Summer is coming to a close meaning it’s time to switch gears, break out your fresh notebooks for the school year (Moleskines are our go to), and start planning your next big adventure. We should confess, we’re planning them too, and we can’t hold in our excitement any longer. We are thrilled to share that…
The Nasivikoso School in Fiji is now equipped with brand new furniture in the school and teachers’ houses thanks to the more than $10,000 raised by RP Foundation Development Ambassadors in 2015. The school purchased six beds with mattresses, three dining tables with chair, four dresser tables, thirty school desks with chairs, and three teachers’…
Our dedicated Development Ambassadors raised more than $16,000 in support of the Sacred Valley Project in Peru last year. The project provides a safe living space, nutritious meals, and supplementary education to young women in rural communities in the Andes so that they can avoid the often dangerous and time-consuming journey to and from school,…
A lot of progress has been made at Nambark Ethnic School in the last year. The construction of a two-story dormitory, an indoor bathing room, and a new toilet block is complete. Rural students in Northern Laos, especially members of ethnic minorities, often struggle in their pursuit of secondary education. Some high schoolers travel long…
The elementary school in Prek Toal, Cambodia, is sinking. In a demonstration of its commitment to this project, the Rustic Pathways Foundation has pledged $25,000 from its discretionary fund to support the construction of a brand new, five-classroom, cement schoolhouse, adding to the over $15,000 already raised by our passionate donors and Development Ambassadors. This…
Back in March, our CEO, Chris Stakich, was featured at #TEDxYouth@LAS. In this inspiring talk, he shares with us his views on the myth of Linear Progression and reminds us there are many paths to, and many definitions of, success. Chris shares his own story about how he realized that you don’t have to set…
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…