Accommodation while volunteering abroad

Volunteering abroad is a holistic experience, meaning it's not just the work you do, but the place where you live and the people you meet that make for an unforgettable experience.

One of the most exciting parts of volunteering abroad is finding out what kind of accommodations you'll get.

While this varies depending on the organization, you'll probably be living with a host family or in volunteer housing and receiving home cooked local meals. The comfort level of your accommodations while abroad will also vary depending on what country you're in and the available resources of your host.

Some volunteers find that they have more than they need, while others are happy with the bare essentials. This article will attempt to answer the biggest questions you may have about your volunteer abroad accommodations.

Where do I live while volunteering abroad?

Volunteers abroad generally stay with a host family or are placed in volunteer housing with a group of other volunteers. Where you end up living really depends on the country, the project, and the organization.

The large majority of volunteers live with host families, which are local families that have been vetted by the volunteer organization and have agreed to take in one or more volunteers and provide them with a bed and food.

Other times volunteers are placed in a volunteer house or local hostel that caters to volunteers. This is more of a communal, dorm-style living arrangement. Your fellow housemates may or may not be working on the same project as you, and they may even be from different volunteer abroad organizations.

Organizations that have conservation projects, such as turtle or elephant conservation, usually will place you in a nearby hotel or living quarters that are close to your project location. This is helpful for volunteers to stay "on campus" and really immerse themselves in the environment of their project.

If you're participating in a project that is located in a very remote area (this happens sometimes with medical/healthcare related projects), you may be facing more primitive living conditions, such as living in a tent, cabin, or shelter.

Can I choose where to live?

Generally, you cannot choose where you'd like to live since projects are designed with certain accommodations.

In some special cases you may be able to choose between staying with a host family and staying in a hostel, or your organization may give you the option of finding your own apartment if you wish to find your own lodging.

You may, however, get some choices in the type of host family or volunteer housing that you are placed in. Some organizations will send you an accommodation questionnaire inquiring about your living preferences.

Do you need your own room? Do you smoke? Do you prefer a family that speaks some English? These questions will allow your organization to match you up to an appropriate host family.

Which type of accommodation is best?

There is no one type of accommodation that is best, only what is best for you as an individual. When choosing a specific volunteer organization or project, you will need to decide what type of experience you want to have.

If you really want to immerse yourself in the country and culture, living with a host family might be a great option for you. If you are more of an independent person who likes living alone and following their own schedule, renting an apartment or staying in a hostel might be a better fit for you.

Are there any rules when it comes to volunteer abroad accommodations?

Depending on what your living situation is abroad, there will be certain rules you will need to follow. While there may not be anyone monitoring what you do, it's essential that you are respectful to your host family or housemates and that you remember you are a guest.

When living with a host family, it is especially important that you follow rules and respect their culture and their family rules.

While you are living with them, you are part of the family and they will treat you as such. In return, you should show them the utmost respect. Keep your room or living area clean, help with the cooking and cleaning, don't come home drunk and be disruptive, and don't bring home outside guests without prior permission.

You should follow similar rules when living in volunteer housing or hostels. Refrain from drinking alcohol or doing drugs, don't bring home romantic partners, and don't make a disturbance with loud noises.

Choosing to volunteer abroad is an adult decision, and with it comes adult responsibilities. Treat everyone you meet with respect, and they will return the sentiment.

Can I have my own room or do I need to share?

This largely depends on where you are living. Most host families will give you your own room, but sometimes there is not enough space and you'll be asked to share with a member of the family (usually a member of the same sex). If you are living in a hostel, most likely you will be sharing the room with one or more people, as it is more of a communal living situation.

Can my family member/boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband live with me?

This is something you need to discuss and arrange with your volunteer abroad organization.

, "family/partner volunteering" is welcomed and encouraged, but you may need to arrange special accommodations ahead of time with your organization. Accommodation rules (above) still apply when you are volunteering with someone else.