The best service programs combine international travel with structured volunteer work, verified service hours, and cultural immersion. Rustic Pathways ranks among the longest-running providers in this category, operating since 1983 with a 4.37:1 student-to-leader ratio across all programs.
The seven programs below are ranked by total service hours. Each program includes verified documentation for school requirements, college applications, and volunteer awards.
How We Selected These Programs
Rustic Pathways operates 50+ programs across 38 countries. This list highlights the seven programs with the highest verified service hours for students aged 14 to 18. Selection criteria included:
- Verified service hours: All hours are documented and accepted by schools and volunteer award programs
- Staff-to-student ratio: All programs maintain the 4.37:1 ratio standard
- Parent feedback: Programs with consistently high satisfaction scores from post-trip surveys
- Program maturity: Each program has run for 3+ years with refined logistics
Programs are listed in descending order by service hours, from 60 hours (Thailand, Fiji) to 30 hours (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hawaii).
At a Glance: Service Travel Program Comparison
| Program | Destination | Duration | Service Hours | Ages | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Come with Nothing | Thailand | 25 days | 60 | 15 to 18 | $6,995 | Deep cultural immersion |
| Sun, Sand, and International Service | Fiji | 16 days | 60 | 14 to 18 | $5,995 | Adventure + service |
| Culture and the Crater | Tanzania | 18 days | 50 | 14 to 18 | $7,495 | Service + safari |
| Sacred Valley Service | Peru | 16 days | 40 | 14 to 18 | $5,495 | Adventure + sustainability |
| Turtle Conservation | Costa Rica | 9 days | 30 | 14 to 18 | $3,295 | Animal lovers |
| Public Health in the Caribbean | Dominican Republic | 12 days | 30 | 15 to 18 | $4,295 | Future healthcare majors |
| Hawaii Service | USA (Hawaii) | 10 days | 30 | 14 to 18 | $4,495 | Environmental focus |
All prices exclude airfare. Prices reflect 2026 rates and may vary by session date.
Come with Nothing: The Rustic Expedition (Thailand)
Students journey to remote Thai villages with only a carry-on bag. Living with pre-screened host families, participants assist with language enrichment, small-scale construction, and farming projects across 25 days.
Program details:
- Duration: 25 days
- Service hours: 60 (verified)
- Price: $6,995 plus airfare
- Ages: 15 to 18
Ideal for: Teens ready to leave comfort zones and experience authentic rural life in developing regions.
Parent note: Students live in vetted homestays with Rustic Pathways local staff oversight. The 4.37:1 student-to-leader ratio applies to all Thailand programs.
“My daughter came back a different person. The homestay experience gave her perspective that no classroom could provide.” — Parent of 2024 participant
View Thailand program details →
Sun, Sand, and International Service (Fiji)
This program combines community projects with Fiji’s beaches. Students stay near an Eco-Lodge, contribute through tutoring and home-building, and participate in surfing and snorkeling activities.
Program details:
- Duration: 16 days
- Service hours: 60 (verified)
- Price: $5,995 plus airfare
- Ages: 14 to 18
- Shorter option: Intro to Community Service in Fiji (9 days, $3,495)
Ideal for: Students seeking a balance of structured service and island adventure.
Parent note: Eco-Lodge setting with Rustic Pathways staff supervision. Regular parent updates provided throughout the program.
“The balance of service and adventure was perfect. He earned 60 hours and still talks about the snorkeling.” — Parent of 2023 participant
Culture and the Crater (Tanzania)
Students join rural infrastructure projects, participate in education exchanges with local schools, and gain exposure to Tanzanian traditions. The program includes a Hadzabe tribe visit and safari to see lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Program details:
- Duration: 18 days
- Service hours: 50 (verified)
- Price: $7,495 plus airfare
- Ages: 14 to 18
Ideal for: Students who want to combine cultural immersion and wildlife exploration with hands-on community service.
Parent note: Rustic Pathways staff guide students through rural projects and wildlife excursions with structured learning experiences throughout.
View Tanzania program details →
Sacred Valley Service (Peru)
Set in Peru’s Sacred Valley, students improve community infrastructure with a focus on water sustainability. The program includes rafting, hiking, and visits to Machu Picchu.
Program details:
- Duration: 16 days
- Service hours: 40 (verified)
- Price: $5,495 plus airfare
- Ages: 14 to 18
Ideal for: Students looking for outdoor adventure combined with sustainability-focused service.
Parent note: Verified service hours strengthen college applications while students explore Peru’s most recognized landmarks.
Turtle Conservation (Costa Rica)
Students help protect endangered sea turtles from poaching and habitat threats while exploring Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline. This is Rustic Pathways’ most popular program for animal-focused students.
Program details:
- Duration: 9 days
- Service hours: 30 (verified)
- Price: $3,295 plus airfare
- Ages: 14 to 18
Ideal for: Teens passionate about wildlife conservation and environmental science.
Parent note: The 9-day format makes this program ideal for first-time service travel participants. Leaders have conservation expertise.
“This was her first trip abroad without us. The 9-day length was manageable, and she came home confident and ready for longer programs.” — Parent of 2024 participant
View Costa Rica program details →
Public Health in the Caribbean (Dominican Republic)
Designed for teens interested in healthcare careers, this program provides experience in public health projects. Students earn certifications including Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
Program details:
- Duration: 12 days
- Service hours: 30 (verified)
- Price: $4,295 plus airfare
- Ages: 15 to 18
- Certifications included: Wilderness First Aid, CPR
Ideal for: High school students exploring medical pathways.
Parent note: Students work alongside healthcare professionals in a supervised environment. Certifications add value for college applications.
“The Wilderness First Aid certification impressed her college interviewer. She referenced it in every pre-med application.” — Parent of 2023 participant
View Dominican Republic program details →
Hawaii Service
A U.S.-based program focused on environmental conservation. Students work on projects that protect Hawaii’s natural resources while exploring Volcanoes National Park, black and white sand beaches, and multiple climate zones.
Program details:
- Duration: 10 days
- Service hours: 30 (verified)
- Price: $4,495 (airfare often lower for U.S. families)
- Ages: 14 to 18
Ideal for: Teens seeking service travel closer to home with environmental themes.
Parent note: U.S.-based program eliminates passport requirements and reduces travel complexity for first-time participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many service hours do students earn?
Each program includes verified service hours ranging from 30 to 60, which count toward school requirements, college applications, and volunteer awards. Rustic Pathways provides official documentation upon program completion.
What is the student-to-leader ratio?
Rustic Pathways maintains a 4.37:1 student-to-leader ratio across all programs. Leaders are trained in wilderness first aid and emergency protocols.
Which program is best for first-time travelers?
Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica (9 days, $3,295) and Hawaii Service (10 days, $4,495) offer shorter durations and lower price points. Hawaii eliminates passport requirements for U.S. students.
What is included in the program price?
All prices include accommodations, meals, activities, in-country transportation, travel medical insurance, and 24/7 staff supervision. Airfare is quoted separately during enrollment.
Explore More Service Programs
These seven programs represent Rustic Pathways’ highest-hour service options. The full service program catalog includes additional destinations and durations. Contact a Global Advisor for help selecting the right program.