Sending your teen abroad for the first time can feel exciting, but also overwhelming. Parents want reassurance that their child will be safe, supported, and gaining valuable experiences. Rustic Pathways has designed student travel programs specifically for first-time teen travelers (ages 12–18), balancing safety, cultural immersion, service projects, and adventure. Note: Program availability varies by season and year. Some programs may not currently be running, but they represent the types of experiences Rustic Pathways offers to first-time travelers. Find The Perfect Program For You
Pura Vida Service – Costa Rica This nine-day program (ages 12–18) takes place in the beautiful town of La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano. Students stay at Rustic’s Volcano and Rainforest Service Base, which offers Western amenities such as hot water and modern bathrooms. The program is led by experienced Rustic Pathways local staff and experts who share their local expertise and hospitality, ensuring safety and cultural connection. Program Destination Duration Age Range Highlights Parent Notes Pura Vida Service Costa Rica 9 days 12–18 Adventure (ziplining, rafting), service, cultural immersion Comfortable base house, Western amenities, supervised by local experts Location: La Fortuna, Costa Rica Highlights: Adventure activities (ziplining, rafting), cultural immersion, and meaningful service projects Accessibility: Only a five-hour flight from major U.S. cities, minimal time zone adjustment Explore All Costa Rica Programs
Mountain Air and Island Service – Dominican Republic Similar to Pura Vida Service, this nine-day program (ages 12–17) combines service and adventure with comfortable lodging in base houses and hotels. Students experience the mountains, a stunning beach, and the capital city while contributing to local service projects. Safety and supervision are provided throughout, giving parents confidence while teens gain independence. Program Destination Duration Age Range Highlights Parent Notes Mountain Air and Island Service Dominican Republic 9 days 12–17 Service projects, snorkeling, culture, beach and city immersion Shorter flight from U.S., safe base housing, Rustic leader supervision Location: Dominican Republic Highlights: Service projects, snorkeling over coral reefs, cultural immersion (dance, food, traditions) Accessibility: Shorter flight from the U.S. compared to other destinations View All Programs in the Dominican Republic
Intro to Community Service – Fiji This nine-day program (ages 12–18) is perfect for first-time travelers who want to experience life further from home. Students stay at Rustic’s Eco-Lodge Base, built with locally grown timber and equipped with modern features like bathrooms, dining spaces, and a game room. The base also includes gardens, a pool, sports fields, and meditation decks, ideal for balancing service with fun. Program Destination Duration Age Range Highlights Parent Notes Intro to Community Service Fiji 9 days 12–18 Service hours with options for scuba, skydiving, ziplining, Fijian massage Eco-Lodge Base with modern amenities, cross-cultural immersion, Rustic staff guidance Location: Fiji (between two villages) Highlights: Service hours with options for add-ons (scuba, skydiving, ziplining, Fijian massage) Cultural immersion: Surrounded by both Fijian and Indian communities for a rich cross-cultural experience Travel to Fiji
Final Takeaway For teens traveling abroad for the first time, these programs offer the right mix of safety, cultural immersion, and adventure. Whether in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, or Fiji, students gain independence, friendships, and lasting memories while parents gain peace of mind. First-time travel doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Rustic Pathways programs are built for teens ages 12–18, with safety, service, and support at the core. Explore all our student travel programs or speak with an admissions counselor to find the right first trip for your teen.