It’s essential to clarify how meals will be handled—are you cooking for yourself, or are meals shared? Is the host covering all food costs, and are three full meals provided daily? These are crucial details you’ll definitely want to confirm. Additionally, if you require further assurance, many good hosts are happy to connect you with past helpers who have stayed with them. By reaching out to previous helpers directly, you can gain valuable insights into what your stay will involve. HelpStay connects travelers and hosts – making it easy for everyone to get help or free accommodation.
Is HelpStay Safe?
We will then email the helper with a link where they can leave feedback for you. Recording the call can be useful if you find yourself without cell service and need to recall phone numbers or any important details. If the conversation happens months before your volunteering stint, it’s easy to forget some specifics. According to Dr Simester’s 2014 study, as mentioned in The New York Times, only a small fraction of people, about 1.5 percent or 15 out of 1,000, actually write reviews.
This doesn’t imply that these projects should be avoided; it simply means they either haven’t been visited by helpers or, if they have, feedback hasn’t been provided. Overall, HelpStay is a great platform that connects travelers with hosts all over the world. There is a membership fee that allows you to access all the features of the platform. For example, you’ll need a membership to apply for volunteer positions.
- If you’re interested in finding volunteer opportunities and are willing to help out in exchange for free accommodation, HelpStay is definitely for you.
- HelpStay is a great option for travelers who want to see the world and dive deeper into new cultures.
- By reaching out to previous helpers directly, you can gain valuable insights into what your stay will involve.
- Additionally, newer hosts or projects may lack reviews altogether, which doesn’t necessarily indicate poor quality.
Do I Need A Visa To Volunteer Abroad?
Reflect on what you hope to gain from the experience and how your skills can contribute to the project. A well-matched opportunity can lead to a more rewarding exchange. To leave feedback for a helper, first log into your HelpStay dashboard. Navigate to the bottom of your host listing, where you’ll find the section for helper feedback.
HelpStay Reviews
During the call, don’t hesitate to ask any lingering questions, even if they’re things you already know. Confirm any claims and ask for clarification where needed. Most importantly, ensure the conditions are clear for both parties. While this might seem like an invasion of privacy, as a volunteer, you’re likely not working under a formal contract, which means there are no guarantees.
Is HelpStay safe & trustworthy?
You might even learn new skills during your volunteering position. If you’re interested in learning more about HelpStay, read on for our complete HelpStay review. You’ll be able to make friends with locals, learn about their customs, and explore all the hidden gems the city or country offers. Work-exchange programs are a great way for travelers to get a feel for a new city or country without breaking the bank.
Although, if you wish to browse the work-exchange positions first, you can take a look for free. HelpStay didn’t exist back then, but I did several work-exchange experiences on farms, hostels, and more. On HelpStay, you’ll find work-exchange positions everywhere in the world. Simply type your destination and search to browse the positions available on HelpStay. Plus, you’ll get to meet new people and have unique experiences that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Volunteering Abroad?
- Highlight both the positives and areas for improvement to provide a balanced perspective.
- In exchange for your help, hosts typically provide free accommodation and, in some cases, meals.
- Maintain open and honest communication with your host throughout the process.
- Helpers can browse the profiles of different hosts by location or type of help activity.
However, there are clear opportunities for improvement concerning website usability, host verification methodologies, and the clarity of its review system. For travelers who are comfortable with conducting comprehensive research and communicating proactively, HelpStay can potentially be a good fit. However, individuals seeking a more streamlined user experience and more robust support features might find greater satisfaction on helpstay reviews alternative platforms. Carefully assess your personal priorities, and then embark on planning your dream trip! The best way to determine if HelpStay is the right option for your next adventure is to carefully weigh these considerations.
In today’s world of global volunteering and cultural exchange platforms like HelpStay have made it easier than ever for travelers to connect with hosts worldwide. Whether you’re looking to volunteer your skills in exchange for accommodation or seeking a meaningful way to explore new cultures, HelpStay offers a wealth of opportunities. Naturally, one of the first things prospective users look for is HelpStay reviews to gauge the reliability and experiences of others who have used the platform. HelpStay reviews are an invaluable resource for anyone considering a volunteering experience through the platform.
Examples of Popular HelpStay Projects
The best part about work-exchange programs is that they offer an opportunity to really get to know the culture of your destination. These programs allow you to stay in a new place rent-free, in exchange for working a set number of hours each week. I felt very much welcomed and appreciated at their place. BanNaa is a small village, with friendly helpful people, no tourists.
We think it’s better to browse volunteer positions to decide which platform is best for you. There, you’ll see photos and information on what type of help activity is being sought and how many hours you can expect to put in for your stay. Anyone can apply, but every host is screened and approved by our team.
To truly grasp HelpStay’s position within the market, a comparison to established platforms like Workaway and Worldpackers is essential. The objective is not to simply locate the most affordable option, but to identify the platform that best aligns with your individual needs and preferences. Helpers can browse the profiles of different hosts by location or type of help activity. Comments and posts that have nothing to do with volunteering abroad, traveling and related topics will be classed as spam.
Cheap traveling, ways to get around, tips & tricks, etc.For general location advice such as where to go and what to do there use /r/travel or similar. If you aren’t sure if HelpStay is the right platform for you, compare other platforms. If a host doesn’t respect what you agreed to previously or if there’s another problem, contact HelpStay support and community. Not only is HelpStay a legit company, but it’s also one of the best work-exchange websites out there. This section will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the HelpStay work-exchange website. As it’s a work-exchange program, you need to do some work to get your accommodation.