Worldpackers jobs: a guide to the different volunteer roles

If you dream of traveling the world and discovering new cultures, but have a limited budget, Worldpackers could be the perfect solution. This platform connects travelers with hosts in over 140 countries, offering thousands of opportunities to exchange a few hours of volunteer work for accommodation and other benefits, such as meals and tours.

Besides being a very affordable way to travel, volunteering with Worldpackers allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and contribute to social or environmental projects or small businesses in the places you visit. I have done three work exchanges in Brazil and Europe, and they were all incredible experiences, so I highly recommend it!

In this article, I will talk about the main types of volunteer jobs offered by Worldpackers to help you choose the best option for your skills and interests. Whether in hostels, social projects, ecovillages, or other types of hosts, you will certainly find opportunities that match your profile. I have a bunch of Worldpackers jobs saved on my wish list on the website and I’m now planning to go experience it again.

Extra tip: I got the promo code JANELASABERTAS from the Worldpackers team so that my readers can get a 10 USD discount when subscribing to any of their annual plans. Just click here or enter the coupon on the payment page.

What is Worldpackers?

Before going into the details of the main types of Worldpackers jobs, I’ll explain a little more about how this type of trip works, in case you’re new to it.

The raison d’être of Worldpackers, a Brazilian company created in 2014, is collaboration. Travelers offer a few hours of work in exchange for free accommodation and other benefits, while hosts receive help in exchange for offering these benefits and an immersive travel experience.

It’s not just about traveling cheaply: what attracted me to this way of traveling and made my experiences so memorable was the possibility of getting more deeply involved with the culture of the places I visit, developing new skills, living like a local and making friends, including locals and other travelers. It’s like doing an exchange program, which can be quite transformative even if it’s close to home.

The platform is very straightforward: after creating your free profile you can explore the vacancies offered by hosts around the world. This includes hostels, social projects, NGOs, organic farms, guesthouses, ecovillages, yoga retreats and other types of initiatives that need volunteers for various tasks.

On the page of each Worldpackers vacancy you will find the tasks that volunteers must perform, the weekly work hours and the benefits offered, such as accommodation, food, classes, tours, use of bicycles, rides upon arrival, etc.

I recommend that you evaluate whether what is asked and what is offered in return seems fair to you. After all, the idea is to maintain a collaborative spirit, where everyone wins.

To sign up for a Worldpackers job, you must pay the platform’s annual fee, which costs 49 USD (but with the coupon code JANELASABERTAS you will get it for 39 USD). Then, just select the opportunity that best matches your interests and skills and sign up, sending a personalized message to the host.

From there, you can negotiate the details and ask them any questions you may have. Once accepted by the host, just pack your bags and embark on the experience.

Oh, and when choosing the job, you can also check the reviews of volunteers who have already been there and even send them a message to ask for more details if you want. This helps to ensure a safe and enriching experience.

You might also like to read
How Worldpackers works: a traveler’s guide
Is Worldpackers safe? User review and safety tips
How to travel for free: a practical guide

Volunteer roles: the main types of Worldpackers jobs

Every traveler has unique skills, interests and goals, and the platform offers a wide range of vacancies that can meet these particularities. For example, if you are an extrovert and enjoy interacting with other cultures, Worldpackers jobs in hostels may be ideal for you. If you prefer closer contact with nature, vacancies in ecovillages or sustainability projects are a great choice.

In addition, aligning your skills with the available vacancies increases your chances of being accepted by hosts and making the most of the experience. Most of the time, you don’t need to have experience in that specific task, but if you have some related knowledge, you can use your talents to make a difference while traveling.

This is especially important in the case of volunteering roles with social purposes, where lives will be directly impacted by your work (either positively or negatively). Choosing an opportunity that aligns with your skills not only helps your personal and professional development, but also allows you to contribute to projects in a meaningful way.

If you are not volunteering for social purposes, Worldpackers jobs can be an excellent chance to learn something completely new. Carefully exploring the positions allows you to make more informed choices, ensuring that the trip meets your expectations and that you have a volunteer experience that is as cool as all of mine.

In two of my Worlpackers experiences I worked in my field of study and work, which is marketing and social media. This was good because I was able to add value to the hosts and include the work in my portfolio. I recommend doing this, especially if you are starting out in a new field of work, since you gain more experience to get paid jobs in the future.

On the third occasion, I chose to work with something that was completely new to me: gardening. In this case my focus was to practice my French, so I chose a homestay, since English is usually the most spoken language in hostels in Europe.

Since I didn’t know anything about gardens, I made sure the hosts were willing to teach me whatever I needed. I loved getting out of my comfort zone and learning so much.

Now I’m going to detail the main types of Worldpackers jobs you can volunteer with and how they can suit different types of travelers:

Communications and marketing

The Communications and marketing opportunities at Worldpackers are great for those who have creative skills or already work in the area or are thinking about it. Many hosts, from hostels to community projects, look for volunteers to help strengthen their online presence and promote their projects or businesses.

These Worldpackers jobs are a good opportunity for those looking to develop skills and build portfolios in digital marketing, content creation, photography and video.

Tasks typically include:

• Social media management: managing profiles on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or other platforms, creating and posting content regularly to engage the audience and promote the host’s activities.
• Content creation: writing texts for blog posts, emails, or websites, and developing content strategies to increase the reach and relevance of publications.
• Photography and filming: capturing images and videos of the location, activities, and people involved. This visual material can be used for promotional campaigns, websites, and social media, allowing the project to have a stronger and more professional online presence.

Animal care

If you love animals, check out the Animal care vacancies on Worldpackers. These opportunities usually involve working in animal rescue centers, shelters, farms, or sanctuaries, where you help ensure the well-being of the animals.

Whether it’s helping out at a turtle reserve in Costa Rica or a dog and cat rescue farm in Brazil, this type of volunteering role offers a deeply rewarding experience for those who are passionate about animals.

Tasks usually include:

• Daily care: volunteers are usually responsible for routine activities such as providing water, keeping spaces clean, and playing or socializing with the animals. These interactions are important for the well-being of animals, especially in the case of cats and dogs that have been rescued and need to regain trust in humans.
• Environmental conservation: in projects that deal with wild animals, volunteers can contribute to activities that do not involve direct contact with them, but help to preserve them, such as patrolling beaches to protect turtle eggs or recording scientific data.
• Community work: some of the vacancies include working in the community where the project is located, such as working in adoption fairs or educational projects to raise awareness among the local population about caring for animals.
• Administrative work: volunteers can also help by welcoming visitors to the shelter or sanctuary or supporting bureaucratic and administrative tasks that are essential for the proper functioning of the place.

Farming and Eco-Activities

Want to reconnect with nature and learn more about sustainable practices? Then check out the Farming and eco-activities vacancies. These Worldpackers jobs involve participating in projects dedicated to environmental preservation, sustainable farming, and building ecologically responsible spaces.

In this type of volunteering, you contribute to the environment and acquire practical skills that can be applied in your daily life or in professional projects related to sustainability.

Tasks usually include:

• Organic farming: working in organic gardens and farms is one of the most common activities in these positions. Volunteers help to plant, harvest and care for pesticide-free crops, in addition to learning about sustainable cultivation methods and permaculture. These practices value respect for the soil, biodiversity and the efficient use of natural resources.
• Bioconstruction: volunteers can also get involved in sustainable construction projects, which use natural techniques and materials, such as clay, bamboo, recycled materials and reused wood. Bioconstruction applies various ecological methods, such as natural ventilation systems and rainwater harvesting, helping to reduce environmental impact.
• Animal care: in many ecological projects, animal care is also present, especially in ecovillages or farms. Tasks may involve feeding the animals, cleaning their enclosures and ensuring that they live in suitable conditions, often in harmony with agricultural practices.

Welcoming and helping guests

Welcoming & Helping Guests opportunities are among the most common on the platform and are perfect for those who have good communication skills, enjoy interacting with people from different cultures and want to experience the dynamics of working in hostels, guesthouses or other types of accommodation.

These Worldpackers jobs are ideal if you want to be in a dynamic and multicultural environment. They are also an excellent option if you dream of opening a hostel, guesthouse or hotel one day, as you can learn a lot about hospitality in practice.

These volunteers help ensure that guests have a pleasant experience during their stay, which involves everything from practical tasks to social interactions. In addition to being an opportunity to develop interpersonal skills, these vacancies often allow you to live in the heart of tourist destinations and connect with travelers from all over the world.

Tasks typically include:

• Reception and guest services: This is a core role where you will be the first point of contact for guests. The job involves welcoming guests at check-in, providing information about the destination and ensuring that they feel comfortable during their stay.
• Helping with activities and events: Many hostels organize activities for guests, such as city tours, themed nights, workshops or parties. As a volunteer, you can help organize and promote these activities, as well as participate in them. This is a fun role, ideal for outgoing people. It is also a great way to meet travelers and practice languages.
• General support: In addition to direct interactions with guests, there are a number of operational tasks that volunteers can help with, such as organizing breakfast, keeping common areas clean and tidy and helping with maintenance.

Keep reading: How to get a volunteering job at hostels: application guide

Community work

Want to do volunteer work with a social impact? Then pay special attention to Community work positions while looking for Worldpackers volunteer jobs. You can contribute to the development of different types of social projects, strengthening initiatives that promote education, inclusion, etc.

By engaging in community work, you also have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and create deep connections with local people. Whether it’s teaching English in Latin America or supporting the development of social projects in Southeast Asia, community volunteering teaches you a lot about resilience, solidarity and local realities, transforming your worldview.

However, in these cases it is important to be especially aware of some complex issues that involve international volunteering. Do some research on the negative impacts of volunteering abroad and remember that the needs of the community always come first.

Tasks often include:

• Teaching languages: one of the most common roles is teaching English to children and adults. Language teaching is a powerful tool for empowering communities, offering new opportunities for study, work and personal growth.
• Helping in schools: volunteers can often work in schools, helping teachers with daily activities, organizing games and creative workshops, or helping with the maintenance of the school grounds.
• Working with NGOs: you can collaborate directly with NGOs and community organizations on activities ranging from organizing events to implementing social projects. This can include everything from distributing food and clothing to collaborating with health and awareness programs.
• Other tasks: Volunteers can also help with more practical tasks, such as gardening, building houses or community spaces, etc., depending on the needs of the community and their skills.

Building and maintenance

Building and Maintenance positions are good for those who like to get their hands dirty and contribute to improving spaces in a practical way. There are many Worldpackers jobs to help with small repairs or even renovation and construction.

In addition to being a great way to stay active while traveling and leaving a visible impact on places, this type of volunteering offers the opportunity to learn more about construction, repair and even sustainable design techniques. These skills can be applied both in personal life and in professional projects.

Pay attention to each vacancy’s description, because in some cases it may be necessary to have experience, even for safety reasons.

Tasks typically include:

• Repairs: Volunteers may be asked to do minor repairs, such as fixing furniture, maintaining electrical or plumbing systems, and adjusting damaged structures.
• Painting and decorating: Many Worldpackers jobs include painting walls, fences, or other structures. Volunteers may also be asked to help revitalize spaces with mural art and other decorative elements.
• Construction and structural improvements: In some places, especially ecovillages or bio-construction initiatives, volunteers may be asked to participate in construction projects, which can involve everything from creating new structures to renovating existing areas.
• Garden and outdoor maintenance: Another common role is working in gardens. This can involve mowing lawns, planting flowers, tending organic gardens, pulling weeds, and ensuring that green spaces are well-maintained.

Household chores

Fancy helping out with the day-to-day running of accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, farms, or guest houses, or even family homes? Through Worldpackers Household chores opportunities, you will help keep places clean, organized and welcoming.

These jobs are ideal for travelers who enjoy helping to keep a space running smoothly. They often allow you to feel more integrated into the place, since housekeeping usually involves daily interactions with hosts and other volunteers. It’s also something you can easily do without being able to speak the local language.

Tasks usually include:

• Cleaning and organizing common areas: one of the main duties of these jobs is cleaning areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. This can include sweeping, washing, taking out the trash and organizing the spaces on a daily basis.
• Making rooms: in accommodations that welcome guests, such as hostels and guesthouses, tidying and cleaning the rooms is part of the daily tasks. Volunteers usually help to change sheets, organize beds and clean the rooms.
• Cooking and helping to prepare meals: in some jobs, you may be asked to help in the kitchen, either by preparing meals for guests or for the staff. Depending on the vacancy, meals can be simple, such as breakfast, or more elaborate, like big community dinners.
• Laundry: helping with laundry can also be part of the tasks. This includes operating washing machines, hanging clothes to dry, folding and organizing clean items.

Teaching

Worldpackers’ Teaching vacancies are an excellent opportunity for travelers who enjoy sharing knowledge and want to have closer contact with the community. Whether in schools, NGOs, community projects or homestays, you can help transform the lives of children and adults.

This type of Worldpackers job often provides an exchange of experiences and cultures that promotes the growth of both students and the volunteer teacher. You can teach languages, practical skills, sports or even share a hobby or talent of yours.

Tasks usually include:

• Teaching languages: this is one of the most popular tasks. You can teach English or other languages to children and adults who want to improve their employment opportunities, study or simply expand their horizons.
• Sports classes: Teaching sports is a powerful way to promote health, discipline and teamwork. Volunteers can organize classes or training sessions for soccer, volleyball, basketball, surfing, etc. These activities help with physical and social development, as well as creating moments of fun and integration.
• Computer and technology classes: In many communities, computer education is a valuable tool for local development. Volunteers can provide basic lessons on how to use a computer, programs such as Word and Excel, and internet navigation, as well as more advanced skills such as programming or graphic design, depending on local needs.
• Early childhood education: Many NGOs and social projects seek volunteers to help educate young children. Tasks can include everything from assisting teachers in classes, organizing recreational and educational activities, to helping with the preparation of materials and tutoring.
• Workshops and practical skills: In addition to traditional school subjects, volunteers can also teach practical skills such as crafts, cooking, music or dance. This type of teaching is especially valued in community projects that aim to promote social inclusion and empowerment.

Kitchen and Bar tasks

Do you love exploring different cultures through cooking? By choosing Kitchen & Bar positions you can help prepare meals or serve drinks in the kitchens of hostels, restaurants, guesthouses, NGOs or community events.

Whether you’re an experienced chef or someone who just enjoys cooking, these opportunities allow you to learn new recipes and develop your culinary skills. They’re also a great opportunity for anyone who’s just starting out working as a cook or wants to open a restaurant, bar or café.

In addition, these jobs can allow you to practice languages, develop service and hospitality skills and learn about sustainable, vegetarian or vegan cooking.

Duties typically include:

• Preparing meals: The main role of those who volunteer to work in the kitchen is to help prepare meals, whether for guests, residents or other volunteers. This can involve preparing breakfast, lunch, dinners or snacks. Jobs can range from simple menus to projects that require more elaborate dishes, offering the opportunity to explore local and international recipes. You can often teach others about your own cooking, promoting a delicious cultural exchange.
• Kitchen organization: Keeping the kitchen clean and organized is also part of the daily tasks. This includes washing dishes, organizing ingredients, cleaning counters, and helping to replenish food and utensils.
• Working in bars and cafes: in positions that involve bar service, volunteers can help prepare and serve drinks, coffees, or other beverages, depending on the type of establishment. This role is common in hostels that have bars or that organize events for guests.
• Helping with gastronomic events: some projects and accommodations organize special dinners, themed nights, culinary events, or gastronomy workshops. As a volunteer, you can help prepare these events, whether by cooking, serving dishes etc.
• Taking care of the vegetable garden: in some Worldpackers jobs, especially on farms, ecovillages, or sustainability projects, you can help grow fresh ingredients used in meals, such as vegetables, legumes, and herbs, thus expanding your knowledge about healthy and sustainable eating.

Improving websites & SEO

Improving websites & SEO positions are ideal for those who have experience in digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) and web development. These volunteers help social projects, NGOs and small businesses improve their online presence, increasing visibility and website traffic.

This is a chance to apply your knowledge while contributing to the growth of interesting projects. These positions often offer greater flexibility in terms of schedule.

Tasks usually include:

• SEO optimization: one of the main tasks is to work on the SEO optimization of the host’s website, which involves everything from analyzing keywords to creating optimized content. This can include improving the meta description, titles, headings and internal links, as well as ensuring that the website pages are correctly structured.
• Website performance analysis: volunteers can also help analyze the current performance of the website, using tools such as Google Analytics and Google Search Console. Based on the data collected, you can suggest and implement adjustments to improve loading speed, usability and user experience.
• Creating optimized content: Another common role is creating optimized content for blogs or website pages. This involves writing articles, landing pages, or service descriptions that use good SEO practices.
• Web developing: You can help with redesigning the website layout, making it more intuitive and appealing to users. This may involve improving navigation, tweaking responsive design, and optimizing the user experience.
• Technical maintenance and fixes: In some cases, positions may include technical support to keep the website running smoothly. This may involve troubleshooting issues related to broken links, security issues, hosting, or optimizing scripts and codes.

Arts and culture

If you enjoy artistic expression and cultural preservation, check out the Worldpackers jobs related to Arts and Culture. These volunteers work in activities related to the arts, such as music, dance, theater, visual arts, and local cultural traditions.

If you are an artist, art student, or simply someone who is passionate about culture, these positions offer a unique experience to share your skills, learn new techniques, and contribute to the appreciation of cultural diversity.

Tasks might include:

• Organizing workshops and art classes: Volunteers can help organize and teach workshops in painting, sculpture, photography, music, dance, and other arts. This is a great way to share your skills with the local community.
• Assisting with artistic projects: Some organizations and artistic collectives are looking for volunteers to help with projects such as exhibitions, art festivals, plays or musical performances.
• Developing cultural projects: If you are interested in cultural management, you can work on projects that aim to promote local art and culture, such as initiatives to support emerging artists, develop educational programs or create meeting spaces for the community.

Child or Elderly Care

Finally, Child or Elderly Care opportunities are good for those who want to make a difference in the lives of people who need special attention and care. You can help provide well-being to elderly people or children in a variety of settings, from nursing homes to non-profit schools.

This type of volunteering is often an opportunity for great personal development, as well as intercultural learning and the creation of emotional bonds.

However, experts recommend that short-term volunteers don’t be responsible for caring for children, as this can cause them harm. In addition, there is a problem linked to an “orphanage industry” in several countries, where children are removed from their families to stay in these institutions in order to obtain money from foreign volunteers. When choosing to volunteer with children, I recommend doing in-depth research about all the possible negative implications.

Tasks might include:

• Daily childcare: Volunteers who work with children may collaborate with daily activities, such as helping with schoolwork.
• Support for nursing homes: For those who work with elderly people, the tasks may involve assisting with daily activities, such as helping with feeding and exercise, accompanying them to doctor appointments, as well as providing company.
• Educational and recreational activities: In both childcare and elderly care, volunteers may organize and participate in educational activities, such as art workshops, music lessons, board games and other interactions that stimulate creativity and socialization.
• Organization of events: Some institutions promote special events for children or elderly people, such as birthday parties, holiday celebrations or cultural performances. Volunteers can help organize and run these events.

Did you enjoy learning more about the main types of Worldpackers jobs? Are you thinking about exchanging volunteer work for accommodation? Tell me in the comments! And if you’re going to sign up to the platform, don’t forget to use the JANELASABERTAS coupon to get a 10 USD discount.

Credits for the photos that illustrate the article: Pexels, Unsplash (Creative Commons) and Deposit Photos.

Disclaimer: the Worldpackers links in the post are affiliate links, which means that if you use my discount coupon or sign up for a plan using my link, I earn a commission and you don’t pay anything extra for it. This is a way to help me keep up the work here on the blog. I only recommend the company because I have used it more than once and really loved the experiences.