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Life Skills
Bring home more than souvenirs

Travel with the Founder of Rustic Pathways on a photo adventure to the exotic corners of Asia, or travel to remote villages and live in humble surroundings far from the rush of modernity. Learn valuable skills and gain experience that will boost up any resume or college application.

No matter which Rustic Pathways program your child joins, they will learn valuable lessons in life which helps shape mature and responsible adults. Life lessons in leadership, responsibility, social skills, independence, and global and cultural perspectives all start once your child says goodbye and boards the airplane.

Scroll down below and click on the links to view more information about any of our Life Skills programs, or call (800) 321-4353 if you would like further information on customizing your own life changing program. 

Questions?  rustic@rusticpathways.com

 
Click above to view the programs in each country.


Programs (Scroll down for brief description)
COUNTRY
LENGTH
NUMBER OF DEPARTURE DATES
COST
CHINA
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,995
COSTA RICA
8 DAYS
10
$ 995
COSTA RICA
8 DAYS +
10
$ 1,195 +
COSTA RICA
8 DAYS
10
$ 1,395
COSTA RICA
15 DAYS
1
$ 1,995
COSTA RICA
15 DAYS
3
$ 2,695
FIJI
10 DAYS
3
$ 1,095
FIJI
10 DAYS
10
$ 1,495
INDIA
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,695
MEXICO
8 DAYS
4
$ 1,295
MEXICO
8 DAYS
10
$ 2,695
NEW ZEALAND
10 DAYS +
6
$ 1,695 +
THAILAND
10 DAYS
10
$ 995 +
THAILAND
10 DAYS
4
$ 1,295
THAILAND
10 DAYS
10
$ 1,495
THAILAND
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,195
THAILAND
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,195
THAILAND
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,695
THAILAND
17 DAYS
2
$ 2,695
THAILAND
17 DAYS
3
$ 2,995
THAILAND
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,995
THAILAND
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,995
THAILAND
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,995
THAILAND
17 DAYS
1
$ 2,995

THE OVERLAND ADVENTURE:
PHOTOGRAPHY IN CHINA & VIETNAM
LIFE SKILLS

17 Days from
$2,995
1 Departure Date available
Ages :
16 and up,

New this year, and a great addition to the infamous Rustic Pathways photography program family, come dive into two of Asia's most striking cultures: China and Vietnam. Both countries, when seen through the lens, fill the eye and imagination with stunning beauty. more »

 
SOCCER & SERVICE: LA PAZ
LIFE SKILLS
COMMUNITY SERVICE

8 Days from
$995
10 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture through the world’s most popular sport – soccer. Live with local families and contribute to community service efforts in the rural village of La Paz. Milk cows, teach local school children, practice your Spanish, and play soccer with local teams. This program is designed for soccer players of all abilities and anyone interested in a great cultural experience.
 more »

SURF THE SUMMER
LIFE SKILLS

8 Days from:
$1,195
10 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Surf the Summer
Surf, sun, and fun on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches located near some of Costa Rica’s best breaks. Safety conscious staff make this the perfect program for students who have never touched a surfboard to those who are refining their cutbacks and aerials. Join us in Costa Rica and surf the summer away in Tico style!  more »
 
SERVICE & SURF
LIFE SKILLS
COMMUNITY SERVICE

8 Days from
$1,395
10 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Whether you are into surfing or service, speaking Spanish or snorkeling in the Pacific, there is something for everyone on the Costa Rica Service & Surf program. Work closely with friendly locals on a variety of projects promoting sustainable economic development in the Bahia Ballena community. When not working on service projects, take surf lessons from local experts at an un-crowded break in Marino Ballena National Park. This program is a fun, relaxing addition to any of Rustic Pathways’ Costa Rican programs.  more »


SUMMER CAMP LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
LIFE SKILLS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
15 Days from
$1,995
1 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Imagine a base camp hidden in the tropical Costa Rican countryside. All of a sudden, buses full of eager, laughing Costa Rican children arrive, breaking the tranquil setting with their excitement for the next two weeks of soccer, arts and crafts, dance, games and songs with their new counselors in training. more »
 
TRAVELING SOCCER & SERVICE TEAM
LIFE SKILLS
COMMUNITY SERVICE

15 Days from
$2,695
3 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Learn about Costa Rica’s rich culture while contributing to community service initiatives and playing soccer with local teams. Spend two weeks traveling through amazing Costa Rica visiting some of the highlights this incredible country has to offer. You’ll see an active volcano, hike through a lush rainforest, surf the Pacific waves, and go whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. All experience levels are welcome.    more »

SOCCER & SERVICE IN FIJI
LIFE SKILLS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
10 Days from
$1,095
10 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Earn up to 36 Community Service Hours
Combine two worldwide favorites – community service outreach through the joy of sport! Spend a fantastic weeks savoring the culture and beauty of The Fiji Islands while sharing in worthwhile community service projects, friendly soccer games, and coaching clinics. Teach excited Fijian youngsters the skills of soccer and in turn, learn about a wonderful South Pacific culture.   more »
 
DIVER'S DREAM
LIFE SKILLS
TOURING+ADVENTURE
10 Days from
$1,495
10 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Discover the underwater wonderlands that abound off Fiji's legendary reefs and islands. Whether you have never been SCUBA diving before or you're working to be a divemaster, Diver's Dream will take you where you want to go. Enjoy the chilled out local culture, pristine beaches, and great times in and out of the water on this brand new adventure!    more

ASSIGNMENT INDIA: PHOTO ADVENTURE INDIA
LIFE SKILLS

17 Days from
$2,695
1 Departure Date available
Ages :
14 and up,

Take a journey through the incredible world of India! From the bustling city streets of Delhi, to the nomadic yak herding villages of northern India, this trip will take you through this fascinating country. Take in the wondrous sights and sounds of India, and let the people and places of this exotic land awaken your senses. more »
 
BAJA SERVICE & SURF: SPRING BREAK
LIFE SKILLS
COMMUNITY SERVICE
15 Days from
$1,295
4 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Welcome to Mexico’s southern Baja.  Endless miles of virgin beaches, friendly locals and the towering crags of the southern Sierra all merge to create the remarkable backdrop for a very unique and rewarding adventure of surfing, service, sand and sun. more »

BAJA SERVICE & SURF: SUMMER
LIFE SKILLS
COMMUNITY SERVICE

15 Days from
$1,295
10 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Mexico Surf n’ Service is an excellent blend of adventure and service for first time travelers looking for an exotic adventure surprisingly close to home and is also sure to amaze veteran globe trotters looking to experience a fantastic destination newly available as a Rustic Pathways destination. more »
 
SKI & SNOWBOARD ADVENTURE
LIFE SKILLS
TOURING+ADVENTURE
10 Days + from
$2,295
6 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Grab your snowboard or your skis and check out the absolutely stunning scenery, the unspoiled powder, and unique Kiwi culture in New Zealand’s South Island! 10, 17 and 24-day programs are available for all levels of skiers and boarders. Live it, dream it, ski it!  more »

THE ART OF MUAY THAI
LIFE SKILLS

10 to 59 Days from
Starting at
$ 995
9 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,
This unique opportunity suits both male and female students who are interested in learning practical self-defense techniques, improving their overall fitness level, or building a skill set in the amazing art of Muay Thai. Train one-on-one with world champions at a pace designed to suit your individual goals and interests. Muay Thai is an artform, a training method, a mental discipline, and a confidence building sport.  more »
 
CHIANG MAI WOKS & WONDERS
LIFE SKILLS

10 Days from
$1,295
4 Departure Dates available
Ages :
14 and up,

Based in the captivating city of Chiang Mai, Woks & Wonders will get you beneath the surface to explore the wondrous knowledge that this place has to offer. Discover the wonderful world of Thai cuisine and return home well-versed in the many realms of Thai food and with the skills to make your favorite dishes. Chat with revered monks at ancient temples, explore beautiful Chiang Dao, and relax in the area’s most livable cities. more »