Building a World Where Every Student Can Learn Through Travel
At Rustic Pathways, our vision drives everything we do—from program design to student outcomes. This page outlines where we’re headed, what we believe in, and how we’re shaping the future of global education and sustainable travel.
Global Leadership and Team
Rustic Pathways now has 100 team members across the globe, with hubs in Cleveland, Seoul, New York City, Tokyo, San Francisco, Paris, and Milan. The leadership team meets quarterly in one of these cities to build culture, share strategy, and strengthen collaboration. The sun never sets on Rustic Pathways—our teams work across time zones to deliver excellence worldwide.
Life at Rustic Pathways
Clients often say, “This feels easy,” because behind every seamless trip is a village of passionate professionals. Our teams trust one another to hand off work flawlessly across regions and time zones. The result: an uplifting, innovative environment where people thrive. With over 100 applicants per open role, Rustic is a magnet for creative, capable talent inspired by purpose-driven work.
Brand Recognition and Global Influence
Our growth is reflected in the recognition we’ve earned—awards for Best Places to Work, Fastest Growth, and Best Tour Operator. Rustic Pathways is the most awarded and well-regarded organization in our sector, with imagery featured by National Geographic and Travel + Leisure. Parents often ask how we capture such beautiful images of their children—we call it a touch of Rustic magic.
Student Outcomes and Global Impact
We create “wow” moments that transform lives. Each year, over 15,000 students return home saying, “This was a turning point for me.” Whether they become architects, entrepreneurs, or content creators, they carry a part of Rustic Pathways with them—our optimism, curiosity, and belief that travel changes everything.
Client Trust and Loyalty
We’ve earned the industry’s highest Net Promoter Score—90%. Families trust Rustic Pathways because we deliver consistent excellence year after year. Many discover us through alumni or friends and later return as multi-generational travelers. Our Friends & Family Summer Internship Program fills months in advance—a reflection of enduring trust.
Accessibility and Growth
Rustic Pathways designs programs for every budget—from complimentary invitation-only leadership summits to premium, custom-designed global adventures. We’re equally proud to serve students receiving full scholarships and those seeking deeper, high-end experiences. Every student deserves the opportunity to explore the world and make an impact.
Climate Leaders Fellowship
Now in its 13th cohort, the Climate Leaders Fellowship empowers high school students to launch community-based sustainability projects. With chapters in over 1,000 schools worldwide and more than 2,000 projects completed this cycle alone, CLF is shaping the next generation of youth climate leaders through collaboration and real-world action.
Our Programs and Future Direction
Rustic Pathways integrates travel, learning, and leadership through year-round programs. Schools partner with us for DFY (Done For You) group travel, while our SaaS platform enables DIY coordination for educators. With 95% renewal across 100+ schools and expansion into post-high-school programs like Rustic Life, we’re building a continuum of lifelong learning through travel.