Custom Educational Trips That Build Global Citizens
Transform Your Students in Just One Week
Rustic Pathways’s Week Without Walls programs empower middle and high school students through immersive travel experiences rooted in experiential learning, meaningful service and cultural immersion across 50+ destinations.
Rustic Pathways Week Without Walls journeys are:
- Aligned with school curricula: International Baccalaureate, Middle Years Programme, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Advanced Placement)
- Built around and aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Fully staffed, accredited, and supported by a 24/7 emergency team
You can travel to Costa Rica, Greece, Ghana, Mongolia, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand & More
2026 and 2027 Program Dates Are Booking — Reserve Your Spot Early
Programs from $1,500–$5,500/student (all-inclusive)
What is a Week Without Walls?
A Week Without Walls is a week-long educational travel program designed for schools. Students participate in hands-on activities, community service, and real-world learning experiences that develop essential life skills, align with academic goals, and foster global citizenship.
→ What is a week without walls?
Quick Facts About Week Without Walls Programs
Here are the essential program details schools need to know when planning a Week Without Walls trip with Rustic Pathways.
| Week without Walls Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program Length | 5–8 Days |
| Group Size | 10–100 Students |
| Age Range | 11–18 (Middle + High School) |
| Rustic Pathways Destinations | 38+ Countries |
| Trip Types | Service, Adventure, Conservation, Culture |
| Curriculum Links | IB, MYP, AP, STEM, CIS, NGSS, ESD-aligned |
| Inclusions | Accommodations, Transport, Meals, Staff, Insurance |
| Emergency Support | 24/7 Global Response Team (ISO 31030 aligned) |
| Lead Time | 6–12 Months Planning Recommended |
These quick facts make it easier for educators and parents to evaluate program fit, logistics, and alignment with academic goals.
Why Choose Rustic Pathways for Your Week Without Walls Program?
For more than 40 years, Rustic Pathways has led the field in educational travel and service learning, partnering with over 300 international schools worldwide. Rustic Pathways programs meet the highest standards in student safety, academic integration, and ethical community engagement.
Educational Expertise
Deeply integrated with the IB curriculum, STEM outcomes, and Harvard Graduate School of Education Project Zero frameworks.
Proven Safety Systems
Private student housing, certified transport, and ISO 31030-aligned risk management.
Local Partnerships
Build cultural awareness with collaborations with UNESCO-aligned NGOs and community-led organizations.
Comprehensive Support
Visa documentation, fundraising tools, and turnkey resources for schools and parents.
24/7 Emergency Response
Dedicated safety and communication teams in every region build a global community to engage and challenge.
“The transformation of our students and the great stories they tell are evidence of the success of each trip.”
— Cameron Hall, I-Shou International School, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Schools choose Rustic Pathways for logistical and experiential excellence, and for the long-term academic and personal growth our programs spark.
Program Benefits at a Glance
- Develop essential life skills: collaboration, resilience, empathy
- Experience different cultures through authentic local immersion
- Strengthen academic outcomes with real deep IB curricular alignment coupled with via real-world action
- Contribute to SDG-aligned service projects with long-term impact
- Spark leadership and confidence outside of the classroom
Program Types
Rustic Pathways offers diverse Week Without Walls experiences, each rooted in experiential learning and aligned with global education goals.
Service Learning Trips
For middle and high school students
- Projects in education, infrastructure, and health
- UN SDG-aligned service work
- Example: Supporting rural education in Cambodia
Environmental Conservation
- Coral reef research, reforestation, coastal cleanups
- Example: Sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica
Adventure & Leadership
- Hiking, kayaking, climbing, survival skills
- Example: Outdoor trek in Thailand with reflection modules
Cultural Immersion
- Cooking classes, language exchange, homestays
- Example: Farm-to-table program in Greece
STEM & Career Exploration
- Film-making, financial literacy, sustainability design
- Example: Documentary workshop on climate impact in Vietnam
Programs are fully customizable by grade level, subject focus, and learning outcomes.
Top Destinations For Week Without Walls
Week Without Walls is your school’s opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom. Each destination is designed around UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) principles and the IB Learner Profile, blending curriculum-integrated travel with authentic cultural immersion and experiential learning.
Asia
Locations: Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia
Focus Areas: Trekking, cultural immersion, service learning
Latin America
Locations: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Peru
Focus Areas: Biodiversity, Spanish language learning, sustainability, heritage studies, community service
Europe
Locations: Italy, Greece, Spain (Canary Islands)
Focus Areas: Marine science, global systems, European history
Africa
Locations: Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa
Focus Areas: Habitat restoration, wildlife studies, conservation ethics
Programs are crafted to meet age-appropriate learning outcomes and align with academic goals across subjects.
Why Schools Choose Rustic Pathways Over DIY Planning For Weeks Without Walls
When planning an international educational trip, the difference between a vendor with decades of student travel expertise and an ad hoc approach is stark. Here’s how Rustic Pathways compares to DIY school-led planning across the areas that make a lasting impact for educators and parents:
| Feature | Rustic Pathways | DIY Planning |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Protocols | ISO 31030-aligned | Varies |
| Curriculum Alignment | IB, AP, STEM, ESD | Inconsistent |
| Emergency Support | 24/7 Global Team | School-dependent |
| Local Partnerships | 40+ Years Vetted | Often unknown |
| Parent + Teacher Resources | Full Toolkit Provided | Often DIY or lacking |
Choosing Rustic Pathways means choosing a partner who understands the academic, logistical, and safety standards required for school-approved travel. Rustic programs are co-designed with educators for real student growth and institutional confidence.
Planning Timeline
Planning a Week Without Walls program takes coordination, but Rustic Pathways makes it simple. Below is a recommended planning timeline for schools preparing for travel in the upcoming academic year.
| Month | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 12–6 Months Out | Choose destination + receive proposal |
| 6 Months Out | Share program with parents, begin logistics |
| 4 Months Out | Confirm roster, collect deposits (20%) |
| 2 Months Out | Orientation, prep, medical forms |
| Trip Week | Rustic handles logistics; you lead learning |
| Post-Trip | Reflection materials, debrief sessions |
Includes visa letters, travel documentation, medical forms, and 24/7 on-call support.
Planning support is built into every step, so educators can focus on outcomes not logistics.
Parent & Teacher Assurance
Safety, supervision, and support are central to every Week Without Walls trip. Rustic Pathways meets the highest standards for student welfare, duty of care, and school-approved travel compliance.
- Students never share rooms with the opposite sex
- Private rooms provided for all teacher chaperones
- Vetted, secure accommodations at all destinations
- Reputable transport with certified, licensed drivers
- All trips chaperoned by your school’s own staff
- Planning materials, visa letters, and fundraising support included
- 24/7 emergency response via International SOS protocols and global communication systems
From pre-departure to post-trip reflection, your community is supported every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Week Without Walls
How much does a Week Without Walls trip cost?
A Week Without Walls trip costs between $1,500 and $5,500 per student. The price is all-inclusive and covers transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities. Cost varies based on the destination, length of the trip, and selected experiences.
Can we choose the destination or itinerary?
Schools can choose the destination and itinerary for a Week Without Walls trip. Each trip is tailored to the school’s needs and geographic location to ensure relevance and accessibility.
Are trips available for middle school students?
Trips are available for middle school students through the Week Without Walls program. These experiences are designed to be age-appropriate, educational, and aligned with middle school learning goals.
How far ahead should we plan?
Plan 6 to 12 months in advance to secure preferred destinations and dates for a Week Without Walls trip. Early planning ensures better availability, pricing, and coordination with school calendars.
Can you help with fundraising?
Yes, schools receive fundraising support through a toolkit that includes budgeting templates, fundraising ideas, and parent pitch decks. This helps schools plan and finance their Week Without Walls trips effectively.
Ready to Build Your 2025 Week Without Walls?
Trusted by 300+ schools • 15,000+ students impacted • 40 years of experience
Choose from 50+ destinations