Does the idea of traveling while making an impact and with minimal expenses sound appealing? Then these digital nomad volunteering opportunities will keep you on your toes!
A few days ago, we posted for all the wanderlusters out there a practical five-step guide on how to become a DN, and today, we’re adding another to the list! If you caught the travel bug and can’t wait to build your online business to jump on a plane to Portugal or Morocco, then you seriously need to consider volunteering.
Think of it as an exchange of skills: there are many NGOs, coffee shops, hostels and families who need help to complete some tasks, and that’s where you come in! In exchange for a bed, a meal and sometimes even a bit of compensation, you can become their jack-of-all-trades. From teaching kids English in a school to maintaining a garden for a family, the digital nomad volunteering opportunities are endless.
Furthermore, you will also feel good about yourself. Social work can be as – if not more – rewarding as a regular job. And you will also build a solid network in the community you will be in, and overcome that striking feeling of loneliness that comes with being a solo DN.
Thankfully, some organizations have taken it upon themselves to make it easier for digital nomads and change makers to help and get help! To kick-start your impactful journey, start with these 5 websites!
5. WWOOF
If you check the bio labels on your food (kudos to you!), love nature and can handle some physical labor, then this organization might be perfect for you!
According to its bio, WWOOF is a “worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community.” Neat!
WWOOFers (the name given to the volunteers) will experience hands-on farm life at one of the host farms registered in the website. They will learn about the organic movement and sustainable agriculture while spending about half a day helping out. Host farms provide room and board during each visit. They exchange no money between the Hosts and the WWOOFers.
Each website is different in their registration process, and for WWOOF, you will need to visit the WWOOF organization of your country destination (or check WWOOF Independents if there is none in the area you’re targeting), sign up with them, search for your host and get in touch with them.
Website: WWOOF
4. Workaway & WorldPackers
Workaway and WorldPackers are two different services, but they are very much alike in their offers and process.
If you can spare a few hours per day for honest work, then the hosts featured in Workaway and WorldPackers will gladly take you on board, and more often than not, with no prior experience required.
With more than 34.000 hosts listed in Workaway, you can make your search as detailed as possible to find your dream organization.
The same thing goes for WorldPackers, plus, they also have a mobile app that makes things so much easier and fun.
In exchange for food and accommodation, you will help others, eliminate some living expenses, and learn about the local lifestyle!
Websites: Workaway and WorldPackers
3. AuPairWorld
Love caring for families and have a knack for engaging with kids and teaching them? In that case becoming an au pair might be a serious option to consider. Help around the house and with childcare in exchange for food, lodging, and a warm family.
According to its website, AuPairWorld has had more than 3 million customers, making it a leading au pair agency on the internet. It is free for au pairs and a paid service for host families, making it a sustainable agency.
The process is simple – create a detailed profile, search in their host family directory. If a family catches your attention, exchange messages, and if you click, sign an au pair contract.
Au pair contracts should include all important arrangements to make sure they meet the expectations of both parties. This is how each side is protected in case of a misunderstanding. Contracts are different from one country to another, but the website does a good job in providing more details and examples. Read this part carefully!
Website: AuPairWorld
2. HelpX
Don’t let the 2000s-era design of this website fool you, HelpX has actually some pretty solid digital nomad volunteering opportunities!
It is very similar to Workaway or WorldPackers but with fewer search options. You can only search by country, keyword and category.
The categories include homestay, organic farmstay, non-organic farmstay, backpacker hostel, accommodation business, boat and others.
The hosts’ quality surprised us given how long the website has been around. Remember to discuss work hours and type with the host in advance. Different tasks have different physical demands and it’s important to know your responsibilities.
Website: HelpX
1. GlobalHelpSwap
GlobalHelpSwap is the reality check we all need when we want to volunteer abroad!
The couple behind the website had the experience first-hand and were frustrated with many aspects of the volunteering services. They created a platform that answers unmet needs and provides significant insights for volunteering abroad.
The creators also take a stand in which volunteering opportunities they provide. A firm no children-focused organizations policy in the opportunities listed is respected. They also advocate strongly for organizations that don’t have enough funds to advertise their volunteering positions themselves. This might be one of the reasons why GlobalHelpSwap has the fewest opportunities listed in all this list. However, the tips provided in their blog and “Directory of Responsible Volunteering Opportunities Around the World” book (available at £6.99) make up for it!
Website: GlobalHelpSwap
What do you think of these digital nomad volunteering opportunities? Have you already volunteered abroad? Are you planning on visiting a foreign country soon? Let us know in the comments and share this article with your friends who’ve caught the travel bug!
