What Do Parents Ask?
Flights & Cost
U.S. students can choose to join a chaperoned group flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo. International students fly independently to Tokyo, where Rustic coordinates pickup. After the program, U.S. students can return to Los Angeles on the chaperoned flight. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders ensure the safe departure of students not on chaperoned flights. International flights are not included in program tuition.
Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).
Yes. Payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid →
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
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.
Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.
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
Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime.
Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program.
Students may bring phones but can’t use them during group activities, meals, or fieldwork. Wi-Fi is available at accommodations, but speeds vary.
Group & Logistics
The group is limited to 14 students, ages 14-18. Program Leaders group similarly-aged students together for activities.
Yes. Rustic Pathways programs are open to students worldwide, with participants from 50+ countries each year. International students fly independently to the arrival airport, where Rustic Pathways coordinates pickup. Visa requirements vary by passport and destination, so contact a travel advisor for guidance.
Most students join without knowing anyone. 94% travel solo. No experience needed. Most are nervous at first. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, so friendships form quickly, and everyone has a place in the group.
Students stay in comfortable accommodations throughout the program. In Tokyo, we stay in a hostel. The students have private, single-gender bunk rooms with 3-6 students per room. They use shared, private modern bathrooms. In Kakunodate, the students stay in farm homestays. Groups of 3-5 students of the same sex will stay in a private room in the house with a private bathroom. Students eat most meals with the family. Program leaders will reside in separate bedrooms in some of the homes, but will visit and check in with all student homestays routinely.
Yes. Roommate requests accepted during enrollment.
Program Details
Students have structured independence during free-time with staff always nearby. There is no fully unsupervised time in public areas.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common dietary restrictions are accommodated with advance notice. All dietary needs collected during enrollment are shared with meal providers.
$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.
U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for Japan, but travelers from other countries might. Contact Rustic Pathways for advice on visa requirements.
Support
Homesickness can be common over the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well prepared. Read how Rustic Pathways combats homesickness →
Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Share any relevant information during enrollment so staff can prepare. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion →
