Our scheduled gap year programs are the building blocks to one of the most enriching and memorable experiences of your life! Our Scheduled Gap Year “modules” vary in length from 2 to 5 weeks. Join one module, several modules, or come along for a semester or a whole year – it’s up to you. These programs are staffed by knowledgeable Rustic Pathways staff, many of whom are based abroad. Scheduled Gap Year costs include all of your accommodation and travel expenses, and most of your meals too. You are responsible for arranging and purchasing your own international flights to, from, and between the destinations. Each module is structured just enough so that you’ll get the most out of each destination, but you’ll still have plenty of free time to explore on your own or with your new friends. If you have any questions about our Scheduled Gap Year programs, please contact Marc Bartholemew at marc@rusticpathways.com.
Visit Cano Negro and the Arenal Volcano, work alongside park rangers to build trails in the rainforest, search for caiman alligators with, work alongside The Maleku Tribe Indians, zip-line through the rainforest, see molten lava flow down the side of a volcano, learn to surf, and white water raft one of the best rivers in the world.
PERU GAP YEAR
Sept 23 - Oct 13, 2008 $ 3,895 estimated internal air $570
Hike the Inca Trail to the lost fortress city of Machu Picchu, marvel at the mighty peaks of the Andes, and engage in heartfelt community service projects in the Sacred Valley. Visit the Pisaq ruins and local markets, and embark on an epic journey down the Amazon River through the world’s largest and most diverse rainforest.
FIJI ISLANDS GAP YEAR
Oct 14 - 31, 2008 $ 2,335
Live, work, and play at our Momi Bay Base House, SCUBA or snorkel through crystal-clear waters, sail and stay in the famous Yasawa Islands, and be adopted into a homestay family in the Nausori Highlands. Lend a hand to local school children and provide assitance to valuable health initiatives while living “island-style” like a true Fijian!
AUSTRALIA GAP YEAR
Nov 1 - 26, 2008 $ 3,870 estimated internal air $703
SCUBA dive the Great Barrier Reef, raft the Tully River, surf hidden beaches, explore the Whitsunday Islands, and sky dive from 14,000 feet. Embark on a true Aussie-style road trip through the Outback. Sleep out under the Southern Cross, meet classic backcountry Aussie characters, “throw a shrimp on the Barbie,” and experience the magic of Ayers Rock!
NEW ZEALAND GAP YEAR
Nov 27 - Dec 22, 2008 $ 2,990 estimated internal air $280
Experience the spectacular mountains, plunging fjords, fast flowing rivers, dense rainforests, active volcanoes, and clear lakes of this invigorating destination. Explore Fox Glacier, bungee jump, zorb, black-water raft, rappel underground waterfalls, marvel at the cloud-piercing summit of Mount Cook, work on a traditional sheep station, and make some Maori friends.
THAILAND GAP YEAR
Jan 3 - Feb 1, 2009 $ 3,965 estimated internal air $440
Get involved in diverse service initiatives at the Ricefields Base while learning about Buddhism and the history of the Mekong region. Explore Bangkok and Chiang Mai, work with Hill Tribe orphans and villagers, trek into a Hill Tribe village for a rustic homestay, design a grassroots service project, and peruse some of the world’s most exciting markets.
CAMBODIA GAP YEAR
Feb 2 - 15, 2009 $ 2,105 estimated internal air $85
Learn the shocking history of the recent Khmer Rouge with visits to S-21 and Choeung Ek, and travel with perspective down rugged trails to tiny villages. Charter a boat and participate in meaningful service in floating villages, inspire local youths by teaching them valuable life-skills, then photograph the amazing ruins of Angkor Wat.
LAOS GAP YEAR
Feb 16 - Feb 28, 2009 $ 1,445 estimated internal air $300
Experience the slow way of life in this land of rivers and mountains. Absorb the complex history of this small, landlocked country as you explore the Ho Chi Minh trail. Participate in a variety of community service projects in simple villages, visit charming Luang Prabang, and check out waterfalls and bustling night markets throughout one of Asia’s best-kept secrets!
INDIA GAP YEAR
March 1 - 31, 2009 $ 3,930 estimated internal air $435
India is one of the most spectacular and impressionable destinations in the world. Photograph mischievous monkeys, teach English to wide-eyed children, gaze at the enchanting Taj Mahal, trek through the Indian Himalaya, live with local Tibetan families in McLeod Ganj, experience the enchanting Golden Temple, cruise the world-famous Kerala backwaters, spot wild elephants, and if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive Tiger.
CHINA GAP YEAR
April 1 - 30, 2009 $ 4,885 estimated internal air $1,250
Walk the world-famous colonial façade of the Bund in
Shanghai, explore the monumental Great Wall, see the
Terracotta Warriors, and hike Hua Shan. Stay with nomadic
tribes and embark on a camel safari on the northern Silk Road,
visit the charming villages of Yunnan province, and experience
the amazing pulsating metropolis of Hong Kong.
TANZANIA GAP YEAR
May 1 - 30, 2009 $ 5,295 estimated internal air $316
Hike Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing volcano, design and implement meaningful service projects with Tanzanian village leaders, and set out on a 3-day safari through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater National Parks to spot the Big Five animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
