win/win experiences on the cheap

[rei]

I'm looking to compile a list of places you can go to give back, where you don't need much or any money. Something like intentional communities, or those places - what do you call them - where you farm in exchange for room and board. Or monasteries that don't require a large sum to spend some time there. Or volunteer opportunities where your material needs are handled, like Americorps.

Do you know of any such opportunities, or websites that would allow you to locate them?

[Plays With Life]

The Vipassana Meditation centers provide free 10-day meditation retreats:

There are no charges for the courses - not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the opportunity to also benefit.

Vipassana Meditation Website

The WWOOF organizations provide lists, per country / area in the globe, of volunteer work opportunities on farms. The farms provide food and lodging while you're there. There are distinct WWOOF organizations per country or area. This is the worldwide "portal", that lists the websites of all the other organizations:

Home

A lot of hostels frequently have need for work. They usually provide you with a place to stay, and sometimes food while you work. This might not match the "giving back" idea, though. There are different "hostel associations". I think the most prominent is Hostelling International. Again here, there are distinct organizations for countries and areas. The global organization's website is here:

Book HI Hostel Accommodation Worldwide with Hostelling International

[rei]

Thank you, PWL! Those all sound awesome.

[LostMyMap]

Lakshi had some farm in Jamaica where you could work to contribute. I know she's not here anymore but you could ask her on facebook.

[rei]

Thank you, LMM I just might do that.