Director of Admissions
For over 15 years, I’ve dedicated my career to experiential education. Six of those years have been with Rustic Pathways, where I’ve worn many hats: Acquisition Marketing Manager, Marketing Director, and Program Manager in Japan.
I’ve also led gap year programs with students in Ecuador, China, India, and South Africa and spent three years teaching at a high school in Nagasaki, Japan.
One of my most notable memories as a high school teacher was when I took the time to sit down one-on-one during lunch break with Yuta, a student in one of my English conversation classes. I’ve noticed Yuta was struggling with his English studies and had difficulty following the curriculum. By talking to him about his interests and aspirations, we formed a connection that led to us finding better ways for him to immerse himself in the language which significantly improved his engagement and success in learning English both inside and outside the classroom.
This experience reflects my approach as the Director of Admissions for Rustic Pathways. I truly enjoy forming close relationships with our students and parents to better understand their goals and aspirations within our programs. I love speaking individually with prospective students and their parents and sharing the unique aspects that make Rustic Pathways a life-changing experience.
At Rustic Pathways, I oversee programs in dynamic locales like Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, China, Cambodia, India, South Africa, and Japan. My roles have spanned from leading gap year programs to leading recruitment and marketing initiatives.
What’s most exciting about my role is I get to hear about the newest program experiences as they are being developed. We are always experimenting with new locations, program experiences and experiential learning opportunities. It’s thrilling to be involved in understanding what families are looking for next and helping them see how Rustic Pathways can be the right fit for them.
As a program leader, program creator, and program evangelist for student travel for the past 15 years, I’ve built strong partnerships with local communities and international organizations, aiming to deliver transformative travel experiences.
My most notable accomplishment at Rustic Pathways is spearheading the Japan Student Travel Program and promoting cultural exchange and personal development among students in the Land of the Rising Sun.
I have always been fascinated by geography and languages, and I earned a BA in Asian Studies and Japanese from the University of Colorado Boulder and an MA in International Relations, focusing on Development Anthropology, from Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
In general, my studies and overseas experience have helped me develop an understanding of the impact we all can have on each other and an appreciation that our shared energies and experiences can contribute to creating a more just and equal world.
I speak English fluently, have intermediate proficiency in Japanese, and basic skills in Vietnamese and Spanish. I’m also TEFL certified and trained in CPR & First Aid.
Language and safety skills are vital for leading experiential programs, and we always encourage our team at Rustic Pathways to keep these skills sharp and ready to apply them in our daily work.
I’m committed to community projects that promote equitable education. I’m passionate about providing mentorship and developing programs that help students connect with the real world and find how their passions and interests can help them create meaningful impact.
I was first bitten by the travel bug in college. I spent two months backpacking around Thailand one summer and then went back for a semester in Hanoi the following year.
Right out of college I joined the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program and spent three years teaching at a high school in Nagasaki, Japan. I spent another two years in Tokyo getting my Master’s degree in International Relations.
I then joined a gap year company and spent the next two years as an educator and admissions director leading 8 month-long trips with cohorts of students where we studied critical global issues first-hand in Ecuador, China, India, and South Africa.
I’ve lived in the U.S., Japan, and Vietnam, and traveled to over 15 countries. So far, I’ve led Rustic Pathways programs in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, China, Cambodia, India, South Africa, and Japan.
Scott is an incredible thought partner. He has inspiring ideas for student experiences, and the organic ways educational impact can be derived from travel. He has never shied away from a challenge - the most significant being, ensuring each and every one of our travelers finds the right program and has a transformational experience. As a parent, I would trust him not only with the safety and care of my children, but with their growth and development. Unlike many in this field, he has an innate talent to blend pure fun with meaning and impact.
Quote by: Anna Beckerman Head of School Group Travel