Home > Student Travel > Program Costs
In 2026, student travel programs cost an average of $4,495 for 2–3 weeks. Student travel program prices range from $1,995 to $13,680.0, with financial aid available for up to 85% of the total cost.
Rustic Pathways offers transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, excluding international airfare.
Related: Student Travel Program Types
Student travel program costs include all housing, meals, in-country transportation, activities, and 24/7 supervision. Rustic Pathways also provides, medical support, college prep resources, and emergency evacuation coverage. Pricing excludes only international flights and covers gear, tips, program materials, and a certificate of community service completion.
Student travel program costs do NOT include international airfare ($600–$2,000), passport and visa fees ($150–$400), personal spending money ($100 – $150 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.
Price Range: $1,995 – $3,995
Daily Rate: ~$199-$399
Best For: First-time international travelers, spring break, specific interests
Popular Short Programs:
Price Range: $3,995 – $5,995
Daily Rate: ~$285-$350
Best For: Summer travelers, balanced experience seekers, returning students
Popular Standard Programs:
Price Range: $5,995 – $14,995
Daily Rate: ~$250-$320
Best For: Deep immersion, multiple countries, gap semester students
Popular Extended Programs:
Price Range: $15,900 – $17,900
Daily Rate: ~$200-$250
Best For: High school graduates, transformative experiences, college deferrals
Gap Year Options:
Southeast Asia offers exceptional value with rich cultural experiences at 30-50% less than other regions.
Thailand Programs Under $3,500
Vietnam & Cambodia Under $3,500
Costa Rica Under $3,500
Dominican Republic Under $3,500
| Country | 1 Week | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $2,995+ | $3,995+ | $5,495+ | Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan |
| Vietnam | $2,995+ | $3,795+ | $5,295+ | Jun-Aug |
| Cambodia | $3,195+ | $4,295+ | $5,795+ | Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan |
| India | $3,495+ | $4,495+ | $6,295+ | Jun-Jul, Dec |
| Nepal | $3,795+ | $4,995+ | $6,995+ | Jun-Aug, Oct-Nov |
| Japan | $4,495+ | $5,995+ | $7,995+ | Jun-Aug |
| South Korea | $3,995+ | $5,495+ | $7,295+ | Jun-Aug |
| Country | 1 Week | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | $2,995+ | $4,295+ | $5,795+ | Year-round |
| Peru | $3,295+ | $4,995+ | $6,495+ | Jun-Aug |
| Ecuador | $3,195+ | $4,495+ | $5,995+ | Jun-Aug |
| Dominican Republic | $3,495+ | $4,495+ | N/A | Year-round |
| Guatemala | $3,295+ | $4,395+ | $5,895+ | Jun-Aug, Dec |
| Mexico | $3,195+ | $4,295+ | $5,795+ | Jun-Aug |
| Country | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | 4 Weeks | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $5,495+ | $6,995+ | $8,495+ | Jun-Sep |
| Ghana | $4,295+ | $5,795+ | $7,295+ | Jun-Aug |
| Morocco | $4,495+ | $5,995+ | $7,495+ | Jun-Aug |
| South Africa | $4,995+ | $6,495+ | $7,995+ | Jun-Aug |
| Country | 10 Days | 2 Weeks | 3 Weeks | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiji | $4,295+ | $5,495+ | $6,995+ | Jun-Aug |
| Australia | $4,495+ | $5,995+ | $7,495+ | Jun-Aug, Dec-Jan |
| New Zealand | $4,795+ | $6,295+ | $7,995+ | Dec-Feb |
Choose from flexible payment options:
Pay in 4 Installments (Most popular)
Standard Payment
Many students raise $1,000-$3,000 toward their programs:
Online Crowdfunding
Community Fundraisers
Individual Efforts
Grant Opportunities
Program Costs:
Travel Costs:
Preparation Costs:
Total Investment: $_______
Funding Sources:
Rustic Pathways programs cost more because pricing includes 24/7 professional supervision at a 1:7 ratio, comprehensive insurance, permanent in-country staff, all meals, activities, and quality housing. The cost also supports extensive safety infrastructure, including a full-time Medical Director.
Yes, there are no hidden fees. Rustic Pathways includes all housing, meals, activities, and local transport in the program price. Unlike competitors who add 20–30% in extras, the only additional costs are international flights and personal spending money.
Southeast Asia—especially Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia—offers the best value, costing 30–50% less than other regions while delivering immersive cultural experiences. Latin America is also a strong value destination, combining affordable pricing with Spanish language immersion.
Payment plans work by spreading program costs over six weeks with no interest, credit checks, or extra fees. Most families pay in four equal installments, allowing access to programs without large upfront payments. This makes budgeting easier and participation more affordable.
Student travel is worth the investment because 87% of alumni use the experience in college essays, 92% cite it in admissions interviews, and 83% credit it with career clarity. The long-term benefits include personal growth, academic advantage, and increased direction in future goals.
Student travel with Rustic Pathways is an investment that pays dividends in confidence, global perspective, and college readiness. With transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and substantial financial aid available, we make transformative travel accessible to all families.
Questions about costs? Call us at 1-800-321-4353 or 440-975-9691
Our advisors can help you find programs within your budget and explore financial aid options.
Last updated: October 2025 | Prices subject to change | All prices in USD
Rustic Pathways: Transparent, all-inclusive student travel pricing since 1983. No hidden fees, no surprises; just transformative experiences that spread positive energy.