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 summer programs for students ages 12-18, programs during the academic year for Gap Year students, and 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, , Panama, Mongolia, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, , 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, , Peru, Panama, , and Costa Rica connect together. The great depth of our operations 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 welcome new experiences. Please read the program descriptions carefully and contact us if you have any questions so we can ensure you select the program(s) best suited to you.

How is the Food on the Program?

Cooks take advantage of the great fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish available throughout the countries we visit. Experiencing the variety of  local cuisines 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 at rusticpathways.com, where you will find valuable additional info such as detailed daily itineraries for each program, FAQ’s, packing lists, and additional photos. Most importantly, when you would like to speak with us we are readily available to answer all of your questions, discuss our programs and the countries we operate in, , and assist you in creating the perfect experience that best suits your needs.

Is Your Staff Certified in First Aid?

Safety is our top priority. 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, guaranteeing that our staff have the most up to date training to ensure the ultimate safety of all of our clients.

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 ground 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. Also, both the costs for international and domestic airfare are not included in the program price.

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 their trip. Students who do not participate fully in the community service hours, or who are dismissed from of any Rustic Pathways program for any reason are subject to forfeit of their community service hours.

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.  It is Rustic Pathways’ policy that students may not use cell phones during programmed activities or group time on their trip; but, since some parents find it convenient for their child to use their cell phone to call home once or twice a week, limited use is permitted during 'free time' as determined by trip leaders. However, students who use their cell phones for calls, text messaging or other communication during times other than those designated 'free time' by their trip leaders, their cell phones will be confiscated for the duration of the program.  It is our intention that this policy will enable students to call home during their program in a limited manner only. Please note that many of our programs travel in remote areas with limited or no cell phone service and the ability to make calls from cell phones is not guaranteed. Rustic Pathways is in no way responsible for any costs associated with calls from cell phones, and parents should be aware of the high cost of international calls made from cell phones. Students are permitted to use cell phones at their own discretion during travel within the United States.

Can Parents Tag Along on These Programs?

Our student programs are reserved for students only. Our family programs allow 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. (It is unclear if this program will be running during the summer of 2010).  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.

 

Administrative and Special Service Fees

Rustic Pathways believes it is very important to be clear and transparent about all 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
Application Fee for applications received after April 15, 2010	$ 200
Transportation/Special Arrangements Fee
Minimum each way	$ 135
Flight Deviation Fee	$ 150
Students joining programs within the USA must arrange their own airfare. If students do not arrive or depart within the designated timeframe there will be additional charges.
Minimum each way	$ 135
Administration Fees: For revisions when requested after issuance 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. Change is subject 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

Invoicing, Admission, Tuition and Payments

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL COSTS
Due to the volatility of airline fuel costs and global oil prices, Rustic Pathways reserves the right to pass along any increases in travel costs to the participants should this become necessary.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE RATES
Rustic Pathways operates most of its programs outside the USA and pays for most of these programs in local currencies.  Should the value of the US dollar decrease and thereby increase our operating costs for the program you are attending, we reserve the right to increase our program price in proportion with the change in the value of the US dollar and invoice you for this increase in costs.  

APPLICATION FEE
A $ 100 non-refundable application fee must accompany your completed application. For applications  received after April 15, 20010 the 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. 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. For students who apply for programs less than 65 days prior to departure, their payment schedule will be accelerated.

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 into a Rustic Pathways trip, cancellation by you more than 90 days prior to your 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 your 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 your 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 rusticpathways.com/revisions. A participants 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

After a student is accepted into a program, the family will be responsible for completing the Rustic Pathways’ Medical Forms prior to their departure. 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. Rustic Pathways will not accept a school physical as a valid substitute for a licensed physician.

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 any change or cancellation penalties charged by the airline. 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 program will be posted on our website at 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 program 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 at +1 (440) 975-9691, or fax at +1 (440) 975-9694.