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Transform Your IB Journey Through Global CAS Experiences
The International Baccalaureate’s Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirement challenges students to grow beyond academics. Rustic Pathways has spent 40+ years designing programs that create transformative experiences embodying the true spirit of CAS while preparing students for university and global citizenship.
What is CAS? Understanding the IB Core Requirement
The Three Strands Explained
Creativity – Exploring ideas through artistic expression, creative thinking, and constructive engagement with unfamiliar forms of expression.
Activity – Physical exertion contributing to healthy lifestyles, complementing academic work.
Service – Collaborative, reciprocal engagement with communities addressing authentic needs.
CAS Duration & Requirements
- 18 months of continuous engagement (typically spanning Year 1 and part of Year 2)
- Regular commitment demonstrating balance across all three strands
- Evidence of achieving all seven learning outcomes
- Completion of at least one CAS Project (minimum 1 month duration)
- Ongoing reflection through CAS portfolio documentation
Why International Travel Accelerates CAS Achievement
Immersive Experiences vs. Weekly Activities
Traditional CAS approaches often involve disconnected weekly activities—art club on Tuesdays, sports on Thursdays, volunteering on weekends. International CAS experiences integrate all three strands naturally:
| Traditional CAS | Travel-Based CAS |
|---|---|
| Meet outcomes over 18 months | Achieve 4-7 outcomes in 2-4 weeks |
| Local perspective only | Global issue engagement |
| Limited collaboration scope | Cross-cultural teamwork |
| Familiar comfort zone | Genuine challenge & growth |
| Individual reflection | Peer learning & group reflection |
Integration in Action
- Teaching English to local students (Creativity + Service)
- Building school infrastructure (Activity + Service)
- Learning traditional dance or music (Creativity + Activity)
- Environmental conservation work (Activity + Service + global engagement)
CAS Program Types & Destinations
Service-Focused Programs (Primary: Service + Activity)
Community Development
- School construction in Ghana, Tanzania, Fiji
- Water access projects in Cambodia, Nepal
- Teaching programs in Thailand, Peru, Dominican Republic
Environmental Conservation
- Marine conservation in Australia, Greece, Belize
- Reforestation in Costa Rica, Ecuador
- Wildlife protection in South Africa, Mongolia
Creative Arts Programs (Primary: Creativity + Service)
Cultural Exchange
- Traditional arts workshops with local artisans
- Music and dance cultural preservation
- Photography documenting community stories
- Creative writing and journalism projects
Adventure & Leadership (Primary: Activity + Creativity)
Outdoor Challenges
- Himalayan trekking with community engagement
- Wilderness leadership in Alaska, New Zealand
- Rock climbing and outdoor education
- Scuba diving for coral research
Meeting All 7 CAS Learning Outcomes Through Travel
The Seven Outcomes in Practice
Rustic Pathways programs help students demonstrate all required CAS learning outcomes:
- Identify strengths and develop areas for growth – Self-discovery through cultural immersion and new challenges
- Demonstrate challenge and skills development – Overcoming language barriers, adapting to new environments
- Initiate and plan CAS experiences – Student-led service projects and activity planning
- Show commitment and perseverance – Multi-week programs requiring sustained effort
- Demonstrate collaborative skills – Working with international peers and local communities
- Engage with issues of global significance – Direct work on UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Recognize and consider ethics of choices – Ethical service and cultural sensitivity training
Learn More About the 7 CAS Learning Outcomes
CAS Projects: From Idea to Implementation
What Makes a Strong CAS Project?
The IB requires at least one collaborative CAS Project lasting minimum one month. Travel programs offer unique project opportunities:
High-Impact Project Examples:
- Developing sustainable tourism initiatives
- Creating educational resources for partner schools
- Establishing ongoing community partnerships
- Building lasting infrastructure improvements
- Launching environmental monitoring programs
Student-Initiated vs. Program-Integrated Projects
Program-Integrated Projects Join existing initiatives with established community partners, ensuring immediate impact and professional guidance.
Student-Initiated Projects Design your own project with Rustic Pathways’ support, from initial planning through post-trip continuation.
CAS Portfolio & Reflection Support
Documentation Made Simple
Rustic Pathways provides comprehensive support for CAS portfolio requirements:
Pre-Departure
- CAS planning forms aligned with IB requirements
- Learning outcome mapping tools
- Project proposal templates
During Program
- Daily reflection prompts
- Photo/video documentation support
- Peer reflection sessions
- Mentor guidance on evidence collection
Post-Program
- CAS completion certificates
- Supervisor evaluation forms
- Portfolio compilation assistance
- Ongoing project support
Reflection Framework
The structured reflection approach ensures meaningful CAS documentation:
- Investigation – Research and cultural preparation
- Preparation – Skills development and planning
- Action – Active engagement and implementation
- Reflection – Processing experiences and learning
- Demonstration – Sharing outcomes with school community
For IB Coordinators & Schools
Program Alignment & Academic Support
Full IB Compliance
- Programs meet all CAS requirements
- Supervisor documentation provided
- Risk assessment protocols exceed IB standards
- Academic credit documentation available
Coordinator Resources
- Pre-departure CAS planning sessions
- Custom program design for school groups
- Integration with classroom curriculum
- Post-program assessment tools
School Partnerships Rustic Pathways works directly with IB World Schools to ensure seamless CAS integration:
- Aligned documentation systems
- Regular coordinator communication
- Student progress tracking
- Group reflection facilitation
Schedule Coordinator Consultation
Student Success Stories
Beyond CAS Requirements
University Application Impact
- 87% report CAS travel experiences featured in personal statements
- 92% cite programs in university interviews
- 78% continue service work in university
Personal Development
- Increased cultural competency
- Enhanced leadership skills
- Improved language abilities
- Expanded global perspective
Investment & Accessibility
Program Costs & Value
What’s Included:
- All CAS documentation and support
- Accommodation and meals
- In-country transportation
- Project materials and equipment
- 24/7 supervision and support
- Emergency medical coverage
- Pre-departure training
Duration & Pricing:
- 2-week programs: $2,800-$4,500
- 3-week programs: $3,900-$6,200
- 4-week programs: $4,800-$7,500
- Semester programs available
Scholarships & Financial Support
CAS Scholarship Fund Dedicated funding for IB students demonstrating financial need and commitment to service.
School Group Discounts Reduced rates for schools sending 10+ students.
Fundraising Support Comprehensive toolkit and platform for program fundraising.
Getting Started: Your CAS Journey
Step 1: Program Selection
Consider:
- CAS strand balance needs
- Remaining learning outcomes to achieve
- Personal interests and career goals
- Timeline and duration available
- Budget and fundraising capacity
Step 2: Planning & Approval
Timeline:
- 6-8 months before: Initial program research
- 4-6 months before: CAS coordinator approval
- 3-4 months before: Enrollment and documentation
- 2-3 months before: Pre-departure preparation
- 1 month before: Final CAS planning forms
Step 3: Implementation & Reflection
During Your Program:
- Daily CAS activities across all strands
- Structured reflection sessions
- Evidence collection
- Peer collaboration
- Cultural immersion
Post-Program:
- Portfolio compilation
- School presentation
- Continued project engagement
- University application integration
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Specifics
How many CAS hours do programs provide?
Rustic Pathways programs provide 6 to 8 hours of CAS-eligible activities per day over 2 to 4 weeks. Although the IB no longer requires a set number of hours, students typically accumulate between 84 and 224 hours depending on program length and daily participation.
Can one trip fulfill my entire CAS requirement?
A single trip cannot fulfill the entire CAS requirement. IB requires students to engage in ongoing Creativity, Activity, and Service experiences. While one program may achieve several learning outcomes and include a CAS project, full completion demands sustained involvement across all CAS strands.
Do you provide supervisor signatures?
Yes, program leaders serve as qualified CAS supervisors and provide all required documentation, including supervisor signatures. These signatures verify student participation and confirm that activities align with IB CAS guidelines.
Academic Integration
How do programs align with academic subjects?
Programs align with academic subjects by complementing Extended Essays, Internal Assessments, and course content across IB Groups 1–6. This integration helps students apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts and strengthens interdisciplinary understanding.
Resources & Tools
- CAS-Aligned Trips
- CAS Learning Outcomes Guide
- CAS Project Ideas
- Complete Student Programs
- Educational Travel Programs
- Teacher Resources
- Student Travel Guide
- Scholarships
- About Impact
Match CAS Goals to the Perfect Program
Transform the IB experience through meaningful global engagement. Students needing to complete specific learning outcomes, develop CAS projects, or enhance their CAS experience find comprehensive support through Rustic Pathways.
Take Action Today
Questions? Call IB CAS specialists at 1-800-321-4353
Rustic Pathways has supported IB students in achieving CAS requirements since 1983. The organization is not affiliated with the International Baccalaureate Organization but maintains close relationships with IB World Schools globally.