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Transform your education through meaningful travel experiences across 6 continents. Since 1983, Rustic Pathways has offered safe, supervised programs in 38+ countries for students ages 12-22.
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Americas | Asia-Pacific | Africa | Europe | Popular Programs | FAQs
Explore Our Destinations by Region
Americas (12 Countries)
Join us in the Americas. From the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean shores, students immerse in Spanish language, support wildlife conservation, and contribute to local development efforts. They engage with indigenous communities, protecting nesting sea turtles and tracing ancient civilizations from Machu Picchu to Mayan ruins.
Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, United States
If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of baby turtles making their way into the sea. Copyright: © 2016 Rustic Pathways
Asia-Pacific (14 Countries)
Explore Culture and Conservation in Asia-Pacific. From mountain trails in Nepal to coral reefs in Fiji, students experience life in some of the world’s most unique places. They visit Buddhist temples, help protect endangered animals, and join local efforts to support the environment. These program blends hands-on learning with deep cultural exchange.
Australia, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
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Copyright: © 2015 Rustic Pathways
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Africa (4 Countries)
Experience Africa; the wildildlife, culture and community st these nationas above others. Students take part in wildlife tracking, help build schools, and learn from local communities. They explore busy markets, visit remote villages, and work on real-world projects that build leadership and cross-cultural understanding.
Ghana, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania
On safari in Tanzania
Europe (8 Countries)
Europe discovered on student travel programs. Enjoy the history, partake in the culture, and build community. Students explore Europe’s rich history and everyday life. They visit landmarks, practice local languages, and learn about sustainable travel. These programs offer a chance to connect with communities while seeing how old and new come together.
Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Spain
Canoeing in Kefalonia
Popular Student Travel Destinations {#popular}
Most Popular for First-Time Travelers
- Costa Rica: Wildlife conservation, Spanish immersion, zip-lining adventures
- Thailand: Buddhist culture, elephant sanctuary work, island hopping
- Peru: Machu Picchu trek, community service, llama farms
Best for Adventure Seekers
- Mongolia: Nomadic homestays, horseback riding, Gobi Desert expedition
- Tanzania: Safari wildlife tracking, Mount Kilimanjaro climb, Zanzibar coast
- New Zealand: Glacier hiking, Maori culture, marine conservation
Best for Service Learning
- Cambodia: School construction, English teaching, Angkor Wat
- Ghana: Healthcare initiatives, water projects, cultural festivals
- Dominican Republic: Sea turtle conservation, reforestation, community development
North & Central America | South Pacific | Asia
How to Choose the Best Country for Your Student Travel Program
Which country is best for first-time student travelers?
Costa Rica and Japan are top choices for first-time student travelers, thanks to their stable infrastructure, welcoming culture, and strong safety records.
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Costa Rica is ideal if you’re seeking rich biodiversity, hands-on service-learning opportunities, and a balance of adventure and cultural immersion.
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Japan offers a safe, structured environment with a mix of tradition and modernity. This program is perfect for students interested in language, food, and cultural exploration.
Your best option depends on what experience you’re looking for, and which destination is more convenient for your departure location.
Are Rustic Pathways programs available in Europe?
Yes! Rustic Pathways offers student travel programs in eight European countries: Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, Germany, and Iceland.
These programs emphasize cultural immersion, language learning, and hands-on exploration of historic sites. Students also engage with local communities through meaningful service projects and guided experiential learning.
What are the safest countries for teen travel?
Some of the safest countries for teen travel include Japan, South Korea, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Portugal. These destinations are known for their strong infrastructure, political stability, and reliable local support systems.
That said, all 38 countries where Rustic Pathways operates uphold our rigorous safety standards. Each program is supported by trained program leaders and full-time, in-country staff who provide 24/7 supervision and emergency response support.
Do you offer programs in multiple countries?
Yes! Rustic Pathways offers multi-country and Gap Year programs that allow students to explore 2–4 countries in a single, seamless experience.
Popular combinations include:
- Japan – South Korea
- Portugal – Italy – Greece – Spain
- Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam
- Peru – Ecuador – Costa Rica
These programs are ideal for students seeking broader cultural exposure, diverse service-learning opportunities, and adventure across multiple regions. Each itinerary is carefully designed to ensure smooth travel logistics and consistent support throughout the journey.
What ages can participate in each country?
Most Rustic Pathways programs are designed for students ages 14–18. Some destinations also offer specialized programs for middle school students (ages 12–13) and college or gap year travelers (ages 18–22).
Age requirements may vary depending on the country and program type, so be sure to check individual country pages for specific eligibility details.
Why Choose Rustic Pathways
100,000+ families trust us for safe, meaningful teen travel experiences with:
- 24/7 supervision (6:1 student-to-leader ratio)
- Full-time, in-country staff in every destination
- 40+ years of experience since 1983
- Service projects aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Comprehensive travel insurance included
- Chaperoned group flights available
Start Your Journey
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