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United States

US: Design Thinking in the Silicon Valley — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 0 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Explore creativity and entrepreneurship in a hands-on environment while learning about the design thinking model and creating practical solutions for real-world problems. Explore the beautiful California coastline and the bustling city of San Francisco with its iconic landmarks. Watch picturesque West Coast sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to California!

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
2

Meet with Innovators and Brainstorm

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.
3

Prototyping and Visit Muir Woods

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.
4

Present Projects to Local Judges and Explore Alcatraz

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.
5

Explore Monterey and Santa Cruz

After your intensive work, explore the captivating coastal destinations of Monterey and Santa Cruz.
At the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, engage with awe-inspiring exhibits showcasing the diversity of marine life. Lose yourself in the wonders of sea otters, jellyfish, and other ocean inhabitants.
Then, venture to the iconic Santa Cruz beach boardwalk, one of California's last remaining. Stroll along the wooden promenade, inhaling the fresh, salty air and soaking in the lively ambiance. Ride the historic roller coaster or simply bask in the sun-drenched tranquility.
This coastal excursion offers a chance to rejuvenate - feel the restorative power of nature, allowing the crashing waves and cool ocean breezes to revive your senses. As the sun sets, take a moment to reflect on the experiences and insights you've gained.
6

Days 6

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.
7

Goodbye, California!

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.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

United States

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, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. 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 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

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.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
United States offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
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 program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

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