Custom Programs

Programs Handcrafted for Your Group

We recognize that different travellers have different needs.

Are you a student looking to organize an alternative spring break for your campus club? An educator developing an international course module to complement your existing curriculum? A young professional planning a corporate retreat? Backpacking isn’t the only way to have an ethical, immersive travel experience. We have years of experience creating programs for groups who want to get their hands dirty during the day but are looking for a warm, comfortable bed at night.

Get in touch with us directly to learn more by filling out our inquiry form below!

How Does it Work?

Our dedicated staff will work with you to create a custom itinerary that is intimate and innovative while meeting the distinct interests and needs of your group. Programs can range from a few days to months and can include volunteer projects, immersive homestays, off-the-grid treks, and much more.

Developing your own program begins by filling out a preliminary interest form (scroll below!) to give us a better idea of what you’re looking for. Once we’ve received this, we will get in touch with you to establish your program’s goals and design an itinerary. With your direction, we will liaise with in-country personnel and partners to create a program that embodies your vision and OG’s philosophy of ethical travel.

What’s Included?

Our organization was founded on the principle of accessibility. We develop affordable programs that pack in full days of adventure, cross-cultural dialogue, and meaningful community service.

From the modest office where we’ll plan your adventure to the fresh licuado you’ll savour in Guatemala, your program fee secures a high-quality experience for a reasonable price.

Experienced Leaders

We pride ourselves on building teams of experienced and dynamic leaders, masterful facilitators, energetic storytellers, and all around passionate and caring human beings.

Pre-Program Preparation

We’ll make sure your group is properly prepared for their trip. We will provide program packages and ethical travel primers, as well as orient your group on health and safety procedures.

Support from OGHQ

Our staff at head office is here to support you for any questions or concerns!

All In-Country Logistics

We’ll carefully arrange all your meals, lodging and accommodations, projects and activities, and emergency support. We’ll even cover the technical gear and language study, if required.

Community Contribution

Community contributions directly support local grassroots organizations that we’re partnered with on the ground. From helping to rehabilitate endangered elephants to supporting literacy programs, we strive to make a lasting impact.

What Our Program Sponsors Had to Say:

Operation Groundswell has been instrumental in helping us ensure the safety of our students participating in their programs. Over the past three years we have relied on their safety policies, experience, and preparedness to effectively respond to any emergencies or challenges that may come up on the ground while our groups are abroad. From the care that goes into the planning of their participant safety prior to the program, to the training of their staff, to the safety and contingency planning of their daily activities, we have selected them with the confidence of knowing we can rely on them to support and care for our students. … all while providing a seamless on the ground experience where the safety and contingency planning goes unnoticed by participants.
- Veronica Vasquez, University of Toronto - Mississauga Abroad Coordinator
I came to Guatemala hoping to learn about how the country’s coffee industry works, how it fits into the larger global coffee industry, also have a chance to experience Guatemala’s culture and communities in a more authentic way than I could my own. OG created an itinerary that accomplished all this and allowed me to truly connect with the people and the culture. OG’s leadership did an amazing job of affording us the opportunity to experience a new country in a way that connected us to the people behind the purely intellectual questions most of us had going into the trip.
Susan, 2013
OG’s coffee program provided a multi-faceted introduction to an immensely complicated industry. In only one week, I heard direct perspectives from a broad range of players – government policy-makers, small-scale farmers, and major exporters. The experience exceeded my expectations in intellectual rigor, emotional growth, and fun.
Virginia, 2013

Our Past Custom Partnerships

We’ve been lucky enough to work with some wonderful groups who have asked us to design and run a diverse range of programming. From independent studies, to alternative student breaks, to project management, we’ve covered quite a bit of ground.

Get in Touch About a Custom Program

Want more information about how we can collaborate to create a program that’s right for you and your team? Just fill out our inquiry form below and we’ll be in touch within the next week. We’re looking forward to working together!