Work Exchange

[Arshile]

Does anybody have any experience with work exchange web sites such as workaway. These are sites where you exchange labor for food and logding. The site promises that if you pay the joining fee you will get access to a database with work opportunities all over the globe. Some of the opportunities on the site sound interesting but I am reluctant to pay the $50 fee unless I know for sure I am going to receive access to a real and updated and functional database. Or does anyone know of similar sites that dont have a joining fee.

[walkfootman]

wwoof.org
Wwoofusa.org

I've had some amazing experiences and met some of my best friends to date while WWOOFing. Their signup fee has doubled (still only forty dollars I believe) since, but they give you a book of hosts' locations, information, and contacts (not just comprised of farms, mind you, but hostels, bed & breakfasts, communes, cooperatives, etc) that I found incredibly helpful on some of my travels. They are a world-wide organization, and there are hosts pretty well distributed throughout the states. Be courteous and honest with the people and you will likely have a great exchange, but I will say that I have seen some uneven and less than pleasant exchanges. Often they ask for a little bit of a day's work for a meal or two a day and room and board (or camping, which I preferred in most cases). The amount and nature of the work varies from place to place and season to season. Some offer a stipend, and some offer long-term opportunities, apprentice-, and internships. I've become family with folks I've stayed with. Most are warm, caring families and, in general, groovy folk. Always be clear when contacting a host and, most importantly, don't just drop in.

[walkfootman]

I also want to note that I've met WWOOFers here in the States that have travelled and WWOOFed their way across the world internationally, with amazing stories to tell of their travels. I would personally say that their directory is worth the fee.

[Arshile]

Thank you Walkfootman. Knowing that you have had good experiences with this site makes me think that I will give it a try. As bonus, membership is even cheaper than the site that I was asking about- $40 for a printed directory or $30 for access to the online directory. Awesome!