Flight Leader

As a Flight Leader, your day begins at one of our hub airports—JFK, EWR, MIA, or LAX—where you’ll meet up with our Airport Coordinators and greet students as they arrive. These teens may be nervous—it’s often their first international trip—and you’ll be their first point of support and encouragement.

Once everyone’s accounted for, you’ll guide the group through airport check-in, security, and to the gate. There, you’ll help students get comfortable, start building social connections, and ease into their journey.

During the flight, you’ll be available to answer questions and offer support. Upon arrival, you’ll assist with customs and immigration before handing the group off to our trusted in-country staff. After that, it’s your time—you’ll have 1–2 weeks to explore before accompanying the students back to the U.S.

The Flight Leader position is a seasonal volunteer opportunity. Rustic Pathways provides:

• Round-trip international airfare
• 1–2 weeks of personal travel time abroad
• Training and support from our experienced travel team

Please note:

Flight Leaders are responsible for their own domestic travel to the hub airport, personal expenses during free travel time (e.g., meals, lodging, local transport), and visa requirements.

To apply, you must:

• Be 22 years old or older by your assigned departure date
• Hold a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity from your return date)
• Have current CPR/First Aid certification
• Be confident traveling independently abroad

Flight Leader trips run May through August. Volunteers typically commit to 1–2 weeks per trip, with flexibility based on destination needs and personal availability.