Flight Leader (Summer 2027)

Rustic Pathways • Mentor, OH

12d

About The Position

Rustic Pathways’ Flight Leader is an unpaid, seasonal volunteer role supporting high school students as they travel between the United States and an international summer program destination. Flight Leaders meet students at a designated U.S. gateway airport, help with departure procedures, and chaperone the group on its international flight. Upon arrival, they escort students through immigration and customs and hand them off to Rustic Pathways’ in-country Program Team. When the program ends, they chaperone students on the return flight, guide them through U.S. immigration and customs, and ensure they reach any connecting flights. Between the outbound and return flights, Flight Leaders may spend one, two, or three weeks on personal travel in the destination country.

The role focuses on student safety, care, and well-being, while helping students feel comfortable and connected as they begin an international trip. Flight Leaders work with Airport Coordinators and other Flight Leaders at LAX, MIA, or EWR. Rustic Pathways provides round-trip international airfare. Flight Leaders are responsible for their own airfare to the assigned domestic airport and personal travel costs, including accommodation, meals, transportation, internal flights, visas, and immunizations.

Requirements

• Must be at least 22 years old by June 1, 2027.
• Must have international travel experience.
• Must have relevant leadership experience working or volunteering with students, preferably teenagers.
• Must be able to travel at personal expense to a gateway airport: LAX, MIA, or EWR.
• Must have a cell phone able to send and receive international calls and texts while abroad.
• Must hold valid CPR and First Aid certifications from a licensed provider; classroom or in-person training is required, and online certifications are not accepted.
• CPR and First Aid certifications must be submitted two weeks before departure.
• Professional working proficiency in English is required.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be patient, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented.
• Must have sound knowledge of domestic and international travel trends.
• Must be passionate about international travel and appreciate diversity in cultures and experiences.
• Must understand the value of experiential education and travel for high school students.
• Must be able to maintain excellence under pressure and in ever-changing conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience as a teacher, professor, or administrator in a school environment.
• Experience as an Outdoor Educator, Leadership Instructor, or Camp Counselor.
• Experience as a Community Service or Volunteer Coordinator.
• Experience as an NGO or Non-Profit Professional.
• Experience as a Tour Guide Specialist.
• Experience as a Nurse or EMT.
• Personal international travel experience as a student, leader, or for pleasure.

Responsibilities

• Greet families and account for every student on the group flight departing or returning that day; help support check-in.
• Give instructions and updates to Unaccompanied Minor Coordinators as necessary.
• Protect student safety and comply with Rustic Pathways’ zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior.
• Safely escort students between the United States and the international destination.
• Build connections among students and foster a positive social atmosphere.
• Explain departure and arrival gates, connecting flights, immigration and customs procedures, lost baggage claims, and appropriate conduct during international flights.
• Mentor, monitor, and account for every student in the airport and on the group flight.
• Guide, protect, clarify, and support students in the group.
• Follow and implement safety procedures and policies in interactions with students and their families.
• Keep the Airport Coordinator and other Flight Leaders updated on student well-being and flight information.
• Respond calmly to student issues as they arise.
• Serve as a role model by embodying Rustic Pathways’ mission, vision, and values.
• Work flexibly and undertake other duties as reasonably requested.
• After the outbound flight, escort students through immigration and customs and hand them off to the in-country Program Team.
• On the return trip, lead students through U.S. immigration and customs and ensure they meet connecting flights, if applicable.

Benefits

• Round-trip international airfare is provided by Rustic Pathways.
• Opportunity for personal travel in the destination country between student departures and returns.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed