Are you looking for a volunteer abroad experience and you don’t want to spend a fortune?
Thankfully, there are programs that enable you to afford an otherwise expensive international volunteer experience. One of these programs are called Worldpackers and Workaway.
How Do Worldpackers and Workaway Work?
The basics are simple but there are still a lot of misconceptions about Worldpackers and Workaway platforms. Probably it’s useful to start by saying what these platforms are not. Worldpackers and Workaway are not places to find actual jobs (either short or long-term) around the world. Nor are they platforms like Couchsurfing where you simply get free accommodation and aren’t expected to provide anything in return.
Will I Get Paid For Placements?
No. There is no paid work on Worldpackers and Workaway. Hosts and travellers enjoy a mutually beneficial collaboration. These international programs allow travelers to pay for their room and food by helping their host with household work needs, projects, or odd jobs. The program emphasizes cultural exchange between traveler and host. In an ideal world, both parties will also enjoy the experience and hopefully learn from one another too.
What Are The Benefits Of Volunteering With Worldpackers and Workaway?
Price is the most obvious benefit of using Worldpackers and Workaway to travel or volunteer; you can avoid paying for food and board when you travel with the help of these platforms. And besides the cost benefit, these platforms invite you to experience the daily life of diverse countries and cultures. It can be an amazing experience that can prepare you for a cultural exchange that you won’t find on a normal holiday. You can travel affordably whether you’re looking for a program for retirees, a way to spend your gap year abroad, or the opportunity to learn a second language.
How Do You Get Started With Worldpackers and Workaway?
To get started, go to Worldpackers and Workaway websites and start researching the projects that interest you. Websites provide a lot of information about each host, so you can avoid arriving to their home feeling nervous or frustrated. Spending the time finding the host that best matches your needs and expectations will give you the greatest chance at a fantastic experience. Volunteers are encouraged to leave reviews of their hosts, and vice versa – this helps you learn from others about what to expect.
Volunteering at Dragan’s Den Hostel on Korcula island, Croatia
If you would like to experience life on a Croatian island Korcula and help out with daily chores in Dragan’s Den Hostel, contact us directly or through our profile on Worldpacker’s website. Checkout Worldpackers FAQ page if you’re looking for more information as a traveler, or sign up if you’re ready to go!
How Do You Become a Host on Worldpackers?
There is an entirely separate sign-up process for hosts which will take a bit longer than signing up as a traveler. This is to ensure you are going to offer a safe and positive experience for Worldpackers members. To be eligible to host, at the very least you must have some accommodation to offer and some kind of project that you need help with.
If you want to check more about our hostel, visit our Facebook group: Dragan’s Den Hostel.