An enriching experience for many
Working on a farm is an exciting and economical option for people looking to travel, discover a new country, and explore its culture and language by working a few hours a day in exchange for accommodation and meals. Many adventurers choose this experience for daily contact with the land and the locals while sharing these moments with other foreigners, whether for a few weeks or months. Travelers and expats who have had a positive experience mention similar advantages, including a real cultural and immersive experience, the ability to learn a language, contributing to sustainable practices (as they are organic farms) and personal and professional development.
Volunteering on farms abroad, also called WWOOFing (in relation to the homonymous organization), has become very popular and an opportunity for both travelers and farmers. The WWOOFing (World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) concept was created in England in 1971 by Sue Coppard, who had the idea of allowing people from big cities to get away and participate in agricultural work on weekends. Over time, the network has developed into a global concept. This organization isn't the only one connecting farms with aspiring farmers; many have expanded globally. These include HelpX, Workaway or Help Stay.
Working on organic farms abroad is often associated with the Working Holiday Visa (intended for young travelers aged under 30). This visa has allowed many young people to travel to Australia and New Zealand, in particular, as well as Canada, popular destinations for this type of activity.
What are the risks of working on a farm abroad?
Although WWOOFing mostly enriches human and cultural experiences, certain risks or even real abuses exist.
Indeed, recent articles reported cases of modern slavery in certain farms, most often concerning undocumented migrants but also expats with valid visas who have experienced a nightmare upon their arrival. Unfortunately, some farm owners take advantage of this concept to gain free labor without being interested in the basic idea of exchange and benevolence. For example, in Canada, dozens of Mexican nationals were recently rescued from reportedly modern slavery in the Grand Toronto area following an investigation into labor trafficking. Since this is not an isolated case, the Canadian government recently launched an awareness campaign against these illegal and inhumane practices.
Other foreigners have denounced abnormal and toxic behavior. The lack of interest in verbal and cultural exchange is part of it. Many participants were allegedly left without meals and disappointed with their stay. This led to frustration and is qualified as exploitation because, in the end, they sometimes worked all day without recognition and have sometimes been forced; otherwise, they would have had to leave.
Others claim they encountered racism and complicated language exchange. Indeed, some farmers are not really interested in helping volunteers improve their language skills, thus making no effort to understand and be understood.
There are other risks related to reliability, such as last-minute cancellations, meals not being included in the package, or being forced to share a room with strangers when participants thought they were being granted a private room. Other WWOOFers also talk about poorly entertained, bathrooms shared with 10 people, and even the total absence of the owners. Let's recall that the essence of volunteering on farms abroad is the exchange of good practices and hospitality. Such situations make it very difficult for their stay and for positive experiences.
It's worth remembering that working on a farm abroad is physical work, and spending several hours in a field or in a barn taking care of animals might not be an easy task for everyone. It can be very physically demanding and lead to health issues, from simple back pain to severe injuries. Although this is not always linked to poor management by the owners, it is important to understand beforehand that the number of hours worked will play a major role in this point.
WWOOFers also talk about isolation. Indeed, many farms are located in remote areas, and it can be challenging to arrange transportation to reach the nearest town or explore the area. This can also affect travelers' experience, as they are unable to discover the country and its culture.
Tips to make sure working abroad on farms is a safe option
To ensure you have chosen the right option and place for your farm working experience abroad, here are five tips to put in place.
- Research the hosts and the farm thoroughly by reading other volunteers' reviews on the organizations' official websites and checking that the information matches.
- Contact the hosts before your stay to discuss their expectations, working hours, accommodations and meals. Ask questions to clarify any important details, and be wary of vague answers or the behavior of the person you're talking to.
- If you have any doubts, feel free to ask for additional references from previous volunteers to obtain more detailed information and possibly recognize a suspicious place.
- Make sure the host provides a reliable and secure working and hosting environment. Find out about the safety and insurance measures in place for volunteers.
- Trust your intuition, and if something seems lousy, be cautious.
If all goes well, working on a farm abroad is an enriching experience that you will not regret. It's essential to know the risks and the tricks to recognize a suspicious place.
