From the pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean to the turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea, the beauty and natural splendor of Costa Rica stretches as far as the eye can see.  A country just one-eighth the size of California is home to an incredible mountain range, lush, tropical rainforest, and is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.  Gap Year students visit Cano Negro, the Arenal Volcano, work alongside park rangers to build trails in the rainforest, search for caiman alligators with park rangers, 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 boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in South America—an exciting combination of lost ancient cities and ruins, and indigenous tribes. Travelers find themselves drawn by the allure and beauty of this land again and again. From the peaks of the Andean Mountains, to the Amazon Rainforest, to the peaceful shores of Lake Titicaca, to the lost city of Machu Picchu, Peru is an amazing and diverse country to explore. Students will hike the Inca Trail to the lost fortress city of Machu Picchu, relax in natural hot springs, and engage in real community service projects in the Sacred Valley. There will also be ample time to visit the Pisaq ruins and local markets, and finally embark on an epic journey down the Amazon River through the world’s largest and most diverse rainforest.

One of the world’s most exotic destinations, Fiji is comprised of hundreds of pristine islands clustered together like a handful of precious gems. Life on these magical islands is joyful, peaceful, and relaxing. Set in the rolling hills just south of Nadi on fourteen beautiful acres overlooking spectacular Momi Bay, Rustic Pathways’ South Pacific Eco-Lodge is the perfect community service base for students.  Surrounded by an extensive organic vegetable, herb and flower garden, a sports field, meditation decks, and swaying tropical fruit and palm trees – the RP Fiji Base is a truly invigorating place.  Nearby, there is world-famous surfing, spectacular scuba diving, challenging hikes, whitewater rafting, rappelling, mountain biking, and kayaking.  Students have the chance to visit rural retreats in Nubulevu, Sasa, Nasivikoso and Wousi.  One of the features of time in this area is the home-stay project, where students are literally adopted into the families by a momo (father) and nene (mother) through a traditional Fijian ceremony.  During the home-stay days are spent working on village service projects, playing games with children, joining in afternoon rugby matches, checking the dalo and cassava crops, and swimming at local waterfalls - generally living like a Fijian!

Australia is a kaleidoscope of natural wonders and magnificent sites that can not be found anywhere else on earth. Students travel from Brisbane to Cairns, stopping at beautiful beaches and traditional Aussie BBQ’s with our staff while experiencing Australia’s diverse landscape.  Once in Cairns - the adrenaline capital of the North - students have the opportunity to raft the raging Tully River, spend a day exploring beautiful off-shore islands, and sky dive from 14,000 feet!  There will be an underwater day scuba diving The Great Barrier Reef --the world’s largest reef featuring an abundance of tropical fish and colorful coral.  Next, staff and students head into the Outback in modern 4WD Safari vehicles through remote lands, sleeping under star filled skies, and getting acquainted with the backcountry characters that make Australia famous.  Heading north discover incredible, untouched beaches and dune fields, dramatic mangroves and wetlands, mighty river systems, and the incredible World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest.

Between its two small islands, New Zealand packs in glacial mountains, plunging fjords, fast-flowing rivers, dense rainforests, active volcanoes, deep, clear lakes, geysers, and boiling mud.  If the stunning scenery isn’t enticing enough, New Zealand’s natural playground offers a fix of outdoor adventure activities that will satisfy even the most audacious visitors.  The North and South Islands are a incredibly different and equally inspiring - New Zealand’s beauty will excite, invigorate, and renew the body, mind, and spirit.  Gaze deeply into the icy blue crevices of Fox Glacier, bungee off the Sky Tower, go black-water rafting, rappel through underground waterfalls, marvel at the cloud-piercing summit of Mount Cook, work on a traditional sheep station, and meet the Maori people.

Thailand is one of the world’s most welcoming and friendly destinations, drawing more international visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia. The Rustic Pathways Ricefields Base is the perfect setting to immerse oneself into this unique culture. Watch the sun rise over the rice fields as saffron-robed monks mindfully make their way down quiet streets in the days’ early light, collecting morning alms. The Base is cared for by the Sanboon family – the life and blood of the Base - and features first-rate modern amenities decked out with funky art and teak furniture, and swimming pool all in the heart of a traditional Thai village. While here, students will get involved in the diverse service initiatives established in this community, chat with monks at temples and make friends with our awesome team here. Next, head off to the vibrant northern city of Chiang Mai, where you’ll have a chance to explore the sights and culture of this region.  Students learn about the indigenous peoples who inhabit the surrounding mountains, then hit the trail and trek into a hilltribe village for a rustic homestay. Design a grassroots service project with your team, work with Burmese refugees, and visit the fascinating borders areas of this amazingly diverse country.  See the majestic temples and palaces of Bangkok, take a long-tail boat ride down the ‘River of Kings’, peruse the many exotic night markets – welcome to the ‘Land of Smiles’! 

A trip to Cambodia is a rare chance to make history books come alive and truly understand the magnitude and nuances of war, communism, and economic sustainability, as well as the challenges and rewards of working in developing nations.  After learning about the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot, students visit The Killing Fields and S-21 for a heavy dose of reality. With a new perspective on this intriguing country, travel down rugged trails to tiny villages of farmers and buffaloes, working together in the fields  much as they did one hundred years ago.  Charter a boat down a series of pristine rivers, and cruise past clusters of stilted fishing villages that line the Tonle Sap Waterway on the way to magnificent Angkor Wat.  The temples of Angkor are amongst the most spectacular and stunning creations of human-kind, and students will have a couple days to explore and photograph these awe-inspiring ruins of the ancient Khmer Civilization.

Traditionally, Laos has been the least visited destination in Southeast Asia.  For that reason, it remains one of the most underdeveloped, scenic and culturally rewarding areas in Asia.  Known for its devout Buddhist population, slow and easy way of life, and generous hospitality, Laos is the ideal country to explore.  Journey through the dramatic topography to villages that sustain themselves on tiered rice fields and the bounty of local rivers. Do a home-stay with people who live genuinely happy lives with only a few hours of electricity each evening, and become part of the family – this is a total immersion program.  Give back by participating in a variety of simple community service projects in various villages, teach English, and help out in any way you can. Visit Luang Prabang, the cultural gem of Laos and a UNSECO World Heritage Site, check out a stunning waterfall, bustling night markets, and chat with friendly monks at the dozens of ancient temples.

The sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of India make it one of the most spectacular and impressionable destinations in the world.  Learn age-old crafts, photograph mischievous monkeys, teach English to wide-eyed children, gazing at the enchanting Taj Mahal, and trekking through the Indian Himalaya are just some of the many exciting experiences that await.  Students live with local Tibetan families in McLeod Ganj, the adopted home of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama and teach English and basic computer skills to Tibetan refugees. Staff and students trek north into the mighty Hilmalaya Mountains - one of the most spectacular regions on the planet - taking time to white water raft the Beas River, mountain-board down hills and rock climb limestone walls.

China is an unbelievable array of stunning landscapes and energizing cities that extends almost beyond comprehension.  The fascinating beauty of the culture, breathtaking diversity of the landscape, and sheer energy driving the country must be experienced to be truly appreciated. This trip begins by taking you through the heart of China’s most dynamic and interesting cities.  Along the way, you’ll walk the world-famous colonial façade of the Bund in Shanghai, explore the monumental Great Wall as well as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the Terracotta Warriors and breathtaking peaks of Hua Shan in Xi’an.  Leaping off the tourist track, head up into the mountains of Xinjiang Province, the northernmost section of the ancient Silk Road.  Meeting and stay with nomadic tribes, swim in crystal lakes, embark on a camel safari through rolling sand dunes, hiking snow capped peaks, and explore ancient Silk Road cities with thriving bazaars which take you back 1000 years.  Next, head down to the lush mountains of Yunnan province, and spend time discovering the traditional cities of Dali and Lijiang. Wander intricate grids of cobbled alleyways and babbling brooks, peruse colorful hilltribe markets, and hike to breathtaking viewpoints and monasteries in the mountains that surround these picturesque cities.  The last stop of this journey will be Hong Kong, where the bright city lights and breathtaking skyline will be the perfect crowning moments. And just to end in style, there’s an optional bungee jump from the skt Tower on the neighboring island of Macau!  This 30-day adventure through China will leave no stone unturned, and will forever stay with you as the ultimate Chinese experience!

Africa has mesmerized the world for generations, with its stunning scenery, ancient civilizations, and unique wildlife.  Stampedes of elephants and herds of antelope and zebras roam the plains, lions and cheetahs lurk in shady seclusion, and hefty hippos wade in murky pools. Led by a team of professional guides, cooks, and porters, students hike Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing volcano and Africa’s highest mountain. Work closely with Tanzanian village leaders to design projects that will have positive environmental impact in their communities.  Set out on a 3-day safari through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater National Parks with ample opportunity to spot the Big Five animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.  This is one of the most spectacular events in Africa, and gives students a chance to fully immerse themselves into the wild.