Wwoofing Australia

‘Hints on WWOOFing’


Before you embark on your adventure, here are some useful tips to help you get the most from you WWOOFing experience.


Organising your host

A convenient time to contact your prospective WWOOF Host is between noon and 2pm, or between 6pm and 8pm. Prepare your ’pitch’; let them know why you are keen on staying and working with them and what you have to offer that might set you apart from other candidates.

If necessary, have a trusted family member of friend contact the host but realise that most will wish to speak to you one on one before a decision is made.


Whether approaching a host via email or telephone, please provide:

• your WWOOF membership number
• your name
• your age group
• your sex
• your contact phone number
• date of membership (to determine the validity of the current membership)
• details of skills, abilities, attributes etc. you feel you are able to offer that may benefit the Host
• when you would like to come and for how long you would like to stay
• why you have selected this particular host
• if presently staying with a WWOOF Host, the name and contact
• details of that Host
• any physical limitations, allergies or dietary restrictions the Host will need to be aware of if accepting you as a WWOOFer.

 

A necessary condition of staying with a host is that the applicant is either an existing  WWOOF member or is willing to join if accepted.

In the latter instance, once identification and payment is received, WWOOF will send out your membership book to your host’s address.

To apply, individuals are asked to complete a WWOOFer application form, print and post or fax it; copy and pasting the information then e-mailing to the desired host is also acceptable.


The WWOOFing experience

To ensure maximum productivity and enjoyment, ask your prospective host questions before setting out, including:

• The type of accommodation provided
• The number of hours you are expected to work daily

Generally meals are provided by the host family and can be vegetarian and non-vegetarian; if you have special dietary requirements, it is a sensible option to bring your own food.

(Those looking to participate in the WWOOF program should appreciate that a certain satisfactory level of physical strength, stamina and mental determination is required to meet the demands of the WWOOF experience.)

To promote active engagement between participants, hosts and fellow WWOOFers, you are encouraged to bring photographs, music, books and other mementos from your home to share.
 
Once there, feel free to participate in the local community by conversing with the locals and spending money in the nearby stores and establishments. This will only help nurture and improve the community for years to come.

Ideally, WWOOFers are adventurers who like to try different locations for a period of time, contribute and learn, and then move on to a new host, all in the name of diversifying experience and exchange.