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Cleaner, Safer, Healthier Plan

Cleaner, Safer, Healthier Plan

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.
  • 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.
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.
  • 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.
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.
  • 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.
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.
  • 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.
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.
  • 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.