Make a difference. Challenge yourself. Experience Guatemala.
Be part of a unique, ethical and immersive volunteering experience in rural Guatemala, with our International Community Experience programme in partnership with Utz B’Ey.
This is more than just international travel. It's an opportunity to contribute to community-led projects, develop personally and professionally, and experience a completely different culture, environment and way of life.
Utz B’Ey ('The Right Path' in Kaqchikel Maya) is a community organisation based in the rural highlands of Guatemala. It supports children, families and communities through education, wellbeing, nutrition and sustainable development initiatives.
As a volunteer, you'll work alongside local staff and community members on activities such as:
You'll also have the opportunity to visit the nearby city of Antigua, and other community projects around Lake Atitlan.
All activities are community-led and focused on local priorities. They're linked to project themes.
Provisional dates are 19 March–1 April 2027.
Dates are subject to change depending on flight availability.
Costs for the 2027 programme are:
You will also need to budget for:
If you're a current student at ARU, you may be eligible for a grant of up to £500 to put towards the cost of the trip. This is non-repayable and awarded through our GO! International Fund. Find out more about the GO! International Fund (ARU login required).
Before the trip starts we'll hold a series of briefing meetings. We'll publish meeting dates here when confirmed.
The meetings help you prepare for the trip and understand what to expect. They cover:
You must attend all meetings in order to join the team of volunteers.
Throughout the programme, you'll have support from ARU staff and local project leaders, with regular check-ins and reflective sessions forming part of the experience.
Current ARU students, staff and alumni are all welcome to apply.
You don't need to be studying a particular subject or working in a specific area. What's important is the personal qualities you can bring to the team and the communities we work with.
Find out more about who can apply.
Applications are currently closed.
When applications are open, we'll ask you to complete some forms (published on this page) and read our terms and conditions.
For most of the trip you'll stay on-site at Utz B’Ey in dormitory-style accommodation. This accommodation is of a good standard and has been designed to offer a safe, comfortable and community-focused living environment.
There are shared toilet and shower facilities alongside communal living areas.
We can consider arrangements for individual rooms where required in relation to protected characteristics, wellbeing needs or other relevant personal circumstances.
Food is provided at Utz B’Ey: it's organic and vegetarian, and much of it is sourced from their own farm. Meals are prepared by local cooks but as a volunteer, you'll support with food preparation.
Accommodation outside of Utz B’Ey is of a good standard and in line with ARU’s international travel, risk management and wellbeing requirements.