Work exchange experiences are one of the best ways to travel while saving money and meeting amazing people. Keep reading to find out what types of work exchanges are available, where to apply, and my favorite volunteer opportunities!
What is a work exchange program?
A work exchange is when you offer your time and skills in exchange for accommodation and other benefits. The most common work exchanges are with hostels, ecovillages, farms, schools, and homestays. The amount of hours you work depends on the host but it is usually between 15-30 hours a week. The work you do also varies, for example, if you work at a hostel you will likely be cleaning, working reception, and making/serving breakfast. However, working at a farm or ecovillage will likely involve gardening, construction projects, and taking care of animals. When working at schools they are mostly looking for people to teach languages or sports. Homestays are also usually looking for people to teach languages but some also want help with house renovations or DIY projects.
Working at a hostel
Pros: Hostels are my favorite type of work exchange (besides holistic centers and retreats but these are more rare). There are usually several other volunteers also working at the hostel, normally between 20-30 years old, and you become close friends fast. You also meet a lot of cool backpackers and have the opportunity to practice a new language. Plus, the tasks are very easy when working at a hostel.
Cons: Living in a dorm for a long time can get a bit uncomfortable. If you value privacy then a hostel work exchange might not be for you. Hostels also tend to be messy, especially the bedrooms, which can be hard if you like a clean living space.
Working at a farm or ecovillage
Pros: This is a great way to connect with nature and learn about sustainable living practices. If you don’t know much about farm work this will be an easy way to learn new skills. Organic farms and ecovillages also tend to attract a cool, hippie crowd so you’ll be surrounded by fun people. These exchanges also tend to be more relaxed (in comparison to working at a party hostel) and a good way for you to reset.
Cons: If you like meeting lots of new people and enjoy a fast-paced city lifestyle, this is probably not your best bet. These exchanges tend to be in the middle of nowhere, without much transportation, so you won’t be moving around much. Another thing to consider is that the tasks will be more physically demanding than other work exchanges.
Working at a school
Pros: Working at a school is a great way to integrate into the culture, practice the local language, and improve your teaching skills. If you are teaching English and aren’t certified, it can be a good way to practice for your TEFL. Another pro is that you usually get your own room!
Cons: The hours of work tend to be longer and it can be draining working with kids all day.
Working at a homestay
Pros: This is by far the best way to have a cultural exchange; living with a host family will help you integrate into the culture and learn the local language. Also, you get your own room!
Cons: You have less freedom when living with a foreign family, you typically can’t invite friends over, and using common spaces can feel uncomfortable. There is also more potential for drama or interpersonal problems.
How do you find work exchanges?
The most popular work exchange platforms are Workaway, WWOOF, and Worldpackers. All are great, legitimate websites that help connect you with a work exchange program. However, my personal favorite is Worldpackers because the website is very user-friendly and the work exchanges are nicely filtered. That being said, Workaway has many more options. I recommend looking at both websites, you can check out all the work exchange programs before signing up, and then choose from there.
Prices:
Workaway: $49 a year
WWOOF: $40 a year
Worldpackers: $49 a year
Do you need a visa for a work exchange?
There aren’t “work exchange visas”, you just need a holiday visa (if this applies to the country you visit).
A cautionary tale: when I was working at a hostel in Puerto Rico, there was supposed to be a new volunteer coming but she never arrived. She was apparently detained by border control because she told the immigration officers that she was coming to do a hostel work exchange. They called the hostel, talked to our boss, held her overnight, and deported her the next day. Obviously, every country isn’t as strict as the United States when it comes to border control but the moral of the story is that you should never say that you are “working”. Work exchanges aren’t exactly legal, as you’re working without pay. If border control asks why you’re visiting, just tell them you are on vacation.
What about becoming an AuPair?
If none of the work & travel options interest you then you should consider being an AuPair. An AuPair is someone who helps a family with childcare and housework in exchange for room and board (and sometimes pocket money).
You are the ideal fit for this job if you are a young woman who knows more than one language or is fluent in English. Lots of families are searching for English AuPairs for their kids. To find an AuPair job you can search for AuPair groups on Facebook or try AuPair.com, AuPairworld.com, or AuPaired (although there are many other AuPair websites). Similar to homestays, you won’t have as much freedom since you are living with a family but it is a great way to integrate into another culture and maybe not feel as homesick, since you will be with another family.
I have only been an AuPair once and it was a really interesting experience. I worked for a family in Pesaro, Italy, and helped take care of their youngest daughter, taught the older children English, and helped with the housework. My least favorite parts were never being able to leave the “workplace”, not cooking my own meals, and not being able to bring friends back to my place. However, I did love playing with the kids, learning about Italian culture, and getting some fun benefits (like using their home tennis court, staying at their beach house, and meeting other AuPairs).
Overall, it was a great experience and I loved the family I worked for but I’m not sure I would do it again. It definitely takes a certain kind of person to be an AuPair. If you are a very independent person, I wouldn’t recommend it.
My favorite work exchanges
These are my two favorite work exchanges I found through Worldpackers, I stayed at 1802 Hostel for a month and Moinhos Velhos for a month and a half. I absolutely loved both and would definitely return to both!
- 1802 Hostel in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Great boss, big staff room with air conditioning, easy tasks, and great hours
- Moinhos Velhos in Lagos, Portugal
- Great community/leaders, private room, free yoga classes, free meditation classes, free vegan meals, and an amazing atmosphere
Other Highly Rated Volunteer Opportunities:
- Ozzie Pozzie Hostel in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Australia
- 15 hours of work a week
- Gardening and cleaning
- Fun hostel atmosphere
- M Montreal Hostel in Montreal, Canada
- Beautiful hostel with pool and huge rooftop
- 20 hours of work a week
- Fun tasks like leading tours, party promoting, and cooking
- Rio Dante in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- Yoga deck
- La Fortuna is gorgeous
- 25 hours of work a week
- Family atmosphere
- Dhutanga Meditation Center in Bang Sao Thong District, Thailand
- Learn about Buddhism and meditation
- 15 hours of work a week
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Free holistic therapies
- Off-grid tiny house in Bay of Islands, New Zealand
- Private tiny house
- Help with gardening and DIY projects
- 18 hours of work a week
- Beautiful location
- Kokopelli Hostel in Paracas, Peru
- Learn to bartend
- Free drinks
- Breakfast and lunch included
- 25 hours of work a week
Hope this was helpful! Follow me on Instagram @honey_gouda for more travel tips & more.
Honey Gouda 
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