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Myanmar

Myanmar: Service on the Irrawaddy — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 15 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Form connections with Burmese students through service projects in Bagan and a village along the Irrawaddy River. Admire the splendor of Bagan’s ancient temples as you bike through a dazzling landscape at sunset. Immerse yourself in Buddhist traditions and learn about Myanmar’s rich and complex history.

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 7-Day Program Include?

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

1

Welcome to Myanmar!

Arrive into Yangon International Airport (RGN) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Visit the country’s pride and joy, the famous golden Shwedagon pagoda, learning the legend behind it and why thousands of Buddhists make the pilgrimage to this site every year. Join the group for dinner at the former office of General Aung San, Myanmar’s national hero, and join your Program Leaders for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Minglabar!
2

Explore Bagan Market and Participate in Language Exchange

Catch a flight to Bagan, where you’ll split up into small teams for a market scavenger hunt. While ticking off your list of items and challenges, interact with vendors and sample local fruits and snacks. Visit a language center supporting Burmese teenagers and university students. Get to know these students and help them improve their English fluency by serving as an English conversation partner. End the day wandering the dusty plains exploring the hundreds of temples and pagodas that dot the landscape. Cap it off with one of the most picturesque sights in Myanmar, sunset from the roof of a pagoda!
3

Experience Irrawaddy Village Immersion

Take a chartered boat across the Irrawaddy River to a small island rarely visited by tourists—home to several of Rustic Pathways’ staff members and their extended families. Learn about the village, their connection with the land, and how life is impacted by the river levels and flooding. Enjoy a delicious homecooked meal made with local ingredients for dinner. After learning about the lives of the locals, get your hands dirty on a service project prioritized by the local community.
4-5

Participate in Village Service

Return to the island village to continue working alongside the locals on the community service projects. Potential service projects related to infrastructure improvements or water sanitation will depend on the needs and concerns of the village. Spend your evenings in Bagan relaxing and enjoying traditional Burmese food. Join your group for a post-service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.
6

Bike and Bonfire

Explore local lacquerware galleries and stock up on gifts to take home to friends and family. Set off on foot or two wheels to explore some of the hundreds of temples in the area. End your day by a bonfire listening to Burmese acoustic music as you marvel at the stars above. 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

Ta Tar, Myanmar!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 7 calendar days / 6 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.

Myanmar

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.
Myanmar 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?

Myanmar Asia Service + Culture
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