Discover effective strategies to discuss the benefits of a gap year with your parents. Learn how to explain your goals, address safety concerns, and explore funding options.
Why does someone choose to take a gap year? What do they really learn about themselves and about the world? Hear three of our alumni, Kelsey, Sharif, and Lance, speak about their gap journeys. Check out our newest video: The Impact of a Gap Year
While the data on students taking a Gap year is sparse, one thing is clear—more students are choosing to take a Gap experience, and the number grows every year. It allows students to explore their options and find their focus before committing to four years of university, setting them up for success. Students can tell…
Discover how Hannah Repke's gap year program experience throughout Tanzania, Morocco, and more prepared her for college and beyond.
Alex Biddle, a Rustic Pathways program manager in the Dominican Republic, uses her Spanish on a daily basis. While she manages service projects and oversees adventure programs, she frequently has to think on her feet and switch between two languages. Alex hasn’t always spoken Spanish, though. She began to learn the language during a ten-month…
Added together, Rustic staff members have visited thousands of countries and spent years traveling and living abroad. I asked these travel aficionados and packing ninjas to share their secrets. Keep reading for some of the most ingenious travel and packing hacks you’ll ever hear!
Volunteering abroad with Rustic Pathways focuses on responsible and impactful service. Our approach ensures meaningful experiences and sustainable community development. Gain insights and tips on how to make a real difference through volunteer travel
Learn about the benefits of a gap year from a Rustic alum. Discover how taking a gap year can provide time for yourself, career exploration, and life-changing experiences.
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…
With college application deadlines just around the corner, it always helps to take a step back and find out what universities are really looking…
LSD can be sprayed?!?! Find out why this was a thing in Cuba!
Travel with purpose. Learn how to minimize your environmental footprint and support local communities through responsible and sustainable travel practices. Responsible travel is all about positively impacting the destinations we travel to, something we are all about at Rustic Pathways.
Look beyond K-pop and K-BBQ to discover things you didn't already know about South Korea. This is our list of 16 interesting facts about South Korea from a local.
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.
Teens can develop cultural sensitivity on travel programs by practicing openness, respecting local traditions, adapting communication styles, and engaging with locals. These experiences help build essential skills for navigating diverse cultures
Explore the ultimate guide to the Best Korean snacks and beverages from 2025. From sweet chips to cup noodles and bottled teas, discover our rankings for what Korean convenience stores have to offer.
Need an emergency U.S. passport? Understand the quick steps required for urgent international travel, including proof of travel, expedite fees, and appointment scheduling.
Detailed instructions for how to renew your U.S. passport if you are a teen traveler.
Fast-track your passport application with expedited passport services—ideal for travelers needing documentation within 2-3 weeks instead of the standard 4-6 weeks.