The best work exchange platforms today are Worldpackers, Workaway, WWOOF and Helpx. Find out how they differ and which one is right for you!
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What is work exchange?
Simply put: a work exchange is volunteering in exchange for housing and food. There’s a wide variety of websites and volunteer opportunities. The purpose and mission of work exchanges are to promote affordable travel and cultural immersion/exchange. Work exchanges should be a win-win: you get to live abroad for free and the business or organization gets help in exchange. It’s a modern day barter.
There are many different types of work exchanges, there’s something for everyone. Here are some examples: teaching English, working on an organic farm, caretaking, leading yoga classes, working in a hostel, building projects, cleaning, painting or art projects, and more.
You can volunteer all over the world. Once you sign up with a work exchange website (info below), you’ll find opportunities in most parts of the world! I’ve done around 7 long-term work exchanges in Central and South America.
1. Worldpackers
Worldpackers is a community based on collaboration that promotes travel accessibility and profound cultural sexperiences. Worldpackers connect travelers with hosts from all around the world. Their purpose is to “democratize meaningful travel experiences through a collaborative mindset.”
Worldpackers offers thousands of volunteer positions for you to collaborate, learn, and get immersed in the local culture in more than 140 countries.
Cost
Worldpackers annual membership costs US$49, you will have access to Worldpackers support team, travelers experts community, Worldpackers Academy and more.
Click here for $10 off a Worldpackers membership or use discount code “courtneytheexplorer10” for $10 off!
What makes Worldpackers different?
The main things that make Worldpackers stand out versus other platforms are their 24/7 customer support, dedication to training and education, and the ability to make money with them.
Compared to other platforms, Worldpackers seems to be the most dedicated to providing help and assistance to their volunteers abroad. They have a full support team that prioritizes current volunteers and even offers insurance and support if issues arise with your host.
Worldpackers also offers initiatives for volunteers. After receiving your first positive review on Worldpackers, you can take part in Workpackers’ Programs and earn a little money so you can travel even more! Volunteers can also make money off writing content for their blog, creating video content, or referring hosts to the platform.
Worldpackers have a wide variety of online courses that promote personal and professional development and help travelers travel for longer.
2. Workaway
Workaway is an online platform where members can arrange homestays and cultural exchange. “Workawayers” contribute a pre-agreed amount of time per day in exchange for accommodation and food.
Workaway has over 50,000 hosts in more than 170 countries worldwide. It is by far the largest work exchange platform online.
Cost
Registering is $44 for an individual account and $56 for a couple account. Accounts are valid for one year.
What makes Workaway different?
I have the most experience using Workaway. The things I love about Workaway are their large network, user-friendly website, and letter of recommendation feature.
Workaway is the largest work exchange website in the world, with over 50,000 hosts available. I never had a problem finding a host and easily found opportunities as I travel South and Central America.
Workaway is primarily based in Europe, where nearly half of their listings are located. If you’re heading to Europe, Workaway might be the better choice.
Once you have finished your volunteer experience, you can generate a personalized letter of reference based on host feedback to use for future job interviews or to explain large gaps in your employment history.
3. WWOOF
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is “a worldwide movement to link volunteers (WWOOFers) with organic farmers, promote a cultural and educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of ecological farming and sustainability practices.”
WWOOF started over 50 years ago and has grown into a worldwide community of hundreds of thousands of people advocating for a better, more sustainable world in over 130 countries.
As a WWOOFer, you will help on the organic farm, learn about sustainability, experience a new culture and country, and receive free room and board.
WWOOF is structured on a national level. While there are many WWOOF organizations around the world, you need to join WWOOF in each of the countries you intend to visit. There is no International WWOOF membership.
Cost
WWOOF membership price is $40.00 (single) or $65.00 (joint) for one year.
WWOOF is organized nationally so to join, select the country you are interested in from the map and get growing.
What makes WWOOF different?
The main difference is the WOOF is solely for organic farming opportunities and it’s dedication to education and sustainability.
If your passion is farming and sustainability, WWOOF is going to be the best platform for you. There are farming opportunities on Workaway and Worldpackers but I don’t think the same effort goes into education and sustainability.
I’ve had many friends who WWOOFed and had wonderful experiences. I recommend also if you are staying in one country for an extended amount of time.
4. Helpx
HelpX is an online platform with a wide variety of hosts which include organic farms, farmstays, hobby farms, lifestyle blocks, homestays, ranches, lodges, hostels and even sailing boats. Similar to Worldpackers and Workaway, volunteers can contact hosts to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.
Cost
HelpX is the most cost effective platform out of the bunch. Helpers can register for one of two levels of membership, free or premier. You must register for premier ($25 for 2 years) to have full access and contact all hosts and read all host reviews.
What makes HelpX different?
While HelpX is the cheapest option, there are quite a few disadvantages to the platform including it’s access to networks and poor formatted website.
Helpers only get access to one network at a time, so you do not have access to all hosts around the world. You must pick a network.
The HelpX website is also not very user-friendly. You cannot filter your searches like on Worldpacker and Workaway to make your search easier. You end up scrolling through pages and pages of results.
Which one is best?
I personally prefer Worldpackers and Workaway, you can’t go wrong with either.
But, if you MADE me choose, I would have go with Worldpackers solely based on its incentive programs and the ability to earn money as well as its customer support and insurance.
Check out all the platforms and see which one you like best or find the most interesting opportunities in the country or region you are heading to! Best of luck!
Have you ever done a work exchange? Share your experience in the comments!
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