WWOOF
General Information
Preparing to WWOOF
WWOOF Independents
Volunteers
Hosts
Inform yourself
Other links
Contact
Select from the menu above by clicking on a heading.
WWOOF
www.wwoof.org
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Preparing to WWOOF Internationally
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
TRAVELLING SAFELY :
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NOTE : WWOOF does not know personally and has does not have the resources to visit the
hosts in our listings - we only make the initial contact. Make sure you travel safely.
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When arranging to visit a WWOOF host, take all the precautions you
would take when visiting someone you do not know. If you are travelling
alone, make sure you can leave easily if things don't work out - don't
get trapped, dependent on the host for transport. WWOOF does not know personally
and does not have the resources to visit the hosts in our listings - we
only make the initial contact.
If you have a complaint to make about a host for any reason, please
contact
us immediately. Your action may help others. Do not pass on gossip or hear-say
but encourage others to contact us.
OBTAINING A VISA :
Many countries have strict immigration laws and it is your responsibility
to obtain any necessary visas and work permits before making travel arrangements.
WWOOF organisations cannot assist with this. There is a possibility that
you will be held at the point of entry and returned to your home country
if you arrive without the correct documentation.
If you are a student, investigate reciprocal temporary work permits.
INSURANCE :
Make sure you are insured for health, travel and liability.
Volunteering is NOT necessarily covered by your host's insurance and
is undertaken at YOUR OWN RISK. Be sensible and responsible and do not
undertake activities that you consider to be dangerous or outside your competence
to perform safely.
If you live in Europe, make sure you obtain an EHIC ( E 111 ) card before you leave home.
An EHIC gives you a degree of medical coverage in an emergency. In the UK,
EHIC application forms are available on-line and at post offices. For more information and a salutary lesson,
look here.
CONTACTING HOSTS :
Your main reason for WWOOFing should be an interest in gaining experience
of helping on an organic farm. Budget travelling, cultural exchange or
language instruction should NOT be your primary reason for WWOOFing.
If telephoning, remember the time difference between countries
-people do not like being woken up in the middle of the night! Try to telephone
at the meal times - either from 12:30 - 13:30 or 19:30 - 20:30 local time.
If telephoning, do not expect WWOOF hosts to speak English, understand your accent,
or expect to understand what they say to you! If your language is poor,
it is better to write.
Remember that hosts do not necessarily speak English.
If writing, try to write your essential message in the language
of the host country.
When writing, remember to enclose an International Reply
Coupon, otherwise you may not receive a reply.
When you receive a positive response, please reply immediately to accept or refuse their offer.
Keep in touch with your host so that you both know what is agreed.
If your plans change,
make sure you inform your host in plenty of time.
All letters must enclose an International
Reply Coupon, which you can buy at post offices. Letters without an
IRC will not normally receive a reply.
Do NOT arrive at a host's address without having arranged your visit with
them beforehand.
Always quote your WWOOF membership number.
SUPPORTING WWOOF :
If you intend to WWOOF in your home country, please join your national
WWOOF organisation.
When corresponding with WWOOF and WWOOF hosts, include your
membership number and an International Reply Coupon.
Please keep your membership subscription to WWOOF up-to-date.
Please don't abuse our service. Do NOT pass on your WWOOF lists to people
who are not members of WWOOF. WWOOF membership fees are small and they
enable us to make this service happen.
Encourage your friends to join WWOOF.
Encourage farms you visit to join as WWOOF hosts.
Send us any feedback about farms you visit
or ideas you have for developing WWOOF.
TRAVELLING INTERNATIONALLY:
If you have not travelled abroad before, we suggest that you buy a travel
guide and find out as much as possible about the countries you intend to
visit. The following points may seem obvious, but it is surprising how
many people don't realise that in other countries ...
Many people do not speak english
Even if you do speak the language of the country, you may not speak it
well enough to understand what people say to you, nor they understand what
you are saying to them
Telephones work differently and use different ringing sounds
Banks and post offices work differently, and there may not be money exchange
or cash machines that will accept your bank cards
Cheques other than travellers cheques are not accepted, and cashing travellers
cheques often involves a service charge.
Many countries have strict immigration laws and it is your responsibility
to obtain any necessary visas and work permits before making travel arrangements.
WWOOF organisations and WWOOF hosts cannot assist with this. No letters of invitation can
be sent.
WWOOFING WITH CHILDREN:
Please read our notes on WWOOFing with children.
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