We are excited to announce that 75 additional students in Kampong Cham, Cambodia will receive scholarships thanks to over $16,000 raised by our Development Ambassadors in 2015. We are proud to partner with Buddhism for Social Development Action (BSDA) on their initiative, Education for All. Founded in 2005 by a group of Buddhist monks, BSDA…
The Rustic Pathways Foundation is proud to announce that its 2015 end-of-year campaign was its most successful fundraising campaign in the organization’s history. Nearly 170 staff, alumni, and friends of Rustic Pathways volunteered their time to fundraise for the foundation’s six projects, in addition to its general fund. An astounding 1,050 new donors were generous…
OLLANTAYTAMBO, Peru—Sacred Valley Project Founder and Rustic Pathways Peru Country Manager Alex Ball was recently highlighted in an article published by Matador Network. He was hailed as a “hero working to empower women throughout the world.” Also highlighted in the article was Malala Yousafzai, the women’s education activist who was shot for defying the Taliban…
If you check out #traveldeeper on Instagram, you’ll find a slew of beautiful, vibrant travel photos. But what does it mean to “travel deep”? What’s the difference between capturing a well “liked” photo and having an authentic, culturally immersive experience? We can tell you it has nothing to do with the filter you choose. Actually,…
Achieving independence is perhaps the most important milestone in any country’s history. It makes sense then that these countries’ independence holidays are characterized by large celebratory events (like fireworks parades, concerts, and contests) and unique patriotic displays you won’t find for any other holiday. Read on for more about how these countries celebrate their independence!…
In an effort to learn about the religion, culture and economy of Southeast Asia, Andrew, Matthew, and William Liner went on an educational trip to region with Rustic Pathways during the summer of 2013. They were interested in discovering how children in other parts of the world live and how this differed from their own upbringing.…
Supporting your child in their choice to take a gap year isn’t always easy. You might be worried they won’t return to school, nervous about them traveling abroad, or wondering if the investment is really worth it. We understand taking a gap year is a big decision for both our students and our parents. However,…
From the land of pura vida, good vibes, and gallo pinto, this A to Z list will give you some insight and fun facts on what to expect when you visit Costa Rica.
On Jan. 16, the Prime Minister of Fiji, Vorqe Bainimarama, visited the Nasivikoso Village School Project to officially open the two classrooms, teachers’ quarters and bathroom facilities his office contributed to the project.
Name: Max Veenema Gap Year Program Leader: South Pacific Service and Ocean Skills How did you begin working for Rustic Pathways? I started working with Rustic in the Fiji Islands. I had come from California, where I spent much of my time in the Pacific Ocean. I wanted to experience a new culture while still…
Why does someone choose to take a gap year? What do they really learn about themselves and about the world? Hear three of our alumni, Kelsey, Sharif, and Lance, speak about their gap journeys. Check out our newest video: The Impact of 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…
Summer’s finally here and that means almost three whole months to get outside, dive into a good book, hit the road for an adventure of a lifetime, and explore! Check out this list of must-dos and get excited for our favorite season. [caption id="attachment_14289" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo credit: Lance Oppenheim[/caption] 1. Plug into your surroundings Challenge yourself…
You want to take a gap year. You want to explore, learn outside the classroom, and gain real life skills. You’re ready to go, but there’s one small step left—you have to convince your parents. If you’re nervous about broaching the subject, have no fear! A little research goes a long way, and there are…
A collection of Peruvian quirks and attractions from A to Z to give you a window into life in Peru.... Alpaca. Alpaca everything, everywhere. Alpaca socks? You bet. Alpaca leggings? Of course. Alpaca steak? Even better. A common cuisine in the High Andes, alpaca is similar to buffalo in taste. Backpacking. A backpacker’s destination, Peru…
In January 2015, I quit my job and packed my bags to trek through Southeast Asia. During this time, I led Come With Nothing programs in Laos and Thailand with Rustic and recently started full-time as Thailand Program Manager this past January. Read my revelations from the road here, and check out photos from my adventure below:…
How I quit my job to travel through Asia: One year ago, after much apprehension, I stepped out of a comfortable career and watched a whole new world open up for me. I had worked as a policy analyst in Washington, DC for three years, a great job by conventional standards, but there was this nagging…
When I was 15, I got on a plane by myself for the first time and flew to LAX from Ft. Myers, Florida, to meet up with a group of Rustic Pathways students. I couldn’t have been more excited for my Rustic Pathways program. I was going on an adventure of a lifetime! I knew…
Two weeks ago 113 Rustic Pathways team members from around the world gathered in Ohio for our largest company gathering to date. The mission of the week was to bring everyone together to share in the vision of where Rustic Pathways is heading and to prepare for our busiest and most exciting travel…
Rustic Pathways supports sustainable development. We work with community partners to develop projects that address important social, health, and environmental needs, enabling our students to take a hands-on role in creating change. If you are traveling with us this summer, we ask that you do not bring general donations for the communities you are visiting…