Have you ever heard of Wwoofing? No, it’s not a new type of sound a dog makes. It stands for World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (also known as Willing Workers on Organic Farms).

The more I learn about it, the more it seems like a really a great idea! In fact, if handled properly it can be a win-win for everyone involved.

How does Wwoofing work??

Let’s say you are interested in learning more about organic farming but you live in the city, or maybe you just want to take a trip somewhere overseas but you want a working vacation. You can offer your services as a Wwoofer. That means you spend a few hours a day for each day you are on-site helping out with activities on the farm. In exchange you receive food, accommodations and incredible experiential learning opportunities. You can go for a weekend, a month, or a year. It’s up to you and the host site how long your stay is, and what your responsibilities will be.

There are also Wwoofing experiences for those interested in other eco-friendly businesses such as healing and wellness centers, organic restaurants, eco-conscious building and restoration companies and all sorts of other eco and naturally focused organizations. Students, career changers, and even families who are interested in getting some hands-on experience in any of these areas can volunteer their time in exchange for room and board.

Where can you Wwoof?

More than 70 countries offer Woofing experiences. In Canada and the U.S. there are more than 1200 locations combined, not including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hawaii! How great would it be to go to Hawaii and work on an organic farm or at a nature center for a few hours a day?

How do you find Wwoofing opportunities?

There are two routes that you can take to explore Wwoofing opportunities. The first is by doing some ‘digging’ on the internet; you can find your own Wwoof opportunities. There are various web sites dedicated to sharing stories and experiences. See the EcoTravelLogue link below for suggestions (related links).

The second route is a little easier, however will cost you membership fees to access all the information. Start with a visit to the Wwoofing International web site (see related links below). Identify which country you would like to visit as a Wwoofer. From the international site you can hyperlink to each national Wwoof organization and learn more about the opportunities. Once you have decided where you would like to Wwoof, you can join the national organization for a small membership fee ($40 in Canada) and they will forward you a printed and/or electronic list of Wwoof sites. Some memberships provide you with reviews and references on each potential location.

What questions should you ask your potential host site?

• What is a 'typical day' for a Wwoofer?
• What kinds of work will I be doing?
• How many hours will I work per day?
• Will I get a day off? And, if so, where are good places for me to tour?
• Do you often have Wwoofers? If so, how long do they usually stay?
• Do you have any other Wwoofers currently?

What are people saying about Wwoofing?

Many of the stories I read about Wwoofing were very positive. One common message that experienced Wwoofers shared: although Wwoofing is an ‘inexpensive’ holiday and way to travel, it is work. You are visiting these people’s homes, farms, businesses and it is their livelihood. They do expect you to provide value and work in exchange for room and board.

If you are willing to do the work and learn as you go, it sounds like an incredible and invaluable experience!

I've listed a couple of web sites in the related links section that share stories from experienced Wwoofers.