Student Travel Program Costs | 2027 Rustic Pathways Pricing

What’s Included in Student Travel Program Tuition?

Student travel program tuition includes all housing, meals, ground transportation, activities, and supervision (4.37:1 median / 7:1 maximum). Rustic Pathways also provides medical support, college prep resources, and emergency evacuation coordination. Emergency evacuation and repatriation costs are not included in Program Tuition; Rustic Pathways bills the family for costs it advances. Tuition excludes international airfare, medical insurance (required), travel insurance (optional), the one-time non-refundable enrollment fee, and personal spending money. Families purchase medical insurance and travel insurance separately.

Accommodation & Meals

• All housing (hotels, homestays, program centers)
• Three meals daily plus snacks
• Bottled water and beverages
• Special dietary accommodations

Program Components

• Supervision (4.37:1 median / 7:1 maximum)
• Scheduled activities and entrance fees listed in the program itinerary
• Ground transportation
• Cultural experiences and workshops
• Service project materials and coordination

Safety & Support

• Medical support from Dr. Will Smith, Medical Director
• Pre-departure preparation and materials
• MyRustic parent portal access with a moderated daily photo feed
• Post-program college application support

Additional Services

• Airport meet and greet
• Group gear and equipment
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Program t-shirt and materials
• Certificate of completion (for community service hours)

What’s NOT Included in Student Travel Program Tuition?

Student travel program tuition does NOT include international airfare ($600–$2,000), passport and visa fees ($150–$400), personal spending money ($150–$200 per week), vaccinations ($100–$300), or travel to and from U.S. gateway cities.

These expenses vary by destination and are paid separately by families.

• International airfare: $600–$2,000 depending on destination
• Passport and visa fees: $150–$400
• Personal spending money: $150–$200 per week recommended
• Vaccinations: $100–$300 depending on destination
• Medical insurance: Required, with coverage in the destination country
• Travel to/from US gateway cities: Varies by location

Student Travel Program Tuition by Duration

Short Programs (6-10 Days)

Price Range: $1,995–$4,450
Daily Rate: ~$220–$445
Best For: First-time international travelers, spring break, specific interests

Popular Short Programs:

• Dominican Republic Beachside Service (8 days): $1,995 – View Details 
• Costa Rica Pura Vida Service (8 days): $2,495 – View Details
• Greece: Island Turtle Conservation (9 days): $3,495 – View Details

Mid-Length Programs (11-13 Days)

Price Range: $3,395–$13,680
Daily Rate: ~$283–$1,052
Best For: Two-country itineraries, focused academic interests, students ready for more than a week

Popular Mid-Length Programs:

• Peru Sacred Valley Service (12 days): $4,195 – View Details
• Thai Elephant Conservation Project (12 days): $3,995 – View Details
• Italy & Greece: Culture, Food & Exploration (12 days): $5,395 – View Details

Standard Programs (14-21 Days)

Price Range: $3,995–$6,490
Daily Rate: ~$250–$464
Best For: Summer travelers, balanced experience seekers, returning students

Popular Standard Programs:

• Thailand Adventurer (16 days): $5,495 – View Details 
• Spanish Language Immersion in Costa Rica (15 days): $4,495 – View Details 
• Fiji Sun, Sand & Island Service (16 days): $3,995 – View Details 

Extended Programs (3-6 Weeks)

Price Range: $6,995
Daily Rate: ~$304
Best For: Deep immersion, multiple countries, gap semester students

Popular Extended Programs:

• Thailand Come With Nothing (23 days): $6,995 – View Details

Affordable Student Travel Programs Under $3,500

Latin America: Affordable Spanish Immersion

Costa Rica Under $3,500

• Costa Rica Pura Vida Service (8 days): $2,495 – View Details 
• Costa Rica Surf & Service (8 days): $3,495 – View Details

Dominican Republic Under $3,500

• Dominican Republic Beachside Service (8 days): $1,995  – View Details 

Payment Plans & Financial Options

Flexible Payment Plans

Choose from flexible payment options:

Pay in 4 Installments

• Payment 1: 25% of the program tuition + enrollment fee
• Payment 2: 25% of the program tuition (two weeks later)
• Payment 3: 25% of program tuition (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 tuition & enrollment fee in full upon enrollment
• When using Rustic Pathways Air, receive an invoice for flight costs post-enrollment

Payment Methods

• ACH Bank Transfer: No fees, instant confirmation
• Credit Card: Accepted
• Check: Mail to Mentor, OH office
• Wire Transfer: International families (additional fees might apply)

Fundraising Ideas for Student Travel

Proven Fundraising Strategies

Many students raise $1,000–$3,000 toward their programs:

Online Crowdfunding

• GoFundMe campaigns: Average $1,500 raised
• Social media campaigns
• Email to extended family
• Video appeals

Community Fundraisers

• Car washes: $300–$500
• Bake sales: $200–$400
• Restaurant nights: $400–$800
• Silent auctions: $1,000–$3,000

Individual Efforts

• Babysitting/tutoring: $500–$1,500
• Lawn care/snow removal: $500–$1,000
• Online jobs: $1,000–$2,000
• Graduation gift requests

Grant Opportunities

• Rotary Club: $500–$2,000
• Local churches: $250–$1,000
• School PTA: $250–$500
• Community foundations: Varies

Download fundraising toolkit

Budget Planning Worksheet

Calculate Your Total Student Travel Investment

Program Cost:

• Program tuition: $_______
• Enrollment fee: $_______
• Subtotal: $_______

Travel Costs:

• International airfare: $_______
• Domestic connections: $_______
• Passport/visa: $_______
• Subtotal: $_______

Preparation Costs:

• Vaccinations: $_______
• Travel gear: $_______
• Spending money: $_______
• Subtotal: $_______

Total Investment: $_______

Funding Sources:

• Family contribution: $_______
• Student savings: $_______
• Fundraising goal: $_______
• Financial aid: $_______
• Total Funding: $_______