about the challenges facing the region, and explore jungles, mountains and plains in search of the distinctive wildlife of East Africa.

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INDEPENDENCE

1/5

CULTURAL IMMERSION

3/5

SERVICE LEARNING

2/5

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

5/5

GOLDEN LANDS AND WORLD HERITAGE Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam 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

KATHMANDU TO KOCHI: THE SOUL OF SOUTH ASIA Nepal and India This program offers a structured experience with supervision and mentorship by our local and international staff. Bond with your team, share experiences, become friends with like-minded students, behold breath-taking landscapes, and survey the cultural and religious history of the region.

INDEPENDENCE

2/5

CULTURAL IMMERSION

4/5

SERVICE LEARNING

4/5

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

4/5

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

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WELCOME TO RUSTIC PATHWAYS For the past three decades we’ve established ourselves as an innovator in student travel. Our formula has been simple: travel with locals, live in remote villages, push students’ comfort zones, and facilitate personal growth through meaningful reflection.

We’ve seen how this type of travel experience profoundly impacts the development of our students and we’ve worked to ensure the selection of Gap Year programs in this catalog contains the most powerful, in-depth experiences Rustic Pathways offers. Each Gap Year program has been carefully designed to offer students a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience personal growth and develop real-world skills that determine future success not only in academic pursuits, but also in the workplace and in interpersonal relationships.

All of us at Rustic Pathways are proud to be a part of the education of future leaders. But there are opportunities to do so much more. That is why Rustic Pathways is now defining a new space at the intersection of education, travel, and philanthropy.

We’ve dedicated ourselves to creating a world where travel is recognized as a model of sustainable development and accepted as an essential part of every student’s education, not only for those who can afford them. With this commitment, we’ve partnered with Thrival Academies, an organization working to make study abroad opportunities accessible to low income students. Together, we are fundamentally changing education in the United States by creating the largest network of publicly-funded high schools set-up specifically to facilitate international education for middle and low income students. The pilot class will be traveling to Southeast Asia in January 2017.

We are also working with Sustainable Travel International to implement a multi-year sustainability plan that addresses the environmental, social, and community impacts of travel.

Finally, with the goal of raising millions of dollars each year for the communities and countries where we operate, we are further investing and developing the Rustic Pathways Foundation.

We believe these are innovative steps in achieving our vision. I invite you to join us in creating positive impact in our world, this year and beyond.

Sincerely,

Tim Porter-DeVriese Vice President of Gap Year

OUR VISION Rustic Pathways is committed to creating a world where…

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Travel is accepted as an essential part of every education

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Travel is a model of sustainable development

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All people are connected by a shared humanity and all decisions are made with a global perspective

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WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A GAP YEAR Experiential education is just as important as classroom learning.

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.

Colleges and universities support it.

Top institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Tufts, and UNC-Chapel Hill actively encourage 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.

Prepare yourself 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 calling 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 BY THE NUMBERS | AGA Rustic Pathways has been operating community service, travel, and adventure programs across the globe for 34 years. We first began providing gap year experiences in 2007.

In a survey of gap year students gathered by the American Gap Association, students reported that their gap experience: helped them develop as a person

increased their maturity

98%

97%

increased their confidence

impacted their career decision

96%

77%

*Gap year data from American Gap Association National Gap Alumni Survey of 2015

Rustic Pathways is a proud, accredited member of the American Gap Association.

The American Gap Association (AGA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2012 to hold gap year providers to the highest standards of safety, program quality, sustainability, and educational impact. The AGA also focuses on increasing awareness for gap year programs, serves as an information and advocacy hub for educational counselors, and helps students and their parents explore different gap year organizations and their respective programs.

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THE RUSTIC PATHWAYS EXPERIENCE The Rustic experience is what sets us apart from other programs in our field. It’s why you can feel confident that traveling with Rustic Pathways is the right choice.

Transformational Experiences Rustic Pathways creates programs that challenge our students’ assumptions and expand their horizons.

Our programs are designed to safely encourage students to step outside of their comfort zones, where real personal growth can occur. Students on these programs have meaningful dialogues with people from other cultures, learn to understand and appreciate cultural differences, and are encouraged to reflect individually and as a group on their experiences.

Industry-Leading Safety Management We work diligently to mitigate the inherent risks in travel. Overseeing a team that includes EMTs, medical screeners, and Wilderness First Response instructors, our Safety and Risk Management Director works year-round to set standards and train our staff members in crisis management and response. Program Leaders are certified in Wilderness First Response, including but not limited to first-aid and CPR. In addition, all of our students and staff are enrolled with HX Global, a leader in medical support and safety for travelers.

Student and Parent Support Being there for you and your family is a top priority for Rustic Pathways. We take pride in helping you properly choose and prepare for your gap year experience. Whether you need to ask a question, connect with a son or daughter overseas, or figure out exactly what you need to pack, we are here for you every step of the way.

We are happy to take as much time as needed to help you understand our programs, find your best fit, and get ready for a truly transformational experience. While students are on programs, families receive regular updates from Program Leaders and have a 24-hour number to get in touch.

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Commitment to Community Partners Our community service projects are effective because they are based on long-term goals with real, measurable results. We build partnerships with local communities, working together to identify needs, and design and complete projects. Project work can span many years and involves our entire global family from summer and gap year students, to our local and international staff, to members of our partner communities.

Students feel what it means to be part of a larger effort with meaningful outcomes, while communities realize their goals in areas of education, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development.

Local Connections

Inspiring Leaders

Among our Country and Regional Directors, Program Managers, and Program Leaders you’ll find over 150 highly qualified individuals hailing from our destination countries. The expertise of these staff members provides a high degree of safety, allows for deep engagement between our students and the locals they meet during their journey, and enables us to offer programs in places unknown to other organizations.

We seek out inspiring, talented Program Leaders and invest heavily in training them to facilitate safe, positive experiences for young people transitioning into adulthood. They come with backgrounds in areas such as education, wilderness medicine, international development, and anthropology.

They are born adventurers whose love of lifechanging travel experiences makes them amazing mentors, teachers, and friends to their students.

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OUR GLOBAL TEAM Our exceptional staff members are the backbone of our organization. Their incredibly diverse backgrounds provide us with profound connections to the destinations we visit and offer our students unforgettable experiences. The faces you see in this catalog (along with many, many others!) belong to some of the people who ensure our students have fun and empowering experiences while they travel, learn, and grow.

THE RUSTIC PATHWAYS TEAM BY THE NUMBERS

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more than

from more than

speaking more than

500

25

50

staff members

countries across the globe

different languages

RUSTIC PATHWAYS LEADERSHIP Chris Stakich

Tim Porter-Devriese

Brent Watkins

Dave Dennis

Ann Fuller

Kevin Porter

Casey Atchley

Erik Schoon

Carly Calderone

Erin Murphy

Chief Executive Officer Committed to developing future leaders who embody compassion and global understanding, Chris has worked at the intersection of education, community service, and student travel his entire career. A Harvard graduate, he joined Rustic Pathways in 2002, and has worked in virtually all areas of the organization, from running programs in Costa Rica to managing the global team.

Vice President of Program Operations Brent holds a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins University where he is also an adjunct faculty member.

Before Rustic, Brent managed the training of new classroom teachers for Teach For America. With extensive experience in learning development and teacher training, Brent helps our staff develop program curricula and ensures the highest level of quality across our programming.

Community Partnerships Director With a master’s in urban planning from NYU, Ann has been integral to the development of our long-term community service initiatives and partnerships for nine years. She applies her expertise to ensure that our service initiatives meet rigorous standards and achieve meaningful results, and that our partner organizations are legitimate providers whose approaches are rooted in best practice.

Gap Year Admissions Coordinator Casey received his bachelor’s from Indiana University in Spanish literary translation and philosophy. Between years of undergrad, he took a gap year to volunteer as a volcano tour guide and English teacher in Nicaragua.

Before joining our Gap Year team, he managed our summer camp leadership programs in Costa Rica.

Now he enjoys guiding students as they plan their own gap years.

Gap Year Travel Advisor With a gift for organization and a compassionate personality, Carly has supported our Gap Year families since 2012. She holds a degree in international relations from Miami University of Ohio, and from her own global adventures, she knows firsthand how powerful world travel can be. She loves helping to provide similar opportunities to young people on the threshold of adulthood.

Vice President of Gap Year Tim has spent the last nine years overseeing the development of our Gap Year division. With a deep understanding of our organizational ethos and host communities, he creates powerful, transformative experiences for gap year students across the world. Prior to running our Gap Year division, Tim, who is fluent in Thai, spent extensive time running programs throughout Southeast Asia.

Safety and Risk Management Director Dave has a master’s degree in risk management and more than 20 years of experience in the adventure and travel industries. Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, he owned a consulting firm that specialized in risk management and emergency response for tour operators. He works with our global team and local country leadership to ensure the quality and consistency of all Rustic Pathways programs.

Program Operations Director Kevin enters his fourth year managing our team of diverse Country Directors and ensuring the quality of the programs. He was also our Ghana Country Director for three years and prior to joining us, Kevin worked with development organizations in East Africa, completed research for the U.N. in South Korea, and oversaw leadership programs while attending Harvard University.

Gap Year Program Coordinator Having visited more than 60 countries and lived in numerous locations across the globe, Erik might be the most welltraveled person at Rustic Pathways.

With nine years under his belt with the company and several years as our global gap year guide, he now helps ensure that our Gap Year operations run smoothly. Erik is an avid skydiver, scuba diver and fisherman, and is known to be a connoisseur of exotic cuisine.

Student Impact Director After graduating from Notre Dame, Erin spent three years in Thailand teaching business English at Khon Kaen University through a Princeton in Asia Fellowship. She earned her master’s in education at Harvard and brings great energy to our team of educators. Erin now builds enriching curricula for our programs and works to measure the impact they have on our students around the world.

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COUNTRY DIRECTORS Sam Murray

Evan Wells

Alexis Simchak

Ricardo Romero

Cambodia Country Director Alexis has extensive experience in Southeast Asia where she has managed our Cambodia operations for the past four years. Filled with a passion for service and travel, Alexis loves exploring new places and discovering hidden gems along the way. She is a proud alumna of Penn State and she brings her dedication to service and cultural exchange to our programs in Cambodia.

Costa Rica Country Director Ricardo joined Rustic Pathways twelve years ago after working in Costa Rica’s rafting industry for a decade. Ricardo has worn many hats on our team, from community service coordinator to sales representative and anything that falls in between. His commitment to safety in the tourism sector and degree in business from the University of Costa Rica make him the ideal director of our Costa Rica operations.

Harry Alvarez

Kai Johnson

Cuba and DR Country Director Born in New York and raised in the Dominican Republic, Harry holds degrees in Spanish and psychology.

After managing programs in Costa Rica and Panama for four years, Harry opened our programs in the Dominican Republic in 2012. He carries tremendous pride in bringing students to his home country. When not in the DR, find Harry hosting friends at his home in New Orleans.

India Country Director Originally from Wisconsin, Kai has been living and working in South Asia for close to a decade and is fluent in Hindi. Prior to joining us, he led gap year and summer programs throughout India and Bhutan. Kai has developed an expert knowledge of India that he brings to our operations.

Kai’s passion for experiential education give him the ability to create powerful experiences for our students.

Braden Betts

Chaima Ait Al Mekki

Kelly Moynihan

Patrick Ziemnik

Australia Country Director Sam joined Rustic in 2008 after working in outdoor education for 10 years. With degrees from La Trobe and Monash universities, he is passionate about experiential education and travel. Sam and his team continually develop and refine our Australian programs, all of which are unique and exclusive to Rustic. Sam loves sharing adventures with people and is proud to show off his beautiful country.

Laos and Myanmar Country Director Having grown up in Kuwait, Thailand, and Singapore, Braden has over 20 years of international life experience.

He previously managed our Ricefields Service Base, fueling a passion for service-learning and sustainable international development. Braden now applies his energy and enthusiasm to the enrichment of our programs, service projects and local staff across Laos and Myanmar.

Peru Country Director Kelly is an integral part of our global team with nine years of guiding and managing programs under her belt. Her fluency in Spanish and commitment to community service make her a great Country Director.

Prior to joining Team Peru, Kelly was a Program Manager in Costa Rica for five years, primarily working with indigenous communities, and on turtle conservation efforts.

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Fiji Country Director Born in New Zealand and living between Australia and Fiji, Evan has spent more than two decades with Rustic Pathways. 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 in Fiji, you can find him with his wife, playing with their two young boys.

Morocco Country Manager Born and raised in Marrakech, Chaima is fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish. She 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, a role model for students, and a strong believer in the power of cross-cultural discussions to help us better understand one another.

Tanzania Country Director Patrick began his career in experiential education managing Harvard’s FirstYear Outdoor Program and continued his passion for social enterprise as an AmeriCorps volunteer. He now brings his strong leadership skills, love of the outdoors, and experience to our operations in Tanzania. His dedication to creating meaningful student experiences continue to shine through in our Tanzania programs.

Pattiya Taedaengpetch

Bryan Haggerty

Southeast Asia Regional Director For 18 years, Pat has brought his professionalism, zany sense of humor, vast knowledge of Buddhism, and love of adventure to our Southeast Asia team. An experienced computer engineer, talented photographer, former Buddhist monk, and fully licensed tour guide, Pat can do pretty much anything! A true all-star, he is responsible for smooth operations throughout all of Southeast Asia.

Thailand Country Director Fluent in Thai and Lao, Bryan has lived and worked in Southeast Asia 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 the region. Bryan has managed our Thailand operations since 2008 and now splits his time between Vermont and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

GAP YEAR PROGRAM LEADERS

Alejandro Salinas

Alejandro Romero

Allison Kuney

Anthony Chambers

Halle Jackson

Jackson Paul

Louis Bryant

Luarna Greentree

Max Veenema

Shannon Calloway

Rolando Carazo

Ropate Waqaiquma

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GAP YEAR AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIPS Every year, Rustic Pathways commits up to $40,000 in program costs to fund meaningful, life-changing gap year experiences for students with financial need and 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 or independent experience.

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. 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 videos, blogs, documentaries, art projects, or service initiatives.

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

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Jenny Harding

Nicholas Kee

Gap Year Ambassador ‘16 Seattle, Washington

Gap Year Ambassador ‘15 Spanish Town, Jamaica

“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.

“Throughout my gap year, I focused on learning how to be empathetic. I wanted to get a better understanding of how people interact with each other, especially considering different cultural backgrounds. I wanted to experience life through other people’s eyes. I wanted to understand their pain, their happiness, and their reason for being. It was important for me to make genuine connections with others.

My gap year also made me rethink the way I travel. I learned the difference between tourism and travel.

Tourism is a business. It’s going to a resort and living by a pool and never really seeing where you are.

Traveling is a lifestyle. It’s exploration, education, adventure. It teaches you things about yourself that you never thought to question.”

I am still pursuing my passions as before, however, now I am pursuing them with a global mindset. I am currently running a startup company called Zyclin. I am also working on a social enterprise called Next Gen Creators to help budding entrepreneurs turn their ideas into real products. I also still find time to continue research in biochemical engineering.”

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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.

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Philosophy of Risk We acknowledge that risk is an inherent part of any travel experience. 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. 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.

Four Tiers of Risk Management 1. At the global level, our Safety and Risk Management Director works year-round to establish global policies, support local country teams, and train all levels of staff on emergency response activities.

2. Country Directors maintain risk management plans for each program offered and location visited, perform safety assessments on service providers, and monitor local conditions through a mix of onthe-ground contacts and U.S. Department of State agencies.

3. Our Program Leaders are trained on localized risks and focus attention on the safety and well-being of our students. These combined efforts are complemented by our partnership with HX Global, a leading provider of international medical consultation, emergency evacuations, and urgent travel services.

4. Each participant completes our medical and emergency information enrollment form. The information in each form is reviewed by our medical screening team well before the trip begins to ensure participation is safe and appropriate for each student.

HX GLOBAL TRAVEL ASSISTANCE HX Global is a leading provider of international medical, security, and travel assistance services. Students receive a membership upon enrollment, providing access to consultations on travel safety and security information, vaccinations, and other important details. In country, HX Global is a valuable resource for our staff—assisting with clinic visits, multilingual doctors and nurses, and emergency evacuation services with a fleet of land and air ambulances.

RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS Risk management plans identify known or foreseen risks and detail the protocols by which we respond to critical incidents and natural disasters. Each risk management plan details the risks and responses 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 ahead of time where to go in case of an emergency.

SAFETY TRAINING FOR LEADERS All full-time Program Leaders are Wilderness First Responder certified. Guided group programs maintain a minimum of a 7:1 student to staff ratio. On-site Internship Supervisors are available in person, should students need assistance. All staff attend training for medical issues, emergency scenarios, and critical incident protocols. Training sessions are held yearly to ensure that Program Leaders are current in their knowledge.

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RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL We believe travel can support sustainable growth around the world. To support this goal, we are committed to decreasing our environmental footprint, supporting local economies, providing direct support for community projects, and teaching our students responsible travel practices.

We journey to locations off the tourist track, buy goods from locally-owned businesses, partner with community organizations, and respect cultures and customs. Our programs actively support education, infrastructure development, job growth, and other community initiatives.

We have partnered with Sustainable Travel International, a global NGO, to evaluate our ongoing impact and to help us operate in the most responsible manner possible.

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OUR APPROACH TO COMMUNITY SERVICE Through responsible travel and well-designed service initiatives, our students are able to view pressing social and environmental challenges on a global level, and contribute to efforts that combat these challenges on a local level. We take a comprehensive approach to service, working with community partners from the design process through to monitoring and evaluation. Each year, we publish a report that presents our progress, accomplishments, and goals for the future.

1.

Identify and Design Projects with Local Partners We spend time with our local partners and community members to understand their needs and priorities. Together, we develop projects that address key needs and build on community strengths.

2.

Provide Students Opportunities to Engage We collaborate with our partners to create well-defined roles for our students that harness their skills and ensure they make a meaningful contribution. Students are able to select programs based on personal interests and skill sets, maximizing both their experience and the success of our service initiatives.

3.

Work Together to Achieve Goals Our students join the efforts of our local partners and work collaboratively to achieve project goals. Both students and community members utilize their unique skills while learning from and about each other.

4.

Monitor and Evaluate We conduct regular evaluations with project partners and beneficiaries, evaluating both the process and impact of our ongoing initiatives. We consistently use this feedback to improve project design and implementation.

5.

Build Long-Term Partnerships We establish partnerships with a long-term view, recognizing that significant change takes time. We provide ongoing support to partners and projects, take on initiatives in a range of areas, and work to ensure lasting impact.

FIVE AREAS OF FOCUS

Education Infrastructure Economic Development

Community Health and Social Services Environment and Animal Welfare

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OUR APPROACH TO STUDENT LEARNING At Rustic Pathways, we believe travel provides a unique environment for learning. Our programs are designed to encourage critical thinking; learning moments and opportunities for growth are intentionally built into our programs. Leaders facilitate meaningful discussion and reflection, supporting student learning and amplifying the impact of our travel experiences.

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STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES We believe in a key set of characteristics and capacities that enable students to achieve personal growth and make a positive contribution to our world. The outcomes we aim to foster in students that travel with us are: 1. Openness to New Ideas and Experiences: Eagerness and curiosity to learn from others and the ability to incorporate one’s own experiences into a lifelong quest for knowledge and growth.

2. Sense of Wonderment: The ability to be amazed and inspired by the world, from the small and seemingly mundane to the powerful and seemingly impossible to understand; recognizing beauty in the unknown, while letting the world’s mysteries stir thoughtful questions and give rise to new meanings and understandings; a sense of awe as a driver of one’s passion and achievement.

3. A Belief that All People are Connected by a Shared Humanity: Recognizing the innate value of any human being; embracing diversity, and believing that what unites us is stronger than what divides us; understanding the interconnectedness of one’s actions and the notion that individual actions can have global impact; the ability to connect local stories, struggles, and successes to larger structural and systemic issues facing the world.

4. A Desire to Positively Impact the Lives of Others: A drive to use one’s talents as a force for good in local and global communities; recognizing the power of a series of small actions towards a larger goal and contributing personal effort towards creating change.

5. Empathy: The ability to not just “feel someone else’s pain,” but rather to walk in their shoes and see the world through their eyes; a more profound ability to switch perspectives and recognize multiple viewpoints. Empathy, rather than sympathy or pity, is a precursor to effecting change.

6. Self-Awareness: The ability to define values, motivations, and passions, and to identify how those values are shaped; the ability to assess one’s own strengths and weaknesses, analyze where and how to improve, and to reflect on and re-evaluate previous opinions or decisions; the desire to use an understanding of self to better relate to and communicate with others.

7. Humility: An ability to understand one’s place and importance, to deeply respect others, to recognize others’ talents without comparison to one’s own; to possess a grounded understanding of one’s limitations; to provide service to others without question of their position in society.

8. Grit: Intrinsic determination to persevere through challenges and setbacks without complaint and defer instant gratification in order to reach a set goal.

9. Independence: The ability to think and act for oneself; to take responsibility for and stand behind one’s beliefs and actions; to explore the world confidently and to find support when necessary.

10. Intercultural Competence: The desire and ability to behave and communicate effectively within and across cultures, to view issues from other perspectives, and to collaborate and engage in decision-making processes with diverse groups.

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Rustic Pathways has one of the most well-established alumni associations in the student travel industry. Our global network brings together nearly four decades of students speaking more than 70 languages and hailing from more than 80 countries.

A collection of travelers, change-makers, and adventurers; our alumni are committed to positively impacting the lives of others, embracing diversity, and working across and within cultures. Our alumni are educators, artists, musicians, and politicians, among other things. They backpack and volunteer.

They present research at the United Nations, create sustainable food models, defend human rights, and follow their wanderlust across the globe. Most importantly, they live every day with the ideas and values they discovered on our Rustic Pathways programs.

Alumni Benefits Outside of joining a global network of incredible people, our alumni have access to exclusive benefits including: •

Opportunities to stay involved with Rustic Pathways. Join the student brand ambassador program, Rustic Squad, intern at our San Francisco office, or become a Development Ambassador for the Rustic Pathways Foundation.

•

Exclusive access to gear and travel swag. Get the hookup for all your future adventures.

•

Events in your area. Connect and network at reunions and meetups across the United States.

For more information, visit rusticpathways.com/alumni-association.

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THE RUSTIC PATHWAYS FOUNDATION The Rustic Pathways Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that aims to harness the passion, energy, and generosity of the Rustic Pathways community to drive forward meaningful community-prioritized development initiatives in the areas of education, infrastructure, community health, social services, and economic development in the United States and abroad.

Our students often become Development Ambassadors for the Foundation, raising funds for a project they visited or a cause they care about.

Our Projects At the Rustic Pathways Foundation, we serve to support and implement solutions that arise organically from the communities with whom we have long-standing relationships. In 2016, we expanded from 6 to 14 projects that span the globe: Balla Sanitation Project India

The Nasivikoso School Project Fiji

Bribri Aqueduct Project Costa Rica

Noche Buena Community Project Costa Rica

Cyclone Winston Relief Fiji

Sacred Valley Project Peru

Education For All | BSDA Cambodia

St. Bernard Project New Orleans, U.S.

Floating Village School Project Cambodia

Refugee Youth Project Baltimore, U.S.

The Monte Coca Batey Project Dominican Republic

Rustic Pathways Children’s Home Thailand

Nambark Ethnic School Project Laos

Wildlife SOS India

FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about the Rustic Pathways Foundation and the 14 projects it supports, please visit rusticpathways.org.

@rusticorg

@rusticorg

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Tom Steinemann Gap Year Alum Fall 2015 and Spring 2016

“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. I saw eight countries in six months and learned that there is no better way of getting to know a culture than by talking to locals—be it in a fancy café in the capital or in a little village with a farmer in his field.

The people traveling with me and the relationships I formed were really important, so was an openminded 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. It sounds like a cliché but it really held true: on day one we were a group of strangers, and in the end we called ourselves 'la familia.'”

RUSTIC INTERNSHIP SEMESTER Some of the most rewarding experiences abroad happen when we explore on our own terms. For students ready to bridge the gap between the classroom and life as a university student or working professional, we offer supported internship placements with our partner organizations in fascinating locations around the globe.

Learn to live independently, fill a valued role in one of several placements, and build skills essential to students and professionals. Our on-site local staff and global team will provide training and support, while giving you an opportunity to live life abroad as an adult and take on professional responsibilities.

Your internship will allow you to see from the inside how an organization such as a small business, school, or non-governmental organization operates. The skills you gain by living independently and fulfilling a necessary role will later serve to help you to be prepared and take initiative as you transition into higher education and your career path. You’ll learn what qualities you bring to the table as a team member and how to understand cultural differences. This real-world experience in a field of your choosing may even spark a lifelong interest or be your point of entry into a career.

During the enrollment process, we will work with you to explore the available opportunities and help you find your ideal internship. Placement will be contingent upon the needs and requirements of our partners and will require your commitment to fulfill responsibilities in a professional manner.

Your international internship placement can include work that focuses on education, entrepreneurship, child development, environmental conservation, marine biology, sustainable tourism, and public health.

Visit gap.rusticpathways.com/internship for a current list of placements.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES From India, to Morocco, to Costa Rica, to Thailand, we offer internships with a variety of organizations across the globe. Designed by our Country Directors in collaboration with organizational partners, internships cover fields such as social enterprise, marine conservation, business administration, education, technology, sustainable farming, and more. The following pages showcase eight examples of the kinds of opportunities we offer. Availability depends on the needs of our community partners, as well as semester enrollments. Please call or email us to speak with our Gap Admissions Coordinator about specific internship opportunities.

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SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2017 Sept 10 – Nov 21 Spring 2018 Feb 15 – Apr 24 COST: $9,995 USD + airfare (varies by location) For full details on dates and pricing please visit our website, gap.rusticpathways.com.

Phase 1:

Goal Setting and Preparing for Life Abroad

Your Internship Semester begins in the United States with a group of global interns and program facilitators.

During these first few days you’ll prepare for life abroad by participating in valuable sessions focused on cultural acclimation, professionalism, time management, travel safety, goal setting, and more.

Phase 2:

On-Site Orientation

Upon arrival in your destination country, you’ll be met and escorted to your internship location by a member of our international team. The next few days will be spent getting to know your new home!

Our on-site staff member will help you settle into your housing, explain local culture and customs, show you where to access local services like laundry, travel booking, and banking, and set up a schedule of regular in-person check-ins.

Phase 3:

The Internship

With a schedule, an on-site staff member, weekly check-ins, and numbers to call for additional support, it will be up to you to make the most of your internship and structure your free time. Rustic Pathways staff members will regularly check in with you and offer support in-person, via phone, and email. For the next eight weeks, you’ll live life on your own terms, working hard to fulfill your responsibilities and achieve your personal goals.

It won’t always be easy, but it’s likely to be among the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Phase 4:

Reflection and Re-Entry

At the end of your semester, you’ll return to the United States to reunite with the other Internship Semester students, share stories, and reflect on everything you learned and experienced. Our re-entry activities offer opportunities to evaluate and frame your semester with Rustic’s support. Here, your focus will be on connecting observations, experiences, and lessons learned, and considering how your time abroad may impact the way you approach the next steps in your life. Successful completion of this program should provide you confidence and experience to draw on as you move into higher education and your career.

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ACCESS TO EDUCATION

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

Peru

Thailand

Partner organization: Sacred Valley Project

Partner organization: Rustic Pathways Children’s Home

Tutor students in English and run extracurricular activities as you support this non-profit in their mission to provide educational opportunities for rural Peruvian girls from indigenous communities.

Devote a semester to improving the quality of education for children living in the rural Mae Sariang region. Lead daily English language sessions to better prepare students for bright futures.

BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION

CHILD AND FAMILY SUPPORT

Costa Rica

India

Partner organization: CATIE

Partner organization: TAABAR

Intern at a botanical garden in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world! Help preserve natural resources, practice your Spanish with your host family, and embrace living pura vida.

Improve your understanding of NGO operations and how to partner with schools and communities.

Contribute to initiatives that will increase educational opportunities for women and children.

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COMMUNITY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Costa Rica

Morocco

Partner organization: CATIE

Partner organization: Cadi Ayyad University Career Center

Support this organization as they work to educate communities about best practices in sustainable agriculture and natural conservation. Improve your Spanish in a homestay with a local family.

Intern at a Moroccan university career center and help your global counterparts improve English fluency. Live in Marrakech and explore colorful medinas and souks as you immerse in local culture.

MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Dominican Republic

Morocco

Partner organization: FUNDEMAR

Partner organization: Atlas Cultural Foundation & AAGR

Earn a SCUBA certification, assist in invasive species prevention and coral reef restoration as you immerse yourself in Caribbean culture. Contribute to efforts that encourage sustainable eco-tourism.

Assist in the creation and branding of an online marketplace where rural artisans can earn fair prices for their crafts. Promote responsible business practices as you explore Moroccan culture.

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LANCE OPPENHEIM Gap Year Alum Spring 2015

“Having the privilege to travel on a gap year was one of the more formative experiences in my life.

As a passionate filmmaker, I decided to take a gap year to broaden my horizons and continue making emotionally impactful films. After spending about six months finishing a short and working for 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles, I was yearning to travel.

While I found several Asia-trotting opportunities, nothing quite piqued my interest as much as Rustic did. The blending between experiential travel (especially access to far, remote locations that would otherwise be incredibly difficult to navigate alone) and service was very appealing, as was the opportunity to document my travels via a series of photographs and videos.

After finishing my freshman year at Harvard, I spent the summer working on projects in NYC. My most recent film premiered as a New York Times OpDoc, and I am currently working on two others!�

SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION AND SERVICE Improve your Spanish language skills through immersion and community engagement while enjoying the best landscapes in Latin America

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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 multi-day, 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

SEMESTER DETAILS LOCATIONS: Costa Rica Peru Dominican Republic Cuba DATES:

ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN

Fall 2017 Sep 12 - Dec 4

37.5% 25%

SERVICE LEARNING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CULTURAL IMMERSION

Spring 2018 Feb 8 - May 2 COST:

37.5%

$14,995 USD + $2,495 USD internal airfare

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COSTA RICA

PERU

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 by interacting with the locals during an extended homestay with a family in Turrialba. During the afternoons, participate in services projects and activities, including surfing, whitewater rafting, biking, rappelling, and ziplining.

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 and bolster your Spanish skills by living with a homestay family in the Sacred Valley.

Spend a day exploring historic Cusco, then descend 10,000 feet to explore the ecological diversity of the Amazon basin. Your time in Peru will come to a close with a student-led trip featuring a visit to the country’s “mini-Galapagos.”

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 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.

CUBA Your first week in Cuba will include a Spanish language course at the University of Habana 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 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.

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K elsey S mith Gap Year Alum Spring 2016

“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 so much time during high school trying to do what I thought others wanted that I forgot about what I wanted.

My gap semester changed who I am and who I want to be in the future. I truly believe that travel is one of the only ways to really understand a life different than yours. I no longer want to pretend to understand the culture of a country from my beach chair at a resort. Every single person that I traveled with in my small group of eight students and two leaders had a part to play in the person that I am now. It was the atmosphere that we created as a group that impacted the way I want to live my life.

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.”

CONSERVATION AND CULTURE IN EAST AFRICA Take an in-depth look at the welcoming people, fascinating places, stunning wildlife, and complex histories of Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda.

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An ambitious expedition through Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, this semester will forever enrich your understanding of the vast and varied African continent. Immerse yourself in village life, volunteer in rural schools, and spot Africa’s Big Five on safari. In addition, you’ll enjoy rare opportunities to spot primates in dense jungles and raft the headwaters of the Nile River. Each country you visit will bring new discoveries and new understanding of the continent’s current and historical issues, cultural richness, and biological treasures.

Share perspectives while working alongside local community members on service projects focused on education, infrastructure, and public health. Learn to speak Swahili and experience firsthand the fragile balance between humans and the natural world as you contribute to environmental and animal conservation efforts.

INDEPENDENCE

1/5

CULTURAL IMMERSION

4/5

SERVICE LEARNING

3/5

LOCATIONS:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

4/5

Tanzania Rwanda Uganda

ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN

DATES:

35% 25%

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Spring 2018 Feb 8 - May 2 COST:

CULTURAL IMMERSION SERVICE LEARNING

SEMESTER DETAILS

40%

$14,995 USD + $595 USD internal airfare

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TANZANIA

RWANDA

Start your gap semester with orientation and an intensive Swahili language course in the city of Arusha, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Here you’ll dive into the basics of Tanzanian culture while getting to know your group and your program leaders. After completing your language course, roll up your sleeves and begin your first community service project. Service initiatives are coordinated in partnership with local leaders and NGOs and based on community needs.

Welcome to Kigali, a mountainous city at the center of Africa’s fastest growing economy. While it’s been peaceful here for many years, a visit to the genocide museum recalls one of the most tragic episodes in recent history—the killing of approximately one million Tutsi people by Hutu militias in 1994. Service here may include working with children at a music education center, or at a bakery that provides vocational training for women. Outside the city spot chimps and golden monkeys on a jungle walk.

Next, head into the Usambara Mountains to trek and camp as you learn about this unique, biodiversity hotspot, a region where incredible diversity in plant and animal species is under stress from human populations. After this expedition it will be time to say "tuonane baadaye" to Tanzania, but you’ll be back after visiting two of its fascinating neighbors.

UGANDA An overland trip across the equator brings you onward to Uganda. Stopping first at Lake Bunyoni, you’ll learn about the region’s Batwa people, their traditional way of life in the forest, and the difficult situation they face as government-mandated relocation and depletion of natural resources force them to adapt to life in cities and towns. You’ll spend the rest of your time in Uganda exploring the diverse landscapes of their national parks and perhaps working on a volunteer project. Your last stop will here will be in Jinja, home to the headwaters of the mighty Nile River for two days of some of the best whitewater rafting in the world!

TANZANIA Returning to Tanzania for the final portion of your gap semester, it will be time for the most aweinspiring experiences of this journey. Get the chance to spot Africa’s Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, cape buffalo, and rhinos—during a multi-day safari through the world-renowned Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Then, work as a group to plan a portion of your remaining time in this exciting and diverse African country. You and your peers may decide to explore the colorful town of Karatu, visit the bushlands around Lake Eyasi, contribute to a final community service project, or head out to Lake Natron, a uniquely colored salt and soda lake outside of Arusha where flamingos flock in great numbers.

Finally, end your gap semester with some wellearned beach time on the tropical island of Zanzibar before saying goodbye to your group.

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GOLDEN LANDS AND WORLD HERITAGE Explore welcoming communities and undiscovered gems in five countries of Southeast Asia

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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 will gain a profound understanding of the region.

We have many long-term service initiatives here, in the floating villages of the Tonlé Sap lake in Cambodia to the villages 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.

SEMESTER DETAILS LOCATIONS:

INDEPENDENCE

1/5

CULTURAL IMMERSION

3/5

SERVICE LEARNING

4/5

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

2/5

Myanmar Thailand Laos Cambodia Vietnam DATES:

ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN

Fall 2017 Sep 12 - Dec 4

40% 20%

SERVICE LEARNING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CULTURAL IMMERSION

Spring 2018 Feb 8 - May 2 COST:

40%

$14,995 USD + $1,195 USD internal airfare

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MYANMAR 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 ancient 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.

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THAILAND

CAMBODIA

Continuing to south Thailand, you’ll get a glimpse of local culture exploring the villages, islands and national parks around Phang Nga Bay. Staying in an island bungalow on Ko Yao Noi, you’ll have opportunities to kayak, rock climb, bike, swim, and snorkel in one of the world’s top ocean destinations.

In Bangkok and later Chiang Mai, Program Leaders will turn things over to the students to set the itinerary. Next, you’ll head to some of the most remote mountain villages in the region. Learn about the ancient traditions of the Hill Tribes as you live in villages and take part in community-driven service projects aimed at improving community facilities and supplementing public education.

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 Tonlé 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.

LAOS

VIETNAM

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 two­day trek on the Bolaven Plateau.

Having survived occupations by formidable foreign powers from ancient history to the recent past, Vietnam is a country of immense pride and strength. Experience the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, sites from the “American War,” and the narrow streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Saving the best for last, embark on an overnight cruise on Hạ Long Bay, one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature.

As you make your way through hundreds of stunning islands that make this a must-see destination for any Vietnam visitor, you’ll have time to swim, kayak, and reminisce with your friends and fellow travelers about the five-country odyssey you’ve just completed.

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KATHMANDU TO KOCHI: THE SOUL OF SOUTH ASIA Behold breathtaking landscapes and survey the cultural and religious history of the region

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The Indian subcontinent has long attracted wanderers and seekers who come in search of Hindu spirituality, Buddhist enlightenment, ancient wisdom, and thrilling adventures. Traveling from the mighty Himalayas to the shores of the Indian Ocean, you’ll experience places that are about as different from the western world as anywhere on earth, yet you’ll feel welcome and at peace.

Explore the fascinating history of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, before adventuring through whitewater rapids and the jungle in search of elusive wildlife. Continue to India, whose population is the secondhighest in the world. Help rehabilitate sloth bears and elephants with one the country’s premier conservation organizations. Study yoga and meditation, and learn from local homestay families. By the end of your semester, you’ll appreciate these ancient cultures.

INDEPENDENCE

2/5

CULTURAL IMMERSION

4/5

SERVICE LEARNING

4/5

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

4/5

ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CULTURAL IMMERSION

LOCATIONS: Nepal India DATES:

35% 30%

SERVICE LEARNING

SEMESTER DETAILS

Fall 2017 Sept 12 - Dec 4 COST:

35%

$13,995 USD + $595 USD internal airfare

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NEPAL

INDIA

Your semester begins in the capital city of Kathmandu, which has been shaped by rural, urban, ancient, and modern cultural influences.

Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley, including the Buddhist stupa of Boudanath and the Hindu cremation ghats of Pashupatinath. Head into the mountains of Nepal to raft the Trishuli River and spend the night at a riverside campsite. Then travel to Chitwan National Park and take a Jeep safari through the jungle in search of elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, and perhaps the endangered and elusive Bengal tiger. In Pokhara, trek the stunning Annapurna Conservation Area. Stay in small villages, relax in teahouses, soak in hot springs, and watch the stars glimmer over 26,000-foot peaks.

Home to 1.25 billion people, all major religions, and a dizzying variety of cultures and languages, India is a world unto itself. Begin your time in India by exploring the capital city of Delhi before heading to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Here you’ll assist an NGO, Wildlife SOS, by helping to feed sloth bears and elephants and building habitat structures for them. Board an overnight train for Jodhpur, the blue city of Rajasthan. An introduction to yoga and meditation will teach you about the philosophies that shape these practices in daily life.

Head east and spend two weeks living with a Nepali homestay family. Participate in service projects and immerse yourself in Nepali culture with music, art, and dance. Take a quick break for an overnight trek or bungee jumping before heading back to Kathmandu to wrap up your time in Nepal.

In the Rajasthani village of Galthani, practice Hindi language skills, learn how to cook the local cuisine from your homestay family, and participate in service projects. Enjoy a leopard safari, take a day hike, and visit a famous Jain temple. Explore Fort Kochi and head to Alleppey in a kettuvallam houseboat before transitioning to the tea plantations of Munnar. Our journey ends in Rameshwaram, one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It’s also one of India’s best beaches and offers snorkeling, kayaking and swimming.

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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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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 marine-­focused, high-energy semester. In Fiji, splash in waterfalls, soak in the laid-back 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 Water Life Saving.

Throughout this semester, you’ll experience a balance of communitydriven 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.

SEMESTER DETAILS INDEPENDENCE

1/5

CULTURAL IMMERSION

3/5

SERVICE LEARNING

3/5

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

5/5

LOCATIONS: Fiji New Zealand Australia DATES:

ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN

Fall 2017 Sep 12 - Dec 4

30% 30%

SERVICE LEARNING CULTURAL IMMERSION PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Spring 2018 Feb 8 - May 2 COST:

40%

$18,995 USD + $1,195 USD internal airfare

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FIJI 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 beginning 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.

Next, it’s off to the Rustic Pathways Highlands Base, tucked among the hills in the rugged Nausori Highlands. Live with a home­ stay 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.

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NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

Leaving Fiji, a short flight will bring 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. Visit the world­famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and travel to Rotorua, famous for Maori culture and boiling mud pools. Whitewater raft the foaming Kaituna River, and try caving, blackwater rafting, zorbing, and agrojetting!

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. You'll also take surf lessons taught by local experts. Next, embark on a multiday camping expedition to one of Rustic Pathways’ most legendary destinations: Fraser Island!

Next, it’s off to the thrill-seeker’s paradise of Queenstown on the South Island to find heart­pounding activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving. In Te Anau, cruise through spectacular Milford Sound, looking out for penguins, seals, dolphins, and whales. Road trip to Wanaka and rock climb before heading north to Rob Roy Glacier, where you’ll spend the morning hiking across the ice. Return to Queenstown and fly to Brisbane, Australia, where the adventure continues.

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 multi-day dive ­boat trip and obtain your Open Water Diver certification. Finish your semester with a trip to Sydney planned and led by you and your fellow students! Visit 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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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Below you will 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, view the Essential Eligibility Criteria on our website.

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.

Do I need any special skills or experience?

What about safety?

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. Some internship placements require specific skills such as the ability to communicate in basic Spanish.

As a leader in our industry, Rustic Pathways takes the health and wellbeing of our students extremely 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 (see pages 22–23).

In fact, nearly all of our full-time operations staff, including Program Leaders are certified as Wilderness First Responders.

To compliment these efforts, we have partnered with HX Global, one of the world’s leading providers of global medical and security support. All participants have access to HX Global’s benefits through the Rustic Pathways’ membership.

Visit our website to learn more on the services provided and to learn about our safety and risk management policies.

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. Rustic Internship Semester students must be at least 18 years old.

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

Our Service and Exploration and Spanish Immersion and Service Semester groups are typically made up of five to fourteen participants. Rustic Internships are individual placements, though you may be located in the city of another participant. If you are 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 group 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 semesters, except for Rustic Internships, during which students spend eight weeks without direct supervision by Rustic Pathways staff, but have periodic in-person check-ins.

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What if I have food allergies or dietary requirements?

We can accommodate most dietary requirements, including vegetarian. It is 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 that we can support you in making the right decision about which program to choose.

How do I apply? Is there an application deadline?

Our easy application is located on our website and can be submitted online. We accept applications on a rolling basis; however, applying sooner than later helps you secure a spot on your first-choice program, 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 will contact you for an Enrollment Meeting to review the information you provided and discuss the programs you have chosen. You will also receive an Enrollment Letter via email with details on forms and payment necessary to complete the enrollment process.

What forms will I need to complete?

You will be asked to electronically sign a Participant Enrollment Agreement, submit an online medical history form, and send a copy of your passport. Additional forms may be requested in some cases.

How do I book my flights?

We will send you information about booking your program start and end flights about two months before your trip begins.

You will 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 the Flight and Travel page on our website 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 will 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 are happy to answer any questions and provide guidance, but it is each students’ responsibility to ensure that they have the necessary visas.

Will I need insurance while I’m traveling?

We require all students to have active medical insurance coverage valid for the duration and locations of their programs. In the event of injury or illness, we will help you seek proper medical attention; however, you are ultimately responsible for all expenses incurred for medical treatment and services received.

We partner with Trip Mate to provide travel insurance (including flights, program disruption, property, cancellation, and primary medical coverage) for those who choose to purchase it. To learn more about the plan and to view the description of coverage, visit: tripmate.com/wpF435B.

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. 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 and 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 during which 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 2017 and 2018 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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WHAT’S NEXT? Join the larger Rustic Pathways community. Follow us on social media: @rusticpathways /rusticpathways @rusticpathways /rusticpathways

Meet us in your hometown!

We’re hitting the road and heading to cities and towns 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 speak about our programs. For more information, visit gap.rusticpathways.com/events.

Have questions? Get in touch!

We are always happy to chat and answer any questions you have. Give us a call at 800.321.4353 or send an email to gap@rusticpathways.com.

APPLY ONLINE! Detailed program itineraries, packing lists, and FAQs can be found on our website. Decide on your programs and apply online!

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

Rustic Pathways

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