Sharif Campbell was the first member of his family to go to college. But he didn’t rush off to Tufts University, where he’s currently a sophomore studying international relations. Instead, Sharif took a gap year. Many universities allow students to defer their first year of college as the practice of taking a gap year becomes…
Have you ever wanted to get inside the mind of a college admissions officer to figure out what exactly they’re looking for? There’s a…
Rustic Alum Dany G. traveled from her hometown of Monterrey, Mexico to join our Rebuilding New Orleans program. She did not know anyone enrolled in the program, and was nervous about being so far out of her comfort zone. Below is her account of what happened next. "Before I had my first trip with Rustic Pathways, I…
As part of our summer internship program, seasoned Rustic alum Elizabeth Ronzio joined the team as our Fiji Communications Coordinator! Here’s what she has to say about her summer living and working at our Eco-Lodge. “Just over three months ago I was at a point in my career where I wasn't learning enough, there was…
With college application deadlines just around the corner, it always helps to take a step back and find out what universities are really looking…
The Maldives faces the risk of being underwater by 2050, but this island nation has already made headlines — from hosting a cabinet meeting beneath the sea to relying on parrotfish to build its beaches. With 2,000+ marine species and a weekend that starts on Friday, the Maldives is full of surprises. Read these fun facts about the Maldives!
Rustic Pathways believes real leadership happens at the actual place—beside students. This article outlines why our most experienced staff stay in the field, not behind laptops, and how that presence transforms student travel experiences.
In this guest article, Arar Han recounts how taking a gap year helped her gain work experience and develop a clear direction for college. Her unexpected year off helped to shape her future. Read to find out how it could do the same for you.
Why do some teen travel programs yield change and others don't? After 12,000+ students, one pattern keeps surfacing: transformation happens in the stretch zone. Too comfortable and teens stay the same. Too stressed and they shut down. The programs that work find the middle. The ones that don't, don't."
There are different types of gap year programs available which vary in purpose: some are for social impact and global awareness, while others are for learning new languages and about different cultures. Read this article to find the one that best aligns with your goals.
Worried about the cost of taking a gap year? Don't worry, you've got plenty of options! Read this guide to learn how to afford a gap year and find the best bang-for-your-buck gap year programs.
Build houses, teach English to children, or save the turtles. These are a few types of service activities you can do when you volunteer abroad on your gap year. Help the community and grow as a person. Read and learn how!
Wondering if a gap year hurts college admissions? Top colleges support them, and research links gap years to higher GPAs, stronger applications, and better student confidence. Learn how to plan a gap year that stands out on applications.
Stop following trends and start following your heart. We have all the steps, all you have to do is read through them and pick the best gap year countries you want to travel to in 2025!
Don't worry, a college gap year deferral will allow you to delay enrollment without falling behind. In fact, students report feeling more prepared once they return to college from their gap year! That could be you too!
Don't feel like leaving the USA during your gap year? That's okay, you have options. Don't feel like staying in the USA during your gap year? That's okay, you have options, too! Read and find the best gap year programs US students can go on!
Should I go to college? Should I take a gap year? What should I do?!? If you're debating taking a gap year vs college, we've created the perfect guide that will help you make a decision!
I took a gap year and felt happier, became more confident, left my comfort zone, learned a new language, met new people. Read this guide to see which gap year life skills you will gain when you go on your gap year!