Rustic Pathways
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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 Why You Should Consider a Verto Education Semester
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Why You Should Consider a Rustic Pathways Gap Year
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How It Works: Eligibility and Enrollment
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The Rustic Pathways Difference
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
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College Credit-Bearing Semesters
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Latin America: Costa Rica Spanish Immersion
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Latin America: The Dominican Republic and Costa Rica
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South Pacific: Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia
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Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, and China
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Traditional Gap Year Programs
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Golden Lands and World Heritage
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Spanish Immersion: From Havana to Machu Picchu
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South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What's Next
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Welcome to Rustic Pathways and Verto Education! Rustic Pathways is excited to be on the forefront of the gap year movement through our partnership with Verto Education. For the 2019-20 gap year, students will have two exciting options. They can join a traditional adventure travel and community service Rustic Pathways gap semester or participate in a Verto Education semester or year to earn college credit, which includes being accepted to one of Verto’s partner colleges. Through Rustic and Verto, we can provide the right type of gap year experience for any student. If you’re not sure whether Rustic’s traditional gap year or Verto’s credit-bearing academic semesters, please let us know. We’re here to help!
Why You Should Consider a Verto Education Semester
Take a Gap Year Without the Gap: Earn College Credit Abroad Choose from half or full year accredited academic programs in Latin America, the South Pacific, or Southeast Asia. Verto was designed to give students the opportunity to experience new cultures and to graduate in four years. Each Verto semester costs about the same as a semester at most universities and was designed to prepare students for the rest of their college educations.
Earn up to 16 Credit Hours From One of Verto’s Partner Colleges Students accepted to Verto are automatically accepted to at least one of Verto’s partner colleges after applying through a single common application. They can choose to enroll at that school the following semester or year, depending on their preference. While abroad, students will complete coursework designed and taught by college professors.
Immerse in Local Communities and Explore Some of the World’s Most Pressing Issues Verto programs allow students to delve into issues related to public health, sustainability, the environment, conservation, global development, international business, and ethics where they’re occuring. Learn how these issues are being addressed by local organizations and participate in meaningful service alongside members of the community.
Participate in a Well-Rounded International Program Focused on Personal Growth Programs are designed to foster self-discovery through journaling, mindfulness training, mentorship, service-learning programs, and homestay experiences. Weekly structured reflection is intended to give students a sense of who they are and what they want they want from college.
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Rustic Pathways
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Why You Should Consider a Rustic Pathways 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 took 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. 5
Cuba Dominican Republic Costa Rica
Peru
Gap Year Program Locations
China
Vietnam Laos Cambodia
Fiji Myanmar Thailand Australia
New Zealand
13 Countries, 7 Unique Semesters
College Credit-Bearing Semesters Latin America: Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic This semester is designed to give students opportunities to explore international development work and existing systems of public health in Central America. Students spend 13 weeks abroad, which includes seven weeks in the Dominican Republic and six weeks in Costa Rica. COLLEGE CREDITS: 16 credits TUITION: $15,000 USD
Latin America: Costa Rica Spanish Immersion This semester is designed to expose students to issues related to the environment, sustainability, and ecology through language study in one of the most biodiverse locations in the world. Students spend 12 weeks in Costa Rica participating in an immersive Spanish language course. COLLEGE CREDITS: 12 credits TUITION: $12,000 USD
South Pacific: Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia This semester is designed to allow students to explore the relationship between humans, ecosystems, and societies. During this semester, students spend 13 weeks abroad, including seven weeks in Fiji, two weeks in New Zealand, and four weeks in Australia. COLLEGE CREDITS: 12 credits TUITION: $19,000 USD
Southeast Asia: China and Thailand This semester is designed to develop students’ understanding of issues in international business, global corporate ethics, international financial systems, and international development. Students spend thirteen weeks abroad, four weeks in China and nine weeks in Thailand. COLLEGE CREDITS: 12 credits TUITION: $17,000 USD
Traditional Gap Year Programs 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 experienced local and international staff. Explore ancient ruins; travel by tuk tuk, train, and riverboat; sample the region’s best food; compare religious values and customs across local cultures; and get to know Rustic staff as they share undiscovered gems in their home communities across five countries in Southeast Asia. COST: $14,995 USD + $1,295 USD internal airfare
Spanish Immersion: From Havana to Machu Picchu Costa Rica, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba This program is highly structured, but it also includes short homestay experiences where pairs or small groups of students will live with local families, participate in daily life, and interact in Spanish. This unique immersion experience will allow students to hone and improve their language skills, really experience indigenous cultures, and explore the best landscapes in four Latin American countries. COST: $15,995 USD + $2,495 USD internal airfare
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 experienced local and international staff. Participate in community service projects while immersing in Fijian culture by participating in a homestay. Learn to surf, sail, and scuba dive in New Zealand. And conclude this epic adventure in Australia by earning a Bronze Medallion lifesaving certificate. COST: $18,995 USD + $1,995 USD internal airfare
How It Works: Eligibility and Enrollment
Verto Education To apply for a Verto Education Gap Year program, students must be high school graduates between the ages of 17 and 22 who are not currently enrolled in college.
Step 1: Apply Online at vertoeducation.org Apply directly to any Verto partner college when you apply for a program. If you’re interested in a school that hasn’t yet partnered with Verto, that’s OK! We’ll work with you to determine how course credits will transfer to your university.
Step 2: Receive a Joint Admissions Decision After applying, you’ll receive a joint admissions decision for Verto and the partner school in two to three weeks. No need to wait until May to know which school you’ll be attending next year!
Step 3: Complete One or Two Semesters Abroad Earn up to 16 college credits for each Verto program you complete. Then arrive on the partner college’s campus as a second semester freshman or for your first semester as a sophomore. 10
Rustic Pathways To apply for a Rustic Pathways Gap Year program, students must be high school graduates between the ages of 17 and 22 by the time their program begins.
Step 1: Apply Online at gap.rusticpathways.com You’ll receive a welcome letter and payment invoice within 24 hours. We’ll also work to schedule an enrollment call with you in the next two weeks.
Step 2: Speak With Our Gap Year Admissions Coordinator During your enrollment call, we’ll discuss your gap year goals and answer any questions you or your family might have. After the call, we’ll figure out flight details and provide other travel information.
Step 3: Travel on One or More Gap Year Semesters Explore new cultures, meet people from different backgrounds, share meaningful experiences, and return to school focused and ready to tackle the rest of your education. 11
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 11,000 students traveled with Rustic Pathways in 2018.
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.
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 GYA The Gap Year Association was founded in 2012 to hold gap year providers to the highest standards of safety, program quality, sustainability, and educational impact. The GYA also helps students and their parents explore different gap year organizations and studies the benefits of taking a gap year.
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Gap Year Scholarships Rustic Pathways Every year, Rustic Pathways commits up to $40,000 toward meaningful, life-changing 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’ll 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’re hardworking individuals who impress their teachers and peers with their drive and determination. Gap Year Ambassadors go above and beyond expectations. Ambassadors often complete projects of their own choosing, such as a videos, blogs, documentaries, art projects, or service initiatives. Learn more and apply for a Gap Year Ambassador Scholarship at gap.rusticpathways.com/scholarships. Jaron Flynn | Canoga Park, California Gap Year Ambassador, 2018
The Golden Lands and World Heritage gap program was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. It was a privilege to get to know the amazing local and international staff who guided us through this experience. I really gained some invaluable knowledge and perspective that I plan to carry with me for years to come.
Verto Education The Verto International Leadership Award is designed for graduating high school seniors who have expressed or demonstrated service in their community, an appreciation for diversity, leadership qualities, or direct interest in global economic, health, education or humanitarian issues, as recognized by their high school counselors or teachers. Verto will award two International Leadership Award scholarships, which will cover $5,000 toward the fall or full year program costs. Five additional $1,000 scholarship awards will also be granted. Students from the United States seeking federal financial aid should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the semesters they plan to be on campus after the Verto program. Apply online or learn more about scholarships for Verto programs at vertoeducation.org/scholarships. 13
A Gap Year Without the Gap Verto Education allows students to earn college credit from coursework during a hands-on international experience. Programs are focused on personal growth and designed to foster self-discovery through journaling, mindfulness training, mentorship, service learning programs, and homestay experiences. Rustic Pathways has partnered with Verto Education to provide students the opportunity to earn college credits while traveling abroad. Each of these four semester programs incorporates a university-approved curriculum guided by Program Leaders throughout the group’s travels.
Verto
Latin America: Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic Critical Issues in Global Public Health and Development in Central America Explore international development work and systems of public health in Central America. Spend 13 weeks abroad, including seven weeks in the Dominican Republic and six weeks in Costa Rica. During the first half of the semester, work alongside health care professionals on public health projects across the Dominican Republic. Identify health needs of rural, urban, wealthy, and developing communities and assist community partners and contribute to meaningful public service initiatives. Develop an understanding of the local public health issues through site visits at communitybased public health institutions and apply their knowledge to helping communities in need through the delivery of a community health project. During the second half in Costa Rica, explore international development policy in action through fieldwork and case studies alongside development organizations. Travel through Costa Rica, and meet with development organizations and communities. While in local communities, experience the needs of local families during homestay experiences. Close out the semester in Costa Rica with an adventure down the Pacuare River and tours of San Jose.
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SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2019 Sept. 6 - Dec. 5 Spring 2020 Feb. 2 – May 3 COLLEGE CREDIT: 16 credits TUITION: $15,000 USD
Verto
Country-Specific Academic Focus Dominican Republic: Public Health Examine the cultural, political, economic, and geographic contexts of meeting public health needs in developing nations. Through fieldwork with local public health agencies in the Dominican Republic and by living with families in rural communities, develop a dynamic perspective about how communities define and meet their public health needs.
Costa Rica: International Development Explore key issues in the field of international development, the history of development policy and practices, and the network of organizations working in global development practice.
Semester-Long Academic Focus Introduction to Latin America Experience the cultures and societies of Latin America and contemporary issues in modern Latin American culture, politics, and economic systems. Coursework explores the history of Latin American from the Pre-Columbian period through the present modern period.
Rhetoric and Composition for the College Writer Strengthen your writing mechanics and prepare for the demands of academic writing. Coursework was designed to develop writing and rhetoric skills by leveraging core content explored through other Verto courses and immersive fieldwork. 17
Verto
Latin America: Costa Rica Spanish Immersion Critical Issues in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Ecology Explore relevant issues in environmental studies, sustainability, and ecology. Through seminars, case studies, fieldwork, and homestays, discover the impact of human action on the environment and ecosystems. While in Costa Rica, engage in fieldwork with local farmers and at the Organization for Tropical Studies. Learn and practice innovative solutions to challenges in sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and natural resource management through workshops and fieldwork at EARTH University. Travel to a rural community on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast to live and work with park rangers specializing in sea turtle conservation. Participate in Spanish language instruction through a course designed around real-world language practice and homestay immersion. We’ve intentionally selected homestay communities that allow students to both develop their spoken Spanish skills and dive into local culture. The semester closes in Costa Rica with an adventure down the Pacuare River and tours of San Jose. Spend a total of 12 weeks in Costa Rica.
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SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2019 Sept. 6 - Dec. 5 Spring 2020 Feb. 2 – May 3 COLLEGE CREDIT: 12 credits TUITION: $12,000 USD
Verto
Semester-Long Academic Focus Ecology and Species Conservation Examine the interactions between living organisms and their environments within ecosystems. Explore population structure and growth, species interaction, energy flow through a population system, and environmental management. Sustainability and Environmental Studies Study the processes and values that impact sustainability with relation to food systems, production, consumption, and pollution. Through fieldwork with local farmers and investigations of consumption and pollution patterns in Costa Rica, l observe systems in their cultural, economic, political, and human contexts. Texts and seminars challenge students to examine the core assumptions and values inherent in environmental policies and resource management.
Spanish Language Immersion Experience a blend of classroom learning with real-world Spanish immersion. Through fieldwork and homestays, put your Spanish language skills to use. Coursework is equivalent to an introductory Spanish language class and includes vocabulary development, grammar, sentence structure, spoken language proficiency, and culture. Rhetoric and Composition for the College Writer Strengthen your writing mechanics and prepare for the demands of academic writing. This course has been designed to develop writing and rhetoric skills by leveraging core content explored through other Verto courses and immersive fieldwork.
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Verto
South Pacific: Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia Critical Issues in Ecology, Species Conservation, and Cultural Anthropology Explore the relationship between humans, ecosystems, and societies. Examine the interaction between organisms and their environment, learn about species conservation and management, and explore the complex elements that define society and culture. Spend 13 weeks abroad, including seven weeks in Fiji, two weeks in New Zealand, and four weeks in Australia. Start the semester by traveling to a remote portion of Fiji’s Yasawa Islands for fieldwork related to the country’s marine ecosystem and the impact climate change has on this fragile environment. Learn about the various strategies in place to protect, conserve, and restore Fiji’s marine environment. Halfway through the semester, travel to New Zealand and learn to surf in Raglan before visiting the worldfamous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Visit Rotorua, famous for Maori culture and boiling mud pools and then whitewater raft the Kaituna River. Next, venture to Australia and explore the intricately connected ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving rainforest, and see firsthand the impact of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef system.
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SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2019 Sept. 6 - Dec. 5 Spring 2019 Feb. 3 – May 3 COLLEGE CREDIT: 12 credits TUITION: $19,000 USD
Verto
Semester-Long Academic Focus Cultural Anthropology Explore the meaning of culture, methods of studying cultural settings, and structures for comparing elements of cultures around the world. Throughout this course, examine the ways in which religion and ideology, social stratification, and symbolic expression defines a culture. Ecology and Species Conservation Examine the interactions between living organisms and their environments within ecosystems. Explore population structure and growth, species interaction, energy flow through a population system, and environmental management.
Rhetoric and Composition for the College Writer Strengthen your writing mechanics and prepare for the demands of academic writing. Coursework was designed to develop writing and rhetoric skills by leveraging core content through other Verto courses and immersive fieldwork. Identity, Politics, and Equity Analyze how identity—as defined by others and oneself— shapes culture, politics, and the distribution of power. Drawing from media, texts, and intercultural experiences within homestays and fieldwork, reflect on the dynamic roles of ethnicity, gender, nationality, and socioeconomic status in shaping relationships within communities. 21
Verto
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, and China Critical Issues in Global Development, International Business, and Business Ethics Develop an understanding of relevant issues in international business, global corporate ethics, international financial systems, and international development. This semester explores these topics through a combination of fieldwork, case studies, and seminars. Coursework was designed to foster understanding through the lens of realworld application in Asia. Travel throughout Asia to contextualize the concepts learned in courses and experience emerging issues in global business practice and international development. Engage in real-world cycles of topic immersion and reflective learning throughout China and Thailand. Spend 13 weeks abroad, including four weeks in China and nine weeks in Thailand.
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SEMESTER DETAILS DATES: Fall 2019 Sept. 6 - Dec. 5 Spring 2020 Feb. 3 – May 3 COLLEGE CREDIT: 12 credits TUITION: $17,000 USD
Verto
Country-Specific Academic Focus China: International Business and Corporate Ethics Explore the interconnectedness of global markets and the impacts of globalization on society, the environment, and political systems. Through seminars, guest speakers, and field case studies, learn to analyze the effects of culture and politics on global business management; develop a working understanding of international capital markets and foreign currency exchange; learn the role that the international monetary system plays in global business; and explore critical issues in global corporate ethics.
Thailand and Laos: International Development Study key issues in the field of international development, the history of development policy and practices, and the network of organizations working in global development practice. Through field immersion, seminars, and case studies, develop an understanding of the basics of international development theory and experience international development practice in action.
Semester-Long Academic Focus Rhetoric and Composition for the College Writer Strengthen your writing mechanics and prepare for the demands of academic writing. Coursework was designed to develop writing and rhetoric skills by leveraging core content explored through other Verto courses and immersive fieldwork.
Identity, Politics, and Equity Analyze how identity—as defined by others and oneself— shapes culture, politics, and the distribution of power. Drawing from media, course texts, and your homestay experiences and fieldwork, reflect on how ethnicity, gender, nationality, and socioeconomic status shapes relationships within communities. 23
Traditional Gap Semesters Gap years are formative experiences that encourage personal growth while helping students determine how they want to spend the next four years and beyond. Top colleges, including all eight Ivy League universities, support students taking gap years before continuing their educations on campus. Others even encourage incoming freshman to defer for a year before starting their college studies.
Rustic Pathways
Golden Lands and World Heritage Welcoming communities and undiscovered gems in five countries in Southeast Asia 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 from floating villages in Cambodia to the communities of our local staff from Laos. Spend time at the Rustic Pathways Hill Tribe Support Base getting to know students who hail from Thailand’s western highlands, and help students practice their English at a local language center in Myanmar.
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SEMESTER DETAILS LOCATIONS: Myanmar Thailand Laos Cambodia Vietnam DATES: Fall 2019 Sept 16 - Dec 5 COST: $14,995 USD + $1,295 USD internal airfare
Rustic Pathways
Myanmar Start in Yangon with a visit to the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. Next, explore thousands of stupas by bicycle in the ancient city of Bagan. Support local students and young professionals at a language center. Venture to Kalaw and trek to the stunning Inle Lake, famous for stilted villages, teak wood temples, and acrobatic fishermen.
Thailand Continuing south to Thailand, arrive at Mae Sot. In the biggest refugee camp in the country, meet with a group of exiled political prisoners. In Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace, shop at the largest outdoor market in the world, and enjoy a river cruise. Venture to picturesque islands surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters to kayak, rock climb, swim and snorkel. Spend three days at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center before a village homestay in the mountains outside of Chiang Mai where you’ll learn about the ancient traditions and daily lives of local Hill Tribe communities.
Laos After crossing into Laos from northern Thailand, spend two days traversing the Mekong by riverboat, a semester highlight for many travelers. Then arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang and find French colonial buildings and ancient temples. Spend a few days exploring the charming streets and rise early to give morning alms to monks..
Cambodia In Siem Reap, observe the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat and understand the Kingdom of Wonder’s rich history. Cruise the waterways of the Tonle Sap and drop anchor at a floating village for a few days of service. Spend time in the countryside comparing traditional ways of life to all that you’ve seen in Southeast Asia. In Phnom Penh, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields for insight about the suffering the Khmer Rouge inflicted on Cambodia.
Vietnam Having survived occupations by 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. Finally, embark on an overnight cruise on beautiful Hạ Long Bay. You’ll also have time to swim, kayak, and reminisce with your fellow travelers about the five-country adventure you’ve just completed.
Naima Labidi | Toronto, Ontario, Canada Golden Lands and World Heritage, 2018
Choosing to travel with Rustic Pathways to Southeast Asia was the best decision I made on my gap year. The best part of the trip for me, was meeting so many amazing people! From fellow students, to Rustic staff to all of the local people, I got to make lifelong friends and incredible connections to so many different types of people from around the world! Overall it was an incredible experience that I would do again if I could, and I cannot recommend it enough!
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Rustic Pathways
Spanish Immersion: From Havana to Machu Picchu Spanish language immersion and community engagement in Latin America 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. Chart 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. Work with environmental projects, and learn a few salsa dancing steps.
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SEMESTER DETAILS LOCATIONS: Costa Rica Peru Dominican Republic Cuba DATES: Spring 2020 Feb 13 - May 3 COST: $15,995 USD + $2,495 USD internal airfare
Rustic Pathways
Peru From the Amazon rainforest and desert coast to the peaks of the Andes, Peru’s complex national identity blends indigenous roots with colonial influences. After arriving in Lima, venture to Ollantaytambo and nearby Machu Picchu, where ancient stone ruins dominate the landscape. Work on service projects, bolster your Spanish skills by living with a homestay family in the Sacred Valley, and observe how Peruvians maintain their cultural traditions. Spend a day exploring historic Cusco, then descend 10,000 feet to the Amazon basin.
Dominican Republic The Caribbean portion of the 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 locals on construction of a fresh water aqueduct project. Next, work on service projects in the bateyes, underserved communities of Haitian-Dominicans. Enjoy the picturesque beach town of Bayahibe, where you can snorkel, swim, and enjoy the coast.
Costa Rica Experience the stunning beaches, vibrant jungles, and pristine rivers of Rustic Pathways’ most popular destination country. Costa Rica is consistently among the happiest countries in the world because it has invested heavily in protecting its natural resources and its citizens’ quality of life. Spend time honing your Spanish during morning classes and through interactions during an extended homestay with a family in Turrialba. During afternoons, participate in service projects and activities, including surfing, whitewater rafting, biking, rappelling, and zip lining.
Cuba Welcome to La Habana! Start your adventure in Cuba with a stay at one of the country’s casa particulares, and experience the hospitality that makes Cubans famous. Throughout the week, get a taste of Cuban culture with a tour of Old Havana, museums, and modern art galleries. Outside the capital, explore the 500-year-old Trinidad and one of Cuba’s artistic jewels. Take one last beach trip to enjoy the Caribbean and end this amazing journey. Finally, cruise on the waterfront in one of Cuba’s famous classic cars.
Kelsey Smith | Middlebury, Vermont
Spanish Immersion: From Havana to Machu Picchu, 2016 The most valuable lesson that I learned on my gap year is to trust myself and do the things that make me happy. 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.
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Rustic Pathways
South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills An action-packed adventure and meaningful service through the far reaches of the South Pacific Surround yourself in sun, sand, and surf and travel to the far reaches of the South Pacific. Visit Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia on this marine-focused, high-energy semester. In Fiji, earn a Wilderness First Aid certificate, splash in waterfalls, soak in the laid-back island life, and live with a homestay family in the rural highlands. Venture through New Zealand to 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 a surf life saving certificate. Throughout this semester, experience a balance of community-driven service, adventure, and experiential learning. 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.
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SEMESTER DETAILS LOCATIONS: Fiji New Zealand Australia DATES: Fall 2019 Sept. 16 - Dec. 5 Spring 2020 Feb. 13 – May 3 COST: $18,995 USD + $1,995 USD internal airfare
Rustic Pathways
Fiji Start your journey in Fiji at our Eco-Lodge Base with sweeping views of Momi Bay. During orientation, learn about Fijian culture before starting a Wilderness First Aid certification course. Work on long-term community service initiatives, including a health and sanitation project. Live with a homestay family while working on agriculture, infrastructure, and education initiatives. Spend a week in the Yasawa Islands working on marine monitoring and educational service initiatives with excursions to search for manta rays, fish with the locals, or paddle around the bay. Our local Program Leaders will teach you how to live the laid back island life style and enjoy the paradise of the Fiji Islands.
New Zealand Take a short flight to New Zealand, where jaw-dropping landscapes and adventures await. Begin in the capital of Auckland and 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, venture to the thrill-seeker’s paradise of the South Island. In Te Anau, cruise through Milford Sound, seek penguins, seals, dolphins, and whales. Road trip to Wanaka to experience more of the natural beauty that makes the South Island a top destination for any adventure seeker. Finish in Queenstown, home of heart-pounding optional activities like bungee jumping and skydiving before flying to Brisbane, Australia.
Australia Start a month of aquatic adventures with a Surf Rescue Bronze Medallion certification course taught by expert Aussie lifeguards. Develop valuable skills in the fields of surf rescue, ocean safety, and first aid. Next, embark on a sailing excursion aboard a yacht where you can enjoy well-deserved rest, open water views, and a chance to work on your tan. Travel to Cairns, the gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and check out the intricate ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest. Embark on a multi-day 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.
Gina Mazza, Angelie’s Mom (Angelie pictured) | Tigard, Oregon South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills, 2016
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.
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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 wellbeing 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’re 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 they have the necessary visas.
Are 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.
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 • internationalsos.com
Important Information This catalog provides a brief summary of the 2019 and 2020 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 in a Rustic Pathways Gap Year online at gap. rusticpathways.com/enroll. If you still can’t decide between programs, contact one of our gap year experts. Call 800.321.4353 (United States) or +1 440.975.9691 (international), or email gap@rusticpathways.com. Apply for a Verto Education Gap Year online at vertoeducation.org/apply. If you have any questions about Verto or how it works, please call 978.430.3844 or email admissions at vertoeducation.org.
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 and Verto Education communities. Follow us on social media: @rusticpathways
/rusticpathways
@rusticpathways
/rusticpathways
@vertoeducation
/vertoeducation
Or follow along with each Rustic Pathways gap year: @rp.gap.latin.am @rustic.gap.sea @rustic.gap.south.pac
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800.321.4353 440.975.9691 gap@rusticpathways.com gap.rusticpathways.com PRINTED IN THAILAND
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