Workaway: Work Your Way Around The World
The online work exchange platform allows a unique and more affordable way to travel.
By Clare Ong
Waking up at dawn, climbing up icy hills in -4°F weather to deliver stacks of hay to sheep, and sweeping horse dung is certainly not how most people choose to explore Vermont.
Nevertheless, it was what Elizabeth Natalie Ng (CAS ‘24) was more than happy to do during the winter break of her sophomore year.
Ng worked as a daytime farmer in exchange for food and shelter at a farm in Burlington, Vermont, via the online homestay and cultural exchange platform Workaway.
From working for an NGO, planting trees, teaching a language, babysitting, working on a farm, creating social media content, or even helping to maintain a sailboat — Workaway extends across more than 170 countries and offers over 50,000 opportunities for cultural exchanges, work holidays, volunteering, and house sitting.
Workaway is “such a different experience than if you were to be staying in a hotel or hostel,” said Lauren Fox (COM ‘24), who has done Workaway experiences in Skopelos, Greece, and Verbier, Switzerland.
The summer after her first year, Fox spent two weeks in Skopelos — the island that Mamma Mia! was filmed on — helping her host build and upkeep hiking trails.
She only worked for three mornings of the week and spent the rest of the time exploring the island. Her host often showed her and other Workawayers to hidden, local attractions like cliff jumping or picnic spots.
“We definitely wouldn’t have gone to any of these places by ourselves,” Fox said. “Getting that local experience is so valuable, and it definitely changed the way I think about travel.”
Workaway is more than just saving on accommodation or meals: it is a chance to be immersed in the culture or way of life of your host, learn languages or new skills, and even find travel buddies around the world.
“If you’re really serious about doing it, you should reach out to as many people as possible,” Fox said. “I’ve had to reach out to so many people to get one response.”
Creating an account and connecting to hosts requires a $49 registration fee for an individual and $59 for a couple’s account, valid for one year.
Fox said you could find Workaways in two ways: 1) Search for hosts based on the country you want to visit, or 2) Search based on what type of work or host you want and then choose by location.
Ng advises Workawayers to be prepared for emergencies by bringing a first aid kit and medication. She carried a “personal items” card with birth information, medical allergies, and emergency numbers.
Workaway manually verifies every Workawayer and host profile, offers ID verification, and actively reviews feedback left on both Workawayers and hosts to ensure safe and positive Workaway experiences.
“Never judge something before you try it for yourself… I have opened my mind up to many more ways of enjoying life.” Ng said about her Workaway experience. “The fun you’ll have is incomparable to anything you’ve done before!”