WWOOF is an amazing opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and build community. You will learn and discover a lot, but it can also be somewhat intimidating to share in the daily life of strangers.
You are responsible for your own safety but here are some tips to get out of your comfort zone with confidence:
- Know yourself! What are your expectations and what are your limits?
- Get to know the culture of the region you intend to visit! People from a diverse geographical area and cultural background might have customs and traditions different from yours.
- Remember it is normal to feel somewhat awkward when you first arrive at a farm. Give yourself time to adapt!
- Share your travel plans, your whereabouts and contact possibilities with your family or friends.
- If you are not traveling in your own car, take notes about nearby public and private transport.
- Have medical and travel insurance in case of unexpected illness or injury. Find out more about insurance.
- Organize a backup plan and be sure to have some extra money for any unforeseen events. This way, you have the option to leave if you don’t feel comfortable.
Open communication is the key to successful WWOOFing!
- Good communication starts before the visit. Schedule a video or phone call with your hosts before confirming a visit to get to know them.
- Ask lots of questions! How many people will be on site? It is important that you feel comfortable with being alone with your host if you decide to visit a farm run by only one person. What are the accommodation conditions (i.e. single or shared room)? What will be the activities? What is the daily routine? What are the meals like? What type of clothing should you bring?
- Share with hosts if you have any specific needs or goals.
What should you do if you have a concern about your safety or well being?
- Talk to someone – if it’s appropriate, talk to your host, other WWOOFers or another person on site about your concern. Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings. Verbalizing your problems can help you solve them.
- Remember that you can contact the local WWOOF organization for assistance any time. We're here to listen to you and discuss your concerns in complete confidentiality. We can give you advice or have a mediation role.
- Stop the stay – you are under no obligation to continue WWOOFing if you feel unsafe.
- In an emergency – contact the police.