You want to see the world, but you don't want to be a tourist. You hope to experience culture, to be totally immersed in the beautiful complexities of a different lifestyle, to see the world from a new perspective. You're tired of urban life and drawn to alternative living. The thought of milking goats and harvesting kale gets you excited. You want to meet fascinating people and build meaningful relationships with those around you. You want to give to the world, as well as learn from it. You love being outdoors and find peace in the rhythms of nature. Maybe you're broke.
If any of this is you, you might consider WWOOF. It stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and is an organization that links volunteers to farms around the world. Exchange of knowledge is the guiding principle; you (the volunteer) work 4-6 hours per day in exchange for food and accommodation, and no money is exchanged whatsoever. You can stay anywhere from several days to several months, and you can move around as you please. The caveat? You must be ready for the unknown.
Sound enticing? If you're thinking about WWOOFing, here are 5 things you should know:
1. It's work, but it's so rewarding.
WWOOF is an incredible way to see a new place and experience a new culture--it is NOT a free hotel. You will have days off and be able to explore the area, relax, and have fun, but the focus should not be on tourism. You're there to get your hands dirty, to learn the ways of organic farming, to know people deeply rather than broadly, and to have an authentic experience. Soak it up, and don't waste time focused on the destinations in your guidebook; they're overrated anyways.
2. It's a different lifestyle, and a noble one.
Farmers work their asses off. They wake up early, work until sunset, and almost never get a day off--and they do it with the grace and humility that one can only get from a deep and solid sense of purpose. WWOOF is but a small window into the farmer's way of living, and they have a lot to teach. Pay close attention, listen with your soul, and you will discover wisdom beyond words.
3. You will make friends for life.
WWOOF relationships are built on immense trust and cooperation. You show up at a stranger's door and they provide you with food and shelter for your stay. They trust you with their family, their time, and to take care of their livelihood. You work with your hosts and your fellow WWOOFers to accomplish tasks that are vital to the farm. By the time you leave, you will have built relationships that have changed how you see the world, and will always be there should you cross paths again.
4. Be flexible, but know what you want.
WWOOF is made for the adventurous soul. You can move from farm to farm, help with all kinds of jobs, and discover things you never imagined. In addition to being open to new experiences, however, you should also think critically about what you want from your time on the farm. Are you looking to learn permaculture, hone your foreign language skills, or just gain some independence? Having even a slight sense of purpose can make your time immensely more fulfilling.
5. Nothing compares to working the land.
Modern life has become so disconnected from the earth that sustains us. There's something about working in the dirt, building things, growing food, raising animals, that is so... human. Farm work is more than manual labor; it is a way to connect with the magnificence of nature and the very things that we rely on for survival. It forces you to discover your strength as well as your empathy. Thus, in getting out and connecting with the world, you just might discover something about yourself.
Whether you're looking for something to do this summer, taking a gap year or a quarter off from school, or just looking for some meaningful exploration in your life, WWOOF is an incredible opportunity for adventure and growth. Every farm and volunteer is different, and you never know what you might discover. Happy WWOOFing!
