Rustic Pathways 2015-2016 Gap Year Catalog

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Our MissionRustic Pathways empowers students through innovative and responsible travel experiences to positively impact lives and communities around the world.

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Table of ContentsWelcome to Rustic Pathways .......................................4

Our Vision.................................................................................5

What is a Gap Year and Why Take One? .................6

What Makes Rustic Pathways Special? ....................7

Global Team............................................................................8

Safety and Risk Management .................................... 14

Student Learning and Curriculum .......................... 15

Community Service Initiatives .................................. 16

Gap Year Semesters ........................................................ 18

Backroads of Asia I .....................................................20

Service in Southeast Asia .......................................24

South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills ...........28

Spanish Immersion and Service .........................32

Ultimate African Explorer .......................................36

Backroads of Asia II ....................................................40

Gap Year Blocks .................................................................44

Aussie Service Expedition ......................................46

South Pacific Odyssey ..............................................48

Adventure Capital of the World .........................50

Student Experiences .......................................................52

Financial Assistance for Students ............................54

The Rustic Pathways Travel Experience ...............55

Frequently Asked Questions ......................................56

It’s Your World ....................................................................58

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Welcome to Rustic Pathways

Dear Students,

“Gap Year” is probably one of the most misunderstood terms to gain promi-nence in recent years. Far from being an empty space, a Gap Year may well be the most fulfilling, exciting, and important year of your education. Why

is this idea so exciting to so many students? Well, for one thing, it’s a time to stop taking notes and start taking control of the path you’ll take into adulthood.

So far, you’ve likely spent your whole life close to your family and your school. You’ve soaked up all of the knowledge and lessons you can, taken huge strides toward goals that are not always well de-fined, and made the most of the opportunities you’ve been offered. Soon it will be time to head to college and spend four more years studying, always preparing for some looming future you can never quite visualize. It can be difficult to know how to prepare. A Gap Year offers a way to venture beyond the familiar walls of home and school to get better acquainted with your world and yourself before you make important choices about what you want to do with your life. And studies have shown that students who have taken a Gap Year do better in school than their peers who have not.

Take a Gap Year with Rustic Pathways and you will travel, work, and learn with an exceptional international team of people who are dedicated to making the world a better place, one student, one village, and one empowering experience at a time. Understanding what goes on beyond the borders of your home country and how it affects us all will transform the way you think about nearly everything and change your approach to almost any endeavor. When you return to the classroom, you’ll be prepared to take hold of the amazing opportunities you’ve been given and make the most of them.

Best wishes from all of us at Rustic Pathways,

Tim Porter-DeVrieseVice President - Gap YearRustic Pathways

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

It’s a lofty vision, but we have always pursued the extraordinary. Rustic Pathways wasn’t created to take students on everyday tour experiences. We were founded on the principle of pushing boundaries – of exploring and engaging with others in the far corners of the world. We were founded to break the norms of student travel, to create experiences that give our students a greater understanding of the world, and to play a role in creating a more unified global community.

We are deeply committed to the communities in which we work. For more than 30 years, we’ve formed long-term relationships and partnerships in all of the countries we visit. We’ve built genuine friendships and professional relationships that set us apart as the industry leader in community service and adventure travel. Our local staff members happily bring students into their villages and into their homes, giving them unique, personal experiences.

We don’t believe in just seeing the sights. We engage with our surroundings and enjoy connecting across cultures. We cultivate in our students an innate curiosity to learn about other ways of life, and celebrate the moments when we realize how much we all have in common. Whether it’s through a simple hello, a hand gesture, a smile, or a hug, Rustic staff members and students make an effort to connect with others in a meaningful way. They travel home with more than just photos and souvenirs. Our students will be the first to tell you that the stories of the people they met are what made their experience memorable.

At the end of the day, we’re all about getting out there and doing things that people don’t usually do. We believe in not just seeing the world but experiencing it. Whether it’s for one week or eight, every program is a journey. We believe that travel can transform students and transform the world, for the better. Since our first program back in 1983, this belief has guided us, and made us Rustic Pathways.

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What is a Gap Year and Why Take One?

Ask ten different students and you are likely to hear ten different answers. However, most would agree that “Gap Year” is a loose term for a period of time outside of traditional academic environments that is carefully planned with specific goals in mind. It is typically taken sometime after graduating high school and before completing a four-year degree. A Gap Year can include travel, volunteering, experiential learning, and many other productive activities, all with the purpose of achieving personal growth and making some contribution to the public good. It’s a time to take knowledge and theories learned in the classroom out into the world to develop skills and build experience. For some, a Gap Year is a chance to try out future career possibilities in areas such as science, conservation, international development, or teaching. A Gap Year is a component of higher education that is not measured by test scores and credits earned but by real life successes, wisdom gained, and challenges met.

Those following the latest trends in education will know that the best schools are now focusing more on qualities such as empathy, curiosity, resilience, and maturity and less on factual knowledge learned by memorization. The reason for this shift is that these are the foundational qualities that make any academic, personal, or professional achievement possible. They correlate far more closely with future success and happiness than the memorization of information does. School is good at providing opportunities to learn facts, but a structured Gap Year offers unmatched opportunities for building personal strengths.

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What Makes Rustic Pathways Special?We have been a leader in international student travel and experiential education for 32 years. We now facilitate more diverse and ambitious programs all over the world than ever before. We have an unmatched global network of empowering leaders, welcoming host communities, and effective service initiatives. Our enduring vision of global connectedness and our deep local connections have made us a leader in a dynamic new field of education that we believe will change the world for the better.

Incredible Experiences Around the GlobeThis year our students will scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef, teach English to Burmese refugees, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, work to save endangered species, form lifelong friendships with people from all over the world, and think critically about what kind of world they want to live in. We’ve spent decades searching out the most incredible places and are more excited than ever to share all of the amazing things we have found.

Year-Round PresenceRustic Pathways stands out from other organizations because we have made a greater investment in year-round staff and service bases all over the world. We’ve truly become a part of the communities we serve, often employing and providing professional development for talented local people. Our year-round presence also includes enthusiastic students from our summer, school group, and Gap Year programs. This allows us to implement, evaluate, and perfect projects and programs that will have the maximum benefit for our students and for these communities. Our community service projects aren’t one-offs; they are ongoing initiatives strategically implemented to make a difference.

Empowering LeadersAs amazing as our program locations are, it’s quality people that we have built our programs around. Our diverse team includes extraordinary individuals from dozens of countries. Our backgrounds range from Ivy League universities to remote refugee camps; no matter where we come from, together we share a passion for providing high-quality programming that benefits our students and host communities alike.

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Our exceptional staff members are the backbone of our organization. Their incredibly diverse backgrounds provide us with a profound understanding of the destinations

we visit and offer our students one-of-a-kind experiences. The faces you see in this catalog (along with many, many others!) ensure our students have fun, empowering,

and safe experiences while they travel, learn, and grow.

International StaffRustic Pathways spans the globe! Most of our staff members are based outside the United States. While the

cultural traditions and accents of our staff vary from country to country, the shared values that define Rustic

Pathways and make us exceptional extend across all borders. We build leadership teams that pair international

staff members with local employees, resulting in diverse teams that blend an understanding of our students and

their needs with deep local knowledge.

Exceptional Program LeadersOur Program Leaders come with backgrounds in teaching, experiential education, psychology, wilderness

training, river rafting, international development, and other outdoor and educational fields. Each year, we hold

in-country training sessions for both new and returning staff to uphold our standards in safety, student learning,

community service, and the overall student experience. Our Program Leaders are incredible role models for our

students and, most importantly, they are all dedicated to creating the best possible experiences for our students.

The Rustic Pathways Global Team

The Rustic Pathways Team by the Numbers

more than 500 staff members

from more than 25 countries

speaking more than 48 different languages

Check out the following team pages and visit rusticpathways.com/team to learn more

about our global staff.

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

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

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

Erik SchoonGap Year Program CoordinatorHaving visited more than 60 countries and lived in numerous locations across the globe, Erik might be the most well-traveled person at Rustic Pathways. He has spent several years as our global Gap Year guide, and now helps ensure that our Gap operations run smoothly. During the summer, Erik manages our Come With Nothing, Go Home Rich programs in Thailand and Laos. Erik is an avid skydiver, scuba diver, surfer, and fisherman, and is a fearless connoisseur of exotic foods.

Erica SchultzGap Year Admissions CoordinatorHailing from Oregon, Erica majored in Spanish and played basketball at Pacific University before becoming an assistant coach. Her passion for international service began with a project to fund an orphanage in Uganda, continued on a medical mission in Peru, and landed her a position at Rustic Pathways. Erica has worked for us in both Costa Rica and Ghana. As Gap Year Admissions Coordinator, she helps high school graduates connect with life-changing experiences all over the world.

Carly CaldroneGap Year AdministratorCarly supports our growing Rustic Pathways Gap Year division as a vital administrator. While Cleveland has always been home, she has also lived in Italy and Brooklyn, New York. Carly knows firsthand how powerful and life-changing world travel can be and loves that her job allows her to provide that opportunity to young people on the threshold of adulthood. When not working, you can find Carly reading an interesting new book or on an outdoor adventure with her young daughter.

Kevin PorterProgram Operations DirectorKevin enters his second year directing our global program operations after serving as Ghana Country Director for three years. Now based in Boston, he manages our dedicated team of country directors and ensures the quality of the programs we deliver on the ground. Prior to joining us, Kevin worked with development organizations in East Africa, completed research for the United Nations in South Korea, and oversaw leadership programs while attending Harvard University.

Ann FullerCommunity Partnerships DirectorAnn brings a wealth of knowledge and ex-perience as our global community service director. With a master’s in urban planning from NYU, Ann has been integral to our Fiji operations and the development of the Nasivikoso School in the Nausori Highlands. She now applies her expertise to ensure that our service initiatives meet rigorous standards and achieve meaningful results, and that our partner organizations are le-gitimate providers whose approaches are rooted in best practice.

Brent WatkinsVice President – Program OperationsBrent holds a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins University where he is also an adjunct faculty member. Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, Brent managed the training and preparation of new classroom teachers for Teach For America. With extensive experience in learning development and teacher training, Brent ensures the highest level of quality across our programming. He works with our staff around the world to develop powerful curricula for all of our programs.

Gary HoltMedical Training and Safety ManagerAn instructor in wilderness first response, Gary gives emergency training to those who work in environments with little medi-cal infrastructure. He has certified hundreds of our staff across the globe in the Wilder-ness First Responder course. With great expertise and a knack for making learning fun, Gary introduced Wilderness First Re-sponder Certification to our summer and Gap Year programs. Originally from Idaho, he has traveled throughout Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, and Latin America.

Pattiya TaedaengpetchSoutheast Asia Regional DirectorFor 16 years, Pat has brought his profession-alism, vast knowledge of Budd hism, zany sense of humor, cheerful nature, and love of adventure to our Southeast Asia team. From a small town outside of Kanchanaburi Thailand, he is an experienced computer engineer, a talented photo grapher, a for-mer Buddhist monk, and a fully licensed tour guide. A true Rustic Pathways all-star and one of our most beloved global direc-tors, he is responsible for smooth opera-tions throughout all of Southeast Asia.

Evan WellsSouth Pacific Regional DirectorBorn in New Zealand and living between Australia and Fiji, Evan has spent more than two decades helping to shape 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, you can find Evan spending time going on adventures with his wife Lisa and their two young boys, Henry and Sam. He also races competitively in long-distance running events.

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Sam MurrayAustralia Country Director

A native Australian, Sam worked as an outdoor education teacher and

camp manager for ten years before joining Rustic in 2008. His extensive travels abroad have fostered his passion for creating life-changing experiential education programs for students. Sam loves sharing adventures with people and is proud to show off his beautiful country. Outside of work, you’ll find Sam surfing, diving, fishing, and spending time with his wife and three young daughters in Melbourne.

Amy ThomsonAustralia Program Leader

Originally from Queens land, Amy now lives in the East Kimberley

region of Australia’s Outback. With a degree in wildlife science, she has previously worked as a tour guide at some of Australia’s premier destinations including Fraser Island and El Questro Wilderness Park. Amy helps manage our Outback operations, leads programs around Australia, and runs group and gap programs throughout the South Pacific. Amy’s caring personality makes her a great leader and favorite among students.

Alejandro RomeroAustralia Program Leader

With a degree in business and various outdoor qualifications,

Alejo has been an integral part of the Australian team since 2012. Originally from Colombia, he now lives in Australia full time. Alejo enjoys and excels at managing our Aussie Surf and Service and Seven Wonders programs, as well as Group and Gap programs. With a unique South American twist to his new-found Aussie accent, Alejo brings an exciting blend of cultures to our programs in the South Pacific.

Chit OoBurma Country Manager

Hailing from Kengtung in eastern Shan State, Chit Oo has been

working for Rustic Pathways since 2009. He has a degree in geography from Kengtung University and enjoys sharing his Shan culture and stories of hill tribe people with our students. In addition to Shan, Chit Oo has mastered English, Burmese, and Thai. He likes to work on his photography skills, and while running programs you will always find him snapping shots of the group at each and every site.

Myint ZawBurma Country Manager

Myint Zaw comes from a small village near U Bein Bridge in

Amarapura. After years of working with foreign tourists, he now speaks English and French in addition to his native Burmese. Myint Zaw’s extensive knowledge of the Amarapura region and his clever sense of humor make him a valued part of our Burma team. He has a passion for history and loves sharing his country’s culture with all. When not guiding trips, Myint Zaw enjoys time with his wife and daughter.

Min Soe San ‘Bao Joe’SE Asia Senior Program Manager

A law student at the University of Taungngu, Bao Joe hails from

a small fishing village between Yangon and Mandalay. In addition to Burmese, he speaks English, Thai, and Karen and enjoys teaching others about the warm culture of the Burmese people. Bao Joe leads trips in both Burma and Thailand each year, and he provides a great bridge between these uniquely different cultures, spending much of his time each summer at the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home.

Alexis SimchakCambodia Country Director

Alexis has extensive experience in Southeast Asia. A graduate of Penn

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

Pannha EnCambodia Country Manager

Pannha is a graduate of the National University of Manage-

ment in Phnom Penh. Known for his gentle-hearted nature and quick smile, Pannha hails from humble roots in rural Cambodia and is fluent in both English and Khmer. When he is not hard at work behind the scenes organizing our Cambodia program operations, he enjoys playing volleyball. We will be adding another member to our Rustic family this spring, as he and his wife welcome their first child – a baby boy!

Yi YoeurnCambodia Program Manager

Born in the historic town of Kampong Cham in central

Cambodia, Yi has quickly become an integral part of our team. Smart, talented, and a natural leader, Yi enjoys sharing Cambodian culture and the beautiful sites of his country with our students. Yi’s broad smile and radiant energy are infectious, andhe is always a favorite among students on our service programs. When not running programs in Cambodia, he enjoys spending time at Olympic stadium.

Ricardo RomeroCosta Rica Country Director

From Turrialba, Costa Rica, Ricardo joined Rustic Pathways ten years

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

Wainer OcampoCosta Rica Country Manager

During his many years with Rustic Pathways, Wainer’s patience and

constant smile have won him a special place in the hearts of our students and have made him an excellent manager of our operations. A Costa Rica native, Wainer has also spent time in the United States, where he completed a cultural exchange at Hiram College in Ohio. Wainer’s seemingly endless energy keeps our Tico team going, and even after a long day, you can still find Wainer out salsa dancing.

Emily SandersCosta Rica Program Manager

Emily first encountered Rustic as a student, traveling to Asia

and South America. Emily has become an integral part of the Costa Rica team, having run programs for several years. Emily is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in anthropology. Her mastery of ice-breaker games, talented singing voice, love of sloths, and positive attitude make her a favorite. Always looking for a challenge, Emily also completed the Camino de Santiago, a 510 mile trek across Spain.

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Harry AlvarezDominican Republic Country Director

Born in New York City and raised between the Dominican Republic

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

Isabel RosarioDominican Republic Country Manager

Isabel is a native of the moun-tain town of Jarabacoa and has

a degree in environmental studies. With a background in tourism management and indispensable local knowledge, Isabel is the perfect person to manage our opera-tions in the Dominican Republic. Her ex-pertise enables us to work in rural villages and strengthen our relationships in these communities. In her spare time you can find her drinking a cafecito or gardening with her two young daughters.

Halle JacksonDominican Republic Program Manager

A native of the fishing town of Sabana de la Mar in the Dominican

Republic, Jackson is a naturalist guide who has led conservation efforts in Los Haitises National park for several years. He is a founding members of the local Green Brigade group and loves to take students on nature tours. In his spare time, Jackson sings in a band with his two brothers, writing and producing their own music. He also loves to prepare big Dominican meals for his friends and family.

Ana DuguleleFiji General Manager

Ana has been a key member of our Fiji team for more than eight years.

She oversees our operations throughout the country and works tirelessly behind the scenes. With an exceptional local knowledge base and an amazing ability to juggle many tasks, Ana plays a critical role in the success of our Fiji operations. She has been an asset in creating a genuine, local experience for our students. When not working, you can find Ana spending time with her husband and five children.

Aimee GunnFiji Adventure Program Manager

Aimee’s appreciation of nature and passion for the outdoors led

her to the University of Florida where she studied natural resource conservation. She has led and managed our programs in Fiji for three years and enjoys developing service projects with our partners in Fiji. Aimee grew up on the beaches of southern Florida and finds solace in the sunshine and ocean. Aimee is an incredible role model for students and always likes to remind them that life is better in board shorts.

Isoa ‘Sox’ KoroiwaqaFiji Service Projects Manager

Sox is a graduate in management and tourism from the University of

the South Pacific, Fiji where he served for five years before he joined us in 2014. He has worked extensively with communities throughout the Fiji Islands in tourism and natural resource development. Sox visits all of our program operations in Fiji, checking on the progress of our community service projects and working hard to make sure that they are completed in the most sustainable way possible.

Eric BraggGhana Country Director

Prior to joining as a full-time staff in 2014, Eric worked as

a program leader in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Ghana. A native of Connecticut, he earned a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s in sustainable development in Sweden. As Ghana Country Director, he enjoys sharing his passion for local wildlife, politics, and the diversity of cultures around the country. Eric enjoys running, hiking and exploring Northern California.

Moses AlhassanGhana Program Manager

Moses is entering his fifth year working with Rustic Pathways. He

first developed a passion for introducing foreigners to Ghana as a young boy growing up in Mole National Park, where his father is the longest serving nature guide. Moses studied tourism operations in school and has deftly managed our in-country logistics since joining the Rustic Pathways team in Ghana. When not leading trips, Moses can be found exploring the countryside on his motorcycle.

Nana NyamekyeGhana Program Manager

Nana is entering his fourth year leading programs for Rustic.

Originally hailing from Mole National Park, Nana is passionate about showing off his vibrant country to new visitors. He speaks nine of Ghana’s languages fluently, and is also a talented soccer player. Nana is one of the inventors of Rustic Pathways Tomato Baseball and ensures that fun is a core component of every trip he leads. He has a degree in marketing from Tamale Polytechnic University.

Kai JohnsonIndia Country Director

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in

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

Sudarshan Singh DeoraIndia Country Manager

Sunny comes to us with a background in the Indian

tourism industry and a degree in tourism management. A constant source of energy and excitement for Rustic Pathways students in India, Sunny is always ready to teach people about his native state of Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area. He is an admirer of Indian folk music and a fan of the many colorful flavors of Indian food. Sunny is also a star cricket player. If you’re lucky, he’ll teach you how to swing for sixes!

Divya S. ParameshwaranIndia Country Manager

A native of Kerala, Divya is an invaluable member of our India

team. Her zest for adventure, passion for exploring new things, and extensive knowledge about Indian culture and traditions make her a her a formidable tour designer. She earned an MBA with a focus on international tourism and has worked extensively in the Kerala backwaters tourism industry. In addition to her operations expertise, Divya is a phenomenal cook. She lives with her husband in New Delhi.

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Tara McCarneyLaos Country Director

After studying psychology at Dartmouth College, Tara earned

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

Khamla SibounheuangLaos Country Manager

Khamla is a leading force behind the development of our Laos

team and has managed operations for seven years. Originally from the heart of rural Xayaboury province, he received a degree in economics in Luang Prabang, where he now lives with his wife and young daughter. Khamla is always ready to tackle any challenge, expertly managing our year-round programs. He has also been instrumental in the expansion of our Luang Prabang Base in Laos.

Davanh ‘Paradon’ SimphouvanhLaos Country Manager

Born in the village of Nam Ma in the northern province of Bokeo,

Laos, Paradon studied business and law at Manivanh College in Luang Prabang. There he learned excellent English-speaking skills that have made him a great program leader and favorite with our students, as well as a patient language tutor for other members of the Laos staff. Paradon is best known for his strong leadership, vibrant smile, adventurous spirit, and exceptional athleticism on the soccer field.

Chanthavong ‘Vong’ KeopanyaLaos Program Manager

From a small village outside Luang Prabang in Laos, Vong joined our

team full-time in 2012. He is a graduate of Luang Prabang Technical School, speaks Lao, Thai, and English, manages several community service projects at the Ricefields Base, and also runs our weekend side trip to Laos each week. Vong has traveled throughout Southeast Asia and to the United States. His warm, outgoing personality makes him a great trip leader and a favorite among students.

Chaima Ait Al MekkiMorocco Country Manager

Born and raised in Marrakech, Chaima has been with us since our

first summer in Morocco. Fluent in Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, she is an invaluable resource and guide. Chaima has a degree in actuarial finance and combines her knowledge of business, languages, and culture to manage stellar programs. Chaima is a champion of giving back to her community and a strong believer in the power of cross-cultural discussions to better understand one another.

Mehdi Bentaouet Morocco Program Manager

A finance major and native of Tangier, Mehdi shares his knack

for bargaining and his passion for his home country with students. Mehdi has travelled extensively in the Middle East and North Africa, and has a profound understanding of Moroccan culture and history. Mehdi speaks Arabic, English, and French fluently and is a star on the basketball court. When not running programs, you can find Mehdi hiking to the Bridge of God and Akchour waterfall, two of his favorite spots.

Kelly MoynihanPeru Country Director

Kelly’s fluency in Spanish and commitment to community

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

Alex BallPeru Country Manager

Alex has led Rustic service pro-grams for nine years in both Costa

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

Aaron AlvarezPeru Country Manager

Our resident Cusqueño, Aaron graduated from San Antonio Abad

University with a degree in tourism and has extensive experience in the industry. After traveling through Peru and most of the other countries in South America, Aaron began working with Rustic in 2012. A true jack of all trades, he brings a strong work ethic and exceptional attention to detail to our team. After a long day in the office, you can find Aaron at a live music show or at a futból match with friends.

Kelci PikePeru Program Manager

A five-year guide for Rustic, Kelci loves hiking, trekking, and

exploring the outdoors with summer, school group, and Gap Year students. Kelci graduated from Brandeis University with a double major in sociology and international studies. She is passionate about sustainable service projects and impresses students with her incredible travel stories. When Kelci is not working for Rustic, she works as a social worker and snowboarding instructor in Taos, New Mexico.

Julie ArendtNew Zealand Program Manager

An Ohio native and graduate of Cleveland State University,

Julie loves making new friends during adrenaline-pumping activities. She shared her passion for adventure with others during her time as a ski instructor and whitewater rafting guide before joining the Rustic Pathways team. Julie has led programs in New Zealand, Australia, and the Fiji Islands since 2012. Julie’s excellent organizational skills keep our South Pacific programs running smoothly.

Kayla FreshwaterNew Zealand Program Manager

Kayla joined our team in 2014 to lead programs in the South

Pacific. With a degree in sustainable tourism management from Griffith University and qualifications in outdoor recreation, Kayla brings a unique skill-set to the team. She has exceptional knowledge of Australia and is passionate about sharing her country with students. Kayla is a strong leader who has travelled extensively around the world. You can always find Kayla outside, exploring and looking for her next adventure!

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Patrick ZiemnikTanzania Country Director

Patrick began his career in experiential education managing

Harvard’s First-Year Outdoor Program while a student. After graduating with high honors from the social studies department, Patrick continued his passion for social enterprise and community service as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Massachusetts. He brings his strong leadership skills, love of the outdoors, hearty laugh, and years of experience as Mongolia Country Director to our operations in Tanzania.

Jackson PaulTanzania Program Manager

Coming from his hometown of Karatu, Jackson has been working

for us for three seasons with our Gap Year students and summer Culture in the Crater program. Serving as our volunteer project manager on the program, Jackson’s boundless energy, passion for working with students, and commitment to creating great experiences are profound. He loves to read books, travel, watch movies, and play soccer. Jackson is fluent in Swahili, English, and his tribal Iraqw.

Wanjiru ChabedaTanzania Program Leader

Wanji is a project manager for a marketing company in her

hometown of Nairobi, Kenya, and began leading Rustic Pathways programs in the summer of 2012 in Tanzania. Educated in South Africa, her marketing and public relations experience makes her an excellent communicator and facilitative leader. An athlete as well as a savvy marketing professional, Wanji was a member of the 2005 and 2006 Kenya National Hockey Championship Teams.

Bryan HaggertyThailand Country Director

Bryan studied philosophy at Saint Michael’s College before moving

to Southeast Asia where he has lived and worked for more than a decade. Prior to joining Rustic, he spent several years teaching at Chiang Mai University and volunteering for an NGO that advocates for ethnic minority groups in the region. Bryan speaks fluent Thai and Lao, has managed our Thailand operations since 2008, and currently splits his time between Southeast Asia and New England.

Timothy GillespieSE Asia Regional Service Manager

Tim graduated from Frostburg State University’s Parks and

Recreation Management program, and spent much of his youth in America’s backcountry. Having led wilderness expeditions in the Appalachians, the Rockies, and throughout Asia, he has spent years living at the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home. Tim now oversees all service initiatives and village development plans in Southeast Asia including our Come With Nothing, Go Home Rich program.

Manitchaya ‘Jib’ HemuthaiThailand Logistics Manager

An Udon Thani native and university graduate, Jib holds a

Thailand national guide license from Chiang Mai University. She has risen through the ranks over the years at our Thailand headquarters, and now manages logistics at our Ricefields Base and the Ricefields Hotel. Jib is also helps run many of our Gap programs throughout Southeast Asia. Jib is Wilderness First Responder certified. She has a real heart for animals and owns three cats, two dogs, and five rabbits!

Keegan KennedySoutheast Asia Gap Year Manager

Keegan has been teaching, studying, and researching in

Thailand for the last nine years. Originally from northern California, he completed his master’s thesis on the effects of forest fires on floral and fungal communities. Keegan is fluent in both written and spoken Thai and Lao, and brings his deep knowledge of Southeast Asia’s eco-systems, history, and cultures to Rustic Pathways operations year-round. He now manages all of our Gap Year and Group programs in the region.

Erin MurphySoutheast Asia Program Manager

Prior to joining us, Erin spent three years in Thailand teaching

business English at Khon Kaen University where her love for all things Thai began. Erin manages programs at the RP Children’s Home where she enjoys practicing Thai. Erin also works with our groups department to help customize program curricula for schools traveling to Southeast Asia. Erin holds degrees in sociology and economics from Notre Dame and a master’s in education from Harvard.

Angelica CalabreseGap Year Curriculum DesignerIn high school, Angelica traveled with us and fell in love with travel and cultural exchange. While studying anthropology at Yale University, she led service learning trips to Uganda where she began to under-stand the potential these programs have to create positive impacts in host communi-ties and facilitate personal growth. She now draws on her studies as an anthropol-ogy major and extensive leadership experi-ence as she leads programs and develops our core Gap Year curriculum.

Scott MathewsFinancial Aid ManagerA Seattle native, Scott earned a BA in international relations from Tufts University. He started his career in financial services and consulting before his passions for travel and experiential education brought him to Rustic Pathways. Forward thinking and creative, Scott works across the organization to strengthen our operations and has dedicated himself to fully developing our financial aid department to make our programs accessible to as many students as possible.

Lauren AndersonAlumni Association CoordinatorLauren holds degrees in Spanish and economics from Emory University. After six years overseeing Rustic Pathways service projects and operations in Costa Rica, she now manages our Alumni Association. Lauren facilitates the continuation of student involvement in Rustic Pathways, organizing a multitude of events and opportunities. She receives parent and student stories with great enthusiasm, and is genuinely motivated by the projects that our students take on each year.

Yutthana SangtiengnanRustic Pathways Children’s Home Director

Born in Mae Sariang, Yut has been part of the Rustic family for more

than a decade. A native Karen speaker with a kind-hearted nature, Yut manages day-to-day operations at the Rustic Pathways Children’s Home, one of our largest initiatives in the region. He also takes time to mentor each of the children who live at the Home. Yut makes sure Rustic students get to see Thai hospitality in action, welcoming them to his childhood home and teaching traditional Karen weaving.

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As a leader in our industry, we take the health and well-being of our students very seriously. While we believe in the transformative power of expanding one’s boundaries, we are heavily invested in managing the risks of doing so. Our comprehensive training programs, year-round presence in countries, rigorous safety standards, and continued commitment to evaluating risks ensure we remain at the forefront of our industry.

Philosophy of RiskWe understand that risk is an inherent part of our programs. We travel to remote destinations, expose our students to unfamiliar surroundings, and encourage growth through new experiences. When conducted responsibly, these experiences create student transformations that are impossible to replicate elsewhere, and for this reason, our risk management system remains a fundamental component of all our programs. It is driven by strong leadership and thorough implementation throughout our ground teams and partners.

Three Tiers of Risk ManagementWe have developed a three-tiered approach to risk management: company-wide, country-specific, and program-specific. Our Safety and Risk Management Director establishes global policies and maintains crisis response protocols. Country Directors and their teams develop risk management plans for each program and location while closely monitoring local conditions through on-the-ground reports. Finally, we partner with International SOS, one of the most reputable providers of medical and security services for travelers.

Student and Parent ResponsibilitiesOur students and parents also play a crucial role in maintaining the safety of our programs. We rely on our students to understand and comply with the rules of our programs as outlined in our Student Pledge. We expect our parents and students to fully and accurately complete our enrollment forms in a timely manner.

What About…

International SOSInternational SOS is a medical emergency service provider that allows all our students access to emergency evacuation services and expert health advisors. A 24-hour provider, International SOS has 27 assistance centers around the world staffed by multilingual professionals, as well as 35 clinics and a fleet of air ambulances.

Risk Management PlansRisk Management Plans identify known or fore-seen risks and detail the protocols by which we respond to urgent situations. Each Risk Man-agement Plan details the risks and responses that are specific to a particular 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 for help.

Safety Training for LeadersAll summer Program Leaders are First Aid and CPR certified, while many are also Wilderness First Aid certified, Wilderness First Responders, or EMTs. Programs in rural areas are staffed with leaders that have the highest level of training. All Program Leaders receive in-country training that covers medical issues and emergency response. Additionally, we regularly hold Wilderness First Responder courses for our local staff members all over the world.

Safety and Risk Management

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We inspire curiosity and passion for exploration through genuine experiences. We stray off the tourist track and encourage our students to ask questions and engage with locals.

We design unique programs that allow students to form meaningful connections around the world. We believe that creating personal connections improves the quality of our experiences and emphasizes our shared humanity, no matter who we are or where we come from.

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

We facilitate group discussions that help our students process, learn from, and understand what they experience. Our program leaders are trained to ask thought-provoking questions and to encourage students to take the lead in providing the answers.

Student ImpactWe believe that purposefully designed travel experiences can develop students who better understand complex issues and are prepared to take on challenges, whether local or global. Our service initiatives are designed to utilize students’ skill sets and facilitate interaction with local people, allowing them to learn while contributing to purposeful projects. We strive to provide immersive travel experiences that shape students’ perspectives on the world, foster a sense of shared humanity, and ensure that students go into the world making globally minded decisions.

To ensure that our students have formative experiences, we ask them to follow our core learning values. These values act as a guide that encourages learning and engaging while traveling through new cultures and places.

Core Learning Values

At the core of our program design is the notion that what you experience while traveling will profoundly shape who you are and how you view the world. Because we believe that travel provides an unparalleled opportunity for learning, we intentionally design our programs to promote the personal growth of our students.

RespectAs travelers, we will learn to always conduct ourselves as positive ambassadors of our home countries, families, and the Rustic Pathways global community. We will be respectful of local cultures and remain aware of how our actions are perceived by others.

EngageWe will strive to be active global citizens by engaging with the people and places we come into contact with, and understanding the inter-connectedness of our actions. We will be compassionate and open-minded participants in cross-cultural dialogue and exchange, taking responsible action when needed.

GrowWe will achieve personal growth by challenging our social, physical, and emotional boundaries and reevaluating preconceived ideas and assumptions. As we reflect on our global experiences, we will work to integrate these lessons into our everyday lives.

Student Learning

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EducationWe partner with schools to upgrade facili-ties and enrich student learning through English tutoring, computer lessons, and arts and sports programs.

InfrastructureA variety of service initiatives fall under this focus, including the installation and maintenance of water systems and toilets, and the construction or repairing of community facilities and homes.

EnvironmentWe partner with local organizations and national parks to help support their efforts in environmental conservation and resto-ration, wildlife protection, resource man-agement, and animal welfare.

Community Health and Social ServicesWe partner with a range of health and social service providers to support community health screenings, meal programs, and other service initiatives for community members.

Economic DevelopmentWe work with community members on projects that initiate or improve small family businesses such as the development of fish ponds, chicken coops, or other small-scale agricultural enterprises.

5 Areas of Focus

Rustic Pathways community service is designed to achieve the dual goals of positive community impact and effective student learning. We believe that through responsible travel and well-designed service initiatives, our students comprehend pressing social and environmental challenges at a global level, and are able to contribute to efforts that combat these challenges at a local level.

Our service programs engage students in a wide range of projects where they work alongside local communities and are challenged to think about their role in the global community. We maximize the effectiveness of community service work by taking on long-term initiatives managed by full-time locally based staff who work with communities to plan and implement meaningful projects. Many of our ongoing projects have been taking place over periods of months or years and involve dozens or even hundreds of students.

Community Service

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Identify and Design Projects with Local PartnersWe spend time with our local partners and community members on the ground to understand their needs and priorities. In collaboration with partner communities, we design projects that both address needs and build on community strengths.

Provide Students Opportunities to Engage We collaborate with our partners to create well-defined roles for our students that harness their skills and ensure they make a meaningful contribution. Students are able to select programs based on their personal interests and skill sets, maximizing both their experience and the success of our service initiatives. In addition to participating in direct service projects, students also learn from their work and better understand their role in the global community.

Work Together to Achieve GoalsOur students join the efforts of our local partners during their programs and work collaboratively to achieve project goals. Both students and communities utilize the unique skills they bring and learn from and about each other. Through the year, our staff and local partners continue to push projects forward and monitor and evaluate their effectiveness.

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

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

Our Approach to ServiceWe take a comprehensive approach to community service, working with community partners from the design process through to monitoring and evaluation. Each year, we publish a global community service report that presents our progress, accomplishments, and goals for the future. Visit rusticpathways.com/service-report. Below is the process we follow in designing, implementing, and evaluating our service initiatives.

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Gap Year SemestersEmpowering Three-Month ProgramsA Gap Semester is a three-month adventure that will change your life. Spend time exploring, learning, and volunteering in any of several incredible regions. Gap Semesters are your chance to see and do it all, and to give back along the way. Each Gap Semester is carefully planned to provide adventurous, well-rounded, and logistically smooth experiences. The rich experience of each Gap Semester contains a mix of working on community service projects, learning valuable skills, seeing culturally important places, and embarking on outdoor adventures.

Perfect TimingWhether you’re planning a full year of adventure abroad, deferring your first semester of college, or taking time away from school in the spring, Gap Semesters are the perfect length of time to travel. Fall Gap Semesters start on September 15, so you can enjoy the summer with your friends, and finish in mid-December, allowing you to be with family over the holidays. The four spring Gap Semesters start on February 1, giving you just enough time after the New Year to prepare for your journey.

Gap With ConfidenceYour Gap Year can boost your sense of indepen-dence and confidence as you overcome challenges and help others. You’ll finish your program an expe-rienced world traveler with plenty of stories and first-hand knowledge of amazing places. Studies show that students who have had well structured experi-ences like these are more motivated and perform better in future academic pursuits as a result.

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Backroads of Asia II: Golden Lands and World Heritage

February 1 – April 30, 2016

Pages 40 – 43

Ultimate African Explorer


Pages 36 – 39

Spanish Immersion and ServiceSeptember 15 – December 13, 2015


Pages 32 – 35

Backroads of Asia I: Kathmandu to ColomboSeptember 15 – December 12, 2015

Pages 20 – 23

Service in Southeast Asia

September 15 – December 14, 2015

Pages 24 – 27

South Pacific Service and Ocean SkillsSeptember 15 – December 14, 2015

February 1 – May 1, 2016

Pages 28 – 31

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Backroads of Asia IKathmandu to Colombo Nepal | India | Sri Lanka

TREK among Himalayan peaks and feel the power of the world’s tallest mountain range.

MEDITATE, practice mindfulness, and pursue inner peace in the land where Buddhism originated.

GET INVOLVED with ongoing projects designed to assist Tibetan refugees living in India.

WATCH the sun rise over the Bay of Bengal and set over the Arabian Sea from Kanyakumari.

SEE the Taj Mahal, explore the pink walled city of Jaipur, and live in a Rajasthani village.

SET SAIL on the Indian Ocean and search for the world’s largest animal – blue whales.

CRUISE the backwaters of Kerala, making stops along the way to lend a hand at village schools.

Sep. 15 – Dec. 12, 2015

Program Cost: $13,995

Internal Flights: $ 595

Start: Kathmandu, Nepal

End: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Travel to and from start and end locations not included. Dates and prices as of December 2014,

visit our website for updates.

Questions: [email protected]

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The Indian subcontinent has long been a favorite of seekers, wanderers, and of course, Gap Year students. They 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. This semester is the first installment of two Backroads of Asia semesters, which survey the highlights of the continent, and take time to engage in ongoing community service projects.

NepalYour semester begins in the capital city of Kathmandu. Home to 2.5 million inhabitants, Kathmandu has been shaped by rural, urban, ancient, and modern influences. During the first few days, participate in orientation activities and explore

UNESCO World Heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley, including the Buddhist stupa of Boudanath and the Hindu cremation ghats of Pashupatinath.

Next, lace up your hiking boots and head to the mountains of the remote Langtang region to start a week-long trek into the Himalayas. Stay in small villages, relax in teahouses, swim in hot springs, and watch the stars glimmer above 26,000-foot peaks. Spend several days living with a local family and working on community service projects involving construction, teaching, and conservation.

From here your journey will take you inward as you engage in a retreat at a Buddhist monastery where you will practice meditation and learn about philosophy. After several days of quiet reflection, you’ll feel clearheaded and at peace as you embark on a three-day trek through the southern Himalayas, again staying with local families along the way.

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Your trek ends at Chitwan National Park. Take a Jeep safari through the jungle and keep an eye out for elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, and perhaps the endangered and elusive Bengal tiger.

IndiaIndia, home to 1.25 billion people, a great number of religions, and a dizzying variety of cultures and languages, is a world unto itself. After orientation in Delhi, an overnight train will bring you north to McLeod Ganj. The exiled Tibetan government resides here, along with many newly arrived Tibetans in need of support and education as they build new lives. You’ll learn a lot about the challenges facing Tibetans as you stay with a friendly local family, work on service projects, and take part in conversations with activists, monks, and artists.

In the nearby village of Balla, you’ll find a mix of Nepali and mountain cultures. Enjoy the peaceful village life, swim in the nearby river, and challenge the kids to a game of cricket. Community service projects here will focus on education and construction of public latrines. Moving on to Amritsar, visit the Golden Temple, the holiest site of the Sikh religion. Volunteer at the langar, the kitchen that feeds over 40,000 people a day free of charge. After an overnight train ride to Agra, enjoy a sunrise viewing of the iconic Taj Mahal, then pay a visit to a Wildlife SOS facility and spend two days building habitats for rescued sloth bears.

Board a bus bound for the “Pink City” of Jaipur to explore Amer fort and shop at the local bazaar. Next it’s off to Jodphur, where you’ll zip-line through an ancient Mughal fort. In the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, you’ll take an overnight camel safari under

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the stars. Then visit the Rajasthani village of Galthani to experience a side of India hidden to other visitors. Settle into the rhythm of daily life, practice your Hindi language skills, and learn Rajasthani-style cooking with your homestay family.

Kerala, on the southwest coast of India, is famous for its beaches and backwaters. A kettuvallam houseboat will be your home as you explore a maze of waterways. Teach English at a primary school and learn about the region from the locals before continuing south to the southern-most tip of India, where you can watch the sun rise over the Bay of Bengal and then set over the Arabian Sea.

Sri Lanka Enjoy some well-earned beach time to wind down your semester! Known as Serendib, the Isle of Gems, and as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is truly a welcoming paradise for travelers. The warm Indian Ocean laps pristine beaches and countless species of exotic plants and animals comprise the highest biodiversity in Asia.

The seaside town of Hikkaduwa will be your home base as you swim, surf, and make the most of this ocean wonderland. From here, you’ll head out to sea in search of the largest animals on the planet, blue whales! Spend a few of your remaining days with our local friends back in Hikkaduwa volunteering at a local boys’ home, taking surf lessons, and volunteering at a sea turtle hatchery.

You’ve covered a lot of ground this semester and journeyed both outward and inward. You’ll carry the things you’ve learned and the people you’ve met in your heart forever, and your world will have become a richer place.

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Service in Southeast AsiaThailand | Burma | Laos | Cambodia

COME WITH NOTHING and challenge yourself to live as local people do on a one-of-a-kind service expedition in the hill tribe region of Thailand.

LEARN about life off the grid in the mountains of central Laos during a homestay with a local family in a traditional Hmong village.

EXPLORE the temples of Bagan, cruise through the magical Inle Lake, and work with children during an intriguing journey through Burma, a country all but closed to outsiders for decades.

EXPERIENCE the history of Luang Prabang, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town.

DISCOVER the complex history of Cambodia and help underprivileged youth achieve a brighter future by volunteering your time at our ongoing Cambodia Orphanage Project.

Sept. 15 – Dec. 14, 2015



Start: Bangkok, Thailand

End: Phnom Penh, Cambodia




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This eye-opening journey is our most service-oriented Gap Semester. Living and working in marginalized but welcoming communities across rural Thailand, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia, you will have ample opportunities to serve, learn, and grow as you explore beautiful places unlike any you’ve seen. Your service projects will bring you into contact with indigenous villagers, refugees, and under-privileged children. You’ll be expected to participate in group discussions and “rough it” as you live like a local. When you take a break from service, prepare to be dazzled by sights such as the Shwedagon Pagoda, Wat Doi Suthep, Angkor Wat, and the verdant waterways and jungles of Laos.

BurmaLargely isolated from the outside world for decades, Myanmar (Burma) has only recently opened its borders to visitors. From fascinating sites such as Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, to Mount Popa in Bagan, to treks through remote villages to the homes of our local staff, you will experience Burma as few outsiders can. The trip begins in the remote reaches of eastern Shan State, just a short distance from the borders of China and Laos. Here you will discover one of the true untouched corners of Southeast Asia. Visit Akha, Shan, Akhi, An, and Lahu hill tribes. Then explore the Inle Lake region, where you will trek and learn about regional development initiatives along the way. Explore villages of stilted houses and floating tomato plantations by boat and meet talented local fishermen.

Home to thousands of ancient pagodas, Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage and will serve as the focal point of your time in Burma. Soak up the rich history

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of this region as you visit ancient temples. Then spend quality time at a monastic school and at a rural village outside of town, where you will gain experience teaching, lesson planning, and running a day camp for energetic village children. Finish your time in the Golden Land relaxing on the pristine beaches of southern Burma.

Thailand Kick off the semester with a challenging month of service in northern Thailand’s culturally diverse and naturally stunning mountains. Bring only the clothes on your back and five items of your choice as you embark on Come With Nothing, Go Home Rich, the most advanced, immersive service experience we offer. We’ll teach you some basic Thai and provide you with the equivalent of $60 before sending you out to local markets to buy the clothes and necessities you’ll need for extended homestays in three different hill tribe villages. You will quickly realize that you can live simply in Lisu, Akha, Karen, Lahu, or Hmong villages and get by comfortably with much less than you think. Service will include a mix of construction and infrastructure initiatives. Go home “rich” with appreciation for the cultures that have welcomed you, gratitude for things you may have taken for granted, and inspiration to help others.

LaosExploring Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, you will be struck by the lingering French colonial influence in this laid-back country. Heading north, you will spend a few days in the Hmong village of Na Som. Dive into projects that benefit the community and wander through green rice fields amidst a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs. Your journey will

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continue north to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town and the cultural center of Laos. Enjoy a traditional Lao massage and a bicycle tour through this quaint town before continuing on to Nong Khiaw, where stunning cliffs and secret caves wait to be explored. Here you will join a Khmu village for service projects and cross cultural exchange. Learn about the history and aftermath of the Vietnam conflict in Laos and visit the beautiful seven-tiered Kuangsi Waterfall for an afternoon.

CambodiaThe final chapter of your semester begins in Siem Reap where you will discover the majestic wonder of Angkor Wat and the ancient Khmer Empire. Hop aboard the Rustic Pathways Boat and head into nearby floating villages. As you cruise the waterways of the Tonle Sap, you will see a whole new way of life. Work alongside locals as you complete service projects designed and developed in conjunction with community leaders. Continue on to the nation’s capital, Phnom Penh, and put Cambodia’s current development in context by learning about the country’s tragic recent past under the Khmer Rouge regime during a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. End your journey on a positive note, heading down south to enjoy an excursion to the sunny beaches of Sihanoukville.

This experience will immerse you into some of the most mystical corners of Asia while also offering the opportunity to learn about community development through grassroots service work. Expect to live more with less and to come away from this Gap Semester with a deeper understanding of traditional cultures and of life in remote Southeast Asia.

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South Pacific Service and Ocean SkillsFiji | New Zealand | Australia

LEND A HAND with service projects such as improving sanitation, working with a grassroots agricultural initiative, and teaching English.

SWIM in the crystal-clear waters of Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand and marvel at our diverse underwater world.

EXPERIENCE the thrills of the North and South Islands as you discover why New Zealand is known as the Adventure Capital of the World.

SET SAIL around magnificent islands and learn the ropes while living and training as a crew member aboard a yacht in beautiful Moreton Bay.

EXPLORE beautiful beaches, visit markets, encounter wildlife, hike to waterfalls, and meet the welcoming people of the South Pacific.

Sept. 15 – Dec. 14, 2015 Feb. 1 – May 1, 2016


Internal Flights: $ 1,195

Start: Nadi, Fiji

End: Brisbane, Australia




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Surround yourself in sand, surf and sun as you travel to the far reaches of the South Pacific. You’ll visit Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia on this ocean-focused, service-intensive Gap Semester. From splashing in waterfalls in Fiji and spotting penguins and dolphins while on a cruise in New Zealand to learning to scuba, sail, surf and life-save in the Land Down Under, you’ll experience a perfect balance of community service, adventure and learning on this journey. You’ll hear the legends of the South Pacific from the locals and return their kindness through a wide range of rewarding agricultural, educational and health-based service projects.

Fiji Your journey begins in Nadi, Fiji. You’ll settle in to our Eco-Lodge base house with sweeping views of idyllic Momi Bay. We’ll hold orientation here and get you up to speed on Fijian culture before you participate in a long-term construction project aimed at improving health and sanitation in a nearby community. Other typical projects include volunteering at a primary school and working on environmental projects such as beach cleanups and tree planting to combat erosion.

Next it’s off to the picturesque Yasawa Islands, where you’ll spend a week working on marine monitoring and educational service initiatives. Add in a few exciting excursions to search for manta rays, fish with the locals, or paddle a kayak around the serene bay.

The Rustic Pathways Farm House Base, tucked among the hills in the rugged Nausori Highlands, is your next destination. The farm is part of a grassroots enterprise started by four brothers who continue their work here to provide for their families. Learn

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about their efforts and their plans for the future, as well as how to harvest crops, plant seedlings, and live off the land as you lend a hand on the farm.

You’ll also help with school construction in a traditional village. You will live with a welcoming family here, which is the highlight of this month for most students. Your time spent working on construction projects and tutoring children to boost their English skills will be a rewarding conclusion to your service adventure in the rugged interior of Fiji.

Returning to Momi Bay, you’ll discover the national capital of Suva and try some adrenaline-filled activities such as zip lining and a high ropes challenge. There will also be ample time to relax on white sand beaches, swim in pristine waters, and take a ferry trip to a nearby reef to observe acrobatic spinner dolphins at play!

New ZealandLeaving 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. You’ll visit the world-famous 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 tubing, zorbing, and agro-jetting!

Then fly to the thrill-seeker’s paradise of Queenstown on the South Island. Heart-pounding activities including bungee jumping, skydiving, and paragliding abound here. In Te Anau you’ll and cruise through spectacular Milford Sound, keeping your eyes peeled for penguins, seals, dolphins, and

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whales. Road trip to Wanaka and go rock climbing before heading north to Fox Glacier, where you will spend the morning hiking across the ice. Return to Queenstown to hop a flight to Brisbane, Australia where the adventure continues.

Australia Safety first! Your month of aquatic activities begins with a Surf Rescue Bronze Medallion certification course taught by expert Aussie lifeguards. Living within walking distance of the beach, you’ll learn how to work and play in marine environments and develop valuable skills in the important fields of surf rescue, ocean safety, and first aid.

Your next stop is the Rustic Pathways Glass House Mountains Base, where sweeping views of the nearby range will greet you. Each day you will travel to legendary Aussie beaches for surf lessons taught by local experts. More adventures await in the city of Cairns, the gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the world. First check out the intricately connected ecosystem of the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving rainforest. Returning to Cairns, embark on a multi-day trip on a live-aboard dive boat and obtain your Open Water Diver certification while exploring this underwater wonderland.

To finish out your month on the water, you will again live aboard a boat, this time a yacht, to learn the basics of sailing and earn a Royal Yachting Association certificate. During the day learn about knots and sailing techniques; at night, relax under a sky of endless stars. At the end of your journey, you will have much more than photos to show for these rewarding and exhilarating three months.

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Spanish Immersion and ServiceDominican Republic | Costa Rica | Peru

EXPERIENCE the rich history, spectacular sights, and vibrant cultures of three major Latin American regions on this educational journey.

HELP with community-approved service projects and learn firsthand about the formidable challenges faced by indigenous people.

LEARN Spanish through classes, informal chats, and language immersion and hone your conversational skills as you live with Spanish-speaking families.

EXPLORE exotic locations from the mountains of the Dominican Republic to the rainforests of Costa Rica to the ancient Incan ruins of Peru.

PUMP UP your adrenaline as you raft, zip line, surf, and bike in some of the most alluring adventure destinations in the world.

Sept. 15 – Dec. 13, 2015 Feb. 1 – Apr. 30, 2016



Start: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

End: Lima, Peru




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Come discover the stunning beauty, friendly people, and diverse cultures of Latin America while studying Spanish and engaging in meaningful community service projects. This Gap Semester will take you through the contrasting landscapes and cultures of the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Peru. You’ll practice your Spanish, learn from indigenous communities through service projects and homestays, and gain an understanding of three distinct regions: the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

Dominican RepublicYour journey will begin in the Cordillera Central, where you will take Spanish classes, hike to waterfalls, live with a local family, and enjoy the fresh mountain air of Jarabacoa. Spend the afternoons working with local children on educational and recreational activities that will supplement their school learning and help improve your own Spanish skills.

In Santo Domingo, you will work with our local partner organization to study public health. The Dominican Republic has some of the greatest disparities between rich and poor in the Caribbean, and these inequalities can be seen most clearly in Santo Domingo, the largest city in the region. Moving east to rural La Lomita, put your new Spanish skills and knowledge to use as you work alongside locals on initiatives related to clean water, nutrition or sanitation. These projects will be supplemented with group discussions about the huge impact simple initiatives can make on community health.

Next, work on service projects in communities known as bateyes, where Haitian-Dominicans try to survive by cutting sugarcane for very low wages. Bateyes often lack running water, electricity, and basic necessities. Most of the residents here have fled the crushing poverty in neighboring Haiti in hopes of finding better lives. You will also take part

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in a Wilderness First Aid course during which you will learn some practical medical skills that are useful for travelers and adventurers.

Spend your last days in the Dominican Republic on the coast enjoying the beach town of Bayahibe. Take a ride on a catamaran to Isla Saona, where you can snorkel, swim, and enjoy the idyllic coastal scenery. Enjoy some time in the historic colonial zone of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing your adventure in Costa Rica.

Costa RicaThe second month of your semester brings you to Costa Rica, where you’ll continue learning and practicing Spanish while exploring this jewel of Central America. A perennial favorite on lists of the world’s happiest countries, Costa Rica has invested in protecting its natural resources and has a

constitution banning a standing military. “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 your time here learning about sustainable farming and conservation and improving your Spanish both in the classroom and in informal conversations. Surf, splash, rappel, and zip line your way through pristine beaches, jungles, and rivers from the Caribbean to the Pacific. The beaches, surfing, whitewater, and rainforests here are world class! Learn about the indigenous Maleku people’s harmonious relationship with nature, run an English language and soccer clinic for local youngsters, and see why Costa Rica is Rustic Pathways’ single most popular destination country. Keep focused on fun and participation, and you’ll find your Spanish skills improving by the day.

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Peru Peru is home of the towering Andes mountains and indigenous cultures with strong ties to a proud Incan heritage. From the Amazon rainforest to the peaks of the Andes, its complex national identity blends indigenous roots with colonial influences. On the third month of this semester, you will explore Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the ancient city of Arequipa while working on some of our ongoing service initiatives. A final Spanish course will help to ensure maximum retention of everything you’ve learned during your semester.

Your first destination is Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. A cultural immersion experience in the Sacred Valley will allow you to work alongside descendants of the Incan Empire and live with a local family. This experience will bolster your Spanish skills as you help on service activities such as teaching and

construction projects. Soak in your surroundings as you hike trails used by the Incas for centuries.

Spend a day exploring historic Cusco, then take in the beauty of picturesque Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water, and learn about its indigenous communities. Top off your journey with a visit to the world’s deepest canyon to view Andean condors soaring overhead.

After just three months, you will have traversed Latin America from the Caribbean to Central America and the Andes and heard Spanish spoken with a variety of accents. You’ll have learned about the vibrant cultures in these regions and explored issues of development, public health, immigration, and education. Take what you’ve learned and return home with a broadened perspective on your world, greater Spanish language proficiency, and perhaps a few salsa-dancing steps as well.

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Ultimate African ExplorerSouth Africa | Lesotho | Namibia Zimbabwe | Uganda | Tanzania

CLIMB to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.

DIVE with the biggest and baddest sharks in the ocean as you climb into a steel cage to view South Africa’s great whites near Cape Town.

HIKE through the “impenetrable forest” tracking one of the rarest primates, the silverback gorilla!

FEEL THE THUNDER of the largest waterfall in the world at Victoria Falls.

EXPLORE the endless plains of the mighty Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and the Big 5, Africa’s largest and most powerful animals.

RAFT the headwaters of Africa’s longest river, the mighty Nile!

Feb. 1 – Apr. 21, 2016



Start: Johannesburg, South Africa

End: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania




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This is it – the wildest, most rugged, most thrilling program we’ve ever offered. This semester can only be called the adventure of a lifetime! This advanced semester celebrates African wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. You will walk, drive, hike, fly, boat and swim through six countries and some of the most amazing places on the planet. You’ll also have many chances to give back to local people along the way during community service projects.

LesothoAfter arriving in Johannesburg, journey into Lesotho, known as “The Kingdom in the Clouds” because of its towering mountains and high elevations. The country’s natural splendor belies difficult realities for its population, a large percentage of which faces limited economic and educational opportunities. Join an initiative at a youth center to promote the preservation of local culture and improve education one student at a time. During downtime, you will be able to try outdoor activities including hiking, trout fishing, rock climbing, or horseback riding. If you’re feeling brave, you can jump off a huge cliff at the world’s highest rappelling course (optional), which is set next to the thundering 630-foot Maletsunyane Falls! After bidding farewell to your new friends in Lesotho, you will travel down from the mountains into South Africa.

South AfricaThe route will take you overland to Addo Elephant National Park, famous for its huge herds of wild elephants and other large herbivores, to get your first taste of a real African safari. Moving onward along the stunning coastline, try surfing the famous “supertube” waves of Jeffrey’s Bay, spelunking in

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southern Africa’s most elaborate cave system, and zip lining at Tsitsikamma, where we’ll spend several days. Optional activities here will include ostrich riding (a weight limit does apply!) and bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge. Even veteran thrill seekers will need to summon all of their courage to take a 709-foot plunge on the world’s highest bridge bungee!

During the next week of service you’ll help with the conservation of big cats. Activities will include playing with, feeding, and caring for baby lions, tigers and cheetahs. However, keep in mind that this week is not just about playing with kittens. There will also be hard work involved, and all members of the group will be expected to fully participate.

In Cape Town, you will go hiking and rappelling at Table Mountain, which towers high over the city. Then get ready for exciting optional activities such as skydiving and cage diving with great white sharks. Known for great music and food, Cape Town will also offer plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the laid-back beach-town vibe of South Africa’s most livable city.

NamibiaIn the wilds of Namibia, you’ll scour the barren Skeleton Coast for shipwrecks and travel through Etosha National Park looking for herds of elephants, flocks of flamingos, and prides of lions. If you’re lucky you may even spot one of the world’s most endangered animals, the black rhinoceros.

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UgandaAs you move across the continent from the south to the east, prepare for a truly wild experience. Get your camera, bug spray, and hiking boots ready and trek deep into the jungle to observe endangered silverback gorillas in their natural habitat. Then descend into the headwaters of the Nile River for an exhilarating two-day whitewater rafting trip.

TanzaniaOur programming in Tanzania is legendary, and you’ll experience the best we have to offer while you’re here. Contribute to an ongoing effort to improve the learning conditions at a local primary school. After a few days working alongside these wonderful children, head back out into the wilds on your final safari adventure. You will visit multiple national parks and set up camp in the vast plains of

the Serengeti. Spend your time tracking prides of lions and following the great wildebeest migration, which at its peak can reach up to one million animals!

Snowy Uhuru Peak, atop Mount Kilimanjaro, is your next destination. Set out on a six-day climb to the 19,341-foot-high summit, an experience many past students have cited as the most rewarding part of their entire Gap Year experience. Finally, pull off your boots and wind things down on the tropical island of Zanzibar, where you can snorkel, swim, sail, and lounge until you’ve recovered from the climb. Optional activities here include nature tours, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing. Kick back and relax in a hammock overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean while sipping on fresh tropical fruit drinks and reflecting on three action-packed months’ worth of amazing African memories.

ZimbabweVenturing deeper toward the heart of Africa, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the famous explorer Dr. David Livingston as you visit Africa’s most famous waterfall, Victoria Falls. Educational activities such as bushwalks, workshops, and presentations by local experts will provide context and offer greater understanding of everything from conservation to wilderness survival to sustainable tourism and economic development in the area.

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Backroads of Asia IIGolden Lands and World Heritage Vietnam | Cambodia | Laos Thailand | Burma

EMBARK on an epic journey through the most treasured destinations in Southeast Asia.

TRAVERSE amazing countries by boat, tuk tuk, train, rickshaw, elephant, horse cart, and camel.

MARVEL at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ha Long Bay, Luang Prabang, and Angkor Wat.

WANDER through the ruins of ancient kingdoms and learn about the history of each place you visit.

BEFRIEND villagers who will eagerly open their homes to you and help you understand their lives as you volunteer on various service initiatives.

VENTURE off the map and discover the hidden gems of Southeast Asia.

Feb. 1 – Apr. 30, 2016



Start: Hanoi, Vietnam

End: Yangon, Burma




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For the intrepid traveler, Southeast Asia is brimming with mysterious archaeological sites, fascinating cultures, welcoming people, and delicious cuisines. This second “Backroads of Asia” semester will take you to some of the most significant attractions in Asia, and also some undiscovered gems. You’ll explore each new destination through its history and through service projects with local people.

VietnamYour adventure begins in Hanoi, where the rich history and the frenetic pace of modernization are both immediately palpable. After exploring the city, you will trek into the hills to the north to work on community service projects and experience rural Vietnam. Wrap up your time here with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, a tropical marine wonderland of jungle-clad limestone islands rising from the sea.

CambodiaBeginning in Phnom Penh you’ll learn about the country’s history and the terrible legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Then spend time in the rural Cambodian countryside learning about the culture and livelihoods of local people. Cruise the waterways of the Tonle Sap and drop anchor at a floating village for a few days of volunteer work in the community. Your last stop will be majestic Angkor Wat, where you’ll explore some of the hidden treasures of this architectural marvel with our knowledgeable staff.

LaosArriving in Luang Prabang, you’ll be struck by the French colonial influence. Explore the countryside before heading west to Xayaboury province and the Elephant Conservation Center. Learn about basic veterinary skills and responsible elephant handling as you help care for these amazing creatures.

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The next stop will take you north to Nong Khiaw, where you will float down the Ou River and get a feel for the Lao lifestyle before heading into a village to help out with some of our ongoing service projects. From here, you will head south, back through Luang Prabang to Xieng Khuang province, home of the mysterious Plain of Jars. No one knows the exact origin of these ancient artifacts, which are scattered across one of the largest battle areas of the Vietnam conflict in Laos. Finish your time back in Luang Prabang, where you will have a chance to explore the night market, once a Hmong trading post, and sample some delicious Lao treats before departing for Thailand.

ThailandYou’ll kick off the Thai portion of your journey in Chiang Mai, the heart of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Visit some of the city’s many temples and practice your bargaining skills at the famous night bazaar. Heading out of town, you will arrive in Chiang Dao, famous for its holy caves and towering mountain, one of the tallest and most impressive peaks in Thailand. This area is a treasure trove for botanists and biologists, and walking through the lush forest you will see why. Settle in for a stay at a country eco-resort and take in the view of mountains and rice fields as the sun sets. Over the next few days, you’ll continue through the scenic towns of Pai and Mae

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Hong Son on a road trip that will take you into Thailand’s most remote corners. Stop along the way to ride a bamboo raft through the mountains and to trek through the jungle on an elephant. Then hop a flight to beautiful southern Thailand, where you will have the chance to explore two of the region’s more well-known destinations, Krabi and Phuket. Rock climb on the beach, tour pristine, uninhabited islands, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

BurmaThe adventure continues as you venture to the seldom-seen country of Myanmar (Burma). Your Burmese journey begins in Yangon with a visit to the magnificently gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the oldest and holiest Buddhist sites in the world. Leaving the busy capital behind, your next stop will be the ancient city of Bagan, where you will see the sights by bicycle and take a sunset cruise. Visit Mount Popa to pay your respects to the nats, the spirits that are believed to have inhabited this place for

thousands of years. While in Bagan, you’ll visit ancient temples, teach English at a local monastic school, and run a day camp for local village students.

Next you’re off to Inle Lake in Shan State. Explore villages of stilted houses and floating tomato plantations by boat. See fishermen performing the amazing feat of balancing on the stern of their boats on one foot while controlling an oar with the other. Before leaving the Golden Land behind, you’ll head into the Irrawaddy Delta to relax on the pristine beaches of southern Burma. A lack of tourists and large-scale industry have left the beaches here virtually untouched, making this the perfect place to unwind. Lounge on the beach, swim and snorkel around the islands, and explore fishing communities.

Upon completion of this semester, you will have a unique understanding of the cultures and history of Southeast Asia. You are also sure to have lots of new friends from some of the most beautiful and far-fetched corners of the region.

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Gap Year Blocks

What is a Gap Year Block?Gap Year Blocks are highly structured one-month programs that take place in the South Pacific region. Like Gap Semesters, Gap Year Blocks include diverse offerings like village immersion, outdoor adventure, and community service, but in a shorter format.

Gap Year Blocks are FlexibleEveryone has their own Gap Year goals and schedules, so we’ve made it possible to travel for just one or two months, instead of a full semester. If you are looking for an experience shorter than three months, Gap Year Blocks can be the perfect length.

Make Your Own ChoicesGap Year experiences are as unique and varied as the bright young people who set out on these ambitious journeys. You may wish to spend part of your Gap Year traveling independently, volunteering for a cause you care about, or working on an internship. Just because you have other plans or commitments doesn’t mean you have to miss out on traveling with us. You can still join up with our amazing guides and enthusiastic students and embark on some awesome adventures that work within your busy schedule. With monthly departures throughout most of the academic year, you can plan your travel around whatever else is going on in your life. As long as you plan carefully, your Gap Year is a great time to explore as many of your interests as you can fit in. This might include getting a job at home, volunteering in your own community, and a month or more having the time of your life with Rustic Pathways.

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Adventure Capital of the World

Fiji | New Zealand

November 15 – December 13, 2015February 1 – February 29, 2016

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South Pacific Odyssey

Australia | Fiji

October 15 – November 14, 2015March 1 – March 31, 2016

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Aussie Service Expedition

Australia

September 15 – October 14, 2015April 1 – April 30, 2016

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Aussie Service ExpeditionAustralia

SUPPORT educational efforts in Aboriginal communities on an adventurous camping expedition into Australia’s remote Outback.

VOLUNTEER alongside locals as you teach and organize activities for energetic young students at a rural school in Queensland.

LIVE at the legendary Rustic Pathways Glass House Mountains Base, learn some local lingo, and immerse yourself in the Aussie way of life.

WORK to preserve the natural environment with service projects designed to help protect Australia’s unique biodiversity.

EXPLORE the varying urban centers of Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Darwin during this month of service and adventure.

Sept. 15 – Oct. 14, 2015 Apr. 1 – Apr. 30, 2016



Start: Brisbane, Australia

End: Sydney, Australia

Join as a single program or connect with other blocks. Dates and prices as of December 2014,



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Join us on an exciting service adventure in the only country to occupy an entire continent! Spend time in small-town Australia, visit stunning national parks, see stretches of gorgeous coastline, and fall in love with this beautiful country and its proud people.

The expedition begins on the coast of Queensland, where you’ll reside at our Glass House Mountains Service Base, and finishes with some rest and relaxation on the stunning Sunshine Coast.

Starting in Brisbane, you’ll settle in to our Glass House Mountains Base, where you will be a welcome guest as you give back through service and get to know the longtime friends and family of Rustic Pathways. Here, you’ll work on service projects such as beach cleanups, tree planting, and volunteering at a children’s hospital. Spend time in a rural school helping students with their studies before getting a taste of Queensland’s relaxed lifestyle with a visit to Eumundi Markets, Australia’s largest outdoor market, and the trendy surf town of Noosa.

The Outback portion of the adventure begins as you fly up to Darwin in the far north. Pack up the four-wheel drives and venture into a northern region of Australia’s Outback – the Kimberley. Your time in this remote region of Australia will include service projects designed to support Aboriginal communi-ties and schools. You’ll also join community leaders to provide afterschool programs for Aboriginal youth and head out on an environmental service camp with the kids. Between service projects, ex-plore the stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and gorges that define Australia’s expansive Outback landscape.

Your next stop is the cultural hub of Melbourne, recently declared the world’s most livable city. Here

you will spend a few days touring the local hot spots and enjoying the multicultural urban background. A three-day road trip from Melbourne to Sydney will reveal the pristine coastal beaches scattered throughout southern New South Wales and the region’s awesome wildlife. Stop along the way to help out with environmental service initiatives and take advantage of optional activities such as surfing, diving, fishing, and sea kayaking. You’ll spend the last two days exploring the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Australia’s most famous city. By the end of the month you’ll have developed a deep love for this country, its wonderful people, and its breathtaking natural wonders!

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South Pacific OdysseyAustralia | Fiji

VOLUNTEER your time and energy during projects in two Fijian villages – one in the Nausori Highlands and the other on an island off the coast of Viti Levu.

ENJOY beautiful beaches and seaside activities in the tropical paradise of the Fiji Islands.

DISCOVER Fraser Island – the largest sand island in the world – by four-wheel drive.

CRUISE through the Whitsunday Islands and enjoy the turquoise waters and white sand beaches.

EXPERIENCE the urban side of Australia in the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Brisbane!

EXPLORE the Daintree, the oldest surviving rainforest in the world.

Oct. 15 – Nov. 14, 2015 Mar. 1 – Mar. 31, 2016



Fall Start: Sydney, Australia

Fall End: Nadi, Fiji

Spring Start: Nadi, Fiji

Spring End: Brisbane, Australia




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Culture, service, and adventure provide the backbone for this one-month journey through Fiji and Australia. During this program, you will immerse yourself in village life, invest in ongoing educational and agricultural service initiatives, and explore the stunning natural beauty of Fiji and Australia.

Fiji may be known for its beaches, but friendly, people and proud traditions are its greatest treasures. Get to know the locals through your service work at the schools or by assisting with construction projects in the largely undeveloped Nausori Highland region, where we have been working to enhance education, infrastructure, and agriculture activities for nearly two decades. Learn and work alongside locals who have lived off the land for generations and maintain strong ties to their proud culture. In addition to working hard, enjoy island splendor and renowned hospitality while exploring world-class beaches and historical landmarks such as the Momi Gun site, a

battery left over from World War II. Lounge around bonfires beneath the stars and enjoy watching a traditional Fijian war dance called the meke. Take a ferry out to the Yasawa Islands, where you can snorkel around coral reefs or scuba dive (optional).

In Australia, you will visit the vibrant city of Sydney, stopping at iconic places such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. In Cairns, you will experience the magical Great Barrier Reef, hike through ancient Daintree Rainforest, enjoy the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands, and explore the largest sand island in the world. Embark on a road trip along Australia’s famous east coast, stopping to uncover hidden treasures in small towns off the beaten path. You’ll take a ferry ride down the Brisbane River to admire the city’s skyline and then go on a bike tour or rock climb. Near Brisbane, you will make our Glass House Mountains Base your home, hike to waterfalls, and tour nearby national parks.

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Adventure Capital of the WorldFiji | New Zealand

EXPERIENCE thrilling challenges in New Zealand, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, and wild, adrenaline-fueled sports.

TAKE on the raging Kaituna River and whitewater raft over the world’s highest navigable waterfall – a thrilling 22-foot drop!

ZIP LINE through a towering beech forest on an advanced course that boasts the steepest tree-to-tree platform in the world.

SCALE the majestic peaks of the southern Alps and marvel at their glacial valleys and lakes.

UNWIND on the beach in an island paradise as you swim, lounge, and snorkel the day away.

Nov. 15 – Dec. 13, 2015 Feb. 1 – Feb. 29, 2016

Estimated program cost: $7,495

Internal flights: $ 795

Fall Start: Nadi, Fiji

Fall End: Auckland, New Zealand

Spring Start: Auckland, New Zealand

Spring End: Nadi, Fiji

Join as a single program or connect with other blocks. Dates and prices as of December 2014,



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Perfect for extreme sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this one-month program encompasses the best adventure and outdoor activities New Zealand and Fiji have to offer. Get ready to lace up, strap in, and take the plunge into our most adventurous Gap Year Block! Whether you are already hooked on extreme sports or are just testing the waters for the first time, this trip offers the perfect combination of adventure and touring in two spectacular countries.

In New Zealand, you’ll start by spending a week on the North Island. Indulge in exciting daily adventures such as whitewater rafting, surfing, navigating caverns, and exploring downtown Auckland. After a short flight to the South Island, you’ll find yourself among the majestic Southern Alps. Queenstown, Wanaka, and Fiordlands National Park will be some of the stops on your journey through this outdoor enthusiast’s nirvana. Your time in the South Island

will include rock climbing, hiking, and cruising through Milford Sound. With optional activities such as skydiving and bungee jumping, as well as a few oddly named sports such as canyon swinging and parapenting, your time here promises to be full of memorable challenges.

Say Bula! to the tropical paradise of Fiji, where you will explore endless sand dunes and enjoy pristine beaches. Take a ferry ride to the Mamanuca Islands to beach hop, swim, snorkel, and splash in the waves. Whether you’re a certified diver or a beginner, you’ll have a chance to don scuba gear and explore the undersea world after returning to the larger island of Viti Levu. Challenge yourself at Kila World High Ropes Course, zip line across Pacific Harbor, and then head back out to sea to watch spinner dolphins at play around Moon Reef. Beach activities such as volleyball, swimming, and a campfire at Uprising Resort will make an ideal end to a month of thrilling adventures.

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Brooke CornetetSarasota, FloridaSouthern Methodist UniversityFiji, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, India

Freshman year of col lege I decided that I wasn’t being challenged enough in school and wanted to explore and learn in other ways. I wanted something unconventional and exciting. I graduated in three years in order to fulfill a long time dream of traveling and experiencing the world.

I will always remember the people I traveled with and met along the way. They hold a special place in my heart because it is not just about the experiences but whom you experience them with. I learned a wealth of knowledge about cultures, history, current times, and how to interact with people from all different walks of life. I learned to be independent, but also interdependent on the people around me. The most meaningful things to me were the unexpected.

I am back in school currently, doing a masters program after taking a summer to create a photography book about my travels. I am at SMU in Dallas, Texas majoring in management while exploring a new city with the skills I learned on my gap year.

Student Experiences

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Matthew GuentherMariana, GeorgiaTulane UniversityPanama, Costa Rica, PeruI decided to take a Gap Semester because I was interested in going abroad for a semester of my junior year. I had already done study abroad for a summer through Tulane and I really wanted something that was more rustic and adventurous than living in a city and attending university. I had gone on a Rustic Pathways program in high school and knew I wanted to take a Gap Semester.

The host families we stayed with, from my family at the farm in La Argentina to our family in Pachar were all incredible people with such unique backgrounds. I remember playing soccer with my entire host family in La Argentina, from my little brother Christian to his grandma, everyone played and it was really such a great time. My favorite place we traveled to would have to be Machu Picchu. We were getting to the end of the 10-km walk along the train tracks when it started raining. We were walking along the river in the rain and the mountains were towering above us all around and I have never felt more at peace. On our last night we all sat and watched the sunset together. The kids on the program were all from different places, but we sat there all together as a group of friends. I am back at school, starting my senior year of college at Tulane University in New Orleans. I’m a political science major with a concentration in International Relations.

Mattia PizzagalliWinchester, MassachusettsBoston CollegeThailand, Laos, Burma

I decided to take a Gap year because I was not 100 percent ready for the college commitment. I felt that a gap year would both help me decide what I wanted to pursue and “refuel” myself before going off to college.

Throughout my time in Thailand, Laos and Burma, the biggest lesson I learned was how much better I felt when I acted like myself and did not try to force myself into a mold. In high school I found myself acting like I felt my friends expected me to and not like I wanted to act. During my time overseas there were a lot of chances for me to reflect all about this and it helped me mature a lot. On service outings we were able to not only help the animals of the villages but also utilize the WFR training we received in the first month in Thailand. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to use both of the certifications and training we received. During one of these excursions to the villages, we came across a very sick household. The villagers’ dog was heavily covered in ticks and mange, the baby boy had both an ear and belly button infection, and the father had a dangerously infected wound on his foot. We proceeded to clean all the wounds and treat the infections while also giving the dog both tick and mange treatment. This experience really motivated me to pursue both an Emergency Medical Technician license and the pre-med track at Boston College, where I am currently studying.

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Financial Assistance for Students

At Rustic Pathways, we firmly believe in the transformational power of experiential education and cultural exchange. If it were up to us, every student across the world would have the opportunity to join our life-changing programs. We are committed to making these experiences available to as many students as possible.

Gap Year GrantsWe offer Gap Year Grants to outstanding students from all over the world who demonstrate commitment to success on our programs. These scholarships are awarded to qualified students based on a combination of merit and financial need. They cover 25%, 50%, or 100% of the program cost of Gap Semesters. The recipients of these grants are passionate, involved, and excited about learning new skills and bringing them back to their communities. They are hardworking individuals who have impressed their teachers and peers. Grant recipients are asked to complete a written reflection after their trips and work with Rustic Pathways to spread the word about the life changing benefits of taking a Gap Year. They will also complete a project of their own design, such as a video, blog, documentary, art project, or service initiative.

High School graduates 17-20 years old who have already have graduated from high school by the start of their Gap Year programs are eligible to receive Gap Year Grants. In addition to meeting these requirements, eligible students must complete our standard admissions process.

Visit us online to learn more and submit your grant application. If you would like to apply for a grant, we ask that you submit your Gap Year Grant application before submitting your program application.

Fundraising GuideEach year, many driven students raise enough funds through their own efforts to join Rustic programs. If you need any assistance generating fundraising ideas, we have a Fundraising Guide full of options. Please feel free to reach out to us with questions and view the Guide at rusticpathways.com/fundraiser.

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The Rustic Pathways Travel Experience

Choosing Your Programs1. Ask yourself questions to figure out what type of program would be best for you. Where do you want to travel? For how long? What kind of service, projects,

adventures, and skills courses are you interested in? 2. Talk to us. We want to make sure you find just the right program! Give us a call at 1.800.321.4353 to chat with one of our Gap Year team members about any of

our programs and have all your questions answered. 3. Apply online. Be prepared with your passport number if you have it and a credit card for the application fee. There are several short essay questions so we can

get to know you better. When you’re ready, just head to www.rusticpathways.com/gap and click on the “apply now” button!

I’ve Signed Up, Now What…?1. You’ll receive a welcome email and schedule your interview with the Gap Year Admissions Coordinator. During your interview, we will review the information

you provided on the application and discuss your chosen programs. 2. Be informed. Review the Gap Year Student Handbook for helpful travel advice and contact the Gap Year team. We will be there for you throughout your Rustic

Pathways experience, helping you complete forms and purchase your plane tickets, and answering any pre-trip questions you may have. 3. You will need to fill out medical and other participant forms, make payments on time, and ensure you have a valid passport as well as any necessary visas for

your trip. We’ll help you stay on top of the paperwork and make sure you’re prepared for a smooth start to your Gap Year.4. Follow the packing list provided for your program, and remember, it’s always better to pack light. Just make sure to get the essentials and you’ll be ready to go!

Have an Incredible Trip!1. Your parents will be sent notification emails within 24 hours of your arrival in your destination countries, assuring them that you made it and all is well.2. We have a dedicated phone line for 24-hour emergency support in case your family needs to get in touch with you. With communication sorted out, you’ll be

free to make new friends, discover new places and fully engage with your program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average group size?Group sizes vary by program but are typically made up of 10 to 18 participants.

How many program leaders and staff will be with each group?Our typical staff to student ratio is 1:6. All primary program leaders are fully fluent English speakers, have medical training, and are experienced, trained group leaders. In addition, Rustic Pathways support staff members, such as local guides, make sure our groups are well-supervised.

What are the accommodations during the program?Accommodations vary greatly by location and program. Most programs use hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and sometimes camp in tents. While

accommodations may be basic at times, we carefully check each location to make sure that it is clean and comfortable for our participants.

Will I be safe on my program?Risk is inherent in any activity, whether at home or abroad. Each trip leader must have a minimum of a Wilderness First Aid certification and there must be at least one Wilderness First Responder on each team of leaders. We continually strive to limit risk and keep program leaders well prepared to support and care for our students in both routine and emergency situations. We carefully vet activity and transportation partners to ensure that they are licensed and ensured to the necessary extent. Rustic Pathways is a member of International SOS, a leading organization providing medical and security services for people traveling overseas. These services are available to our students. Learn more about our Safety and Risk Management protocols here: rusticpathways.com/safety.

How are groups supervised?Program leaders accompany each group throughout the entire trip. All activities on the itinerary are coordinated and supervised by our staff. Gap Students typically participate in activities with either their entire group or in smaller groups. During free time, participants are required to check in with their program leaders and pair up if they spend any time away from the group.

How do I apply?Our application is located on our website and can be submitted online. Visit rusticpathways.com/gap.

Is there an application deadline?We accept applications on a rolling basis, but due to limited space on each program, flight costs, and visa requirements, it’s better to apply sooner than later.

What happens after I apply?Upon submission of your application, you will receive a welcome email including an invoice and other important information. Next, a member of our Gap Year Team will contact you to review your application, discuss the programs you have chosen, and answer any questions you have.

What forms and information will I need to submit?You will be asked to electronically sign a Participant Enrollment Agreement, submit a medical form, and send copies of your passport and insurance informa-tion. In some circumstances, a doctor’s signature may be requested to approve your participation.

When is payment due?You may choose to pay the total amount of your invoice in one lump sum or by monthly payments. With the monthly payment option, the total invoice is spread into equal monthly installments with the first payment due 15 days after the acceptance letter is issued. There is no additional cost for this payment program. All programs must be paid in full at least 65 days prior to the scheduled departure date. Students who apply later than 65 days before the departure date will have an accelerated payment schedule.

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

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either graduated from high school or have fulfilled all their requirements to graduate.

Are there scholarships available for these programs?Yes. We offer a number of scholarships that are awarded based on financial need and commitment to success. For more details, check out the ‘Financial Aid’ information on our website.

How do I book my flights?We allow students to buy their own flights to arrive and depart, within specified windows. We’ll help you find flights and make sure your itinerary works before you purchase tickets. Flights that happen within your trip are called “Internal Flights.” They are booked by Rustic Pathways and included in the Internal Flight Charge listed on most programs.

How do I apply for visas?Certain destinations require visas. We are experi-enced with many of the visa application processes and will provide information to help you obtain your visas. The Gap Year Student Handbook contains lots of information about visas and travel.

How will I meet up with my program leaders at the start of my program?A Rustic Pathways staff member will meet you when you arrive in each of your destinations. At the conclusion of each program, we’ll escort you to the airport. As long as you arrive and depart within the guidelines provided, you will never need to make an unaccompanied transfer. Before you leave home, we will provide you with our 24-hour help line as well as local contact information for trip leaders and staff in your destination countries.

Will I need any vaccinations or medications for my trip?Before you travel, you should check with your doctor or visit a travel clinic. If you print the itinerary from the program website and show it to a travel doctor/clinic, they will be able to suggest vaccines or preventative medications for your trip. Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter if you have recently traveled to a region where yellow fever is endemic. You can check with the Center for Disease Control website to see if any shots or vaccinations are recommended for your destination countries. Visit cdc.org.

Do I need medical insurance while I’m traveling?Yes. You may choose your own policy or we can suggest a provider to you, but you must submit proof of medical insurance coverage valid for the duration and locations of your trip.

What if I have food allergies or dietary requirements?We can accommodate most dietary requirements. 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.

Should I bring my phone and computer? In order to make the most of your Gap Year, we strongly urge you to unplug, leave your electronics behind, and focus on your experience! Cell phones are allowed, but must be turned off and put away during activities and any time program leaders ask. Program leaders will provide phones for your use, usually at much lower rates than those offered by

international cell phone companies. We do not recommend bringing a laptop. Our students typically visit internet shops about once a week.

Do I need special skills or experience?Students join us from a variety of backgrounds and bring a diverse mix of skills and experiences. We ask only that you bring a positive attitude and a willingness to engage and learn.

Who should join a Rustic Pathways program?Our programs are designed for positive, open-minded students with a keen interest in experiential learning, adventure, and cultural exchange. Our programs are not suitable for students with unmanaged substance abuse problems, emotional or behavioral issues, or an inability to work constructively in a team environment.

What is included in the cost of my program?Program costs include meals, accommodation, ground transportation, admission fees and activities not marked “optional” on our website or in our cata-log. Optional activities are sometimes available at an added cost. The cost of travel to the start location and onward from the end location is not included.

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It’s your world.

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Go check it out.

Namibia

South Africa

Zimbabwe

Lesotho

Uganda

Nepal

Sri Lanka

1.800.321.4353rusticpathways.com/gap

[email protected] Box 429

Chardon, OH 44024PRINTED IN THAILAND

Rustic Pathways 2015-2016 Gap Year Catalog

Documents

Transcript of Rustic Pathways 2015-2016 Gap Year Catalog