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United States

USA: East Coast Colleges and Culture — Custom School Trips

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

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Experience some of the United States’ most prestigious universities and historic East Coast cities. Days are filled with immersive college tours at prestigious institutions like Columbia, NYU, Yale, and Brown, offering firsthand insights into academic life and opportunities. Cultural enrichment is woven throughout with visits to iconic landmarks such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complemented by leisurely activities like rooftop dinners and scenic gondola rides. The itinerary concludes with a reflective closing ceremony in Boston, celebrating the week’s discoveries and setting the stage for meaningful takeaways as you return home, enriched by your East Coast adventure.

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 6-Day Program Include?

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

1

Welcome to New York City!

Arrive into New York City Airport (LGA) 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 long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations and an introduction to the local culture. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service. Overnight: Hostel, New York City
2

Columbia University and NYU

Start your college explorations with a visit to Columbia University and NYU. Begin the morning at Columbia with a guided campus tour and an informational session, exploring the historic Morningside Heights campus and gaining insights into its esteemed academic programs and vibrant student life. Afterward, head downtown to New York University for another engaging tour and session, experiencing the dynamic urban campus situated in the heart of Greenwich Village. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in New York City's cultural scene with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you can admire an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world. As evening falls, enjoy the excitement of Times Square with a memorable dinner followed by a spectacular Broadway show, capturing the essence of New York City's unparalleled energy and creativity. This day offers a perfect blend of academic exploration, cultural enrichment, and evening entertainment in one of the world's most iconic cities. Overnight: Hotel, New York City
3

Yale University and the University Art Gallery

Start the morning with a two hour train ride to New Haven. Begin at Yale with an insightful campus tour and an informational session, where you'll get a firsthand look at the historic architecture, renowned facilities, and vibrant academic life. After soaking in the university's rich history and meeting current students and staff, you'll spend the afternoon exploring Yale Peabody Museum or the Yale University Art Gallery, home to an impressive collection of art from diverse cultures and time periods. The day will culminate in a delightful evening of fun and relaxation, enjoying a rooftop dinner with breathtaking views of the skyline, where you can reflect on the day's experiences and savor the unique blend of academic and cultural immersion that Yale and its surroundings offer. Overnight: Hotel, New Haven
4

Brown University and a Scenic Gondola Ride

Journey to Providence by train to tour Brown University. Begin with an engaging campus tour and informational session, discovering the university's distinctive open curriculum and vibrant student life. After exploring the beautiful campus and historic buildings, you'll spend the afternoon strolling through the scenic Waterplace Park, where you can enjoy the serene environment and local culture. As the day transitions to evening, you'll experience the charm of Providence with a relaxing gondola ride along the river, offering picturesque views and a unique perspective of the city or spend time at the Providence Place Mall shopping. This blend of academic insight, cultural exploration, and evening leisure ensures a memorable and enriching visit to Brown University. Overnight: Hotel, Providence
5

Boston College Tours and the Freedom Trail

Rise early and board the train bound for Boston. Begin your day with immersive tours of two esteemed universities: Boston College and either Boston University, Harvard, or MIT. Engage in informative sessions that delve into each campus's history and student life. Afterward, dedicate your afternoon to cultural exploration at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, renowned for its diverse art collection spanning the globe. As night falls, savor a delightful dinner in Boston's lively North End, followed by a leisurely stroll along the historic Freedom Trail, where you can absorb the city's vibrant history and atmosphere. 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: Hotel, Boston
6

Return Home from Boston

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you reflect on your educational and cultural experiences. Flight Details: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.

Total: 6 calendar days / 5 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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