Apply for Student Travel Programs | Rustic Pathways Application Process

Why Choose Rustic Pathways for Your Student’s Application

Step 1: Explore and Select Your Student Travel Program

Timeline: From 11 months before departure to 1 day before departure

Research Program Options

Start by exploring our 100+ student travel programs across 38 countries. Consider:

• Program Type: Service, adventure, language immersion, or combination
• Destination: Choose from programs in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and more
• Duration: Programs range from 1 week to full semester
• Dates: Summer, spring break, winter break, or gap year options
• Budget: Programs from $2,995 with financial aid available

Tools to Help You Choose

• Program Finder: Filter by destination, dates, interests, and budget
• Free Consultation: Schedule a call with our advisors at 1-800-321-4353
• Digital Catalog: Download detailed program descriptions and itineraries
• Virtual Information Sessions: Join monthly webinars about specific programs

Confirm Prerequisites

Most student travel programs require:

• Ages 12-18 (middle and high school students)
• Current school enrollment
• Basic health and fitness for travel
• No specific GPA requirement for most programs

Action Item: Once you’ve selected 1-3 programs of interest, move to Step 2 to begin your application.

Browse all programs | Schedule a consultation | Request a catalog

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

Application Components

Our online application takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete and includes:

Student Information Section

• Personal details (name, date of birth, contact information)
• School information and current grade level
• Emergency contact information
• T-shirt size and dietary restrictions

Program Selection

• First choice program
• Alternative program options (recommended)
• Preferred travel dates
• Roommate preferences (if traveling with friends)

Personal Statement Questions (100-200 words each)

• Why are you interested in student travel?
• What do you hope to gain from this experience?
• Describe a challenge you’ve overcome
• What unique perspective will you bring to the group?

Parent/Guardian Section

• Contact information for both parents/guardians
• Approval for program participation
• Acknowledgment of program activities
• Communication preferences

Application Fee

• Non-refundable application fee: $100
• Fee covers: Application review, pre-departure support, and enrollment materials
• Payment methods: Credit card or ACH bank transfer through secure portal

What Happens Next

After submitting your application:

1. Receive confirmation email within 24 hours
2. Application review by admissions team
3. Acceptance notification with enrollment instructions
4. Access to parent portal for next steps

No application is required for waitlist placement if programs are full

Step 3: Complete Enrollment and Initial Payment

Enrollment Confirmation

Upon acceptance, you’ll receive:

• Official acceptance letter
• Program confirmation with dates and itinerary
• Enrollment agreement requiring signatures
• Parent portal access credentials

Initial Deposit

Secure your spot with the enrollment deposit:

• Deposit amount: $1,000 (applied to total program cost)
• Due date: Within 14 days of acceptance
• Payment methods:
  • ACH bank transfer (no fees)
  • Credit card (2.9% processing fee)
  • Check (mail to Mentor, OH office)
  • Wire transfer (international families)

Payment Plans Available

Choose from flexible payment options:

Pay in 4 Installments (Most popular)

• Payment 1: 25% of the program fee + application fee
• Payment 2: 25% of the program fee (two weeks later)
• Payment 3: 25% of program fee (two weeks later)
• Payment 4: Final balance (25%) (two weeks later)
• When using Rustic Pathways Air, flight costs are invoiced post-enrollment

Standard Payment

• Pay the program fee & application fee in full upon enrollment
• When using Rustic Air, receive an invoice for flight costs post-enrollment

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• Need-based aid available up to 85% of program cost
• Merit scholarships for academic achievement
• Service scholarships for volunteer experience
• Application deadline: With initial enrollment

Learn about payment options | Apply for scholarships

Step 4: Submit Required Documentation and Additional Information

Medical Forms (Due before departure)

Complete comprehensive health documentation:

Medical History Form

• Current medications list
• Allergy and dietary information
• Mental health considerations
• Emergency medical authorization

Required Vaccinations

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, etc.)
• Hepatitis A and B (recommended)
• Country-specific requirements (Yellow Fever for certain destinations)

Travel Documents (Due before departure)

Passport Requirements

• Valid for 6 months beyond program end date
• Minimum 2 blank pages for stamps
• Clear color copy uploaded to portal
• Check expiration date now – renewals take 6-10 weeks

Visa Requirements (when applicable)

• Tourist visas for programs over 30 days
• We provide invitation letters and support
• Some countries offer visa on arrival
• Budget $50-200 for visa fees

Additional Forms (Due before departure)

• Travel insurance confirmation (included in program fee)
• Flight itinerary for arrival/departure coordination

Parent Portal Management

Access all documents through our secure portal:

• Real-time document status tracking
• Automated reminders for deadlines
• Direct messaging with support team
• Downloadable copies for your records

Important: Use student’s email address to access parent portal, not parent email

Passport application guide | Travel document checklist | Vaccination guide

Step 5: Pre-Departure Preparation

Flight Booking

Domestic Flights

• Book after program confirmation
• When booking DIY, we will provide detailed arrival/departure windows

International Flights

• We offer group flight options from major gateways
• Individual booking on the chaperoned flights allowed with approval
• Unaccompanied minor services available
• Travel day supervision included

Final Preparations

Two Weeks Before Departure:

• Confirm all documents uploaded to portal
• Purchase remaining items from packing list
• Exchange currency ($200-300 recommended)
• Review country-specific information
• Set up international phone plan (optional)

One Week Before Departure:

• Receive final logistics email
• Program Leader contact information
• Emergency contact numbers
• WhatsApp group invitation
• Weather forecast and updates

Pre-departure checklist | What to pack | Parent preparation guide

When Do Families Sign Up?

• Early Birds (11 months before): Lock in first choice programs, best dates
• Typical Window (6-8 months before): Good selection still available
• Late Planners (2-4 months before): Limited but often viable options
• Last Minute (Days/weeks before): If spots remain open, you can join!

Important Notes

• Availability varies by program: Popular destinations fill early, others have spots until departure
• Rolling admissions: We accept applications year-round as space permits
• Waitlists move quickly: Even “full” programs often have last-minute openings
• Express enrollment available: For last-minute signups with open spots, we can expedite paperwork

How Long Does the Student Travel Application Process Take?

The student travel application process takes 3–5 minutes to complete. After initial application, students typically spend 20–30 minutes on the enrollment information form, then complete enrollment forms and travel planning over several months for a smooth departure.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

After submitting an application, students receive email confirmation within 24 hours. The admissions team reviews it in 2–3 business days, then sends an acceptance letter with next steps and portal access. Families use the portal to pay deposits, upload forms, and receive ongoing updates until travel day.

What Is the Parent Portal and How Do You Use It?

The Parent Portal is a secure online platform used to manage forms, payments, and travel documents. Families log in using the student’s email to view status updates, receive deadline reminders, and contact support. The portal streamlines coordination and helps ensure all pre-departure requirements are met on time.