Next month, I’ll be staying in beautiful El Paredon, Guatemala for free, in exchange for teaching yoga to surfers at a hostel on the beach. I’ve also received free yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India and paid nothing for ten days of accommodations in Lucca, Italy, where I saw the Rolling Stones perform live. People ask me all the time how I manage to get this kind of gigs. Surprisingly, it’s not that hard. Here is information on how to use work exchange programs to travel the world for free.
Determine What Kind of Work You Can Do
We all have our unique talents. Perhaps you’re an outstanding cook, have a glorious singing voice, are a skilled videographer, or can teach English. Whatever your abilities, there are probably people around the world that are willing to host you in their home or resort in exchange for your talents. Some hosts will provide food and accommodations, and some might even toss in a small income. Each situation is as unique as your skill set.
Search for Opportunities
Beth playing with a school of yellow snapper fish
You’re probably wondering how you find these types of opportunities. The Internet has opened up our world so that communicating with people in other countries is just a click away. Websites like Workaway.info, Trusted Housesitters, and Wwoof are legitimate ways to discover remarkable international opportunities. You have to pay a fee to join, but after that, the whole world is your oyster! Do you want to teach scuba diving on a private yacht in the Caribbean? No problem? How about working on a permaculture farm in the Costa Rican jungle, or teach English to children in Belize? Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s not!
Reach Out and Network
The first thing you need to do after paying a small fee to join these websites is to create your profile. Spend a good deal of time on it so that you will make a good impression for any parties interested in hosting you. Make yourself seem fun-loving, professional, and approachable. Upload some good photos of yourself and be truly honest about your interests and skills. Then, enter some keywords in their search area to see what’s out there. When you find an opportunity that intrigues you, reach out and send them a professionally written message indicating your interest. You won’t hear back from everyone, so send out a lot of messages. Eventually you’ll uncover just the right opportunity for you.
Things to Consider
Sea Star Resort in Agonda Beach
There are many things to consider when searching for international work exchange hosts. Can you speak their language, or do they speak yours? How many hours per day or week do they expect you to work? What are the visa requirements? Are they okay with a short-term agreement or are they looking for someone to stay longer? What are their accommodations like? Will you have a private room, a shared dorm, or sleep in a tent? Ask lots of questions.
Truck taking construction workers to the job
The most important thing to remember is that this is the start of an adventure for you. Roll with punches, be flexible, and minimize your expectations. The good news is that you rarely ever have to sign a contract, so if you don’t like the work environment, you can politely tell them and move on. Of course, they can do the same with you. I was once actually fired by a host, so satisfaction goes both ways. Typically, you make new friends and experience the genuine culture of these extraordinary places. Work exchange is not just for millennials either; many senior seniors are making it a lifestyle as well. It’s a fantastic way to see the world on a limited budget.
