With intense competition for university positions and harsh times for those in search of career prospects, many young people are turning towards gap years or, increasingly, 1-2 month ‘snap years’, for a break from the stress of college and university. Taking time away from conventional institutions can facilitate a head start for competing in the harsh job market environment by generating opportunities for vital work experience.
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| Picture by Simon De Salis, 2010 |
For young (and not so young) individuals with an interest in conservation or sustainable food production, ‘WWOOFing’ on a gap or snap year can provide a means to reduce travel budgets, as well as a chance to expand horizons, experiences and perspectives. WWOOFing is a work/ homestay exchange programme, whose fond acronym originated from ‘World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms’. However, it has now evolved into a more extensive scheme, with hosts offering work in not just agriculture, but also conservation, land management and sustainable living practices. With participating farms, homes and organisations in over 30 countries, hosts offer food and accommodation in exchange for 4-6 hours’ work from their visiting ‘WWOOFer’. This work can vary enormously, from fruit picking to fence building and habitat conservation to wildlife management.
If you are interested in finding out more about WWOOFing,
click here for a list of participating countries. Directories of hosts can be viewed online or in a booklet, and access of these is granted upon purchasing of membership, which varies between countries but is generally around £30 for the year.
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