Rustic Pathways
Why choose Rustic Pathways?
Rustic Pathways is a premier student travel company specializing in educational, cultural, and adventure travel for teens worldwide. Founded in 1983, Rustic Pathways helps students build real-world skills and discover a deeper sense of purpose. We offer student travel programs that foster personal growth, leadership, and social impact. Our transformative experiences help students develop a deep...
Rustic Pathways is a premier student travel company specializing in educational, cultural, and adventure travel for teens worldwide. Founded in 1983, Rustic Pathways helps students build real-world skills and discover a deeper sense of purpose. We offer student travel programs that foster personal growth, leadership, and social impact. Our transformative experiences help students develop a deeper understanding of the world and themselves through: Student Travel Programs – Adventure, service, and cultural immersion trips for middle school, high school, and college students. Teen Tours – International travel experiences focused on learning and personal growth. School Group Travel – Custom-designed educational trips for schools and teachers. Gap Year Programs – Quarter, semester, or ye...
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Rustic Pathways Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
My son had a blast
October 08, 2025by: Latoya Bellamy - United StatesProgram: Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture with Rustic PathwaysMy son went to Belize with Rustic Pathways summer 2025. He said he had a great time and enjoyed experiencing new things. He said Snorkeling was a favorite. As a parent I felt well informed and I enjoyed the fact they uploaded pictures for us to see
Hi Latoya! Thank you so much for sharing this! We’re so glad your son had such a great experience in Belize. We loved having him travel with us, and we’re happy to hear the photo updates helped you follow along on his adventure.
My time spent in Hawaii
September 11, 2025by: Jessica Murray - United StatesProgram: USA: Hawaii and New Orleans Travel with Rustic PathwaysThis past summer I traveled on the Hawaii Surf Snorkel and Service program and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. My group was with 11 other girls and 3 leaders from around the world. We saw an active volcano, sea turtles in the ocean, and many fish with snorkeling off of the catamaran boat... and so much more. We also did service in the farms which allowed me to learn so much about the Hawaiian culture. Not only were there hundreds of opportunities for amazing instagram photos, but most of the time we were so busy living in the moment that we didn't even think to take any photos. And it was okay because our leaders were always taking awesome photos! I met amazing people on this trip, people that taught me lessons about myself that I would have never been able to learn otherwise. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Everyday we did multiple new and exciting things, but if someone wasn't comfortable one of the leaders were always there for help. Now after 2 months, I still talk with the girls I went on the trip with and they have become my best friends. If you are contemplating whether or not to go on this trip I tell you to 100% book the ticket right now, and that you will not regret it!!!
Hi Jessica! Thank you for sharing your experience on the Hawaii Surf Snorkel and Service program. We're thrilled you discovered new places, learned about Hawaiian culture, and built strong friendships along the way. It's inspiring to hear how much this trip impacted you, and we hope to see you on another adventure with us next year!
South Korea review
August 01, 2025by: Ray Kearney - United StatesProgram: South Korea: Seoul Searching with Rustic PathwaysI really enjoyed the service—teaching English to students and everything that came with it! I loved connecting with locals and learning about their culture. Huge shout out to Chang-Mo, Heeju, Yuri, Annabel, and Amy—they were amazing group leaders and made the whole experience even better!!!!!!!!
Hi Ray! Thanks so much for your kind words about our program and your leaders. They're pretty great! And the trip wouldn't have been the same without you. Thanks so much for exploring Korea with us. See you next summer?
Rustic Pathways Programs
Browse programs you might like
Play games with Asian elephants, snorkel in crystal blue waters, and immerse yourself in village life as you explore a country known for its warm...
Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfi...
Bring sunblock as you take on the diverse beauty of the Dominican Republic! Participate in impactful service projects that will positively change...
Explore ancient castles, Buddhist temples, and modern trends as you learn about Japanese culture during this unforgettable journey through Tokyo ...
Protect endangered sea turtles while basking in the sun on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia. Get an in-depth look at conservation efforts,...
Embark on an adventurous journey across Mongolia, from the central lowlands to the rugged west, immersing yourself in an ancient nomadic way of l...
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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Brent Watkins
Interviewed in 2015
Brent holds a Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University, where he is also an adjunct faculty member. Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, Brent ...
Brent Watkins
Interviewed in 2015
What inspired you to travel abroad?
Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, I spent time as a classroom teacher in a struggling school in east Baltimore and later went on to manage a team of people who trained new teachers at Teach For America, a national education reform non-profit. In this work, I saw how powerful learning that happened outside of the classroom could be. I spent several summers leading programs for Rustic Pathways and was sold on how these experiences could change students’ enduring mindsets -- I was hooked!
Rebecca Glazer
Participated in 2014
Rebecca traveled to Nasivikoso Village in Fiji with Rustic Pathways three times during her years in high school, participating in the Village Educatio...
Rebecca Glazer
Participated in 2014
I’ve always been drawn to small groups of people and tight-knit communities, so when I heard about the programs in Nasivikoso, they sounded like the kind of atmosphere I would enjoy. I am also very interested in education and agriculture, and Nasivikoso offered programs addressing both. Mostly, though, I was drawn to the idea of living in a rural community with a host family, rather than staying out at a base house, like some of the other programs.
Ezra Remer
Participated in 2014
Ezra is a high schooler from New Orleans, who has volunteered in Fiji with Rustic Pathways three times. He volunteered for the first time when he was ...
Ready to Learn More?
Rustic Pathways is a premier student travel company specializing in educational, cultural, and adventure travel for teens worldwide. Founded in 1983, Rustic Pathways helps students build real-world skills and discover a deeper sense of purpose. We offer student travel programs that foster personal growth, leadership, and social impact. Our transformative experiences help students develop a deeper understanding of the world and themselves through: Student Travel Programs – Adventure, service, and cultural immersion trips for middle school, high school, and college students. Teen Tours – International travel experiences focused on learning and personal growth. School Group Travel – Custom-designed educational trips for schools and teachers. Gap Year Programs – Quarter, semester, or ye...
Rustic Pathways
Rustic Pathways
Ready to Learn More?
Rustic Pathways is a premier student travel company specializing in educational, cultural, and adventure travel for teens worldwide. Founded in 1983, Rustic Pathways helps students build real-world skills and discover a deeper sense of purpose. We offer student travel programs that foster personal growth, leadership, and social impact. Our transformative experiences help students develop a deeper understanding of the world and themselves through: Student Travel Programs – Adventure, service, and cultural immersion trips for middle school, high school, and college students. Teen Tours – International travel experiences focused on learning and personal growth. School Group Travel – Custom-designed educational trips for schools and teachers. Gap Year Programs – Quarter, semester, or ye...
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Awards
Check out awards and recognitions Rustic Pathways has received
