What It’s Like to Work as a Rustic Pathways Program Leader
Being a Program Leader is not your typical job. Your “office” might be a remote village in Thailand, the desert in Morocco, or a reef in Fiji. Clocking in at 9 and out at 5 is obsolete. It’s thrilling, exhausting, eye-opening, and challenging in the best ways possible.
Rustic Pathways hires individuals who bring resilience, cultural intelligence, emotional maturity, and a deep belief in the power of student development. Our leaders include former Rustic Pathways students, experienced teachers, and seasoned experiential educators, contributing to our 50% Program Leader retention rate (2025).
What We Look for: 6 Core Competencies
Rustic Pathways’ application process is competitive and deliberate—we spend up to four months interviewing, vetting, and challenging applicants. We hire for the following six core competencies:
Core Qualifications & Skills
- Youth Experience – Proven work or volunteer history with high school students. Having once been a teen doesn’t count!
- International Immersion – Not just vacations, but time spent living abroad in culturally-immersive experiences off the beaten path.
- Facilitation Mastery – Comfort with managing logistics, leading group discussions, and navigating team dynamics.
- Language Skills – Fluency is critical. Rustic Pathways program leaders collectively speak Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Burmese, French, Hindi, Khmer, Lao, Mandarin, Swahili, Tibetan, and Vietnamese, among others.
- Crisis Readiness & Bravery – The ability to assess risk, exercise prudence, and make the right call (like canceling a hike) when safety is at stake.
- Certifications – WFR (Wilderness First Responder) is a must for many roles.
Pro Tip: Preparing Your Application
To stand out, commit to a service initiative or social justice cause (the ultimate #sorustic move) and lead outdoor activities (like freshman orientation trips).
The Rustic Pathways Leadership Philosophy
Our formula for a transformational travel experience is our Program Leaders. We hire for passion and excellence—leaders who maintain commitment under the ever-changing conditions inherent to travel. Our best leaders are mentors, not managers, guided by these values:
Guiding Values
- Student-Centered Mindset – Great leaders adapt to student needs and create space for personal growth moments, even if it means flexing the schedule.
- Cultural Humility & Humanity – We value learning *with* communities, not just *about* them. Leaders model curiosity, encourage students to acknowledge different perspectives, and are eager to learn from one another.
- Process > Product – Success is measured by connection and reflection (e.g., student growth), not just the work completed.
- Challenge by Choice – Students are invited to push beyond their comfort zone at their own pace and with full support.
- Adaptability – Our leaders are masters of cross-cultural communication, adept at adjusting to changes within the cultural bounds of their location.
Ready to Lead?
Life in the Field: Highlights, Realities & Growth
Program Leaders describe the experience as exhilarating, emotionally intense, and deeply rewarding. The days are long—but the impact lasts a lifetime.
Highlights from the Field
- Student Impact: “What keeps blowing my mind… is how much the students can change… find different inspirations and passions that literally change the course of their lives.”
- Personal Growth: “The best part of working for Rustic Pathways was learning from my co-leaders… The opportunity to grow, teach, and learn all at the same time.”
- Meaningful Travel: You get to be “so much more than a tourist” and actively make a difference.
Realities of the Role
- Stamina: “How little sleep we got. Going full throttle 24/7!” You must keep your energy up for the last group as much as the first.
- Emotional Labor: “It’s always hard to say goodbye… you make very strong connections.”
- Uncomfortable Realities: “Stomach bugs happen, you lose your favorite fleece or run out of underwear, these are the realities of traveling.”
- Service Connection: The challenge of getting *all* students to understand and enjoy the value of community service.
Grow with Us: Leader Career Pathways
The leadership path often progresses: Assistant Program Leader → Program Leader → Senior Leader. Leadership roles may lead to Country Manager and Director positions. Rustic Pathways alumni often become exceptional leaders bringing insider knowledge and heart.
“As a student, Rustic Pathways showed me what I was capable of. As a leader, I get to create that same discovery for others.”
Meet the Mentors Who Make Rustic Pathways Transformative
With over 300 seasonal staff members guiding students in 20+ countries, our Program Leaders at Rustic Pathways are the passionate educators, adventurers, and cultural ambassadors who bring each program to life. More than half return year after year—ensuring stronger bonds with local communities and richer student experiences.
Mat Millard — Australia
Location: Kulpara, South Australia
Mat led our Seven Wonders program until 2011 and has since led programs in numerous countries, including two gap semesters. His down-to-earth approach and deep knowledge of the Australian Outback make him a student favorite.
Yusos Sles — Cambodia
Location: Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia
Full of energy and always smiling, Yusos connects students to his country’s culture and communities with enthusiasm. A law and economics graduate, he exemplifies Rustic Pathways’ value of cultural humility.
Hailey Savage — China
Location: Waitsfield, Vermont
Hailey’s early volunteer experience with panda conservation inspired her studies in East Asian Studies at Columbia University. She brings global perspective and warmth to every program she leads.
Cristian Arce Valverde — Costa Rica
Location: Cartago, Costa Rica
An ecotourism professional and nature advocate, Cristian has worked with Rustic Pathways since 2015, mentoring students through conservation and sustainability projects.
What Our Leaders, Students, and Parents Say
“When my son had an asthma episode, the leaders handled it with such professionalism and care. Their training was evident, but so was their genuine concern.” — Janey Lombard, Parent, Ballard, Washington
“The Program Leaders’ daily updates showed not just what my daughter was doing, but how she was growing. Their attention to each student’s journey was remarkable.” — Michelle Rodriguez, Parent, Katy, Texas
“My leaders didn’t just show us places—they helped us understand them. They turned every moment into a chance to grow.” — Tim Tedesco, Saint Louis, Missouri
How to Prepare & Apply
Eligibility
You can apply if you will be 22 years of age or older by the next travel season. This role demands resilience, patience, and a strong sense of responsibility. It’s not for everyone—but for the right leader, it’s life-changing.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Earn your WFR certification before applying.
- Volunteer with youth, especially in service or outdoor settings.
- Practice language immersion—go beyond the basics.
- Explore becoming a Flight Leader at rusticpathways.com/careers/flight-leaders or a Brand Ambassador to start gaining experience with us.
Rustic Pathways is currently accepting Program Leader applications for the 2026 travel season.
This is a job, a mission, an adventure, and a chance to help shape a more connected world.
Ready to Lead?