Wildlife & Conservation · Ages 14–18 · 2027
Rustic Pathways Wildlife & Conservation Programs for Teens are supervised service-based trips for students ages 14 to 18 that support wildlife and habitat conservation through field research, monitoring, restoration, and animal care.
Seven 2027 programs run for 8 to 14 days, with tuition ranging from $2,895 to $6,250.
From $2,895 Program Tuition6 programs · 8–14 days
See programs
Protect loggerhead turtles on a Greek island
Flights to and from the program aren't included.
Flight options include: Chaperoned Group Flight, Independent Flight with Support, or Self-Managed Airfare. You'll choose with your advisor after enrolling.
Fieldwork to save sea turtles
Flights to and from the program aren't included.
Flight options include: Chaperoned Group Flight, Independent Flight with Support, or Self-Managed Airfare. You'll choose with your advisor after enrolling.
Elephant care and conservation
Flights to and from the program aren't included.
Flight options include: Chaperoned Group Flight, Independent Flight with Support, or Self-Managed Airfare. You'll choose with your advisor after enrolling.
Irish ecovillage and Icelandic energy
Flights to and from the program aren't included.
Flight options include: Chaperoned Group Flight, Independent Flight with Support, or Self-Managed Airfare. You'll choose with your advisor after enrolling.
Surf, kayak, and wildlife fieldwork
Flights to and from the program aren't included.
Flight options include: Chaperoned Group Flight, Independent Flight with Support, or Self-Managed Airfare. You'll choose with your advisor after enrolling.
Marine surveys on Ligurian coast
Flights to and from the program aren't included.
Flight options include: Chaperoned Group Flight, Independent Flight with Support, or Self-Managed Airfare. You'll choose with your advisor after enrolling.
Compare Rustic Pathways’ 2027 wildlife & conservation programs by their focus, service commitment, duration, and tuition.
| Program and what students do | Days | Service hours | Program Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation ProjectSupport sea turtle conservation at Camaronal Wildlife Refuge through hatchery monitoring, nighttime beach patrols, trail maintenance, and beach cleanups. | 8 | 26 | $2,895 |
| Greece: Island Turtle ConservationMonitor loggerhead sea turtles with marine biologists through nesting surveys, seagrass habitat mapping, harbor monitoring, and conservation data collection. | 9 | About 20 | $3,495 |
| Mediterranean Marine Biology in ItalyPhoto-identify bottlenose dolphins with Delfini del Ponente biologists, map seagrass on snorkel surveys, monitor sea turtle nesting beaches, and survey the Pelagos Sanctuary. | 12 | — | $3,395 |
| Thailand: Thai Elephant Conservation ProjectSupport Asian elephant conservation through forest restoration, daily care routines, herd behavior monitoring, and learning about veterinary care. | 12 | 20 | $3,995 |
| Ireland & Iceland: Ecovillage to GlacierLearn sustainable living from residents of the Cloughjordan ecovillage, then study geothermal and hydropower systems and spend a day on a glacier in South Iceland. | 13 | — | $6,250 |
| Australia: Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife ConservationWork alongside Noosa Biosphere Foundation and university researchers, learn about caring for Country from a Waka Waka Traditional Custodian, and visit the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. | 14 | — | $6,250 |
Sorted by length, then Program Tuition. Program Tuition excludes flights to and from the program and the enrollment fee. A dash means the program page does not list a service-hour total.
Program Tuition includes accommodation, scheduled meals, program transport and activities, gratuities and donations.
See the full guide to what is included and not included in Rustic Pathways programs.
Choose turtles or dolphins for ocean conservation.
On land, compare elephants, ecosystems or sustainability.
Costa Rica: 26 service hours. Greece: about 20. Thailand: 20.
The others focus on research and conservation learning.
Marine programs involve swimming, snorkeling or surfing.
Check each itinerary’s swimming, fitness and climate requirements.
Compare fieldwork, culture and adventure days on each itinerary.
Rustic Pathways builds wildlife & conservation programs around ongoing work in the host destination rather than one-time animal encounters. Community partnerships last at least three years, and projects align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Life Below Water and Life on Land.
Local partners direct monitoring, restoration and field research.
Tasks may change with partner needs, weather or wildlife.
Projects support animal welfare. Wild-animal rides are prohibited.
Staged photos holding or posing with captive wildlife are prohibited.
Qualified staff lead activities through licensed, insured vendors.
Registration applies where available; encounters aren’t guaranteed.
After the program, students take over the Rustic Pathways Instagram with their own photos and stories. Here are three from wildlife & conservation programs in summer 2025 and 2026.
“I snorkeled with turtles, ate amazing food, made so many friends, watched sunrises and sunsets and so so much more!” Meghan K., on Instagram
“Hi!! My name is [Meghan K.] and I went on the Greece Turtle Conservation trip. I made so many fun, happy memories on this trip and wouldn’t trade it for the world. I snorkeled with turtles, ate amazing food, made so many friends, watched sunrises and sunsets and so so much more!
This trip taught me that who you share experiences with can be just as meaningful as the experience itself. The friendships I made, the support I received from my Program Leaders, and the many connections I made while volunteering all made a huge impact on making my trip so memorable.
Beyond the friendship aspect of the trip, I loved experiencing the beautiful Greek culture and community. This trip gave me a new perspective on both the world around me and the impact we have on it.
This trip genuinely was the best thing I have ever experienced and will cherish it forever. The laughs and smiles we all shared will never be forgotten. I LOVE RUSTIC PATHWAYS!!!!!!!!”
Meghan K., Greece: Island Turtle Conservation, summer 2026
“My Spanish really improved as I went through daily life there while learning about the culture.” Amelia B., on Instagram
“I loved being immersed in the Costa Rican culture! The night walks and learning how to surf were great experiences.
My Spanish really improved as I went through daily life there while learning about the culture. It was an amazing trip that I would love to do again in the future !❤️☀️🤩”
Amelia B., Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project, summer 2025
“My favorite part? Definitely being able to spend time with the elephants! Swimming, feeding, and cleaning the elephants was such a blast” Jessie T., on Instagram
“Sawat dee kha! My name is Jessie and I was so grateful to be on the Thailand Elephant Conservation trip. It was filled with many unforgettable adventures, memories, and lessons.
My favorite part? Definitely being able to spend time with the elephants! Swimming, feeding, and cleaning the elephants was such a blast, I would love to be able to do it all over again.
Most importantly, a special shoutout to all the amazing people I met on the trip and an even bigger thank you to my Program Leaders (P-Chet, P-Jay, Zoe, and Sergio) for making this trip so meaningful and special.
If you’re thinking about doing a Rustic Pathways program, don’t hesitate and go for it! The connections you make with new cultures, foods, locals (and elephants!) are truly unforgettable.”
Jessie T., Thailand: Thai Elephant Conservation Project, summer 2025
Tell us a little about your teen and our admissions team will email you two or three wildlife & conservation programs that fit, with dates.
Scott IngramDirector of Admissions
Prefer to talk now? Call +1 (440) 975-9691.
Our admissions team will reply to . In the meantime, you can browse the programs.
Students complete conservation work such as sea turtle monitoring, habitat restoration, wildlife research, data collection and supervised animal care. Activities vary by destination, field conditions and local partner needs.
No, students do not need previous conservation experience. Programs are for ages 14–18, and conservation specialists provide instruction before each task.
Wild animal contact is not guaranteed and depends on the program and field conditions. Rustic Pathways does not place animals on students, bring them near students' faces or allow contact with animals known to be dangerous, sick or venomous.
Wildlife & Conservation programs differ from animal tourism by focusing on habitat protection, research, rehabilitation and animal welfare. They exclude elephant rides, staged animal performances and captive-wildlife photo opportunities.
Three of the six 2027 wildlife & conservation programs list service hours: Costa Rica's Turtle Conservation Project (26), Greece's Island Turtle Conservation (about 20) and Thailand's Thai Elephant Conservation Project (20). The other three do not list service-hour totals.
Wildlife & conservation programs for teens cost $2,895–$6,250 in Program Tuition for 2027. Flights to and from the programs and other excluded expenses are separate.
Physical demands vary across wildlife & conservation programs. Activities may include nighttime beach walks, early-morning fieldwork, swimming, snorkeling or trekking. Check each program's requirements before enrolling.
6 wildlife & conservation programs with 2027 dates.
See all 6 programs
