International Students & Global Eligibility for Teen Travel Programs

Who Can Join Rustic Pathways Programs?

Rustic Pathways programs are open to students from any country who meet our age and program requirements. International high school students follow the same enrollment process and program requirements as U.S.-based students; the only differences involve travel logistics and visa documentation based on your nationality.

International Eligibility at a Glance:

Requirement	Details
Nationality	Students from 50+ countries currently participate—no U.S. citizenship or residency required
Age range	12–22 depending on program type
Language	Conversational English required; all programs conducted in English
Experience	No prior travel experience necessary
Enrollment	Same application process as U.S. students

Your passport determines your visa requirements, not your eligibility to join. Explore our high school travel programs to see what’s available.

Programs open to international students include:

• Summer programs (1–3 weeks)
• Gap year semesters and full-year programs
• Service and volunteer programs
• Adventure and cultural immersion experiences
• School group and custom trips

Many non-US based students join our summer programs, which run 1–3 weeks between June and August and are designed for easy global departures.

How Students Travel From Outside the U.S.

Students located outside the U.S have flexible options for reaching their program destination. You don’t need to route through the United States; fly directly from your home country to meet your group.

Option 1: Independent Arrival (Most Common for International Students)

Book your own flights to arrive at the designated program airport during the required arrival window. Our worldwide enrollment support team provides:

• Specific airport, date, and time window for arrival
• Airport pickup and transfer to your program location
• Clear communication protocols so you’re never waiting alone
• Emergency contact numbers active from the moment you land

Option 2: Join a Chaperoned Group Flight

For some programs, students can connect with our chaperoned group flights departing from U.S. gateway cities (typically New York, Los Angeles, or Miami). This works well when you’re visiting family in the U.S. or prefer additional support through customs and connections.

Learn more about flights.

Sample International Travel Routes

Home Region	Program Destination	Typical Route
United Kingdom	Costa Rica	London → Miami → San José
Germany	Thailand	Frankfurt → Bangkok (direct)
Australia	Fiji	Sydney → Nadi (direct)
Singapore	Peru	Singapore → Lima (via Los Angeles)
UAE	Morocco	Dubai → Casablanca (direct)

Our admissions team helps you plan logistics based on your departure city and program dates.

Popular Programs for International Students

Several programs, particularly those based in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, have higher proportions of non-U.S. participants, in part because of major international airports in their host cities.

Rustic Pathways data shows that these programs often include participants from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.

Europe & Mediterranean Teen Travel Programs

Strong flight connections from the UK, Middle East, and across the EU make these programs especially accessible for European and MENA students.

Asia

Bangkok, Tokyo, and Seoul serve as global crossroads and easy connections from Australia, Singapore, the Middle East, and across Asia-Pacific.

Latin America & Caribbean

San José, Lima, and Quito connect directly to major European and South American airport hubs. Dominican Republic and Belize offer short, affordable options with easy Caribbean access.

Program	Ages	Price
Ecuador: Wild Galápagos Eco-Service	14–19	$5,495
Peru: Sacred Valley Service	14–18	$4,195
Costa Rica: Surf and Service	14–18	$3,495
Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project	14–17	$2,895
Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation (College)	17–22	$2,895
Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture	14–18	$2,795
Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture (Spring Break)	14–18	$2,795
Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service	14–18	$2,495
Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service (Middle School)	12–14	$2,495
Dominican Republic: Beachside Service	14–18	$1,995

Africa & Pacific

Casablanca connects directly to Europe, Middle East, and West Africa. Fiji is a natural fit for Australian and New Zealand students with short direct flights from Sydney and Auckland.

Program	Ages	Price
Fiji: Sun, Sand, and Island Service	14–18	$3,995
Morocco: Souks & High Atlas Service	14–18	$3,395
Morocco: Souks & High Atlas Service (College)	18–22	$3,395

All prices are in USD. Airfare is self-managed.

Payments, Currency & Booking

Payment Details

• Currency: All program fees listed and paid in U.S. dollars (USD)
• Payment methods: International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and bank wire transfers accepted
• No U.S. address required: Your home address works for all enrollment paperwork
• Installment plans: Spread payments across multiple installments leading up to departure

What’s Included

Tuition covers accommodations, meals, in-country transportation, activities, program leaders, and around-the-clock support. International airfare is typically not included, giving you flexibility to book from your home airport.

Additional Costs to Plan For

• Round-trip airfare from your home country
• Travel and health insurance (required)
• Visa fees (when applicable)
• Spending money for souvenirs and optional activities

Learn more on our teen travel payments plan page.

Visas, Travel Documents & Safety

Passport Requirements

All students need a valid passport. Most destination countries require your passport to remain valid for at least six months beyond your program return date. When renewal is needed, begin early, some countries take 6–8 weeks to issue new passports.

Visa Guidance

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and program destination.

What Rustic Pathways provides:

• Official enrollment confirmation letters for visa applications
• Program itineraries with dates, locations, and accommodation details

What families handle:

• Submitting visa applications to the appropriate embassy or consulate
• Paying visa fees and attending any required interviews

Safety Protocols

Rustic Pathways operates the same comprehensive safety standards for every participant, regardless of home country:

• Pre-departure orientation: Detailed arrival instructions and emergency contacts
• International arrival coordination: Staff or local partners meet you at the designated arrival point
• International SOS membership: Included for all participants—access to global emergency and medical services
• In-country support: Trained program leaders and local partnerships developed over 40+ years

Learn more on our Safety & Risk Management page.

Support Across Time Zones

Planning international travel means working across different schedules.

Contact Options

• Phone: +1 440.975.9691 (accepts international calls)
• Email: rustic@rusticpathways.com
• Response time: Typically within 24 hours

Phone Hours (U.S. Eastern Time)

• Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET
• Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM ET

How Parents Stay Connected During Programs

International families receive the same communication as U.S. families: regular email updates, access to emergency contact lines, and direct channels to program leadership when needed.

International Student & Parent Testimonials

Sultan Al Suwaidi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The organization was amazing. Keep it up. This trip truly changed my perspective on the world. I realized how fortunate I am and how important it is to live life to the fullest, because anything can change at any moment.

Michelle Lee
Yongin-si, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Rustic Pathways is a great program if you want to travel authentically. I always loved meeting both my travel mates and the locals—the kindness I experienced surprised me every time. These trips helped me become less cynical and more open to people. Exploring local markets and culture is one of my favorite parts of traveling with Rustic.

Ranveer Kalra
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The staff knew so much about what they were teaching us. This program made me more open-minded, more willing to take risks, and more adventurous overall. I’m already looking forward to my next Rustic trip.

Amelia Endacott
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

An eye-opening experience I will never forget.

Lucas Pesenti
Boulogne-Billancourt, France

An unbelievable experience with awesome people. The program was perfect. I loved discovering so many different parts of the country instead of staying in one place. It was a truly unforgettable adventure.

Dana Camille Benedicto
Quezon City, Philippines

I love Rustic trips because they expose me to cultures and experiences I never imagined. In Morocco, I learned so much from conversations with locals, traditional food, and even hearing the call to prayer each day.

Tristan Spratt
Essonne, France

I loved this trip because it was challenging and full of new experiences. The activities pushed me in the best ways, and we still had time to explore local markets and take everything in.

Next Steps: Enroll In A Teen Trip From Any Country

When you’d like to enroll from outside the United States, the process is similar for students in the US. Families choose a program, speak with our team (when they want), and complete the online enrollment form.

Step 1: Explore Programs

Browse our full program catalog to find summer abroad experiences that match your interests. Filter by destination, duration, program type, or age group.

Browse All Programs →

Step 2: Connect With Our Team

Contact our admissions counselors to discuss your specific situation. We’ll help you understand costs, plan logistics, and navigate visa requirements.

Schedule a consultation:

• Phone: +1 440.975.9691
• Email: rustic@rusticpathways.com
• Request a call: Contact Form →

Step 3: Complete Your Enrollment

Submit your enrollment application online, provide required documentation, and secure your spot with an initial deposit. Our team guides you through every step.

Start Your Enrollment →

Related Resources

• About Rustic Pathways →
• Program Safety & Risk Management →
• Gap Year Programs →
• Scholarships & Financial Aid →
• Student & Parent FAQs →

Since 1983, Rustic Pathways has enrolled students from more than 50 countries. Rustic programs are open to participants who meet age and language requirements, regardless of nationality.