Workaway is a platform that allows members to arrange homestays and cultural exchange. Volunteers or "workawayers", are expected to contribute a pre-agreed amount of time per day in exchange for lodging and food, which is provided by their host.[1][2][3]
The opportunities on offer are varied. Some types of volunteering available include gardening, animal-care, cooking and farming,[4][5] as well as more specialist and niche help requests.[6] The duration of an exchange can range from as little as a few days to over a year.
Workaway is aimed at budget travellers and language learners looking to become more immersed in the country and culture they are journeying through while allowing local hosts to meet like-minded people who are also willing to contribute at the same time.[7][8] It has been described as a useful way to improve foreign language skills[9] as well as an opportunity to develop new talents and learn about local traditions.[10]
One of the benefits for potentially isolated communities or people is the chance to bring the world to them via travellers using the site. Travellers can then profit from their host's knowledge of regional places of interest and their local environment. The ability to share space with a variety of people has been shown to enable cultural exchange and the chance to learn more about how others see the world.[11]
Workaway placements have been impacted by Brexit and other geopolitical changes.[12]