Middle school · Ages 12–14 · Summer 2027
Rustic Pathways middle school travel programs give students ages 12–14 a supervised first trip abroad. Both programs last eight days: community service in Costa Rica or Japanese culture in Tokyo and Kanazawa.
From $2,495 Program Tuition8 days · Ages 12–14
See programsEach program enrolls only students ages 12 to 14, so every traveler in the group is a middle schooler.
Japanese culture beyond the tourist trail
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.
Middle school service week in Costa Rica
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.
Both run 8 days for ages 12 to 14. The difference is the focus: service in Costa Rica, culture in Japan.
| Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service$2,495 | Japan: Tokyo Fusion$3,495 | |
|---|---|---|
| Choose this if… | Your student wants a service-focused week. | Your student is more interested in history, traditional arts and food. |
| Service hours | About 16 hours | Up to 3 hours |
| What students do | Improve a local elementary school, lead educational exchanges and maintain trails in Arenal Volcano National Park, with zip lining, whitewater rafting and an organic farm tour. | Practice shodo calligraphy and kendo, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, and explore Shibuya, Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden. |
| Where they sleep | One base house in La Fortuna for five of seven nights | Moves between Tokyo and Kanazawa |
| Both programs | 8 days · ages 12 to 14 · chaperoned group flight available, or arrange flights yourself | |
| See Costa Rica dates→ | See Japan dates→ | |
Program Tuition excludes flights to and from the program and the enrollment fee.
These programs are built as a first trip abroad without family. A 14-year-old can compare both the middle school and high school programs, subject to each program’s age range.
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.
Tell us about your student and our admissions team will answer your questions about either program, by email or a call, whichever you prefer.
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.
Both programs are designed for students ages 12 to 14. Students ages 15 to 18 can choose from the high school programs, and 14-year-olds can compare both, subject to each program’s age range.
Both 2027 middle school programs run for 8 days.
Program Tuition is $2,495 for Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service (Middle School) and $3,495 for Japan: Tokyo Fusion (Middle School). Each program also has a separate, one-time non-refundable enrollment fee, starting at $100, and flights to and from the program are separate.
No. Both programs offer a chaperoned group flight, and families can also arrange flights independently. Flights to and from the program are separate from Program Tuition.
Yes. Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service (Middle School) includes about 16 service hours, and Japan: Tokyo Fusion (Middle School) includes up to 3 hours of community service through environmental work and cultural exchange.
Two middle school programs, both in summer 2027.
Compare the two programs
