Workaway is a platform that allows members to arrange
homestays and cultural exchange. Volunteers or "workawayers", are expected to contribute a pre-agreed amount of time per day in exchange for
lodging
Lodging refers to the use of a short-term dwelling, usually by renting the living space or sometimes through some other arrangement. People who travel and stay away from home for more than a day need lodging for sleep, rest, food, safety, shel ...
and food, which is provided by their host.
The opportunities on offer are varied. Some types of volunteering available include gardening, animal-care, cooking and farming, as well as more specialist and niche help requests. The duration of an exchange can range from as little as a few days to over a year.
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 are also willing to contribute at the same time. It has been described as a useful way to improve foreign language skills as well as an opportunity to develop new talents and learn about local traditions.
One of the benefits for potentially isolated communities or people is the chance to bring the world to them via travellers using the site. Travellers can then profit from their host's knowledge of regional places of interest and their local environment. The ability to share space with a variety of people has been shown to enable cultural exchange and the chance to learn more about how others see the world.
Workaway placements have been impacted by
Brexit
Brexit (, a portmanteau of "Britain" and "Exit") was the Withdrawal from the European Union, withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU).
Brexit officially took place at 23:00 GMT on 31 January 2020 (00:00 1 February ...
and other geopolitical changes.
See also
*
CouchSurfing
*
Homestay
*
WWOOF
References
External links
* {{Official website, https://www.workaway.info/
Cultural exchange
Hospitality exchange services