Volunteering with WWOOF, Workaway, or HelpX

Chapter 6 of 7

How to choose a host and avoid scams

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to picking your host. Some travellers search by location or mission while others focus on profile and a potential good match.

However, we do have a few tips to get the experience you’re looking for!

Seasons matter

Understandably, travellers who don’t have a farming background tend to forget seasons matter a lot in this industry. Hosts are less likely to welcome helpers with weeks of rain and chilly weather ahead because operations are slower.

Winter or rainy season isn’t the best time of the year to pitch a tent outside either or settle in a cottage with very basic facilities.

This isn’t to say you will only find hosts during the summer or harvest season, but you may want to adjust your expectations! The bottom line is, plan your adventure with seasons in mind.

… and timing too!

Some destinations are very popular with backpackers during the high season, whenever “high season” is. If you’re aiming for a spot, plan ahead.

Generally speaking, contact hosts early for unique opportunities and busy destinations. It will pay off!

Communication is key

The “spray and pray” job-hunting method—i.e. sending as many resumes as possible with a standard cover letter—may work to find opportunities but it’s definitely not the best way to make the most of the experience (and maybe the best way to get scammed!)

Volunteering is about making meaningful connections, so you should get as much info as possible before making a deal with your host to make sure it’s a good match.

Both the host and you should agree on the following:

• The number of weekly hours worked
• The type of accommodation provided (camping spot, bedroom, cottage, private or common bathroom, etc.)
• The type of work required (physical labour, special skills required, etc.)
• The number of daily meals provided (let the host know about any special diet or allergies!)
• The number of days off
• How to get around if you don’t have a vehicle (public transit, biking, walking, rides from your host, etc.)
• Pick-up details (will your host pick you up, at what time, etc.)

Not every aspect of the experience has to be planned but asking questions is also a good way to see how your host reacts. Someone who brushes away all concerns may not be the greatest person to live with…

Finally, try to get the info in writing, but call your host as well. Yes, it can be a challenge if there’s a language barrier, but it’s more personal and it’s also a good way to “assess” them. Someone who speaks slowly and shows patience with your language skills over the phone is sure to be an understandable host who won’t give you a hard time if you don’t always understand instructions!

Check host feedback

Much like with hostels or businesses, checking reviews and feedback can be very insightful to make an informed decision.

Some hosts won’t have any feedback, which is normal if they are new to the platform. If you have a good feeling after a few exchanges, give them a chance!

Note that hosts generally don’t get negative feedback on these platforms. It’s always tricky for volunteers to complain after spending a few days or weeks at someone’s place, so the tone tends to be positive. You can still watch out for red flags that indicate a host is unreliable or an experience is less positive than the volunteer claims. Learn to read between the lines.

Watch out for scams and bad experiences

Volunteering and sharing living spaces with a host isn’t always a smooth experience. 

Keep in mind that:

• You will have to adapt to your host’s diet when meals are provided
• You will also have to adapt to a schedule and routine that may be very different from yours
• Sharing a bedroom, a bathroom and other living spaces can be a source of tension with your host or other volunteers (for instance, everybody has a different definition of “clean”!)

If you’re very independent, you may be feeling “trapped” as a volunteer—you may not be able to get around easily, cook what you like, be alone when you need it, etc.

Keep in mind as well that you are volunteering, you’re not a full-time paid employee. Do your job well but don’t accept unsafe work conditions, a full-time work schedule, plenty of overtime, etc. Stand up for yourself. This is supposed to be a win-win arrangement, not a chance for your host to use 24/7 free labour. Generally speaking, it’s not recommended to accept volunteering for more than 25 hours a week.

Know when to leave

Sometimes, the experience is nothing like you expected—you’re working too much, meals aren’t provided, you don’t feel welcome or something is fishy for whatever reason.

This is the time to quit and leave. You do not have any legal or moral obligation to stay until the date agreed upon. 

It’s worth having an exit plan when you’re volunteering in a place without easy access to public transit—plan ahead just in case things don’t work as planned, you will be happy to have options!

Last safety tips before signing up for a volunteer experience

We’re not your mum, but we have your safety in mind!

So remember the following:

• Remember to leave home with a valid travel insurance policy! Yes, even if it’s not mandatory for tourists. Travel insurance can save you a lot of money and it provides invaluable peace of mind.
• You shouldn’t be working more than 4-6 hours a day as a volunteer. Unless you’ve made a deal (i.e. a full workday for a day off), it’s undeclared labour or volunteer exploitation.
• You can (and should!) refuse to take on any task that looks unsafe or illegal. Raking the leaves is fine, fixing a roof under the rain without any expertise whatsoever isn’t normal.
• The accommodation provided should match what was agreed upon.
• You should be given enough food.
• You should have some free time. If you’re living with your host, you’re not supposed to be a full-time chef, babysitter or housekeeper. Cleaning up after yourself and making a baby smile is normal, cleaning the entire house and feeding the baby at night isn’t.
• You do NOT have to stay if the experience doesn’t go as planned. You’re not “letting down” your host, you have zero legal or moral obligation and yes, you’re free to go. However, remember that it’s worth explaining your concerns if you feel your host could fix what’s wrong!
• Don’t ghost your host. Tell them if your plans have changed, if you can’t make it on the agreed upon day or if you will be late.
• Communication really is the key! When in doubt, ask. If you don’t understand rules, advice or instructions, clarify. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it helps clear out potential misunderstandings!
• Tell family members and friends where you will be staying and provide contact info.

Got it? Now have fun and enjoy your adventure!