Blog

This summer's Hawaii program included a hike through a lava tube, snorkeling amid the reefs, service in a remote valley, and an unexpected twist.  

Long after the trips with Rustic Pathways end, the friendships remain. Alumni often share stories about how they have traveled together, inspired each other, and reached out in times of need. Here are just a few of these stories.

Today’s teenagers are regularly tuned in to issues about climate change and the environment. Parents can foster that interest and plan family activities around official events that focus on nature. Here is a look at some of these upcoming events and programs that may help, along with some Rustic Pathways’ alumni thoughts about these issues.

Mental health statistics show that the well-being of many teens drastically declined during the pandemic. Parents can help teens find their way back through international programs that are designed to build connections.

If you have never taken a Rustic trip before, this is the advice I wished I knew before I went on my first trip!!

"I looked around and took in every detail. Some were struggling to use a chopstick, food was being switched around so people could try everything, and laughter was everywhere. I thought to myself, how lucky am I to be here, right now, in this moment? I felt such inner content and joy, it was hard to believe that I was ever anxious about being there."

We are beyond proud of all of you. No matter your next step, we are not worried for you. We are ready for you.

Calista Schloessmann, Rustic alumni, shares her Rustic journey and what has led to her continued efforts to help provide safe and dignified housing to families in the Dominican Republic.

"Vivid in my memory are those first moments of extreme heat, hustle and bustle, and a rapid intake of a culture far different than my own. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed but excited! I’d be spending the next two weeks in a small community providing what help I could, then heading to an elephant sanctuary. Little did I know that the first week would change me forever."

The second part of my blog series covers my time during my Global Fellowship in Southeast Asia. Over three weeks I traveled to Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

Last summer I became the first Global Fellow for the Rustic Pathways Foundation. In this two-part blog series, I’ll share my experiences during this fellowship and what I learned from it.

Megan was having multiple panic attacks daily, so her anxiety about traveling was high. But she took the leap, and that made a major difference.

A well-written essay can get you into college. Tell the right story and you'll stand out amongst the competition.

Meet Mary. Mary traveled to Thailand this past summer with Rustic, and returned home to Alabama and immediately started training for her first half…

Taylor Brennan, of Montclair, New Jersey, brought a smile and a beam of hope into our inbox and we think she’ll do the same for you. Read Taylor's full email—and how travel inspired her passion for helping others—below, published with her permission.  [caption id="attachment_18066" align="alignright" width="640"] Taylor with a student during her time spent on the Sacred…

Hannah Repke graduated from high school outside of Washington DC. She was accepted to the University of Virginia, but something about going straight to college didn’t feel right. Hannah recognized she was burned out, and decided to look into other options—which is the moment she fell in love with the idea of taking a gap year.…

Last month, we addressed some common fears and worries that both first time travelers and seasoned travelers alike could relate to before embarking on a new adventure. We then took this list of apprehensions and dug a bit deeper by asking our greater Rustic family for their advice. Rustic Alumni from all different years, countries, and…

We want you to meet Sasha. Sasha traveled to Cambodia and India with Rustic Pathways in 2010 and 2011, and has gone on to become an epic citizen of the world. Sasha was originally inspired by her Rustic experience in Cambodia, and now we are inspired by her.   In March, Sasha invited us to…

This month, our Alumni Spotlights are two international Gap Year semester students: Zoe, hailing from north of Sydney, Australia, and Camila, from Mexico City, Mexico. In spring of 2015, Zoe joined us in Africa; traveling to Ghana, Morocco, and Tanzania. Camila traveled with us on a Gap semester in Southeast Asia in the Fall of…

This month’s spotlights are shining on three awesome girls whose programs in Morocco, India, and Thailand far exceeded their expectations. Hear about their eye-opening experiences and the connections Nabilla, Sarah, and Maggie discovered within their new environments. Nabilla traveled to Morocco with Souqs and Service as an Ambassador scholarship recipient. She had the unique experience…