Work exchange is a great way to save money while traveling and it can lead to some really cool experiences. Not only are there work exchange opportunities across the world, but the majority do not require previous work experience. Finding these volunteer opportunties is a lot easier than you may think. You can start traveling with work exchange by using one of the 10 websites listed below to find an opportunity for you.
Table of Contents
About Work Exchange
Work Exchange
Work exchange is when you work in exchange for room and board. Work exchange participants are considered “volunteers” but in reality these jobs can be a lot of work.
What You Get
Work exchange started with only offering room and board to participants, but many hosts now offer perks such as; three meals per day, laundry, and/or internet. Businesses that offer work exchange, like hostels, might offer use of equipment (surf boards, bicycles, etc…), discounts on local restaurants or activities, and/or free tours and events. You can even find paid jobs to make some money.
Types of Jobs & Locations
There are opportunities all over the world that need volunteers of all abilities. This means you can work as a housekeeper, receptionist, farmer, photographer, yoga teacher, babysitter, etc… The possibilities are endless.
How many hours and days you need to work will vary.
Qualifications
To apply for a work exchange opportunity through online platforms, you must be 18 or older. You must have a valid passport and the ability to legally enter into the country you want to work in. As this is considered volunteer work, you will not need to obtain a work visa (unless the job is paid).
Work Exchange Hosts
Hosts have their own reasons for hosting volunteers. Some are businesses, like hotels or hostels, who are looking to save money by utilizing “volunteers”. Others are people who need some help but can’t afford to pay full time workers. There are also people who do this because they love interacting with fellow travelers. The possibilities are endless.
Finding Work Exchange
How to Find Work Exchange
You can find work exchange by using one of the 10 websites on the list below.
On these websties, you can create a profile and search through various work exchange opportunities. To connect with a host and apply for any jobs posted on these sites, you will need to pay a membership fee (which will vary by platform). Once you reach out to a host and agree that you are both a good fit for the job, you will pay your own way to get to the work exchange location. Then, you will start your work exchange journey!
Why You Need to Pay a Membership Fee
The membership fee you pay does not go to the host, nor does it guarantee you a job. The fee goes to the company who powers the work exchange platform that enables you to connect with hosts. This is supposed to cover maintenance, host verification, and tech support.
How to Know if a Host is Legit
Pay attention to if the platform you are using vets their host. You should also do ample research on the host you are looking to work for, check out reviews from past participants, and always trust your gut.
The Best Work Exchange Platform to Use
Everyone has a different opinion on the best work exchange website. The majority of travelers you meet usually use Workaway, World Packers, or WWOOF. If you are looking to work for multiple hosts doing diverse types of work, then I suggest using Workaway as they have the most diverse options and the most hosts. The second best option would be World Packers. If you specifically want to work on farms or with environmental type tasks, I suggest WWOOF.
If you are looking for a one time experience, I recommend taking the time to look at what is available on multiple sites. Then, get a membership for the website that offers the specific opportunities you want to apply to.
Applying for Work Exchange
Before you reach out to a host, make sure you do your research on the job you are going to be doing and the location you will be living in. Many people apply for these opportunities without setting proper expectations and this can make for a less than ideal experience.
When you show your interest in an opportunity, it is possible that you may never get a reply back from the host. This may be because the host is no longer active on the website, they have too many messages to reply to, or they simply choose not to respond. While this is frustrating, it is reality, and to increase your chances of getting a job you should be applying to multiple hosts.
When you do connect with the host, be sure you are a multiple fit and understand their expectations before accepting the position. Again, do your research on them and read reviews from previous workers.
10 Websites to Find Work Exchange
1. WWOOF – Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms
Membership Fee: $20/year for a solo account or $30/year for a joint account.
Work Locations: 130+ countries and over 12,000+ hosts.
Vet Their Hosts: Yes
Notes: All the work on this website is focused on farming or environmental tasks.
2. Workaway
Membership Fee: $44/year for a solo account or $56/year for a joint account.
Work Locations: 170+ countries and over 50,000 opportunities.
Vet Their Hosts: Yes
Notes: This website has the most diverse options and the most opportunities of any of the websites on this list.
3. Worldpackers
Membership Fee: $49/year for a solo account or $59/year for a joint account.
Work Locations: 140+ countries
Vet Their Hosts: Yes
Notes: Offers diverse opportunities.
4. Working Traveller
Membership Fee: €10/year (Their free membership only allows you and make a profile and search for jobs, but not apply.)
Work Locations: Around the world but exact number unknown.
Vet Their Hosts: Yes
Notes: They will offer help on setting up a profile and finding a job for €100.
5. HelpX
Membership Fee: €20 for 2 years.
Work Locations: Around the world but exact number unknown.
Vet Their Hosts: Yes
Notes: Also known as ‘help exchange’.
6. Hopper Jobs
Membership Fee: FREE
Work Locations: Around the world but exact number unknown.
Vet Their Hosts: Unknown.
7. Hippo Help
Membership Fee: €12 (They say it is free, but will charge when you want to contact a host.)
Work Locations: Around the world but exact number unknown.
Vet Their Hosts: Unknown, but unlikely.
Notes: With this site you find a job by searching location first via a map of the world.
8. Help Stay
Membership Fee: €42.99 – €53.00/year or €51.00 – €62.00/year for a joint account.
Work Locations: 100+ countries.
Vet Their Hosts: Yes
Notes: This is the most expensive option out of all the websites on this list.
9. Volunteers Base
Membership Fee: FREE
Work Locations: Around the world but exact number unknown.
Vet Their Hosts: Unknown – does not seem so.
Notes: This site offer little to no information on many of its hosts and there is not much information in terms of photos or reviews to prove legitimacy. It is also not user friendly.
10. Free Volunteering
Membership Fee: Unknown
Notes: Website is powered by help stay and directs you to other websites to apply for jobs.
Conclusion
Work exchange is a great way to travel the world. Hopefully the websites on this post will help you find a work exchange experience that is perfect for you. Have you ever done work exchange? What was your experience like? Is there a platform you prefer? Please let me know in the comments below!
