Workaway reviews, feedback and ratings - page 4

Maruschka is one of the best helper I've worked with. She's kind, and easy going during the 10 days stayed in my farm. Although she doesn't have much experiences of farming and natural building, she's keen to learn and get the hang of it pretty fast. We also had good time on language exchange, cultural exchange, a couple of good games on chess😉, and I am soooo into the mulberry crumble that she made from farm to table. She's is a good cook. Thanks to her, many of the projects building projects have been finished just right on time, meanwhile she took a good care of the chicken and ducks. All in all I would highly recommend Maruschka to any hosts would need a helper.

Volunteering for Tomas and Patricia at their farm left is with very mixed feelings. The farm and area are really beautiful, the cabin offered is basic but very cosy and clean. Animals are cute and the garden is well kept and impressive. After arrival we were welcomed by the family and 2 other young volunteers. We came with a lot of enthusiasm and hope for a valuable, enjoyable and enriching time together with this family, especially after reading a lot of positive feedbacks and having great written communication with Patricia prior our arrival. We were very excited, because hosts daughters are the same age as ours, and overall interests shown on both of our profiles were very similar. The moment which cooled our enthusiasm down for the first time, was the second evening.Tomas read us the list of "rules". This list was probably written based on their previous, good and bad experiences with the volunteers and it supposed to prevent some situations to happen again. This is a great idea, but the way it was introduced was very uncomfortable and unprofessional. It shown hosts one - sided approach, leaving volunteers with impression, that the only reason they are there, is the work for the hosts. The main priority are hosts expectations: respect for their privacy and family time and not overusing their hospitality - mainly food and Internet (the only place where wifi is available is the host house and it's immediate surroundings). Regarding the work in incoming weeks, that evening we have been asked to help between 9am and 2pm Mon-Fri. The tasks planned were: work around the garden (improving tomatoes support in the greenhouse, watering, weeding, compost) animal care (chickens, ducks, horses), firewood cutting and home tasks including cooking and cleaning. We tried to ignore the initial impression and worked next days with enthusiasm and effort. Work was generally OK, but there was a lot of time pressure, high level of control even and simple tasks and for most of the time we were patronised. Despite that, we still tried our best at work, always putting a lot of heart and ideas into each task received. Lunch was agreed for 2pm every day, but was usually delayed and after helping with dishes and cleaning after, our afternoons became very short. Additionally, there was a lot of expectations from the host side to get involved in some afternoon and evening tasks (mainly around the animals). We tried to be present around, hoping for some more conversations and the opportunities for both of our families to spend time together and enjoy each other's company. Unfortunately, it always ended up with a question about additional help. At some point this pushed us to take step back and start spending a free time away. The host daughters had few games and activities with ours but in general they were very shy and avoided us. This situation progressed to the point, when they stopped even say simple greetings and few times we were asked to leave the host house to allow their daughters to have breakfast. As we are workaway family, we believe we should teach our children, that they suppose to get involved in small tasks too. They are very happy if they can help with meals preparations, dishwashing or work and play with animals. We did the same thing this time and their help was greatly received . But slowly they started to be asked for more and more help, when the host daughters were staying in their rooms enjoying their own time. Cultural exchange elements of this stay we enjoyed and valued, were: the trip to the local fiesta (host initiative) and the cooking workshop evening (our initiative). Both took place in the first week of our stay, when 2 other young volunteers were still present. After they left the things became more steady and quiet. The farm is away from the nearest village so without the own car we were dependant on the host. For this reason there wasn't too much occasion to go away. We enjoyed the walks in the area and the closest beach by the river. Because of this in week 3 we expressed the wish to spend the weekend away. Tomas and Patricia seemed to be enthusiastic about that and tried to help us to organise the activities. Finally we decided to stay in village of Palena from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. Unexpectly, upon our return, we have been invited to the house for a talk, where we have been asked if we could leave one week earlier than agreed. It was explained to us, that another volunteers are coming and they will need a space in the cabin we are occupying. The new volunteers supposed to stay in the tent, but Patricia and Tomas explained that the weather may be cold and wet, not suitable for camping. They also told us, that they can't host so many people at once again, as last time it was too overwhelming for them. We were totally surprised and not prepared for anything like this. We were in the process of planning the next steps of out trip trough Chile, but the plans were not fully specified yet Therfore we responded, taht we have nowhere to stay yet, and it may be very difficult or not possible to leave so soon. The answer was, that actually it wasn't a question but demand, and we have to leave by Friday (which left us 4 days to organise ourselves). It was the moment when the atmosphere became very hard and tense. Despite the first thought, that maybe we should leave immediately, we finally competed the last few days of work with Tomas (Patricia and the girls were away). Something like that never happened to us before and we were not sure how to receive it. We decided to follow our rule of being fair to the very end and we finished all started project, cleaned the cabin and left like nothing would happen. After some time we decided we should describe our experience in the feedback, so maybe it will leave some thoughts with this host and will be helpful for other volunteers planning to work with them in the future. We take it as a great life lesson and we still are faithful enthusiasts of Workaway, it's values and the opportunities it brings.

A really nice couple with two lovely kids! After the 4 hours of work, you can take their bike and ride into town or down to the beach. They were really kind and even helped me find a few paid jobs with some of their friends, so I could earn enough money to join the snorkeling tour to Lady Musgrave Island without dipping into my savings.

We really enjoyed our time with Rachel and Paul. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel welcome, and we shared lots of delicious meals and great conversations together. One of the highlights was picking fresh produce straight from the fields — tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, chilies, and of course their incredible corn. Seriously, we still can’t stop talking about that corn… farm-to-table at its absolute best. The work was flexible and varied, which made the experience both enjoyable and rewarding. We also loved learning more about their famous pickling and relish range. We even got to help cook some batches ourselves and as promised we’ll keep the recipes a secret. Beyond the work, we really appreciated the time spent together. We went on a fishing trip, enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, and felt lucky to experience life so close to nature. Thanks again for such a memorable experience!

Veronica came here for a couple of weeks and arrived just before one of our big fitness competitions. Veronica was super helpful; always asking how she could help but also taking the initiative to provide support for the event or around the academy. Veronica helped teach the kids chess and improve thier skill. She spent a lot of her spare time playing chess with the kids - and we are now trying to look for local competitions for them to enter. Veronica was genuinely interested in knowing more about the kids and their lives. Thank you so much for your help in such a short amount of time. We hope to see you again soon 😊

James did an amazing job laying the pathway from our volunteer centre to the view point-Faye’s Circle. He did an incredible work, and more than that he is such a humble human being. We loved having great chat with him, he is honest, helpful and a great worker. Hey James, we wish you good luck for your next adventure.

I stayed with them for a week and I can say that everyone was so nice and welcoming, they helped me a lot during my days there and they were concerned about my safety, especially at night. The place is surrounded by mountains, so if you want a peaceful experience in Sri Lanka this is good. You have to pay 5USD per night but they make you the food, if you want there's the possibility to use the kitchen as well. I did the pre school kids class and all you have to do is helping the teachers and the kids, play with them and talk to them in english. You can also have some idea on exercises to do, there's space for you to do some lessons or games if you want to. I will forever remember the kindness of everyone, especially Tharindu, Vasanth, Praveena and Christin!! thank you all<3

Lucy was a wonderful workawayer. I had some serious cleaning to do after some sanding and painting work and Lucy managed it beautifully. She is friendly and sociable without being intrusive. She's also a talented graphic illustrator. I'd be happy to host her again.

Hadassah, aunque se quedo pocos días en casa, disfrutamos mucho de su compañía y su capacidad de enseñanza, enseñó inglés a los niños de la comunidad y además a como barajear las cartas. Ella es una chica muy joven y muy interesada, una gran viajera. Nos ayudó mucho también en los trabajos en el campo. Gracias Hadassah!

Jonas, un chico muy joven, atento, cocinero, divertido y muy fuerte para los Trekkings más difíciles, menos visitados pero más bonitos del Parque Nacional Huascarán. Nos ayudó mucho en la limpieza del campo, en la cocina, siempre atento a todo. Esperamos que vuelva para que haga los Treks Santa Cruz y Huayhuash. Además el es un gran jugador de fútbol, aunque perdimos, juego de lo mejor a 2600 metros de altitud.

Melanie came as a “last minute” guest – and how lucky we have been to have her stay with us! From the moment she arrived, she was eager to help and make a difference to our home and family. Agnes loved playing board games and making cupcakes with Melanie from day 1 and Melanie helped me by working quickly inside and out to bring everything back up to being the most beautifully kept, clean and tidy spaces and with all systems working seamlessly! The garden was restored with weeding, raking and watering, all daily work was completed throughout her stay - seemingly magically and efficiently and to the highest standard. Pippie the dog absolutely loved getting lots of extra wonderful walks too. Orlando was grateful for the help to pack for camp – which is quite a job getting all of the required items together and getting the job done. Further to this, Melanie helped me with getting a lot of quality clothes to a recycle shop in our area which has been a long-awaited dream and already, several pieces have sold. Most of all, it has been very easy having Melanie here. She accepted us as we are, tuned in to all of us with great insight and cared about our needs with wisdom, kindness and thoughtfulness. Thank you Melanie, we hope you will return before you leave our spot in the world. Highly recommend to future hosts and we wish Melanie all good things for her ongoing journey. :)

Lenka é uma jovem comunicativa e confiável. foi respeitosa e amigável com nossos cães e bebê. Foi ótimo ter a presença dela, por trinta dias em nossa casa. Ela nos ajudou com serviços básicos, cuidou da nossa bebê e passeou com nossos cães. Lenka é uma jovem sorridente, comunicativa, e apesar do não sabermos falar inglês com fluidez, ela foi simpatica e paciente, sempre se esforçando para nos entender. Quando a comunicação ficava um pouco difícil usamos o google tradutor. Ficamos muito à vontade com Lenka em nossa casa. Meu sobrinhos amaram passar tempo com ela. Ela visitou a escola onde nós trabalhamos e foi receptiva com os estudantes. Rapidamente Lenka fez amizades. Lenka participou de atividades simples e cotidianas com a família e alguns dos nossos amigos. Sentiremos saudades Lenka.

My time at this place was wonderful!! I was received with a warm welcome from everyone at the school, and stayed with a super sweet host family for three weeks. I loved helping out with classes, showing the students some things about my country. It was a great way of having this cultural exchange. I think communication can be improved a little bit, but since I heard about this place from a friend, I knew that it would all turn out fine! Which it definitely did :)

I spent a month at Sol’s finca with her two horses and three dogs, and it was a wonderful cultural experience and very enriching. I had never worked with horses or in the garden before, but that wasn’t a problem at all. Sol trusted me from the start, and we built a great relationship. She’s very protective of her volunteers, like a real mom. She doesn’t always work with the volunteers herself, but she’s always available if you have questions about the work. The work is only 4 hours in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon. Some days can be tiring with the sun and the intensive work in the garden. The surrounding villages are great for surfing, going to the beach, and relaxing. It’s a beautiful place; I don’t regret coming here for this experience.

I stayed for 9 days at Clare's. She kindly took me very last-minute even though her current circumstances are a bit challenging. Thank you so much for this pleasant first workaway-experience, Clare! If you are flexible with working hours, this is a great place. I did the common jobs in the house and a bit in the garden. Enjoyed walking the lovely dog Pippie, sometimes accompanied by daughter Agnes. Playing some boardgames with Agnes, baking cupcakes and helping son Orlando getting ready for his camping trip were all very satisfying little jobs. Some days we were able to all have dinner together. I enjoyed chatting with Clare about LIFE and everything that comes with it. You will have enough time to explore and enjoy Melbourne and it's surroundings. Staying in the bungalow gives you privacy. Bathroom and kitchen are in the house.

Sol has been very nice to us, she is very carefull about her volunteers. I'have enjoyed taking care of Alarik (the horse) who can be a bit scared sometimes but if you not afraid of him, there is no problem. The work can be hard sometimes but overall it's pretty chill. Gracias for all the great moments and all the things I've learned. I'll miss the finca and its surroundings. CHUCHA ;)

I spent a month and a half volunteering, and I don't regret trying this experience at all. Marita and her family welcomed me as if I were a member of the family. The work at the school is very varied and rewarding, and the children are adorable. The volunteers' house is located in the school village, where we were able to share many wonderful moments with Marita's family and enjoy an authentic experience of the Peruvian way of life. Outside of school, he has lots of things to do: going to the beach, fishing, playing volleyball on the beach, seeing the turtles... The atmosphere with the other volunteers is incredible! Thank you for everything I already miss school and people. 🫶🏻

Theresa is a curious person and likes new adventures and experiences, she is very reliable and has a sense of initiative and responsibilities, she likes learning new things and to have new perspectives, maybe she needs more patience with kids, but overall, i recommend her as an amazing workawayer :)

Julie, a noble, young, restless, and vibrant soul, went straight to meet the horses and surprisingly had great chemistry with Alarik. She planted many plants to preserve the Emerald Star hummingbird, important in the area, and learned a lot about composting and mixing leaf mold and ash to improve the soil. She was always meticulous with everything related to animals, is enthusiastic, and shines with her own light.

Emma is adorable, her support has been incredible, always willing to learn and take initiative, from repairing pipes to checking on everything related to the crops and the horses. She's curious, cheerful, and a great friend and companion to everyone without exception. I truly don't have words to express how grateful I am. Despite her initial fear of horses, she overcame it and in the end, we rode together. Wherever she volunteers, I'm sure people will be happy with her participation.