More and more, we recognize the need to become agents of change and reduce the impact of the current global economic model, which destroys our environment and oppresses our  society. How exactly do we achieve this?

Permaculture asks this question and gives a guide to imitate the patterns and relationships found in nature. The philosophy proposes a path towards a more conscious life, a more efficient way of designing our homes, our food sources, our place in the natural world, and much more. Permaculture aims not only to protect the environment, but also to use its riches to sustain future generations.

Being a PDC-certified designer is a big step towards making a difference!

Guatemala is a multicultural society, with just under half of the population belonging to indigenous groups. The largest of these groups is ‘Maya’, which has 22 subgroups. ‘Mayan’ refers to the peoples and languages of these groups.

In Lake Atitlán, 90% of the population is Mayan. To the north of the lake, the population is predominately Kaqchiquel. To the south, the population is predominately Tzutujil

There is no maximum age limit, but you must be at least 19 years old by your programme start date. 

No. We are keen to make opportunities available to whomsoever is interested! So please apply. We do focus our recruitment efforts at universities but that is primarily because students are always excited about joining these sorts of initiatives.

We are very happy to consider applications from those without a university background or those that have graduated already. The minimum age limit is 18, and there is no maximum age limit. Anyone under 19 isn’t included in our training course funding, thus would need to self-fund approx. £400.

We have no additional requirements other than that you be open to an adventure and excited about permaculture, ecotechnology, and experiencing Guatemala.

Yes, of course. We only require that you speak advanced-level English and that you have been normally resident in the UK or EU for the past 3 years.

You can apply anytime, but the sooner you apply the better because we make offers on a rolling basis. There is no cut-off point for applications. However, if you want to be sure of a place, it is best to apply right now.

Please fill out an application form anyway – we can look into arranging alternative activities for you during the 2-week Spanish lesson period. 

British citizens do not require a visa to travel to Guatemala, and can remain there for up to 90 days visa-free (which is under the programme length). If you do not have British citizenship, please check your country’s government guidance on travel to Guatemala. 

Your programme will give you the time, space, and support to work out what you want to do next: whether that be continuing working in environmental fields in the local area, returning to with your learning to the UK, or continuing your travels in another country.

Our professional development programme will support you in working out your interests, values and skills and in identifying what career areas you want to pursue. 

Eligible applicants will receive full funding to cover the training and programme costs, including flights, visa, FE course training, and pre-programe tourism.

This means that the programme is fully accessible with no upfront cost to you. You do, however, need to pay a small commitment deposit (£200) when your application is accepted and place is confirmed. This deposit is returned when you end your placement. We may ask for additional funding if we are buying your flights for you – usually we take a 50% security against the fare to protect against no-shows on flights (this is intended to make it easier for you to afford to fly!)

There is also extra support available for applicants from widening participation backgrounds, including all funding you may need to make this happen. You will be able to indicate if this applies to you on your application form and we will contact you with more information. 

No! But you will be given Spanish lessons during your training to make sure you know enough to get around and have a good grounding in the language. You’ll then be able to keep learning the language throughout your time in country.

We will review your application and get back to you asap about the next steps, including a video interview with our team, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions that you have. 

If you’re successful, you’ll be invited to confirm your place by signing our terms and paying a small commitment deposit (£200). The commitment deposit will be returned to you once you end your placement.

We will then guide you through the visa and flight booking process and make sure you’re fully prepared for travelling. 

No! You will be joining a group of Gotoco’ers for your training and programme. You will work with them throughout your placement. You will sometimes be in different localities, but will have each other as a social network and receive cultural activities and fun from our coordinator team during time-off. So, you will be socially integrated from the start.

To be eligible for full funding for the programme (such as for flights and the training), you need to reside in the UK, and have the right to work in the UK – this could be through citizenship, residency, leave to remain, a student visa, or other kinds of visa that give you the right to work in the UK.