Global Leadership and Team
Life at Rustic Pathways
Clients often say, “This feels easy,” because behind every seamless program is a global team built on trust, communication, and craftsmanship. We hand off work flawlessly across regions to create unforgettable experiences.
With more than 100 applicants per open role, Rustic Pathways attracts exceptional talent motivated by meaningful work, creativity, and student impact.
Brand Recognition and Global Influence
Rustic Pathways has earned recognition across the travel and education industries, including:
- Best Tour Operator awards
- Health & Safety Innovation awards
- Industry Innovation honors
- Best Places to Work distinctions
Rustic Pathways is widely regarded as one of the most awarded and trusted student travel organizations in the world. Our photography has been featured by National Geographic and Travel + Leisure. Parents often ask how we capture such extraordinary images of their teens — we call it a touch of Rustic magic.
Student Outcomes and Global Impact
Each year, more than 15,000 students participate in Rustic Pathways programs, and nearly all describe their experience as:
“A turning point in my life.”
Our alumni become architects, creators, educators, entrepreneurs, engineers, and civic leaders. Wherever they go, they carry a part of Rustic Pathways with them—curiosity, optimism, and the belief that travel changes everything.
Client Trust and Loyalty
Rustic Pathways holds a 90% Net Promoter Score, the highest in the student travel industry. Families trust us because we deliver consistent excellence year after year. Many discover Rustic through alumni or friends and later return as multi-generational travelers.
Our annual Friends & Family Summer Internship Program fills months in advance, a reflection of deep trust and long-term relationships with our families.
Accessibility and Growth
We believe every student deserves the chance to explore the world. Rustic Pathways designs programs across every budget, including:
- Complimentary, invitation-only leadership summits
- Scholarship-supported opportunities
- Premium, custom-designed global experiences
We are equally proud to serve students receiving full financial aid and those seeking deeper, curated travel experiences.
Climate Leaders Fellowship
Now in its 13th cohort, the Climate Leaders Fellowship empowers high school students to design and launch sustainability projects in their communities.
With chapters in more than 1,000 schools worldwide and 2,000+ youth-led projects completed in the most recent cycle, CLF is shaping the next generation of global environmental leaders.
Our Programs and Future Direction
Rustic Pathways integrates travel, learning, leadership, and personal development through year-round programs. We now support schools and organizations in two ways:
DFY: Done-For-You School Group Travel
Complete itinerary design, planning, and execution for educators and school partners.
DIY: Educator-Led Programs Through Our SaaS Platform
Our technology platform allows educators to manage school travel directly with Rustic’s safety systems and logistics behind them.
With a 95% renewal rate across 100+ partner schools and the expansion of post-high-school initiatives like Rustic Life, we are building a continuum of lifelong learning through travel.