Hostel:
noun \ˈhäs-təl\
b: a supervised lodging for usually young travelers —called also 'youth hostel'
Work:
noun \ˈwərk\
c: a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity
Exchange:
noun, often attributive \iks-ˈchānj, ˈeks-ˌ\
a: the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another
REAL Hostel Work Exchange:
noun, arguably a verb \ˈhäs-təl- ˈwərk- ˈeks-chānj\
a: a program that sets you up with volunteer work in a hostel in the South American country of your choice in exchange for accomodation and sometimes food, creating a unique mix of international volunteering, Spanish immersion and international tourism internship and sometimes even home stay elements that blend into one unequaled experience abroad.
The REAL Hostel Work Exchange Program is:
International Volunteer Experience- you are offering your time in order to help the success of the hostel, not for the purpose of gaining a salary and making money but with the purpose of offering your skills to the local business in exchange for accommodation;
International Tourism Internship- you gain valuable hands on ‘know how’ of how to run a hostel, learn reception skills, customer service skills, entrepreneur skills (in starting your own projects);
Green Learning: creation and implementation of eco-friendly policies andpractices are invited and encouraged with support from REAL
Spanish Immersion- most importantly, you learn how to work and speak with locals from your chosen country.
This program is for the budget backpacker that is looking for fresh adventure, a new way to immerse themselves in Latin American culture, to be the local and not the tourist and to take a break for a few months from the busy world or a mid-trip rest from all the traveling.
To be accepted into the REAL Hostel Work Exchange Program you must fulfill the requirements, then your Application Form will be evaluated and upon acceptance you will receive an offer in one of our REAL Hostels in your preferred country. Read More about the application process.
Most of our partner hostels are small family-run operations who are in need of English speakers to assist guests and Spanish abilities to communicate with staff members. Locally run hostels are always in need of business know-how and knowledgeable help when implementing new ideas (not only within the hostel but often times within the community). We believe that independent travelers from diverse backgrounds can find and create excellent applications for their skills. Many REAL Backpackers also find opportunities to volunteer within the host communities in which they are placed. A project that we suggest for many of our participants is to help create a 'green' culture within their host hostels; initiating or improving eco-friendly policies and procedures.
Still not sure? See our FAQ
or…
