This article discusses the differences and difficulties that the ARCHES project has encountered when setting up and working with participatory research groups as part of a large-scale European project. The article seeks to clarify how participation is experienced across different international partners and research groups. This is explored in relation to recruitment of exploration groups, understanding participatory research, and challenging the definitions of disability. It also shares our methods of working with the participants and the impact upon those ways of working within different cultural environments. The article aims to guide future projects alike.