r/WWOOF Aug 06 '13

Beginner's Guide

448 Upvotes

Here are some nuggets of wisdom I've picked up from other WWOOFers and travelers over the years. Feel free to add your own in the comments.

  • WWOOF does not cover the cost of traveling. Most hosts will offer to pick you up from the nearest airports/bus/train stations, but getting to the general geographic region is up to you.

  • Some hosts will reply to your letter right away, some not at all. Hosts can receive lots of emails a day, and might not have time to reply to them all. You may have to email 3-4 people before you get a response.

  • While hosts can take volunteers on short notice, it's common for them to fill up months ahead of time. Booking your stay 1 to 3 months in advance is often advised.

  • If you are young or untraveled, think about going with a friend your first time(s). Many farms welcome pairs of volunteers, just be sure it's someone you want to travel with! It might also be a good idea to choose a farm that has multiple WWOOFers at a time. It's a great way to meet other travelers and you might feel safer and less "on the spot". This isn't to say that single-WWOOFer locations aren't great, however.

  • Tips for your first email (thanks to /u/drak0bsidian):

    Be polite and professional. It is more how you say it than what you say. Your email should be well-formatted, polite, concise, and professional. Also: write the email like a letter, starting with "Dear . . ." or "Hello . . ." and ending with a "Thank you . . ." or something to that extent.

    Be explanative. Let the host know who you are, both physically and historically: what's your education? What's your drive? Why are you wanting to travel? What's your experience? WHO ARE YOU?

    Be sincere. Explain why you have the urge to travel, to farm, and to experience a different life for a few weeks or months. Show that you've done the research, have the experience, or at least have the desire.

  • Before you leave, find the closest locations of bus/train stations, wi-fi hotspots, phonebooths, etc. Many farms provide this information.

  • Let someone know. Even if you are an experienced traveler, it's smart to tell someone your whereabouts in case you end up missing. Your loved ones will appreciate it if you check in once in a while.

  • Have money in reserve for emergencies, unplanned travel expenses, and nights on the town.

  • If you want to bring children (or pets) WWOOFing, make sure you discuss it with your prospective host first.

  • Be a good WWOOFer. Get up on time ready to work Keep a positive attitude and an open mind. Leave your comfort zone for a rewarding experience. Do your tasks without complaining, but don't be afraid to ask for clarifications. Be careful not to be taken advantage of and if you don't feel safe, speak up. Never do something that puts you in harm's way. No one wants you to get injured!

  • WWOOF hosts will often task you with doing the dishes after mealtimes. Know this simple skill first.

  • If you are polite and respectful you will go far. Learn "Please", "May I...", "Would you like...", and "Thank you." in the native tongue and use them consistently. No one likes a rude house guest, much less a rude WWOOFer.

  • When speaking English with someone who isn't a native speaker, use "International English" ie speaking at a medium or slower pace and avoiding slang. Don't mush words together, go for clarity and simplicity. Quite a lot can be conveyed with simple dialog.

  • When speaking English where it isn't the normally spoken language, remember they're doing a favor by speaking your language, so reciprocate by speaking slowly with simple phrases and common words. Being loud just makes you obnoxious.

  • Always listen to your gut. Err on the side of caution. Be wary. There are scammers, weirdos, and criminals in every country of the world, so be alert. Your safety is your responsibility. Getting injured or mugged can really throw a damper on an otherwise great trip.

  • Work hard, have fun, and be safe!


r/WWOOF 1d ago

To leave a review or not?

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I should leave an honest review about a recent farm I went to and would appreciate any advice or input!

I had originally planned to stay for 2 and a half weeks but left after only a couple of days (I made up an excuse to get out of there ASAP) as I felt it was definitely not the right fit for me. The issue wasn’t with the work (the host stuck to the 5 hours a day rule and the work was nothing out of the ordinary).

The main issue was the host herself… within minutes of arriving she went into a massive rant about how she hates the Chinese girl who works for her and used many profanities against her, I thought maybe she was just having a bad day so didn’t really think much about it. Come the next day in she then goes on a big racist rant about how she’d ’shoot immigrants’ or ‘doesn’t like Muslims coming into the countryside near her’ and a whole host of other disgusting comments. Her attitude to me in the day when giving jobs was also very blunt and direct, not a good way to show somehow what to do.

When I saw the reviews for the farm I was confused as they were all pretty much 5 stars, however I feel like I’d like to highlight her bad attitudes and brash manner to warn others. Perhaps I’m best taking this up with WWOOF UK directly first, or maybe I should do both?

Thanks in advance!


r/WWOOF 1d ago

Being a WWOOF host as a lone male?

4 Upvotes

I've lived on a smallholding for most of my life, with small-scale veg growing, some chickens and management of most of the land for wildlife benefit being the main activities.

Becoming a WWOOF host is something I've considered for awhile, but I'm concerned that it could be somewhat off-putting to some WWOOF'ers, particularly women, that I'm a middle aged man who lives alone.

Am I over thinking this? I'd like to be able to offer opportunities and a positive experience to people regardless of their age, nationality or sex but I'm concerned how I might be perceived if I apply to become a host.

Thanks.


r/WWOOF 1d ago

Booking a year out?

1 Upvotes

Edit to add: WWOOF Canada

I reached out to a couple hosts I’m very excited about, but their only availability was literally a year out. I wanted to reserve those dates but when I messaged the host got back to me that they don’t plan that far ahead.

The chat still says “Your request is pending until the host responds. Cancel it if your plans changed.” With Cancel and Change dates buttons

My question are:

- The host did respond, why does it still say “pending until the host responds”?
- Since I sent the request and it’s not canceled yet, are those dates “saved” for me? Or can others now go book those dates?

I don’t understand how all these far out dates are completely booked while all the hosts I’m talking to either say they’re not accepting that far out or have big notes in their descriptions to not apply past X date because they’re already full.

I’m a responsible adult with a job and plans and want to be able to schedule ahead!


r/WWOOF 1d ago

Can you message other volunteers? (UK)

1 Upvotes

I'm not sure that all is good at my host farm and want to message some of the past volunteers to see what their experience was like. Is this possible at all?


r/WWOOF 1d ago

Would a community garden be acceptable for wwoof?

4 Upvotes

Its a non profit hostel in Mexico with a community garden where we plan to teach locals how to grow various things, composting, recycling, pickling etc;

We would have various vegetables and perhaps 4 fruit trees

The available space for the garden is probably around 200m2

WWOOF says its for farms but not sure if this would qualify to be listed

We arent built yet, construction should be complete by 2026 and then we would get the garden going


r/WWOOF 2d ago

Feeling lonely, awkward & homesick

7 Upvotes

I decided to go on a month long stay at a farm on the other end of the country for my first time wwoof-ing and now I'm kicking myself for it.

It's just my second day here, but I want to go home so fucking bad.

The other volunteer apparently cancelled before I came here, so it's just me and the guy hosting me.

It feels really awkward and uncomfortable. He's an alright guy, I suppose? But it's just really awkward and lonely, and I want to go hide away in a hole.

The accommodation isn't all that good and there's no wifi at all outside the host's living room, and I'm so mad at myself for not asking explicitly about it beforehand.

I'll essentially have to go on a month long vacation. There was some work I wanted to do on my laptop in the evenings.

I miss my home so much. I miss my family, and comfortable house, and comfortable routine, and friends, and everything. I don't know how to deal with this.


r/WWOOF 5d ago

Is WWOOF a good way to make friends? I did it once locally to get a taste of it and clicked/got along well with the other two people but they left and i was stuck with the family alone. Want to make long term friends/bonds etc. Some people stay in touch. What advice would you give?

10 Upvotes

Ideally i guess it depends on the time and place and people. Gambling. Anything i can do to improve my odds. I've very easy going, get along with people and down with anything. Want to get away from my shitty small town were locals were quite nasty, small/narrow/close minded and stuck to the same people the have known since primary school.

Any countries/time of year or anything else you recommend?


r/WWOOF 6d ago

My WWOOfing experience

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new-escapade-eu.com
4 Upvotes

r/WWOOF 7d ago

Looking for a kind beautiful WWOOF experience in the USA

9 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have been looking for a WWOOF host in the USA for a while now. I had confirmed a stay, but I had to reconsider because after reading multiple reviews saying they were very strict and more like a demanding boss than a welcoming host.

I'm really hoping to find a place where the atmosphere is friendly, respectful, and a fun experience where hosts like teaching and getting to know their WWOOFers. I don't mind working hard at all, but I'm looking for a positive environment rather than a stressful one.

If you've had an amazing experience or know a host you'd highly recommend, I'd love to hear about it! Thanks so much. I'm open to anywhere in the US, although I love mountains, forests, and national parks.


r/WWOOF 7d ago

What happens when I tap that "Send request" button?

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4 Upvotes

Hi, I'm a first-time WWOOFer and I have no idea how to get started. I'm planning to go WWOOFing abroad but I thought I might try some in my home country first and found some farms I'd like to work at.

I want to talk the schedule out with the host, I want to go for the busiest, most labor intensive season of the year but I don't know when that is for this particular trade of farm. I heard it all varies depending on types of farms; different types of orchards, veggies, animal farms etc.
So the dates I selected are just placeholder date and I don't know if I tap that button it gets fixed on those dates.

Do I get to talk to the host after? What happens next? Also what do the dots on top of the dates mean?

TIA!


r/WWOOF 7d ago

alternative opportunities

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1 Upvotes

r/WWOOF 9d ago

Volunteer at a Regenerative Organic Farm in Rural Japan (Tokushima, Shikoku) 🇯🇵

24 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

We're looking for a few kind and motivated volunteers to join us at Tsukuyomi Farm, a small organic and regenerative farm in Awa, Tokushima, on the island of Shikoku, Japan.

Our farm focuses on regenerative agriculture, which means we're not only growing food organically but also working to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and care for the local ecosystem. If you're curious about sustainable agriculture or want hands-on experience, we'd be happy to share what we've learned.

Besides farming, this is also a community living experience. Volunteers from different countries live together, cook together, and share the daily rhythm of life in the Japanese countryside.

🌱 What you'll do

  • Organic and regenerative farming
  • Vegetable growing and seasonal farm projects
  • Learn about sustainable agriculture
  • Experience rural life in Japan

🏡 What we provide

  • Accommodation in our shared volunteer house
  • Basic groceries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Farm tools, work boots, and free use of bicycles
  • A welcoming international community
  • Around 5 hours of farm work on weekday mornings, leaving afternoons and weekends free to explore

Shikoku is one of Japan's hidden gems, known for its beautiful rivers, mountains, onsen, and the famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Shikoku Henro). It's a wonderful place if you'd like to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Japan.

No previous farming experience is necessary—we're looking for people who are curious, respectful, and happy to learn.

You can learn more about us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tsukuyomi_farm/) or on our WWOOF Japan profile, where you can also read reviews from previous volunteers.

If you're interested, send us an email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]), and we'll be happy to send you more information and our application form.

We'd love to welcome you to Tsukuyomi Farm! 🌱


r/WWOOF 10d ago

Looking for advice - 6 months, Dec-May, couple, budget/backpacking, warm weather, hiking + WWOOFing

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2 Upvotes

r/WWOOF 13d ago

What shoes to wear when working with sheep?

3 Upvotes

Will regular rubber boots do it Especiall when working in the stable or wven when walking around with them?

Thanks


r/WWOOF 14d ago

Looking for a farm or home volunteering opportunity in exchange for food and accommodation

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I am a hardworking and motivated guy from Algeria. I am looking for an opportunity to volunteer and help a family or a farm owner with daily tasks, gardening, animal care, or general home maintenance. ​In exchange, I am only looking for free accommodation and food. I am also looking for a host who can provide an invitation letter to help me with the visa process. If you have an open spot or know someone who does, please let me know! Thank you.


r/WWOOF 16d ago

Looking to WWOOF for 1+ years. Gardening + animals and some farming. US only

1 Upvotes

I'm a 34yo Viet American male. 5' 6" 130lbs. Lived in America since 1998 (adopted)

Looking for any place in the US from the Tennessee state line (stretching from east to west of US coastlines) and below since my body doesn't like the cold. So if it snows 3-5 times a year max that's ok. Nothing above TN state lines please.

I prefer gardening and animal care over industrial farming but willing to learn anything since I plan to take whatever skills I learn and will apply to the next paying farm/animal care job I do in the future.

Since this isn't a paying job, housing and all expenses (besides medical) I hope will be included.

Not looking to work for more than 40hr a week (of course taking care of the animals I can do everyday, I love animals). I am a very fair, and honest person and respect everyone's opinion and religion so with that I hope we can treat each other fairly.

I do practice meditation 1hr daily and follow Yeshua's teaching but lean more toward spiritual/agnostic. I was raised a Catholic/Protestan for many years before.

I have some funds so I can leave anytime if I feel this isn't working out. (hopefully this doesn't happen) Having a relationship with the host is a plus since it makes it easier for us all and I want to enjoy my time WWOOFing.

I am reaching out to reddit first since if anyone knows or host such a thing like this, it would be better then I can sign up and pay the fees at WWOOF.

Yes, I have my US citizenship certificate, US passport, drivers license, and social security #

Thank you for looking


r/WWOOF 17d ago

Farm volunteer with livestock in South America/Voluntario agrícola con ganado en américa del sur

2 Upvotes

Hello! Im looking to volunteer on a farm. I have experience working with mixed livestock and horses, looking to know if anyone has advice for finding organic or mixed horticulture farms in South America (looking at opportunites in Chile, Argentina or Uruaguy - though im flexible!).

¡Hola! Busco hacer voluntariado en una granja. Tengo experiencia trabajando con ganado variado y caballos. me gustaria saber si alguien tiene algún consejo sobre cómo encontrar granjas de horticultura orgánica o mixta en Sudamérica (estoy considerando oportunidades en Chile, Argentina o Uruguay, ¡aunque soy flexible!).


r/WWOOF 17d ago

Volunteer weekend

3 Upvotes

Hi! My husband and I can’t afford to take several weeks off this year, but we’d still love to experience WWOOFing. We were wondering if you offer any weekend-only volunteering opportunities. We’d be happy to help out for a couple of days if that’s something you accept. Thanks!
Belgium 😊


r/WWOOF 17d ago

Uk

2 Upvotes

I think i made a huge mistake when I subscribed to the uk region
There are no hosts available i was so excited for this trip😞


r/WWOOF 17d ago

Easy WWOOF in Europe?

1 Upvotes

I’m keen to go WWOOFing with my husband in August but he has a bad back and doesn’t want to work hard on his summer holiday. I could persuade him to do some light fun work though before we go and holiday somewhere.

Can anyway recommend a nice WWOOF place somewhere in Italy or Greece where the hosts are relaxed and open minded about mixed ability couples? I am happy to spend all day weeding but my husband would be better off in the farm shop or doing woodwork or other projects that don’t require bending..


r/WWOOF 19d ago

Do you think it's safe to WWOOF as a solo female? Any suggestions or alternatives?

9 Upvotes

I'm single and live with my parents. Always felt like it would be cool to try to WWOOF since someone on reddit told me about it a few years ago.

Do you think it is safe? Any suggestions on how to be safe about it?

I've worked at people's houses getting paid before like when I petsit, but I've never stayed unpaid on someone's property doing work for them while they are there.

I think it would be cool to learn farming techniques, be around cute animals and eat delicious farm fresh food. At the same time I'm a little nervous about it and don't want to have rose-colored glasses.

Does WWOOF even background check people? It sounds like at a lot of the locations you get pretty close to them even eating dinner together or living inside their own house. Some of them say they have poor phone reception as well.

P.S. I'm interested in doing it nearby to start rather than halfway across the world.


r/WWOOF 20d ago

USA Catholic/Christian farms recommendations :)

0 Upvotes

Hi all! looking to do my first wwoofing in Aug/Sept (might actually do 2 in lieu of one if time permits). Not a non-negotiable but it'd be nice to also align with host's values.

Any recommendation for a christian or catholic farm in the US? Or even another way to find them than through wwoof

Thank you so much!


r/WWOOF 21d ago

Hawaii WWOOFing suggestions?

3 Upvotes

I'm looking to WWOOF in Hawaii this fall. Happy to do any sort of task at all and stay on any island - not picky! I'm wondering if anyone has any positive experiences with a farm they would be willing to share the name of? I'd love to start from recommendations!


r/WWOOF 22d ago

Wwoof Host AMA and share your story.

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19 Upvotes

We're a 800 acre family farm/plant nursery on the west coast of Scotland who have accepted 30 wwoofers and turned away over 100 or more over the past 3 years. Im interested in hearing from wwoofers about there worries, issues, expectations from hosts. Or if you need any help in making your profile more attractive to hosts or anything else, ask away.