Securing a hostel exchange is simple and only takes four steps. The best part is, you don’t need any specific skills, experience or qualifications. 

1. Where to Find the Best Hostel Volunteer Exchanges?

Start by heading to the Notice Board. It has all the exchanges I’ve found and curated over five years 🤓. I organised them by continent, and then by country. If you know where you want to go… start there. I’ve listed 170+ exchanges around the world—there’s bound to be something for you! 🎉

Hit the "Launch" button to explore the Notice Board:

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2. How to Select the Right Hostel Volunteer Exchange (Check Requirements)

Some backpackers choose based on where they want to explore. Others, the kind of work experience they want out of it. And some, completely based on the exchange perks.

However you choose, I recommend reading the requirements carefully. Make sure you’re happy with the duration, the hours, the tasks, the stay, and the general vibe! ✅

3. How to Apply and What to Include in Your Exchange Application Message?

For each exchange listed, there is a contact method 📳. Some have up to four (Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, and my dedicated Laulima Exchange Platform). These are the hostel's preferred communication methods, and they're the best ways to reach them to apply. Send them a message using any of these! ✍️

Be sure to tell them:

• 💙 Why you’d like to volunteer

• 🧑‍🎨 Your relevant experience volunteering

• 📅 Your preferred dates and duration

4. Finalising Your Exchange (Calls, Start Dates, and Agreements)

When you receive a response 💬, you might be asked to jump on a call to discuss the exchange, though, majority of the time it’s done via messaging. Make sure to iron out any questions, concerns, and issues you have. When you’re happy with the exchange, agree on the start date, and there you go—your first exchange is in the bag! 🥳

Extra considerations: Level Up Your Search with My Tools

I designed a bunch of features to help you quickly snag exchanges. Use them to gain an upper hand.

My Exchange Platform: It’s a platform where you can find and apply for exchanges using my built-in messaging. It keeps all your chats in one place so they're easy to manage, and even sends you an email alert the second a hostel replies. Plus, you can set up a personal profile to show off who you are, your travel dreams, and exactly what you’re looking for in an exchange. 📥

Hit the "Launch" button to apply for an exchange via my Exchange Platform:

Launch

Quick Apply Tool: Quick Apply generates a message with all the important info. It has fields that make it easy to write and capture exacty what hostels look for in volunteers. You can create a ready to send message via WhatsApp, email, or Instagram in just three steps. ⚡️

Hit the "Launch" button to quickly apply to the latest exchanges:

Launch

Value Calculator: Plug in the exchange details, and it works out the actual money value of the exchange. It uses a points system for you to compare different hostel exchanges side-by-side. 📈

Hit the "Launch" button to calculate how much your exchange is worth:

Launch

Note: While I provide you with the tools, info, and application support to give you the best shot at landing an exchange, please remember that I don’t place you in exchanges directly. The final decision rests with the hostel based on your application and fit. Also, your experience once you arrive is your own; I encourage you to do thorough research, ask the right questions, and raise any concerns before accepting an offer to ensure the exchange is safe and right for you ✌️