All Rustic Pathways programs follow our Cleaner, Safer, Healthier Program. With the advice of health experts, our Safety Team updates protocols on a regular basis. Contact our team for specific protocols for any of the countries that we visit.
| Before you travel |
Vaccinations |
- In general, you do not need a COVID-19 test before your program.
- We will let you know if your destination has special entry requirements.
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- We do not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students.
- We do encourage all students to follow all US CDC guidelines. This includes guidelines on COVID-19 and other vaccines.
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| Masks and face coverings |
Screening |
- Masks are available upon request.
- We adhere to local government mask guidelines and policies. We will let you know if your destination has specific guidelines or policies in place.
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- We monitor for infectious symptoms as a normal part of our programming.
- Upon client request, we can arrange access to COVID testing.
- We can also arrange access if a destination requires a COVID test.
- We adhere to local government screening policies.
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| Community interaction |
Enhanced cleaning and increased ventilation |
- We are extra careful whenever we interact with local community members.
- We may ask students to keep social distancing or other enhanced measures when interacting with community partners.
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- Fans and screened windows provide ample access to fresh air.
- We design program activities to get students outside in fresh air.
- We have increased disinfection of sleeping areas and shared surfaces with EPA-approved products.
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| Food and beverage |
Program leader standards |
- Handwashing stations will be available at each meal.
- Program staff clean and disinfect surfaces used for eating.
- Staff clean and disinfect food preparation areas.
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- Rustic Pathways global staff must maintain up-to-date vaccinations for COVID-19.
- Staff are also screened before each program.
- Leaders and staff undergo regular training on health, safety, and risk management. We base our training in care, courtesy and respect.
- We focus on empowering our team to act and respond when incidents may occur.
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| Shared responsibility |
If you get COVID before you travel |
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based sanitizer when soap is not available.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Be sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow if a tissue is unavailable.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid sharing cups, glasses or utensils.
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- No problem! Focus on getting healthy first.
- You can switch to a program later in the summer. Contact us for help.
- You can cancel and submit a claim to your insurance provider. We can help with any invoices or receipts you need.
- Note: if you submit a claim — get a verified positive test for your claim documents. Insurance companies may not accept an at-home test.
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