Helpful Hints for Helpers

nicholaslprince

Mar 12, 20237 min read

Updated: Mar 13, 2023

(courtesy of a fellow HelpX host)

This may seem a lot to read but it is IMPORTANT.

You're not booking holiday accommodation, you are in a sense applying for a job. It is to your benefit you read this to have successful and positive helpx experiences.

Copy this and use a translator if necessary.

1. Hosts will read your profile so take time to write about yourself.

Hosts like to know about who they host, as you would like to know about hosts. Give info - hobbies, interests, work/study, family, your home etc.
You may have no farm experience, so what other skills/life experiences do you have? You will make a better “first impression” if the host can learn something about you.
Hosts can get many inquiries each day so make yours stand out.

2. Remember it is not just what your host can offer you, it's what you can offer a host.

You have the opportunity to experience so many things, often many activities that would be expensive if you had to pay for them or not possible at all for tourists. Experience things you would never discover as a tourist.
How can you help your host?
What skills do you have to offer?

3. If you are a good helper, then most hosts will give more than the basic agreement.

Hosts often go far beyond just offering accommodation and food.
Hosts can help you find local work, arrange transport to places, give you valuable advice about their region, their culture, the country, government regulations, etc.
Often they will take the time to show you around their area and social events. Remember that a local knows more about the area than any guidebook.

4. Don't promise what you can't deliver, be honest with your representation.

You would not like a host to put incorrect information and find something totally different than you expected.
If you have a skill be clear at what level and don't exaggerate your capabilities.
Not only do you work with the host, you live with them too so it needs to be a positive experience.

5. You will experience many different people and lifestyles so keep an open mind.

It is not for you to judge how a host lives.
Different places in the world have different customs, basic living conditions, water restrictions, insects, spiders and rodents can be part of life.
If you are not comfortable in the environment it is best you leave. Your host will not think less of you if you leave early. You don't need to talk others in to leaving with you to justify your own departure.
Hosts can usually feel negativity from helpers and it is not a nice thing for the host to have in their home. The other volunteers will also detect your negativity. If they are having a positive experience with the hosts they really don't want their time there lessened by someone who is unhappy.
If there are serious issues, you should contact helpx.
If you have issues with another volunteer, go to your host and discuss your concerns with them.

6. You are being welcomed into a host's personal space which is a big position of trust.

You are a guest of the host and work exchange is the basis, so if you are not keeping your side of the deal or being disrespectful, you maybe asked to leave.
A host is under no obligation to continue hosting you if it is not a good situation for them.

7. Keep your profile up-to-date, change your network country as you move to different countries.

Also, it's good to list your next destination so hosts know if you are travelling to their area.
Always reply to a host's message, even if just to confirm receipt of their message, just as you would like a reply from a host. It is only polite.

8. If you have contacted a host about helping them and your plans change, immediately notify the host to tell them of this.

Hosts often buy extra food, equipment or materials for jobs etc.
It costs hosts money to host you so don't let them down.
You also let down other helpers as if host is expecting you, they will not take others.
Failure to do this can result in a negative reference for you and other hosts will be reluctant to commit to you.

9. Hosts can have emergency situations.

This could mean they need to cancel your stay at short notice or change dates.
Be prepared for this and have enough money in case you need to travel to new location or pay for accommodation somewhere else.

10. Most hosts are hard working, busy people, that's why your help is appreciated.

Be prepared to work, don't forget the key word, Exchange.
Some hosts need you to start work early with farm duties or weather conditions. It's not a “holiday” where you can enjoy luxurious sleep-ins.
Understand the need to be here now.
You should be able to disconnect from the outside world during the agreed upon work hours.

11. Helpers represent their country and their family.

Disrespectful and dishonest helpers do not give a good impression.
It can also result in a negative review and limit your chances of other hosts accepting you.

12. Don't have loud music/noise at night, use headphones.

If you go out at night, discuss with the host if there is a time they would like you to return so you don't disturb them.
It's not a backpacker hostel.

13. If you have any limitations or health issues that could affect your host it is best to tell the host of this before arrival.

Be sure to bring any required medications with you. And make sure you have enough to last for the duration of your stay as you may not be able to refill it at your host's location.
If you have special diets needs or restrictions you should also tell your host before arrival. Your host may not be able(or afford) to prepare a separate meal to accommodate your special diet. If so, then you may need to purchase the things you need, and/or prepare your own meals.
Many hosts don't live close to shops so need to know in advance if special things are needed.

14. If your host has been treating you for drinks and other luxury items, it is a good idea to return the favor.

This is the general way everywhere in the world.
Small gestures can go a long way or lack of them might reflect poorly on you.

15. If your host takes you out anywhere, it is only polite to offer to contribute to cost of fuel, perhaps buy lunch or a drink.

At least, pay your own way--admission, food, drinks etc. Some hosts may expect you to cover your own costs for any off-farm excursions. Make sure you have enough funds to cover these type of expenses.
Don't expect the hosts to pay for additional things.
Some hosts are too polite to ask and you should offer.

16. Many hosts have low incomes and live simple lives and things you take for granted can be a luxury for them.

Hosts are not expected to “sponsor” or “support” you.
Realize that as a traveler, everything adds up--phone, internet, laundry, snacks, coffee at a café, and many things you may not even think about.
Hosts usually provide these things for free so don't take advantage of it or undervalue what you are getting.
Hosts are not your personal taxi service. They may offer to drive you somewhere, but don't expect them to do so. If you do need the host to make a special trip for you, then offer money for fuel.
If an accident occurs, or if you damage or break something, you should inform your host immediately. With breakage or damage that is your fault, you should offer to compensate the host.

17. Don't bulk send messages.

Please select your hosts carefully and not copy and paste the same message to many different hosts.
Personalize each message to show the host you have actually read their listing and have a genuine desire to go and stay with them.

18. Ask before using host's phone or internet and what conditions or restrictions there may be..

Internet is often very slow and expensive in rural areas so not the place to be updating your blogs, uploading loads of photos to Facebook, and streaming videos, etc. Please ask you host first, it is very unfair if they receive an increased bill for your internet usage.
Also, most hosts would prefer you interact with them and share experiences rather than you being on the internet all the time. Isn't that why you travel, to experience new things?

19. Often you are living in the family home as family but don't expect hosts to “mother” you, maturity and a basic skill set is needed.

Clean up after yourself, offer to cook at least once during your stay, if someone else cooks you should do the dishes.
The common areas should always be left with zero trace of your belongings when you are not there. Unless the host says otherwise, keep your belongings in your sleeping area.
If you see something that needs to be done, do it.
If everyone has the attitude of “someone else will do it” nothing is done.

20. A big complaint with helpers is unclean environment.

Often it is because previous helpers have not cleaned up after themselves.
Sadly, some helpers really only make more work for their hosts.
Usually when you stay in anyone's home, family or friend, you help and contribute. It is not polite anywhere to expect the host to do everything for you.
Some hosts have health issues so that is why they need the help.
Rural houses can be difficult to clean.
If it is dirty, offer to the host to clean as your first duty.

21. Write a host review after a stay and ask for a reference in return.

Helpers with positive references get more enquiries and better response from hosts.
If you write something negative about a host please keep it honest, factual and not get personal.
Remember not everyone gets on with everyone.
If you do have a "clash of personalities", think carefully before writing a review.
Personal attacks can reflect as badly on the author as it does the recipient.