US: Design Thinking in the Silicon Valley

Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and meet your Program Leaders. Head to the hotel to settle in, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Have a healthy local dinner and get some sleep for your adventure this week.

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

Overnight: Hostel or Hotel in San Francisco, CA

Engage with a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and innovators today, delving into their inspiring journeys. Come prepared with thoughtful questions, eager to learn what has driven their success and the obstacles they’ve overcome. This open discussion promises to offer invaluable insights that can help shape your own path forward.

Next, immerse yourself in the power of design thinking. Harness your creativity and bold ideas, then work through the early, interactive stages of the design process. Collaborate with your peers, challenge assumptions, and refine your concepts – this hands-on experience will sharpen your innovative mindset.

As evening falls, savor the vibrant energy of the city over a shared meal. Reflect on the day’s meaningful exchanges and design explorations, fueling your mind and body for the adventures that lie ahead.

Start your day tapping into your creative potential. Sketch initial ideas and build prototypes for your innovative concepts. Armed with these nascent designs, head out to pitch your work to mentors, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the vibrant Bay Area ecosystem.

Soak in their valuable feedback, using it to enhance your presentation skills through targeted activities. Refine your pitches, hone your storytelling, and prepare to captivate your audience.

As the day draws to a close, escape to the serene wonder of Muir Woods. Wander beneath the towering, ancient redwood trees, their majestic presence instilling a sense of awe. This natural respite offers a chance to reflect on the whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and personal growth you experienced.

Presentation Day has arrived! Start by putting the final polishes on your pitches, then begin mock presentations with constructive feedback from your peers. Refine your delivery, anticipate questions, and bring your ideas to life.

After a well-earned lunch break, the main event commences – presenting your prototypes to a panel of local judges. Channel your newfound design thinking skills as you showcase your innovative work. Engage in an insightful debrief discussion, reflecting on the iterative process and key takeaways from the past four days.

As the sun begins to set, you’ll depart for a visit to the infamous Alcatraz Prison. Wander the echoing cellblocks and imagine the captivating history that unfolded within these walls. This thought-provoking experience provides a powerful bookend to your immersive program, challenging you to see the world through new perspectives.

After a week of hard work, spend the next day and a half exploring Big Sur and Monterey County. Cruise down Highway 1 as you make your way along the coastline with stops for hikes, swims, and picturesque views like McWay Falls. Set up your campsite and relax under the redwoods and stars, telling stories and enjoying the fresh air of the ancient woods. Spend the next day hiking and enjoying the scenery as you head back to San Francisco.

At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.

As you depart, take a moment to reflect on your transformative journey. The design thinking workshops challenged your creativity in new ways, while the escapes into nature offered restorative balance. These experiences have forged meaningful connections with your fellow travelers – a supportive network you can rely on.

Armed with these lessons and relationships, you feel inspired to make a positive impact. This adventure marks the start of an ongoing journey, filled with wonder and possibility. Carry these insights forward, and continue embracing all that you’ve gained.