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United States

USA: Design Thinking - Silicon Valley

8 days | Ages 12-16 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Explore creativity and entrepreneurship in a hands-on environment while learning about the design thinking model and creating practical solutions for real-world problems. Explore the beautiful California coastline and the bustling city of San Francisco with its iconic landmarks. Watch picturesque West Coast sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Program Tuition

$2,695

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to California!

Arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and meet your Program Leaders. Head to the hotel to settle in, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Have a healthy local dinner and get some sleep for your adventure this week.
2

Learn from Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Talk with entrepreneurs and innovators about their professional journeys and learn why this corner of the world is known for innovation and creativity. This will be an open discussion so come prepared with questions and ideas to share! Break into groups in the afternoon and begin the design thinking process by generating ideas and working through its early stages. Have dinner in the city and head to bed after a long day.
3

Prototyping

Start your day by brainstorming, sketching, and building your prototypes before visiting another site to pitch your ideas to mentors, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the Bay Area. After receiving feedback about your prototypes, head to the Exploratorium, an interactive museum to learn about creative solutions to complex problems in the world.
4

Continue Prototypes and Explore Alcatraz

Continue to refine your prototypes and take part in several practice activities the pros use to enhance their presentations. After lunch, head to another site to pitch your concepts before an afternoon visit to Alcatraz, the infamous prison from legends and movies. End the evening with another local dinner in a city known for its freshness and diversity of food.
5

Presentation Day!

Put the finishing touches on your pitches and give mock presentations with a Q&A from your peers. After lunch, present your prototypes to local judges and have a debrief discussion about the design thinking process and what you learned over the past four days. Celebrate your hard work with a meal in the city and dessert at a local hotspot.
6

Explore Big Sur and Monterey County

After a week of hard work, spend the next day and a half exploring Big Sur and Monterey County. Cruise down Highway 1 as you make your way along the coastline with stops for hikes, swims, and picturesque views like McWay Falls. Set up your campsite and relax under the redwoods and stars, telling stories and enjoying the fresh air of the ancient woods. Spend the next day hiking and enjoying the scenery as you head back to San Francisco. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
8

Goodbye, California!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

United States

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

United States offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

United States Americas 2026
Get Notified