Contributing Writer Marisa served as Program Leader and Flight Leader for Rustic Pathways and always looks back fondly on Rustic's first summer in the Dominican Republic in 2012. Marisa shared her love for language and community service with students while working alongside them in the bateyes. Marisa is a former Spanish teacher who works as a yoga instructor and blogger in San Francisco. Published Latest Why Take Students Abroad? 5 Benefits of Educational Travel May 1, 2024 · 13 min read Are you a language teacher considering the benefits of educational travel to a Spanish-speaking country with your students? While there are many factors to consider, one of the greatest benefits is immersing your students in a local culture where they can interact with native speakers of the language they’re learning. Read more 3 Types of Projects to Connect Your Spanish Curriculum to a Teacher-Led Travel Experience November 9, 2018 · 4 min read One of the many benefits of exposing students to the target culture is the learning that continues in the classroom when you return. Read more Traveling with Students: 5 Benefits of Travel for Teachers May 18, 2018 · 3 min read It’s a no-brainer why parents send their teens on international travel experiences with trusted classroom teachers. Many parents want their children to experience the world without hovering, but still with someone they trust keeping an eye on them. Read more Traveling With Students for the First Time? What You Need to Know Before You Go February 1, 2018 · 5 min read You’ve finalized the itinerary with your Rustic Pathways Program Coordinator, booked flights, and you have a shiny new pair of hiking shoes (Don’t forget… Read more