USA: Around the World in NYC

Arrive into John F Kennedy Airport (JFK) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to your accommodations and settle in, relaxing after your flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations, and an introduction to the local culture. Take a walk around Central Park as you get acclimated to the sights and sounds of the Big Apple. To finish off your first day, take the subway to Times Square for the quintessential NYC experience.

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.

Overnight: Hostel, New York

Rise and shine with an adventure back to the days immigrants journeyed thousands of miles hoping for a new world.  Travel to Ellis Island, a historic travelers gateway where you will take part in an immigrant workshop before exploring the museum where you will learn about the immigrant experience from a local guide. Take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and understand its significance as a symbol of freedom. 

After lunch, journey to the solemn 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a place of deep reflection and remembrance. Explore the exhibits that recount the events of September 11, 2001, and honor the lives lost, while also gaining insights into the resilience and recovery of the city and nation. 

Overnight: Hostel, New York

Start each day of your Around the World in NYC journey with a lesson about the mico community you will be visiting. Each meal of the day will be inspired by the culture of that community. Spend the day doing activities ranging from service to culinary experiences to cultural activities. 

Day 3: Little Italy – Head over to the Italian American museum where you will gain a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience. Spend time roaming the streets with a guided tour. Enjoy street art and murals as you learn about the neighborhood’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.  Grab lunch at America’s first pizzeria, Lombardi’s Pizza. Finish off your time in Little Italy with dinner followed by a sweet treat like a cannoli or gelato before exploring the boutique shops, souvenir stores, and galleries on Mulberry Street. 

Day 4: Chinatown – In Chinatown, learn about the history, heritage, and contributions of Chinese Americans to New York City at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). Explore one of the traditional Chinese herbal shops in the area. Learn about the various herbs, remedies, and cultural practices related to Chinese medicine.  Visit Columbus Park, a vibrant hub of activity where you can observe locals practicing Tai Chi, engaging in traditional Chinese games, and socializing. Join a Tai Chi session and experience the calming and meditative movements. Enjoy lunch at a local noodle shop. Top it off with some bubble tea. 

Spend the afternoon at NYU to explore the vibrant Greenwich Village neighborhood, stroll through Washington Square Park, and visit the impressive Bobst Library for a glimpse of student life. Or visit Columbia University, to admire the historic Low Memorial Library, walk through the picturesque Morningside Heights campus, and experience the academic atmosphere at the expansive Butler Library.

Overnight: Hostel, New York

Alternative Options for Days 3 & 4 – Choose to replace Little Italy and/or Chinatown with any of the following Micro-Communities. Examples of cultural activities include those listed below. 

• Harlem – Apollo Theater: Take a guided tour of this iconic venue, known for launching the careers of many famous African-American performers. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Discover exhibitions on African-American history, culture, and arts. Jazz at Minton’s Playhouse: Take a guided tour to learn about Harlem’s rich history, from the Harlem Renaissance to modern times.Studio Museum in Harlem: Explore contemporary art by artists of African descent through exhibitions, collections, and programs. Harlem Heritage Tours: Take a guided tour to learn about Harlem’s rich history, from the Harlem Renaissance to modern times. Amateur Night at the Apollo: Experience a legendary Harlem tradition by attending this famous talent competition.
• East Village – St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery: Visit one of the oldest sites of continuous worship in New York City, and explore its history and beautiful architecture. East Village Walking Tour: Learn about the area’s bohemian history, including stops at famous punk rock historic sites. Museum of the American Gangster:  Dive into the history of organized crime in America. Enjoy a local show in the area. Ukrainian Museum: Discover exhibitions on Ukrainian culture, art, and history. Alphabet City: Explore this vibrant sub-neighborhood of the East Village, known for its artsy vibe, murals, and community gardens. Nuyorican Poets Cafe: Experience spoken word poetry, music, and theater at this iconic East Village venue.
• Greenwich Village – Washington Square Park: Relax and people-watch in this iconic park, and perhaps catch some live street performances. The Stonewall Inn: Visit the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Do a little shopping before heading to a local show in the area.
• Jackson Heights – Jackson Heights Historic District: Take a walk through this beautifully preserved neighborhood, known for its pre-war garden apartments. Visit the international shops and markets: Explore the diverse array of international shops. Queens Diversity Tour: Join a guided tour to learn about the incredible cultural diversity of the area. Take a Tango dancing lesson or a cooking class to get the full experience. 
• Astoria – Museum of the Moving Image: Explore exhibitions on film, television, and digital media in this unique museum.  Enjoy views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. Learn about Greek culture and heritage through exhibitions and performances.  Visit a unique museum dedicated to the works of Japanese-American artists, featuring sculptures and design pieces.

Begin your day at Rockefeller Center, a historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Take an elevator ride to the Top of the Rock observation deck, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of New York City, including iconic sights such as Central Park and the Empire State Building. Spend the afternoon immersed in the world of contemporary and modern art at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Wander through the galleries and admire masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. 

Add-On Day 5: Conclude your day with the dazzling experience of a Broadway show. The vibrant energy of a live Broadway production provides an unforgettable evening of entertainment and cultural enrichment.

Overnight: Hostel, New York

Start your day in the vibrant neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), known for its cobblestone streets, chic boutiques, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. If weather permits, take a 30 minute walk across the Brooklyn bridge and enjoy the sights of the city from different vantage points. Stroll along Brooklyn Bridge Park, relax by the water and take in the breathtaking scenery. 

In the afternoon, head to Williamsburg, a neighborhood renowned for its hipster vibe, eclectic street art, and trendy boutiques. If your visit falls on a weekend, don’t miss Smorgasburg, an open-air food market offering a variety of delicious treats from local vendors. As evening approaches, take the subway to Coney Island for a nostalgic experience. Enjoy a leisurely beach walk, thrill yourself with amusement park rides, and savor the iconic Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, making for a perfect end to a day full of diverse Brooklyn experiences.

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.

Overnight: Hostel, New York

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

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.