Brand Engagement Manager Rachel joined Rustic in 2013 and led programs for three summers in Costa Rica, Peru, and Ghana. She’s also led programs in Fiji and Tanzania. A graduate of the University of Vermont with degrees in sociology and Spanish, Rachel focuses her love for travel, writing, and her unquenchable curiosity of our natural world as Rustic’s Brand Engagement Manager. Based in Tahoe, CA, Rachel is a talented ceramicist and lover of the outdoors. Published Latest Gap Year Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Gap Year May 30, 2024 · 5 min read Embarking on a gap year in Morocco with Rustic Pathways was a journey of discovery and connection for Sophia Dong. Here, she shares her heartfelt reflections and top tips to make the most out of your gap year experience. Read more Culture Shock: My First Time In India May 29, 2024 · 6 min read Having grown up in the USA, I was surrounded with ideas about India that circulate throughout my own society. I associated India with overwhelming crowds, colors, and clothes; vibrant music, and Bollywood movies. From what I’ve heard, many Americans see India as an extremely challenging place to go. I do agree that culture shock is… Read more How Rustic Pathways Takes a Community-Centered Approach to Program and Service Project Development May 15, 2019 · 4 min read Read more Meet our 2019 Critical Issues Summit Scholarship Recipients February 5, 2019 · 3 min read Read more Teen Tour Fundraising: Lacing Up My Running Shoes January 11, 2018 · 3 min read Meet Mary. Mary traveled on a teen tour to Thailand with Rustic Pathways, and returned home to Alabama and immediately started training for her first half… Read more So You Want to Work for Rustic Pathways? Here's What You Need to Know October 31, 2017 · 3 min read Ever thought about what it’d be like to lead teen travel programs? Or just get paid to travel? You’re in the right place! Our Program Leaders… Read more Effective Tips for Fundraising For a Service Learning Trip October 14, 2016 · 4 min read Discover effective tips for fundraising for a service learning trip. Learn proven strategies to raise funds and support your educational journey. Read more A to Z: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Peru May 17, 2016 · 6 min read A collection of Peruvian quirks and attractions from A to Z to give you a window into life in Peru.... Alpaca. Alpaca everything, everywhere. Alpaca socks? You bet. Alpaca leggings? Of course. Alpaca steak? Even better. A common cuisine in the High Andes, alpaca is similar to buffalo in taste. Backpacking. A backpacker’s destination, Peru… Read more