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Volunteering overseas is one of those things that I just can’t suggest enough!
While I’ve done plenty of cool things, such as volunteering in schools teaching English, restaurants, and even at multiple shamanic healing centers, there’s just something about volunteering in hostels that’s unbeatable.
I can’t tell you whether it’s the laid-back vibe of living in a guest house full of interesting characters, if it’s because of the amazing places you get to live in, or that it’s just a lot of fun.
But probably, all of the above.
If you’re traveling solo with plenty of time on your hands, volunteering in a hostel is something you just shouldn’t miss.
Here, I’m going to run you through what volunteering in a hostel is all about, what to expect, and how you can do it too. Read through this comprehensive guide, and you’ll be on your way!
Why volunteering in hostels is a travel game-changer
It has been almost 10 years since I first set off from Australia to travel the world without a plan. During my first year backpacking South America, I found that staying in hostels, in general, was such a fun experience.
Okay, it’s true…
Some hostels quite simply suck. The place is falling apart, there is not a soul around to talk to, and those dark existential thoughts begin creeping in where you wonder what the heck you’re doing with your life… but this is the exception.
Especially if you do your research and make wise decisions about where you stay, generally, your experiences will be positive.
About 5 months into my first solo adventure, or really my first trip at all, I found myself getting stuck in certain hostels. You might find that this is a pretty normal occurance when you have plenty of time, but not plenty of money.
Here’s the gist.
You spend a few nights in a hostel and hit it off with the guests and volunteers. Because you’re having so much fun, you convince yourself that there’s no rush and extend for another few nights.
As you begin developing a stronger sense of community, those extensions keep piling up. Suddenly you’re living there semi-permanently, treated as an insider by the hostel staff, and wondering where your life went wrong.
Well, I can’t speak for you, but this has happened to me quite a few times. Nothing wrong with being a slowmad though, it’s definitely a more immersive experience.
The first hostel I got stuck in was in Fortaleza, Brazil. It was a small rustic hostel about a 5-minute walk from the beach. The guests and volunteers were awesome, my bachelor’s life was in full swing, and it quickly felt like we were one big family.
The manager one day asked me if I wanted to volunteer there. Essentially, do a few hours’ work in exchange for accommodation and breakfast.
I never really thought about volunteering before, and decided to say… no thanks.
I’m not saying it wouldn’t have been a great experience. But I had about a month left on my visa, and plans to travel with some of my University friends (I was in Brazil initially on an exchange program).
With that said, this first experience planted the seed that volunteering in a hostel actually sounds like a pretty good gig. A couple of months later in Ecuador, I would find my first volunteering position in a hostel.
Since then, I’ve volunteered in hostels in Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, and Vietnam. Maybe I’m just lucky, but every one of these experiences has been a major highlight in my travels.
Why Volunteer in a Hostel?
There are a hundred reasons I could write down here, but to cut through the fog, it’s fun!
Yes, some hostels are definitely better than others. But if you pick a nice hostel in a good location, then you’re bound to have a good time.
Volunteering in hostels offers so much more than free accommodation and perks. The experience of living in a tight-knit community, meeting new travelers every day, and developing a deeper relationship with the city, town, or place you’re in is priceless.
In exchange for 4 – 5 hours a day of easy work, your accommodation is covered, and you have a place to call home for a little while.
It’s nice being able to sit on your savings for some time, especially if you’re not making an income. But hands down the best reason to volunteer in a hostel is because you meet so many awesome people.
I’ve met many great people while staying in dozens, if not hundreds of hostels throughout my travels. But there’s a depth to the connections you form when volunteering, as you’re like a family. Some of my best friends were made while volunteering in hostels. Some of the most outrageous experiences were had in hostels. Some great romances and relationships began in hostels.
They’re hotspots for social activity, and as long as you have an awesome attitude and put yourself out there, it’s near impossible not to make some good friends.
There are many reasons why I suggest that you should volunteer in a hostel during your travels. Especially if you’re young and looking to make the most out of your trip, spending some time in the right hostel is a game-changer that will likely be a standout memory of your travels.
Pros and Cons of Volunteering at a Hostel
Let’s be real. I’m making it out to be a magical experience, but there are pros and cons when it comes to volunteering in hostels, which we’ll address here to give you a balanced perspective.
In my eyes, the pros by far outweigh the cons, which is why I recommend it, especially to younger travelers who are relatively new to the solo travel scene.
But there are still some things to consider, so let’s go through them.
Pros:
- You always get free accommodation (and if you don’t, run)
- Often, you get free breakfast, a free meal, or some serious discounts on food
- You quickly develop a community that often feels like family
- The work is generally laid-back (you’re not expected to do a whole lot)
- It’s relaxed. Socializing and drinking on the job are often part of the gig
- It gives you a base for a while, which is a welcome change when traveling long-term
- It’s a great way to network and connect with other travelers
- It’s a good way to connect with locals and get to know the local community
- You quickly get to know all the best spots and hidden gems
- Sometimes you get tips or other benefits like discounts on tourist activities
Cons:
- Your labor is usually worth about $2 – $3 an hour which can be hard to justify from the rational, Western mindset
- Generally, hostels want at least a month’s commitment, so it’s not ideal if you have time constraints
- The duties, responsibilities, and overall vibe of hostels range drastically. Some are hit, some are miss
- You’re often still on duty, even when you’re not on duty (if someone spills a drink and you’re around, guess who has to clean it up?)
- You might not be a great fit if you’re introverted, shy, or reserved
- You sorta need to socialize because you’re the face of the hostel, which can get tiring
- You usually stay in a dorm and don’t have a lot of personal space
- The work can be mundane (changing sheets, cleaning spaces, spending hours sitting at the check-in counter)
- Duties tend to get repetitive
- It can get intense being in the same environment all the time, especially if it’s a party hostel or has a constant social buzz
So there you go. Some people will think, “Why on Earth would I want to volunteer in a hostel when I can just stay for $10 a night?”
Then, on the other hand, some people will say, “This sounds like the best gig ever! Sign me up!”
It depends on your personality. I highly suggest it for the experience if you’re young (20 – 30 years old) and traveling solo. If you’re a little older, prefer your own space and quiet, or work remotely, it’s probably better to just stay as a guest.
Choosing the best hostel to volunteer at
There are many types of hostels, each with a different sort of vibe, setting, and demographic. Here are some of the main hostel archetypes I see when traveling:
- Standard hostels (quite nice, usually a bit of a buzz, the common option)
- Rustic chillout hostels (often basic, low-key atmosphere, lots of character)
- Party hostels (loud music, lots of people, lots of drinking)
- Luxury hostels (better amenities, modern, pricier, usually not much character)
Depending on the vibe of the hostel, the types of people you will meet vary.
If you’re in a rustic, beachside hostel, you’ll probably meet a lot of hippy surfer-type people who smoke weed and drink a lot. A popular inner-city hostel will mostly be visited by regular travelers, many in groups, some solo. Likewise, expect mostly younger crowds and party-goers in party hostels, especially in touristic cities.
So, picking the right hostel depends on what sort of vibe you resonate with. Generally, I prefer hostels that are relatively popular, but not the most popular ones in town.
I find that the biggest hostels are usually overly commercialized and attract crowds that I just don’t resonate with so much.
Likewise, very popular hostels are often super busy, killing the warmth and community vibe. I’ve volunteered in a couple of party hostels, and I loved doing it for a little while. Now that I’m 32, I wouldn’t do it again.
So, I look for something in the middle which:
- Has plenty of good ratings and comments
- Is aesthetically beautiful, spacious, and scenic, if possible
- Has good amenities
- Has a decent price range (low-end hostels attract the hippy-travelers, high-end hostels attract snobby travelers)
- Has good social areas, and solo areas (tables, desks for working)
- The pictures look nice, but it’s not ‘the hostel’ that people go to
- Not too crowded, not too dead
Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot for me, where there is a sense of community, but it’s not overwhelming. If I check off these, I’m bound to find my place.
Types of hostel volunteer jobs
When you volunteer in a hostel, the work usually varies. This means you will take on general duties such as cleaning, changing beds, and working at reception. You may also be placed in skilled positions such as bartending if the hostel has a bar, and you have experience.
Some of the common hostel volunteer positions include:
- Reception and guest services
- Bartending
- Cooking breakfast for the volunteers and guests
- Cleaning and housekeeping
- Social activities and event organization
- Marketing and social media management
Do you need a visa to volunteer in a hostel?
You don’t need a visa to volunteer in a hostel. It’s perfectly fine to volunteer while on a tourist visa because it’s generally an informal process. That means no paperwork or official processes are involved, just verbal agreements.
How to find a volunteering position in a hostel
There are a few main ways to find a position volunteering in hostels, which I’ll list below:
- Work your way into volunteering as a guest
- Reach out directly to the hostel via email
- Line up a volunteering position beforehand
Here I’ll talk a little about these two different routes, and explain how you can maximize your chances of securing a position via each path.
The organic route to volunteering in hostels
3 of the gigs I had in hostels happened organically. This means I stayed as a guest for some time, got to know the people, and then either asked if they were looking for volunteers or got offered the gig.
This is the route I suggest because you are able to get a feel for the hostel and the people there before committing. Some hostels you will love and stay for a while, where a volunteering position might naturally roll into your lap.
Othertimes, you will walk in, or stay for a night or two, and think, “nah…”
If you plan to go this route, here’s what I recommend.
Use HostelWorld to get an idea of what hostels are in the area where you’re interested in volunteering. Check the pictures, reviews, and location of the hostels, and mark down the ‘could be’ hostels on Google Maps.
Larger cities and touristic places will have an abundance of hostels, while spots off the beaten track may just have a couple, or none at all.
Now, once you’re on your way to that city or location, book a few nights in the hostel that resonated with you the most. When you stay there, you might immediately love it, or it might not be quite what you expected.
If you like it, wait a couple days before asking if they need volunteers. This gives the staff/volunteers a chance to get to know you, and see if you would be a good fit. Sometimes there will be no avaliability, or they just don’t need volunteers at that point.
No worries.
You have a few days to walk around the city and pop into the other hostels in the area to check them out, which is perfectly normal. Just tell the receptionist or volunteer who greets you that you’re just wanting to check out the hostel as you’re thinking of staying there.
If you get a good vibe, you can ask if they’re looking for volunteers off the bat. Often, hostel managers or owners prefer to get to know you before accepting you as a volunteer, which is why your chances are better if you’re staying in the hostel before asking.
If I’m planning on staying in a city for a while, I’ll build a little network of a few hostels that I frequent. It’s not awkward because many hostels have a bar and encourage people to come in, socialize, and support the business.
This also gives me a chance to get to know the volunteers in multiple hostels. Therefore, if a position opens up, they’re much more likely to give me the position, rather than someone they don’t know.
When you are in a hostel as a guest, take mental notes of where other travelers have volunteered, and pay attention to recommendations, or hostels in the area that are looking for volunteers. You can also ask the management in the hostel you’re staying at if they any hostels in the area that are looking for volunteers. Often, you’ll get pretty good suggestions.
Some hostels will have signs at the front saying they’re looking for volunteers. Most places won’t advertise themselves because they won’t have any lack of people enquiring about volunteering positions, especially if it’s a nice hostel in a good area, but a sign streamlines the process.
Lining up a volunteering gig
The easiest way to get a volunteer gig in a hostel is by applying via a website like Wordpackers or Workaway. I got my first volunteering gig through Workaway in a small (and infamous) party town in Ecuador called Montanita. This was a great deal at the time, and I met some really cool people who became close friends.
Finding a position online can be an easy, streamlined way to do it, but it can be hit or miss. The best hostels, unless they’re super busy all the time, usually don’t advertise because they have a constant stream of guests signing up to volunteer. Not saying that there aren’t plenty of good hostels that advertise online, but it’s a limited pool.
How to find a paid hostel job
Finding a paid hostel job can be trickier than volunteering, as the supply is generally much higher than the demand.
The people I know who have found paid positions have generally done so by starting as a volunteer, and later becoming the manager of the hostel if there was a need. When I was volunteering in a hostel at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, I was offered a paid position after a month of bartending.
I was offered about $300 a month and a paid-for apartment outside of the hostel, with some other perks. However, I declined this opportunity as I had some time constraints and was getting tired of the party environment.
If you’re looking for a paid position in a hostel, I suggest first volunteering for a couple of months to develop a good connection with the owner and prove that you are a valuable asset to the business. Likewise, it shows you’re in no rush, which is great.
It’s best to strategically pick a hostel where there is a gap. For example, if you go to a hostel where you can see room for improvement (lack of management, the place is a mess, etc.), then that could be a good opportunity to ask the owner about a management position.
Another way is by knowing the owner, of course. When I stayed in San Cristobal for close to two months in Mexico, a guy who had been there for some time became one of my close friends. He was in the process of buying a hostel.
Naturally, since I had some experience and was staying around for a while, he asked if I wanted to work for him and help out with the hostel. Again, I wasn’t in a position to stay for a long time and had plans to move on within a couple of weeks, so I didn’t pursue that opportunity.
But goes to show that networking is always key.
One thing to consider is that you will generally be paid in local wages, so don’t expect to get rich. With that said, the perks are usually quite good. As a manager, you usually have your own room (if available), get free food, big discounts, etc.
How to shine while volunteering in a hostel
Volunteering in a hostel isn’t complicated. While you might think that the glory of the gods tends to shine on punctual, responsible, hard-working people who take initiative and go above and beyond, this hasn’t been my experience at all…
Okay, I’m not saying I’m not a hard worker or responsible, because I am, and I take pride in doing a good job. But in my experience, if you want to shine while volunteering in a hostel, it’s all about your energy.
Sounds weird, I know, but hear me out.
Hostels are very social places, and being the face of the hostel, your attitude matters. Hostels favor outgoing, extroverted personalities, but don’t stress if you’re not. I’m an introvert. I need time to myself, but I also love meeting people, especially when it’s super easy because the hostel facilitates easy connections.
Honestly, many hostel owners (and guests) mostly want outgoing, social volunteers who can vibe with the team, provide good energy to the place, and cover their basic duties.
Especially if the owners are young, or you’re volunteering in a party hostel, your personality is almost certainly going to be your strength. From my observations, hostel owners and managers will take someone who provides a good energy over someone who is withdrawn, but very good at what they do.
Of course, you do want to be responsible and complete your tasks. It’s not going to reflect well if you’re too drunk to check in a guest or neglect your duties because you’re too consumed in conversation. But your overall happy attitude, confidence, and energy is what is highly sought upon.
Final Thoughts?
In this article we’ve covered mostly everything you need to know regarding finding a volunteering position in a hostel. Generally, it’s not too difficult to find one, especially in more touristic places, and it very well might be one of your highlight experiences.
While there are pros and cons, I suggest that you try it at least once during your travels. Each hostel is such a unique experience, and you just never know what to expect. Overall, it’s well worth it, and can lead to amazing new opportunities.
