Actor Pranav Mohanlal has been a full-time globetrotter and part-time artiste for many years. Recently, his mom, Suchithra Mohanlal, revealed in an interview that Pranav is currently working as a goatherd or a stable boy in Spain. She said he does not get paid except for food and lodging. Interestingly, Suchithra revealed that she isn't sure about his exact location or other details but said the platform that offers travellers such an opportunity is called 'Workaway.'
According to Travel industry experts, 'Workaway' offers volunteers from around the globe to work for free or for a nominal amount. More than 40,000 hosts across 170 countries offer jobs that range from cooking and babysitting to working in hostels, teaching languages, taking care of animals, or working on farms.
Is 'Workaway' worth it?
Those who sign up for 'Workaway' are expected to work for about 25 hours a week in exchange for daily meals and a place to stay. In certain jobs, they also get an allowance, depending on the place, host and other factors. Those who want to try it should sign up for about $50 (around Rs 4,300) on its website, for a year. This is a great platform for budget travellers who are often looking just for a bed and enough food to survive.
If the hosts allow, you can even extend your stay and get to know the place and culture better. But not every 'Workaway' volunteer has had great experiences, according to the reviews on the programme on famous portals like Trip Advisor. You should be alert about hosts who provide false information, don't provide the bare minimum facilities, do not communicate well, or pressure you to overwork.
How can someone from India try Workaway?
1. Create a profile on the 'Workaway' website by filling in details about skills, experiences and what you’re passionate about. Fill in the correct information about your interests so you can find a good match with hosts. You'll also need to pay the annual membership fee to access the full list of hosts and communicate with them.
2. Use the platform to search for hosts across the world. You can filter hosts by type of work, location, and other criteria. Consider where you want to travel, and whether the host’s project aligns with your interests or skills.
3. Once you find a host or project you're interested in, send them a message through Workaway. Be polite, clear, and specific about why you want to work with them and how you can contribute. Some hosts may require experience in farming or construction, while others might look for people who speak a certain language.
4. While Workaway hosts typically offer free accommodation and meals, you are still responsible for your own visa, flights, and other travel-related costs. Many countries allow travelers to volunteer under a tourist visa (as long as you’re not receiving monetary compensation), but make sure to check the specific visa rules of the country you're traveling to. Some countries have a specific visa for volunteers or work exchanges. For Indian citizens, check if the host country has any special visa requirements for volunteers or if your tourist visa would suffice.
5. Although Workaway helps with accommodation and meals, you'll still need to budget for other travel expenses like transportation (flights, trains, buses), health insurance, visa fees, and personal expenses. Use budget airlines, buses, or trains for cost-effective travel within your destination country. Some Workaway hosts might also cover your travel expenses, but this is rare, so it’s best to plan for it.
6. One of the greatest advantages of Workaway is the opportunity to connect with people from different parts of the world. You’ll live with your host and have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and community. Depending on the location and host, you may also learn new skills, whether it's farming, carpentry, teaching English, or other hands-on work.
