Rustic Pathways- Come With Nothing, Go Home rich

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

I know that Rustic programs get a bad rep. A lot of people on CC seem bitter about them, asserting that they are only for rich kids, and could actually end up hurting your admissions chances. I understand that many of these programs are more fun in the sun than service, and those ones can be viewed as such. Although I am strongly opposed to the mentality some people have about Rustic Pathways trips (I believe that even some service is more valuable than sitting around at home all summer), I understand that some programs /are/ more intensive than others.

I am going on Rustic Pathways’ “Come With Nothing, Go Home Rich” program in Thailand. With this program, I will be away from home for 4 weeks, and traveling between local, rural villages. I will not be staying in any of the nice Base Houses, and will be sleeping on mats on the floors of local huts. I will not be allowed to bring anything from home (we buy all of our clothes for the month with $50 in a Thai bazaar). I will be doing intense community service, such as building schools, bathrooms, and community centers, throughout the entire trip. I am very excited to challenge myself in this unfamiliar and physically demanding environment.

Do you think that even this program, which is not a cushy vacation trip, will be looked down upon by admissions directors? I don’t plan to write the “mission trip essay”, but I think that this program fits in well with other programs and interests displayed in my application. Do you think this program will look bad?

2

Madison, I know this is really late but I felt compelled to reply. I’m actually curious as to how Rustic programs could hurt admission chances. How do colleges really view these types of programs? Good because of the intended impact on the part of the student, or bad because of the luxury of travelling with these types of companies?

I am interested in going on a Come with Nothing trip with Rustic in the summer of 2017, but I want to raise the money on my own through fundraisers, working a job, etc. Do you think this would soften that rich-kid-luxury viewpoint? How was your trip? Was it worth it? Hopefully, this program has only exemplified your college apps rather than the feared contrary. I would appreciate your reply :slight_smile: Thanks!

3

These programs cost $4500 not including airfare. It’s an expensive proposition for a teenager, available to those with economic means. I wouldn’t say these programs will hurt you in college admissions but they won’t give you a boost, either.

There are ways to explore other cultures and/or do charitable work without such a big price tag.

4

Do it because you want to and think you will get something out of it, not for the purpose of trying to pad your college app or jump start your essays. One of my kids went on a pricey art history tour of Europe in HS, but barely mentioned it in her application. Which was fine – she had other compelling topics to write about. You don’t have to spend any money at all to write a winning college essay.