Who Should Join A Rustic Pathways Program?
Rustic Pathways’ summer programs are designed for positive, level headed students with a keen interest in experiential learning and international travel. We offer programs for students from 12 years old to adults in graduate school. We also offer customized programs for individuals, families, and both student and adult groups throughout most of the year in the United States, Australia, Thailand, The Fiji Islands, New Zealand, Vietnam, India, Africa, China, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Mongolia, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Mexico, and Peru. Our programs are not suitable for students with behavioral problems, chemical dependencies, or the inability to work constructively in a team environment. Further, students who are culturally insensitive or are unable or unwilling to follow instructions and obey the Rustic Pathways rules are not welcome on our programs.

Where Do Rustic Students Come From?
Students join us from every corner of the world. The majority of our students are from the United States.

Should I Bring A Friend?
Not necessarily! Many of our students come on programs alone. Rustic Pathways’ programs focus on teamwork and the strength of both the group and the individual. Students who come on programs together share a great summer adventure, but most of our students leave home without knowing anyone in their group and quickly form lasting friendships.

Can You Cater For Special Diets?
We cater for most diets, including vegetarian, low-fat, and diabetic. It is very important that you advise us of any allergies or special dietary needs at the time of your application.

Can I Combine Two or More Programs?
Yes! Most Rustic Pathways programs are designed to connect, and most of our students combine two or more programs to create the perfect summer adventure. Many of our programs in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, The Fiji Islands, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, India, China, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Africa, Nicaragua, Peru, Panama, Mexico, and Costa Rica connect together. The great depth of our programs in the countries we serve means that you can tailor your summer to meet your specific goals and match your individual interests.

Do I Need Special Skills to Join a Program?
Students join us from a variety of backgrounds and bring with them a mix of skills and experiences. Previous exposure to most activities is not necessary. We ask only that you bring a positive attitude and a willingness to try new activities. Please read the program descriptions carefully and contact us if you have any questions so we can ensure you select the program best suited to you.

How is the Food on the Program?
Cooks take advantage of the great fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish available throughout the countries we visit. Eating the local cuisine is a major component of all of our programs. We feel it enhances the depth of the students’ overseas travel experience.

Which Programs Should I Join?
Students and parents are often amazed at the variety of wonderful summer options available. To begin designing your summer, browse through this catalog and mark the programs that catch your eye. Then move on to our website, rusticpathways.com, where you will find detailed itineraries for each program and a lot of helpful information and photos. Most importantly, when you would like to speak with us we are readily available to discuss our programs and the countries we visit, answer your questions, and assist you in finding the program most suited to your needs.

Is Your Staff Certified in First Aid?
Safety is our top priority, and we are a leader in this area. Our staff commonly includes Wilderness First responders, EMTs, Wilderness EMTs, Surf Life Guards, St. John’s certificate holders, and Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified individuals. We periodically run staff CPR courses, first-aid training, first-aid refresher courses, and Wilderness First Responder courses.

What is Included in the Cost of My Program?
Rustic Pathways’ high school programs include all touring, activities, and admission fees as specified in the trip itinerary. We also include all transportation, all accommodation, and all meals when in country. Some programs offer optional activities at an additional cost, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and helicopter skiing. Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry, Internet, snacks, and phone calls are not included in the price of the program.

How are Community Service Hours Awarded?
Students are awarded community service hours based on their actual participation. The summary of each program lists the maximum number of community service hours available for participants on that program. Students who fully participate in their program receive the maximum hours listed. Students who combine more than one service program during their summer will receive a separate certificate for each program. Certificates of Service are mailed to each student in the fall. Students who have additional community service forms from their school should bring a copy to give to their program manager for completion at the end of the trip.

When Can I Expect to Hear from My Child?
Students have limited access to phones during most programs. Calling cards purchased in country generally work better than calling cards purchased in the United States. Internet access is usually available once or twice a week, and most students stay in touch with their parents and friends through e-mail. Students are not permitted to use their cell phones while overseas on any Rustic Pathways program, although they are permitted to carry cell phones for use in the United States.

Can Parents Tag Along on These Programs?
Our student programs are reserved for students only. Our family program allows parents and their children to travel together. This year relatives and friends of all ages are invited to join us on our Northern Thailand for Families program. Additionally, each year many parents organize personal trips
through Rustic Pathways that allow them to enjoy independent travel and then join their son or daughter while overseas.

Do I Need Spending Money on My Program?
Yes. While Rustic Pathways' programs are quite comprehensive and include almost all items, you will need some allowanace money for optional expenses such as souvenirs, personal phone calls, Internet, laundry, and optional activities. We do not like hidden extras any more than you do, and we include all of the essentials that make our programs great.

Administrative and Special Service Fees
Rustic Pathways believes it is very important to be clear and transparent about additional costs and charges that may be assessed. Although most of our fees do not apply to every traveler, please find listed below fees associated with the application, allowance, late payments, special services, etc.

	Application Fee	$100
	Late Season Application Fee for applications received after April 15, 2009	$200
	Transportation / Special Arrangements Fee Minimum each way	$120
	Flight Deviation Fee	$100
	New Orleans, Mexico, Alaska and San Francisco students must arranage their own airfare. If students do not arrive or depart within the designated time frame there will be additional charges. Minimum each way is...	$135
	Administration Fees:
	For revisions when requested after ussuance of an Acceptance Letter	$100
	For revisions when the request is received less than 30 days prior to the departure date	$150
	For revisions received after the start of the student's program(s)	$200
	In addition, the family must pay any additional program costs, fare increases and change fees imposed by the airlines. Charge is subjuect to availability of program(s) and flight(s) Ticket Change Fees may vary depending on the airline.
	Late Payment Fee	$50
	Late Form Fee	$50
	Check Redeposit Fee	$20
	Returned Check Fee	$85
	Non-USD Check Bank Fee	$3
	Allowance Wiring Fee to wire allowance money that is received after the allowance due date	$35
	Incoming Wiring Fee to wire any payment into a Rustic Pathways Account	$15
	Allowance Handling Fee	$9
	Expedited Shipping	$35
	Extra T-shirt	$15

Admission, Tuition and Payments
A $100 non-refundable application fee must accompany your completed application. Applications received after April 15, 2009 are considered late, and the late application fee is $200. This fee covers a portion of our administrative costs. This is a one-time fee regardless of the number of programs you join. Returning students do not pay this application fee after their first year. Please apply for your summer programs as early as possible as dates fill up very quickly. If the departure date or programs you request are not available, we will contact you to discuss alternative options.

Program payments are automatically spread into equal monthly installments with the first payment due 15 days after your acceptance letter is issued. There is no additional cost for this extended payment program. However, any payment received in our office after the due date will incur a $50 late fee. All trips must be paid in full at least 65 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

Refunds and Cancellation Penalties
Your application fee is non-refundable unless Rustic Pathways is unable to accommodate you on the programs you select. Once you have been accepted into a Rustic Pathways trip, Rustic Pathways reserves the right to cancel, alter, reschedule, or amend any or all programs offered at any time. If a trip is cancelled by Rustic Pathways prior to the beginning of that program, Rustic Pathways will refund all payments made by the applicant. If a trip is cancelled by Rustic Pathways once it has begun, a portion of the applicant's total payments will be refunded. Once your application has been accepted, cancellation by you results in a penalty. Once you have been accepted in a Rustic Pathways trip, cancellation by you more than 90 days prior to the first scheduled departure date results in a loss of 40 percent of your total trip cost. Cancellation by you between 89 and 45 days prior to the first scheduled departure date results in a loss of 70 percent of your total trip cost. Cancellation by you less than 45 days prior to the first scheduled departure date results in the loss of 100 percent of the total trip cost. To cancel your trip, please complete the form located at rusticpathwayscom/revisions.com Trip cancellation date is determined by the date we receive written notice by completion of this form, e-mail or fax indicating that you wish to cancel your program. Verbal notice will not serve as valid cancellation notification.

Rustic Pathways' Participant Medical Form
Each participant's parents or guardians are required to complete Sections A and B of the Participant Medical Form. Section C of this form must then be completed and signed by a licensed physician. Participants will not be allowed to travel on their program(s) without the completion of this form.

No Anxiety Summer Policy
The Rustic Pathways NO ANXIETY SUMMER POLICY allows you to postpone your son or daughter's program and take it in a future year, provided we are notified in writing at least twenty-one (21) days before the student's scheduled departure date. If this option is selected, there is no penalty charge against the program portion of the cost, but the cost of the airline tickets will be subject to whatever change or cancellation penalties charged by the airlines. We then hold the program payments in escrow and you can apply these funds to the Rustic Pathways high school summer or spring break program of your choice at anytime in the next two years. If funds are not used within two years, they are forfeited.

What Should I Bring Along on My Trip?
A detailed packing list for each trip will be posted at www.rusticpathways.com/packinglists. Bring your passport, airline tickets, clothing, and any other personal items detailed on the suggested packing list for your particular program.

Can I Join a Rustic Pathways Program from Outside North America?
Absolutely! Many international students join us each year. If you are beginning your trip from outside North America, we will provide you with guidelines for making your own international flight arrangements, and our staff will meet you at the airport when you arrive. International students can contact us at rustic@rusticpathways.com, or by phone on +1 (440) 975-9691, or fax on +1 (440) 975-9694.