In most cases, WWOOFing is a pleasant experience. Both WWOOFers and hosts mutually gain and the activity becomes one of the most memorable activities in their life. However, there are some cases when WWOOFing results in a bad experience.
WWOOFing becomes unpleasant for a WWOOFer when:
- The host makes the WWOOFer work for long hours: Few farmers actually become hosts as they consider it to be a means of getting cheap labor. They make the WWOOFers work for 8-12 hours. This results in a very unpleasant experience for the WWOOFer.
- The host asks the WWOOFer to do unrelated work: Some hosts do not provide work related to organic farming and ask the WWOOFer to do completely unrelated work.
- Unfriendly host and family: Sometimes the host and/or his family members do not talk much and leave the WWOOFer on their own. At times, there is tension going on between the host family members and a stranger’s presence worsens it.
- The host family is too busy: At times, the host family is very busy and cannot pay attention to the WWOOFer.
- The host family asks the WWOOFer to leave early: Sometimes, the host family has planned for a vacation and wants the WWOOFer to leave early so that they can go for their vacation.
In all these cases, the host is at fault. Either the host is mean by nature or should communicate the WWOOFer about his/her inability in being a host. Please note that such cases are very few and you can avoid them by choosing a host properly.
However there are other times, when WWOOFing becomes a bad experience for the WWOOFers due to their fault. These instances arise due to the following:
- Inadequate understanding of WWOOF: Some people consider that WWOOFing is staying and eating for free. They have no interest in organic farming and consider WWOOFing as a means of cheap travel. Such people are generally not satisfied with their WWOOFing experience.
- Improper planning: Sometimes WWOOFers do not plan properly. Asking the type of work they will be expected to do is very important. Moreover the duration of the stay should be discussed with the host.
- Unannounced arrival: When you arrive unannounced, it may not be feasible for the host to accommodate you.
- Uninformed companions: Sometimes WWOOFers take an additional companion or children or even pet with them. Some hosts are not willing to accept children and pets.
On some occasions, WWOOFing becomes a bad experience for the hosts as well. These arise due to misconduct or improper planning by the WWOOFer. A few of these instances have been given below:
- Unclear WWOOFer: Some WWOOFers are unclear about WWOOFing and end up sleeping the whole day or simply refuse to work.
- Inadequate planning by the WWOOFer: Many WWOOFers don’t turn up on their expected day of arrival and they don’t inform about their inability to come. Some WWOOFers ring the bell without any intimation.
- Unfriendly WWOOFers: Some WWOOFers are rude by nature and do not follow the rules and regulations set by the host. In short they forget that they are living in someone’s home.
- Unreceptive WWOOFers: Some WWOOFers do not have any knowledge about organic farming. However, this does not create any problem. Real problem is caused by those WWOOFers who have no knowledge about organic farming and try to use their own thinking on the farm. For example, an ignorant WWOOFer will remove a trap crop considering it to be a weed.
Tips for WWOOFers
Myths about WWOOF
