How to Enroll in a Rustic Pathways Gap Year Program

Rustic Pathways offers a clear, three-step enrollment process for students ages 17–22 who are ready to begin a Gap Semester or full Gap Year. Yes, enrolling is simple. This page explains how to complete your enrollment, what to expect from our admissions team, and the eligibility requirements you must meet before traveling.

Use this guide to understand the full enrollment timeline and how we support you from program selection through departure.

Enrollment Overview

To participate in a Rustic Pathways Gap Year program, students must:

• Be high school graduates by the time their program begins
• Be between ages 17 and 22
• Meet the eligibility requirements listed below

Enrollment occurs in three steps:

1. Enroll online
2. Speak with our Gap Year Admissions Coordinator
3. Prepare for travel and begin your Gap Semester

You may begin enrollment at any time. Enrollment typically takes 1–2 weeks from initial submission to confirmation.

Eligibility Requirements for Gap Year Programs

Rustic Pathways programs are intentionally designed for students ready to engage in immersive, independent, and cross-cultural learning. To participate, you must meet the following requirements:

Age and Academic Eligibility

1. Be 17–22 years old at program start
2. Be a high school graduate or provide documentation confirming graduation requirements have been met

Behavioral and Legal Eligibility

1. Not require regular therapy or psychiatric consultations while on program
2. Not be legally adjudicated or on probation

Communication and Social Readiness

1. Follow written and verbal directions in English
2. Communicate openly and constructively with staff and peers

Health and Self-Management

1. Self-manage health needs, including medication, nutrition, hydration, allergies, and emotional wellbeing

Environmental and Situational Adaptability

1. Tolerate varied environmental conditions such as heat, cold, altitude, precipitation, insects, and rural environments
2. Independently assess conditions, identify hazards, and act appropriately to avoid danger

These criteria help ensure each student is prepared for the challenges and responsibilities of immersive international travel.

Enrollment Timeline

Most families complete enrollment within the following timeframe:

• Day 1: Online enrollment submitted
• Day 1–2: Welcome letter and invoice sent
• Day 3–10: Enrollment call scheduled and completed
• Week 2: Flight planning begins
• 1 Month Prior: Pre-trip webinar and final confirmations

Students enrolling closer to the program start date will follow an accelerated version of this timeline.

Required Documents

Most students will need:

• A valid passport
• Any required travel or medical forms
• Emergency contact information
• Health history and medication details
• Payment authorization or sponsorship documentation

Your Admissions Coordinator will send all required documents.

What Happens After Enrollment?

After your enrollment call:

• Your spot in the program is reserved
• You will receive all necessary preparation materials
• Our team becomes your primary support until departure
• You will gain access to pre-departure webinars and planning tools

You are fully supported from enrollment through arrival at your first program destination.