Workaway
Workaway is an organisation that enables travellers willing to work as volunteers to contact hosts (who can be individuals, families or groups) wanting help with their projects or activities. Volunteers or 'workawayers', are expected to contribute a pre-agreed amount of time per day in exchange for lodging and food provided by their host.[1][2]
Description
Hosts register at workaway.info and are expected to provide information about themselves, the type of volunteering they require to be performed, the accommodation they offer and the sort of person they are expecting.[3] Volunteers create an online profile including personal details and any specific skills they might have, after which they can contact hosts through the website and discuss a possible exchange.[4]
Workaway is aimed at budget travellers and language learners looking to become more immersed in the country and culture they are journeying through while allowing local hosts to meet like-minded people who can provide the help they require.[5][6] It has been described as a useful way to improve foreign language skills. [7]
The opportunities on offer are varied and based in a wide range of countries around the world. Some types of volunteering on offer include gardening, animal-care, cooking and farming.[8][9]
The exact terms of any exchange are agreed between the host and volunteer, Workaway only acts as a conduit between them, but does charge the 'workawayer' a yearly fee. The duration of an exchange can range from as little as a few days to over a year.
History
The idea for Workaway came about through founder David Milward's travelling experiences. After extending his stay in Hawaii in the early 90s by working in the hostel he was staying at, he realised many travellers wanted to be more than just tourists. On returning home he started offering a room in his own house in exchange for help on the land and the concept began.[10]
References
- ^ Bowes, Gemma. "Spain for free - a working holiday", The Guardian, London, 17 October 2009. Retrieved on 8 March 2012.
- ^ Frommer, Arthur. "Budget Travel: Website offers work-for-room-and-board abroad", Cape Cod Times, Cape Cod MA, 4 March 2012. Retrieved on 8 March 2012
- ^ "Workaway.info information for hosts"
- ^ "Workaway.info information for travellers"
- ^ "Workaway.info"
- ^ Borns, Patricia. "Working your way", The Boston Globe, Boston, 23 August 2009. Retrieved 10 March 2012.
- ^ Utton, Charley [1], The Independent, London, 28 January 2013. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
- ^ Finn, Christine. "Culture clubs: volunteering in creative communities", The Guardian, London, 15 January 2011. Retrieved on 8 March 2012.
- ^ Bowes, Gemma."Five great Workaway working holidays", The Guardian, London, 17 October 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
- ^ "Workaway.info about us"