What Do School Organizers Ask?
Flights & Cost
How do flights work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.
What's included in the price?
Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff. Not included: International airfare, medical insurance (required), travel insurance (optional), personal spending ($150–200).
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not included in the program tuition. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →
Supervision & Safety
Who supervises the students?
Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1). All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45.
Are rooms gender-separated?
Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.
What about medical emergencies?
All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.
Communication
Can students contact home?
Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.
How do families stay informed?
Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.
Group & Logistics
How big is the group?
Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.
Can friends room together?
Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.
Program Details
Will students have unsupervised time?
Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.
Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies?
Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.
How much spending money should students have?
$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.
Support
What if a student gets homesick?
Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness
Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?
Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.
