Home > How it works | Last updated on 11th Jan, 2023.
We're a contact platform between hosts and helpers.
We hold a database of Farms, House Holders, Art Retreat Centres, Eco- villages, Backpacker Hostels, Surf Lodges, Yoga & TEFL Centres, Vineyards, Ranches and Schools, all who are looking for a few hours of honest help and offering accommodation and food in exchange.
HelpStay is a skills-based volunteering platform that connects travellers with hosts of great projects around the world. Our platform makes travelling meaningful and affordable by allowing helpers to exchange work for accommodation.
The host opportunities featured on our site have been vetted and reviewed by our staff, keeping our helpers safe and our community strong.
Helpers can browse the profiles of different hosts by location or type of help activity.
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. If you find a hosting opportunity you’re interested in, as a member you can send the host a message directly with some information about you and why you think you’d be a good fit.
Openness and honesty is key at HelpStay. If you don’t have any relevant experience but are willing to learn on-the-job then say it. Most hosts won’t expect you to be a seasoned gardener or experienced English teacher.
HelpStay is a community that is committed to providing a safe, secure and legitimate environment for helpers and hosts. Here’s how:
Providing a safe and enjoyable experience for helpers is our most paramount concern. Our support team is happy to answer any questions you have or connect you with one of our former/current helpers to get a personal account of their experience.
We know that volunteering abroad takes getting out of your comfort zone and at times might seem risky. We’re here to help you get out there to help global causes and enjoy authentic, local experiences abroad. Our community of fellow helpers and hosts has put together a great list of resources that can be found in our journal.
Additionally, we've put together a collection of volunteering guides to some of the most popular places where our community members choose to volunteer. If you're making plans to go to Spain, United Kingdom, Thailand, France, India, Mexico, United States, or South America -- check out theses guides as they will help you prepare for your HelpStay program and answer any questions you may have.
When it comes to hosting, our motto is that more is more. The more information you provide for helpers and the more you communicate, the better your experience and theirs will be.
Our journal has some great resources for hosts on how to foster a good hosting environment and find volunteers who are the right fit for your needs.
If you've any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us, we're happy to help you!