Service travel programs give teens a safe and structured way to explore new cultures while making a positive impact. Through volunteering abroad, students contribute to meaningful projects, develop leadership skills, and create lifelong memories that prepare them for college and beyond.
Parents often ask: How many verified service hours will my teen earn? Who supervises them? Which destination offers the right mix of adventure and community impact? This guide highlights Rustic Pathways’ top service travel programs, each balancing safety, service hours, and exploration.
At a Glance: Service Travel Program Comparison
| Program | Destination | Duration | Service Hours | Best For | Parent Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Come with Nothing | Thailand | 25 days | 60 | Deep cultural immersion | Rural homestays, 4.37:1 student-to-leader ratio |
| Sun, Sand, and International Service | Fiji | 16 days | 60 | Adventure + service | Eco-lodge base, shorter 9-day option |
| Culture and the Crater | Tanzania | Varies | 50 | Service + safari | Includes Hadzabe tribe visit and safari tours |
| Sacred Valley Service | Peru | Varies | 40 | Adventure + sustainability | Machu Picchu, Andes activities |
| Turtle Conservation | Costa Rica | 9 days | 30 | Animal lovers | Pacific coast, hands-on turtle protection |
| Public Health in the Caribbean | Dominican Republic | Varies | Varies | Future healthcare majors | Includes CPR/Wilderness First Aid certification |
| Hawaii Service | USA (Hawaii) | Varies | 30 | Environmental focus | Volcanoes National Park, multiple climate zones |
Come with Nothing: The Rustic Expedition – Thailand
Overview: One of Rustic’s most immersive service travel programs. Students journey to remote Thai villages with only a carry-on bag. Living with pre-screened host families, they assist with projects like language enrichment, small-scale construction, and farming.
- Duration: 25 days
- Service hours: 60
- Highlights: Deep cultural immersion, village homestays, hands-on service
Who It’s For: Teens ready to leave their comfort zones and experience authentic rural life in developing regions.
Parent Note: Students live in safe, vetted homestays with Rustic local staff oversight (4.37:1 student-to-leader ratio). Verified service hours count toward volunteer awards and college applications.
Sun, Sand, and International Service – Fiji
Overview: This service travel program combines community projects with Fiji’s stunning beaches. Students stay near an Eco-Lodge, contribute through tutoring and home-building, and enjoy activities like surfing and snorkeling.
- Duration: 16 days (60 service hours)
- Service projects: Tutoring, home-building, and community engagement
- Shorter option: Intro to Community Service in Fiji (9 days)
Parent Note: Eco-Lodge setting with Rustic staff supervision ensures safety while teens balance service with island adventure.
Culture and the Crater – Tanzania
Overview: A unique blend of cultural exchange, meaningful service travel, and safari adventure. Students join rural infrastructure projects, participate in education exchanges with local schools, and gain firsthand exposure to Tanzanian traditions.
- Duration: Service component: 50 hours
- Highlights: Rural service projects, Hadzabe tribe visit, safari to see lions, elephants, and rhinos
Who It’s For: Students who want to combine cultural immersion and wildlife exploration with hands-on community service.
Parent Note: Rustic staff guide students through safe rural projects and wildlife excursions, ensuring strong supervision and structured learning experiences. Students return home with 50 verified service hours and cross-cultural leadership skills.
Sacred Valley Service – Peru
Overview: This service travel program is set in Peru’s Sacred Valley, where students improve community infrastructure, especially around water sustainability. Alongside service, they experience the Andes through rafting, hiking, and visits to Machu Picchu.
- Duration: 40 service hours
- Highlights: White water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and iconic cultural sites
Who It’s For: Students looking for a balance of outdoor adventure and community service with a sustainability focus.
Parent Note: With Rustic staff oversight, students safely engage in projects that directly benefit local communities. Verified service hours strengthen college applications while teens explore Peru’s most iconic landmarks.
Turtle Conservation – Costa Rica
Overview: One of Rustic’s most popular service travel programs for animal lovers. Students help protect endangered sea turtles from poaching and habitat threats while exploring Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline.
- Duration: 9 days
- Service hours: 30
- Highlights: Turtle research, coastal conservation projects, beach exploration
Who It’s For: Teens passionate about wildlife conservation and environmental science.
Parent Note: Students are guided by Rustic leaders with conservation expertise. The shorter 9-day format makes this program ideal for first-time service travel participants while still offering 30 verified service hours.
Public Health in the Caribbean – Dominican Republic
Overview: Designed for teens interested in healthcare careers, this service travel program provides experience in public health projects while earning certifications like Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
- Duration: Varies by session
- Service hours: Includes infrastructure projects and school workshops
- Highlights: Work alongside healthcare professionals, teach health education, reflect on Caribbean beaches, and tour Santo Domingo
Who It’s For: High school students exploring future medical pathways.
Parent Note: Supervised by Rustic staff and local professionals, students gain practical healthcare experience in a safe environment. Certifications add value for college applications while reinforcing leadership and responsibility.
Travel to the Dominican Republic →
Hawaii Service
Overview: A U.S.-based service travel program focused on environmental conservation. Students work on projects that protect Hawaii’s natural resources while exploring its stunning geography and diverse climate zones.
- Duration: 30 service hours
- Highlights: Environmental protection projects, Volcanoes National Park, black and white sand beaches, hikes across climate zones
Who It’s For: Teens looking for a service travel experience closer to home with strong environmental themes.
Parent Note: Students are supervised in well-structured projects designed for maximum environmental impact. This program provides 30 verified service hours while allowing teens to experience Hawaii’s unique ecosystems safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many service hours do students earn?
Each program includes verified service hours ranging from 30–60+, which count toward school requirements, college applications, and volunteer awards.
Are service travel programs safe for teens?
Yes. Rustic Pathways has a verified 4.37:1 student-to-leaderratio, vetted homestays, and 24/7 emergency support. Parents receive regular updates during the trip.
Which service travel program is best for my child?
It depends on their interests. Turtle Conservation is perfect for animal lovers, Public Health in the Caribbean suits aspiring medical students, while Sacred Valley Service is ideal for adventure-seekers who also want to contribute to sustainability projects.
Explore More Service Programs
These seven highlights represent just part of Rustic’s global service travel offerings. Explore our full service program page or connect with a Global Advisor to find the right program for your teen.