Are you itching to experience new cultures, meet new people, and learn about sustainable agriculture while you do it? Sounds like you’re the perfect candidate for WWOOFing! Among the opportunities for meaningful travel experiences, WWOOF lands at the top of the list.
The Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a chance to learn about sustainability, develop meaningful cross-cultural relationships, and join a worldwide community full of like minded folks looking to make a difference in the world.
If you love all things sustainable and outdoors, WWOOFing is for you!
WWOOFing is more than a summer digging up weeds in Bali; it’s a life changing experience. Whether you’re looking for something to mix up your travel routine, or are interested in pursuing a career in sustainability, WWOOF is a great program to tack onto your bucket list. If you want to know if the experience is right for you, let’s explain more about what WWOOFing is like.
What is WWOOFing?
You’ve probably heard the acronym before—heck, we even use it as a verb. But if you’re still wondering what WWOOFing is, we’ll break it down for you. WWOOF is a grassroots organization that connects volunteers with host farms, where people work in exchange for room and board. As of 2022, you can WWOOF in 130 countries around the world, choose from over 12,000 hosts, and join a community of 100,000 WWOOFers! (+1 including you.)
WWOOF started in the ‘70s. And if you think that it’s all about peace, love, and planet, then you nailed it. The philosophy centers around cultural and educational exchange and building a global community conscious of ecological farming and sustainability practices.
When you volunteer with WWOOF, you have the chance to learn all sorts of things about sustainable farming. From wine production to harvesting cycles and sustainable water use, you’ll develop a set of skills that will connect you to the most basic, yet most important, part of your life: food.
Since you’ll be living in a different country, you’ll also have the chance for language immersion. Even if you go somewhere knowing next to nothing about the language, you’d be surprised how much you’ll pick up through necessity. It’s all about immersion, baby!
READ: 5 Tips for Being the Best Volunteer Possible
How does WWOOF work?
Sign up, find a host in your target destination, and go!
Ok, you’re hooked! So how does WWOOF work?
Before you dive into all the WWOOF details, you need to get a WWOOF membership. Luckily for volunteers it’s not a huge lift: $40 if you’re WWOOFing solo, or $65 for a joint membership. This yearly membership gives you access to the host directory, member reviews, forums, and other messaging and booking tools.
Now that you’ve paid your dues, the world is your oyster! First, you choose a country you’re dying to get down and dirty in (farming is dirty, ok?). Then, explore the host list. You’ll be able to see all sorts of details about the farm, the hosts themselves, and read about past volunteer experiences. Then, create your profile and start reaching out to folks!
From there, each experience will vary depending on the organization and country you end up choosing. Typically, you can expect to do four to six hours of work a day for six days out of the week. The fruits of your labor? Free room and board! Hosts put you up in exchange for your hard work in the field, producing cheese, or working with animals (if it’s not clear, there are tons of options when it comes to the actual work you sign up for).
Is WWOOF safe?
You may be wondering what is WWOOFing like, safety wise? While WWOOFing is typically safe, there are always risks when traveling. The organization has new hosts go through a review and approval process, but in the end the volunteer is responsible for any additional screening.
Being able to read reviews from other volunteers is a huge plus, because transparency is the key to keeping everyone honest. If you’re uncertain about a host, choose a different one! As always, be diligent and aware when traveling in a foreign country, especially if you’re on your own.
What is it like to WWOOF?
You’ll be satisfied with the hard work you put into farming.
You’re doing the right thing by looking up what to know about WWOOFing before you go. It’s important to know what you are getting into before you arrive.
While WWOOF is an established organization, every host will have their quirks. It is important to do your research about the area you’re heading to. Be explicit when asking about accommodations with your host, and make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to work expectations.
It is also a good idea to think about how you’ll travel around when in-country (bike, car, walk, etc.). Find out if there’s a grocery store near the farm or whether you’ll have access to other amenities.
Does WWOOF pay?
If you’re asking about how to make money while WWOOFing, this might not be the experience for you. At its core, WWOOFing is volunteering. Volunteering, that is, in exchange for food and housing.
So while you won’t get paid, you will have the chance to participate in an old-fashioned trade economy. Luckily, WWOOFing is not a costly endeavor. Depending on where you are, you might end up saving money because rent and food are taken care of.
How to make money while WWOOFing
What is WWOOFing like for someone who needs to do a little hustle? There are folks that were able to pick up odd jobs on their time off. From random manual labor tasks to working as a bartender, there are ways to make money while WWOOFing.
However, you need to balance the time working with your host and your side hustle. Today, with remote opportunities, it might be a little easier to rake in that cash virtually, depending on internet access. So do your research, and set your goals.
What to pack for WWOOFing
If you’re gonna be spending all your time outside, don’t forget the essentials (like a good hat!).
Ah, the timeless question: what to pack?! This is probably obvious, but it’ll depend on the climate (and culture) of the country you’re heading to. But when it comes to getting down and dirty in ag, there are some basics you should bring:
- Sunshirt/long breathable sleeves
- Long pants
- Close toed boots
- Hat and sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight sleeping bag and pillow (just in case!)
- Raingear
In terms of material, think camping. Moisture wicking material like wool and synthetics will keep you cool and don’t need as much laundering. When you’re setting up the logistics, reach out to your host to see if they have any suggestions or recommendations.
Is WWOOF worth it? Is it a good idea?
It really comes down to your personality and what you’re comfortable with. Now that you have a better idea of what it’s like to WWOOF, maybe you can ruminate on this a bit. Are you comfortable pushing your comfort zone? Living in another country with a host family can be tough.
But it can also be extremely rewarding. Are you able to work outside in the dirt all day? The physical element is hard to get around, and it’s not for everyone. But if you’re up for a challenge, and the philosophy resonates with you, WWOOF is definitely worth it. WWOOF is an experience that can’t be replicated.
READ: What Are the Benefits of Volunteering Abroad?
What else to know about WWOOFing
Many WWOOFers love the experience so much they go on multiple trips.
There are so many different ways to WWOOF, and there are so many places to do it! While it is usually thought of as a way to volunteer and discover a new country via sustainable farming, you can actually join farms in good ol’ US of A. And it’s not all farming all the time. There is a beekeeping program in the US, an herb-infused oil experience in Greece, and a maple syrup intensive in Canada.
Suffice to say, there is a plethora of variety when it comes to WWOOFing options. At its heart, the program still revolves around sustainability in the food system in one way or another, but the fact that there is so much variety proves how much there is to learn.
It’s also the perfect way to explore a culture through the eyes of the locals. By living with a host family, you’ll have the chance to get a more intimate understanding of a place’s traditions and customs, practice the language with locals, and eat authentic cuisine! You didn’t think you could live on an organic farm without being exposed to some killer food, did you?
If you’re going to another country, do your visa research. Depending on where you go and for how long, the visa might be easy to obtain. But in most cases, you’ll need to do a little preparing beforehand.
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Ready for your WWOOFing adventure?
Keep an open mind, work hard, and you’ll never forget your WWOOFing experience.
Are you ready to pull on your working boots and step into the adventure of a lifetime? WWOOFing is the best choice for sustainability minded folks who can't shake the travel bug. Immersive yourself in a new culture and new way of living, and you’re sure to grow more than veggies.
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