Experience two very different sides of the Dominican Republic during this intensive program. Leave the resorts and tourist destinations behind as you travel deep into the heart of the country to the bateyes—underserved communities of predominantly Haitian sugarcane workers. Though resources are in short supply, there is a generous sense of community. Listen to stories from local farmers, mothers, leaders, and youth, and contribute to service projects designed to create lasting improvements. Then travel northeast for a completely different experience and reflect on your time in the bateyes amid the country’s turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Components of a Critical Issues Program Deliberate Focus: Students explore specific global issues as they exist in communities around the world. Pre-Travel Engagement: Prior to their arrival in the program’s base country, students build an understanding of the issue their program focuses on through readings, film screenings, and various learning opportunities. Program Content and Discussion: Students progress through a curriculum comprised of activities, discussions, and debriefs designed to expand their understanding and exploration of key topics. Program Staff: Program Leaders on Critical Issues programs have intimate local knowledge and an academic or professional background in the focus area.

Travel from urban cities to the Outback and see more of Australia in two weeks than many do in a lifetime. After a stop in Brisbane, fly to Cairns—the adventure capital of Australia and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef—where you can snorkel or scuba dive in a revered aquatic landscape. Then visit the Daintree, where the rainforest meets the reef. In the Outback, hike through canyons, swim in natural springs, explore Kata Tjuta, see iconic Uluru, and learn about Aboriginal culture. Bid Australia farewell among the landmarks of Sydney, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Travel from urban cities to the Outback and see more of Australia in two weeks than many do in a lifetime. After a stop in Brisbane, fly to Cairns—the adventure capital of Australia and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef—where you can snorkel or scuba dive in a revered aquatic landscape. Then visit the Daintree, where the rainforest meets the reef. In the Outback, hike through canyons, swim in natural springs, explore Kata Tjuta, see iconic Uluru, and learn about Aboriginal culture. Bid Australia farewell among the landmarks of Sydney, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Fly to Australia and then head to a remote island off the coast with only five survival items of your choice. Think of this unique challenge as Rustic’s version of “Survivor.” For eight days, your group will inhabit Rustic Island, which is surrounded by a coral reef and turquoise lagoons. Undertake a series of physical and mental challenges designed and coordinated by Australian Army survival specialists. Develop valuable life skills and build friendships through intense teamwork activities. Watch the sunrise and set over the ocean, snorkel on the reefs, and contribute to environmental projects to restore this island paradise. Are you ready for Island Survival?

Spend two weeks in the water on this high-adrenaline service adventure. Learn to surf with Aussie instructors and develop your ocean skills at some of Australia’s best surf breaks. Stay at a surf house on the Sunshine Coast, then a road trip to Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay. Ride a jet boat, sea kayak with dolphins, and spot humpback whales. Spend two nights at a farm and experience Australia’s ancient Aboriginal culture. Along the way, help special-needs athletes, participate in environmental preservation and cook meals for the homeless through a series of service projects.

Journey to Casablanca and visit Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, before heading off to begin your service projects. Along the way, stop by the ancient Ait-Ben-Haddou and pass through scenic Dadès Gorges. Set off on a sunset camel caravan to a desert camp, then take part in community service projects. Learn about the indigenous Amazigh culture in a remote valley nestled in the craggy High Atlas Mountains. Visit the white-walled Medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can snack on crepes and take surf lessons. Conclude your trip in Marrakech and explore the buzzing market square, Jamaâ El-Fna, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spend a week at Rustic’s Volcano and Rainforest Service Base in La Fortuna working on a combination of service project and enjoying Costa Rican adventure. Whether helping out with service initiatives or participating in cross-cultural experiences, you’ll contribute to the community, practice your Spanish, and make new Tico friends. After service, experience some of Costa Rica’s best adventure activities like zip lining and whitewater rafting. Visit hot springs and a traditional Costa Rican farm to learn about the local culture. After action-packed days, relax in a hammock or take a dip in the freshwater pool. This program is great for first-time travelers and students interested in making new friends from across the globe.

Spend a week at Rustic’s Volcano and Rainforest Service Base in La Fortuna working on a combination of service project and enjoying Costa Rican adventure. Whether helping out with service initiatives or participating in cross-cultural experiences, you’ll contribute to the community, practice your Spanish, and make new Tico friends. After service, experience some of Costa Rica’s best adventure activities like zip lining and whitewater rafting. Visit hot springs and a traditional Costa Rican farm to learn about the local culture. After action-packed days, relax in a hammock or take a dip in the freshwater pool. This program is great for first-time travelers and students interested in making new friends from across the globe.

Spend a week at Rustic’s Volcano and Rainforest Service Base in La Fortuna working on a combination of service project and enjoying Costa Rican adventure. Whether helping out with service initiatives or participating in cross-cultural experiences, you’ll contribute to the community, practice your Spanish, and make new Tico friends. After service, experience some of Costa Rica’s best adventure activities like zip lining and whitewater rafting. Visit hot springs and a traditional Costa Rican farm to learn about the local culture. After action-packed days, relax in a hammock or take a dip in the freshwater pool. This program is great for first-time travelers and students interested in making new friends from across the globe.

Start your journey by heading south to surf the hidden breaks and enjoy the secluded beaches of Dominical. Hike along beautiful trails and canyons to a series of impressive waterfalls where expert guides will teach you how to rappel. Set off on a three-day sea kayaking expedition through the Golfo Dulce in the Osa Peninsula. At night, camp on the beach and enjoy dinner next to a bonfire as you exchange stories about the day’s adventures. Venture into Corcovado National Park, keeping an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws. When not exploring the jungle, participate in a variety of infrastructure service projects to support the communities you visit. You might work on infrastructure for low-income communities along with local associations to achieve economic development or environmental conservation projects. Conclude your adventure by whitewater rafting the Savegre River.

Experience the mighty Himalayas during this two-week trip through India and Nepal. Start in Delhi and learn about Hindu culture in this historic city before exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites in Amer and Agra, including the incredible Taj Mahal. Travel to Kathmandu to experience some of the region’s famous adventure activities. Raft the Trishuli River and camp overnight. Trek from Pokhara, the gateway to the Himalayas’ Annapurna Circuit. Opt to zip line and bungee jump in this mountain before returning to Kathmandu to conclude your epic journey.

Grab your snorkel gear and dive into a marine adventure to protect the coastlines of the Dominican Republic. Stay in stunning Bayahibe and work with FUNDEMAR, a NGO dedicated to the conservation of marine ecosystems. Learn about threats to local marine and terrestrial life as you gain hands-on experience in scientific conservation methods, including the construction of reef restoration structures, the monitoring of coral growth in a wet lab, and the rehabilitation of mangroves. On remote Saona Island, spend a night helping to protect sea turtles. Share what you’ve learned about marine conservation with local youth during a fun day camp. In your downtime, swim in freshwater caverns, search for sea stars in natural pools, and fall in love with island life.

Adventure to the “Roof of Africa” on this seven-day trek to Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest freestanding volcano. Start with an introduction to the unique culture of the region as you engage in community activities, learn tribal history, and acclimate to prepare for your expedition. Considered a non-technical climb, the route up Mt. Kilimanjaro is highly challenging but conquerable by anyone with good physical and mental fitness. Hike along scenic trails each day and spend your nights sleeping in tents under the stars. After several days of climbing, wake before dawn for your final ascent to the summit where you’ll stand above the clouds and look down on some of the finest views in Africa. End in Arusha where you’ll explore the local markets and enjoy a farewell feast with your hiking companions.

Engage in rural Thai life during an exciting blend of service and culture at our hub in Southeast Asia. This program offers six service projects to choose from each week: Welcome Homes, Meals on Flip Flops, Bobbing and Floating, English Exchange, Teaching and Tutoring, and Hands in the Dirt. Developed over many years with our partners in the region, these service projects produce life-changing experiences for our students and long-term outcomes for the communities. Choose from several exciting side-trip options during your stay to elevate your experience and maximize your summer in Southeast Asia.

Explore challenges facing southern Thailand’s unique ecosystems on this dynamic voyage through a picturesque landscape. Immerse yourself at a homestay experience set in a unique seaside subculture of Thailand, learning about their dependence on the natural resources that surround them and their efforts to conserve the marine life that supports their livelihood. Next, discover one of the world’s oldest rainforests and gain insight into the rich biodiversity from experienced conservationists working to preserve and restore the region’s forests. Snorkel at some of Thailand’s best-preserved reefs as you gain valuable perspective about vulnerable underwater ecosystems. Return home with a greater understanding of the complex issues facing the region and with an appreciation for the majestic landscapes of southern Thailand.