Volunteers or "workawayers", are expected to contribute a pre-agreed amount of time per day in exchange for lodging and food, which is provided by their host.

Some types of volunteering available include gardening, animal-care, cooking and farming,[4][5] as well as more specialist and niche help requests.

Workaway is aimed at budget travellers and language learners looking to become more immersed in the country and culture they are journeying through while allowing local hosts to meet like-minded people who are also willing to contribute at the same time.

[7][8] It has been described as a useful way to improve foreign language skills[9] as well as an opportunity to develop new talents and learn about local traditions.

The ability to share space with a variety of people has been shown to enable cultural exchange and the chance to learn more about how others see the world.