Rustic Pathways

Anna Shepard

Class of: 2013

Name of Program: Rustic Pathways

When you did the program: Summer 2012

Location: Ghana and Morocco

Type of Program: Travel, Home stay, Community Service

Short Summary: An existential and enlightening cultural experience that will change the way you view your country, other cultures and your own life. It was the most fun I have had in a while and you will make amazing memories.

About how many kids were in the program? 14

Who were the adults and what role did they play in your experience? There were young adults working with us. They were like friends who kept us safe.

How much free time did you have and what did you do with it? We had a reasonable amount of free time, which I spent running.

Did you have room and board or a home stay in another country? If so, what was your experience like? Yes there was room and board. It varied... it was pretty rural and Africa-y or somewhat posh.

What were the other students in your program like and how were the relationships that you formed? The students were very diverse and I formed really good friendships.

What kinds of activities, social events, and trips were organized for the students? We did everything from sitting on a crocodile, touring the largest markets and mosques, riding a camel into the Sahara desert, seeing giant African elephants, sand boarding, community service, and playing soccer. 

If you had academic classes or homework, how many hours a day did you spend on schoolwork? There was no academic work!

About how much of your own money do you think you spent on gifts, food, transportation and other things not provided by the program? About $300

Did you have a curfew? If so, what time? It depended on where we were but it’s generally not a good idea to walk around at night or independently in a foreign country where you don’t know the language.

How organized was the program? How much flexibility was there with the agendas? How much of a say did the students have in this? The program was pretty relaxed and we got to give a lot of input.

How was the food? Rate from 1-5 (1 being the worst and 5 being the best): 3

What is at least one thing you would do to improve the program? Have better food.

Who would you recommend this program to? Who would this program not be best suited to?

I would recommend it to anybody who wants an adventure of a lifetime.

Rate your overall experience (from 1 to 5): 5 (life-changing)

Other comments: Go to Africa. You won’t regret it. The nicest people live there. Seriously. You will learn how to be happy independently of societal-defined success.