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United States

USA: Rebuilding New Orleans

8 days | Ages 12-17 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

Explore New Orleans’ African, colonial, and Native American roots through culture, identity, and community. Understand how communities are responding to natural disasters, climate change, and new challenges facing the city. Work with local organizations to rebuild homes and participate in community-building initiatives. After work, explore the French Quarter, try some spicy jambalaya, snack on beignets, and relax and unwind as you listen to live music in the birthplace of jazz.

Program Tuition

$3,395

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 New Orleans!

Arrive at Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans and meet your Program Leaders. Head to the base house, settle in, and relax after your flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Enjoy your first taste of jambalaya and spend the evening watching and discussing a documentary about the city’s history. Welcome to New Orleans!
2

Discover the French Quarter

Spend the morning in the historic French Quarter, eating hot beignets and wandering through the European-designed streets to hear musicians play as you shop and explore the area. Visit the French Market, the historic St. Louis Cathedral, and a museum dedicated to the disaster and recovery of Hurricane Katrina. Try more local foods throughout the day and walk by the Mississippi River, 143 miles before it turns into the Gulf of Mexico. Learn about some of the most important historical aspects of the city on a walking tour. You’ll also visit Preservation Hall and learn about traditional music of the city in a venue dedicated to its preservation.
3-6

Volunteer and Enjoy the City

Over the next three days, you’ll learn how New Orleans values community. Volunteer alongside various organizations and New Orleanians who work in food security, environmental justice, and rebuilding. In the afternoons and evenings, listen to live jazz, funk or zydeco music, engage in a friendly bowling competition at Rock ‘n’ Bowl, and try endless amounts of delicious food. After long day of services, relax at the base house with your new friends. Join your group for a post-service debrief in the evenings, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.
7

Explore the Bayou

Visit a plantation outside of the city to learn more about how slavery shaped Louisiana and the South. Head to the swamp in the afternoon for an airboat tour. The airboat guides will catch alligators and bullfrogs with their bare hands and teach you about the various plants and animals that call the swamp home! It will be a night you’ll truly never forget. 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

Alright Alright, New Orleans!

On your last day, say farewell to the Big Easy. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport where you will say your goodbyes and reflect on your adventure as you depart for home.

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
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