Meet Our Program Leaders | Student Safety & Training | Rustic Pathways

The safety and success of every Rustic Pathways trip are built on the expertise of our Program Leaders. They are highly trained first responders and dedicated mentors who uphold our rigorous safety standards from a student’s arrival to departure.

The Program Leaders Core Role: First Responder & Mentor

Program Leaders facilitate programs, mentor students, manage risks, teach cultural understanding, lead discussions, and act as first responders. Their primary responsibility is ensuring student safety throughout the entire travel experience.

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders come from a variety of backgrounds, including experiential educators, wilderness guides, camp counselors, nurses, teachers, youth mentors, park rangers, social workers, coaches, graduate students, Peace Corps Volunteers, and Rustic Pathways alumni.

Industry-Leading Safety Metrics & Ratios

Rustic invests heavily in its global team to ensure the highest standards of supervision and accountability.

Student-to-Program Leader Ratio

• Guaranteed Maximum Ratio: 7:1
• Actual Verified Ratio (last 12 months): 4.37:1

These low ratios increase safety, attentiveness, and meaningful relationship-building on every program.

Local Expertise of Program Leaders

Most Program Leaders are hired locally in the countries where Rustic operates. Each team includes at least one leader from the program’s country, giving students authentic cultural insight and strong on-the-ground knowledge.

Background Check Investment

Rustic invests several hundred dollars per staff member (about four times the industry standard) to complete background checks through Sterling, which include federal, local, and sex offender registry screenings.

Program Leaders Comprehensive Training and Certification

Rustic’s training regimen prepares staff for emergency response, youth development, and real-time decision-making in dynamic environments.

Required Certifications

All Program Leaders must maintain a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or recertification. This equips them to manage medical incidents and emergency situations in remote or resource-limited settings.

Training Hours

Each Program Leader completes 80+ hours of safety and program training.

Two-Part Training Structure

Online Training
Covers protocols for student travel, risk management, behavior guidance, and Rustic Pathways’ educational philosophy.

In-Country Training
Includes emergency simulations, role play, team preparation, and site-specific risk assessment. Leaders practice relevant scenarios before students arrive.

Program Leader Roles, Schedule, and Recruiting

Rustic hires Program Leaders for three primary program types:

• Student Travel (spring/summer)
• Gap Year (fall/spring)
• Group Travel (teacher-led programs)

Job Summary

Program Leaders keep students safe, healthy, happy, and engaged. Responsibilities include leading safety briefings, facilitating reflections, managing group dynamics, coordinating logistics, and teaching program content.

Hiring Volume

Rustic hires approximately 300 Program Leaders each spring break and summer.

Seasonal Scheduling

Most seasonal employment aligns with:

• Spring Break (March–April)
• Summer (June–August)

Program Leaders typically lead multiple 1–3 week programs across an average seven-week season.

Compensation and Benefits

Rustic invests in Program Leaders’ professional growth and personal well-being.

6. Meet Our Program Leaders

Students are guided by inspiring mentors who bring diverse global experience, deep care for student well-being, and a commitment to creating memorable, safe, and educational travel experiences.