10 Experiences Similar to WWOOF

Imagine traveling the world, immersing yourself in new cultures, and gaining hands-on experience, all without draining your savings. Programs like WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) have made this dream a reality for thousands of budget-conscious adventurers since 1971. By exchanging your time and skills for room and board, you get the chance to live like a local while making a real impact.

But what if farming isn’t your thing? The good news is, WWOOF is just one of many volunteer opportunities available around the globe. Whether you’re drawn to teaching, hospitality, conservation, or community projects, there’s a program out there that matches your passion.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 10 incredible WWOOF alternatives that open the door to unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a gap year, looking to volunteer while you travel, or seeking a more meaningful vacation, these options offer a chance to travel deeper, learn more, and connect authentically while keeping your costs low.

5 Gap Year Programs Similar to WWOOF

There are two different types of organizations similar to WWOOF: paid gap year/volunteer programs with structured projects and online exchange platforms that directly connect travelers with hosts. Organized volunteer/gap year programs are great options for students or young professionals looking to gain some skills and travel during school breaks or career transitions.

While volunteer abroad and gap year programs aren’t free, most are much more affordable than you might think! Many top programs start at as little as $10-20 per day and include housing, food, local language lessons, and cultural excursions. These alternatives to WWOOFing are excellent ways to travel the world and make a difference without breaking the bank.

1. International Volunteer HQ

• Highlights: With over 80,000 program alumni, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is one of the largest volunteer networks in the world. Not only do they offer an incredible range of locations and projects, but their prices are super budget-friendly and start at only $20 per day. Travelers can choose to spend as little as one week up to six months abroad volunteering on meaningful projects like sea turtle conservation in Bali or providing childcare in Ghana.
• Where: 40 countries

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2. Projects Abroad

• Highlights: For over 30 years, Projects Abroad has been a leader in volunteering abroad. They send an estimated 10,000+ volunteers every year to some of the most exciting and worthwhile destinations. Travelers of any age can spend one week to one year helping out in almost any type of work, from conducting shark conservation projects in Fiji to working with children in Peru. Whether you’re a snow bunny or a sea-farer, Projects Abroad has something for you!
• Where: 21 countries

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3. Maximo Nivel

• Highlights: If you’re considering volunteering in Latin America, Maximo Nivel should be at the top of your list. This provider focuses exclusively on meaningful travel opportunities in Central and South America, so whether it’s volunteering in jungle conservation in Peru or teaching English in Costa Rica, any traveler is sure to find their niche. Most of Maximo Nivel’s programs include awesome benefits like daily Spanish classes or scuba certifications, so you’re sure to have lots of fun while contributing to a good cause!
• Where: Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Peru

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4. Kaya Responsible Travel

• Highlights: Not all abroad programs are created equal, which is why we love Kaya Responsible Travel, the leader in sustainable volunteer projects. Kaya is dedicated to providing ethical solutions to our world’s most crucial issues. Anyone enrolling in their programs knows they are truly contributing to a good cause, whether you’re volunteering in wildlife rescue in Zimbabwe or teaching English in rural Cambodia. Kaya supports volunteers of any age and length of time, from two weeks to a full year!
• Where: 33 countries

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5. Gapforce

• Highlights: One of our highest ranked volunteer providers, Gapforce offers incredible opportunities to volunteer abroad. Head to one of their many destinations for two weeks to a year to explore thrilling new places and make a difference. Their Southeast Asia Explorer and South America Explorer programs are super popular for travelers who want to cover more than one country and volunteer in a variety of ways, like rescuing jungle animals and marine conservation work. On top of life-changing travel and volunteer opportunities, most Gapforce programs include accommodations, food, local language lessons, and excursions like snorkeling or surfing trips.
• Where: 14 countries

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Prefer to work with kids? There are programs similar to WWOOF perfect for you!

5 organizations similar to WWOOF

If you’re looking for more flexibility than a paid volunteer program and an even cheaper way to travel, check out some of our favorite organizations that are similar to WWOOF. These online exchange platforms connect volunteers directly with hosts offering free accommodations. Many of these alternatives just require a minimal membership fee and you’ll have access to thousands of exciting travel opportunities instantly!

1. Workaway

• Highlights: Workaway is one of the most popular online services that connects travelers with local hosts looking for volunteers. The typical Workaway host will expect about five hours of work per day in exchange for housing and food. While WWOOF focuses primarily on agricultural businesses, the Workaway community covers tons of different industries and helps travelers develop skills across many areas.
• Where: 170 countries

2. Trusted Housesitters

• Highlights: Leaving a pet alone or at a kennel can be nerve-wracking for pet parents, so Trusted Housesitters has become a popular way to connect with verified and reviewed housesitters. Travelers simply exchange their time for unique homestays and travel experiences around the world. Trusted Housesitters uses a tiered membership platform, which allows sitters to pick the services you’ll most likely need, such as free video calls with veterinarians while you’re housesitting. That’s some meow-velous peace of mind that the pets will always be in good hands!
• Where: All over the world

3. Worldpackers

• Highlights: Worldpackers is a leading online service that matches volunteers with NGOs, start-ups, social projects, ecovillages, hostels, and farming communities. Travelers spend a few hours each day helping their hosting business in exchange for free housing and many other travel benefits. Worldpackers features a membership system with different options for solo travel and couples/friends travel, so you can volunteer with your best buds, too!
• Where: 140 countries

You’ll be showing off what you helped grow in no time.

4. Help Exchange (HelpX)

• Highlights: HelpX is an online forum that connects hosts from all over the world with “helpers,” or travelers seeking free room and board in exchange for volunteer work. This budget-friendly platform features thousands of listings for all types of industries, including farming, education, hospitality, and animal conservation. HelpX also encourages making new friends while traveling by offering “companion” listings. Easily connect with like-minded travelers!
• Where: All over the world

5. AuPair.com

• Highlights: If working with children is more up your alley than housesitting or volunteering on a farm, consider becoming an au pair. While traditionally viewed as a glorified nanny, au pair services aren't just cooking and cleaning anymore. Many families around the world look for native English speakers to immerse their children in the language. The skills of many au pairs have also expanded to becoming caregivers for elderly family members, not just their young children. AuPair.com connects travelers with local families in exchange for free housing, food, and sometimes even vacations with your host family!
• Where: 78 countries

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Want an experience similar to WWOOF? Take your pick!

Once you find the experience that works for you, you’re ready to work, volunteer…and see the world!

There are so many ways to create your perfect volunteer abroad experience, so you shouldn’t feel limited to WWOOFing if it’s really not the right fit for you. Whether you only have two weeks to spend abroad or you want to travel with your entire family for a year, there are endless options for any type of traveler!