Working for Room and Board

In today's New York Times there was an article that profiled a yoga retreat that had an annual fee of $3,000 and required all residents to work in exchange for room, board, and access to a variety of programs. This article got me thinking about the opportunities available to people who do not want to pay a fee to live somewhere, but rather work in exchange for room and board and a wage, or just room and board.

Farming:
A friend of mine has worked on an organic farm in Alaska. He was given room and board and I believe some pay. He really enjoys being in Alaska and has met some really amazing people. A couple other friends of mine have worked on wildlife preserves in Central America. I am sure there are a multitude of other similar arrangements out there for people willing to work on farms or outdoors. It can be hard work, but it can also be a rewarding and interesting experience for those who are willing.

(Organic Classifieds, AnyWorkAnywhere)

Camps--CLV in particular:
I have personally worked at a camp and I was not employed as a counselor. The camp I worked at was the Concordia Language Villages. CLV has many different language villages that one can choose to work at. If you do happen to know a foreign language fluently and enjoy interacting with kids--great; but if you just want to cook some good food or bake some excellent bread, this may also be the place for you. The locations are often pretty remote (primarily northern Minnesota), but there are plenty of ways to occupy yourself, in addition to learning a mad amount about international cuisine and the like. The food is great, the sleeping areas are ok, and regular staff members typically get paid more than counselors. Other camps in your area may also have similar opportunities for room, board, and a wage. And remember, you do not have to be employed as a counselor to work in a beautiful setting with lots of activity and positive energy.

(CLV, Camp Jobs)

The Park Service:
The Conservation Corps and the Park Service are two reliable places to find untraditional work (if you can get in). There are many options to do seasonal work, to volunteer, and to get a permanent position. The Conservation Corps is more geared to younger workers, but the volunteer positions may be appropriate for seniors who simply want to travel.

(Park Service, Conservation Corps)

Teaching English and the Government Service: An acquintance of mine works in Korea and teaches English. In return he receives room and board and a healthy stipdend (he also found love, but that is a different story). This option appears to be open to anyone with a college degree. Despite being challenging, one can choose to work in Asia, Europe, or elsewhere. The military is also a choice if one wants to go abroad and "see the world." It may be a part of the world you do not want to see, but it does come with the perk of serving your country. Other government service avenues could include joining the peace corps or the foreign service. The peace corps, however, requires a great time commitment, and the foreign service is often challenging to gain entry in to.

(Teaching English Abroad, Military, Peace Corps, Foreign Service)

Anything and Everything:
The sky is really the limit if you're willing to locate and negotiate a work-trade with someone in your local area or someone across the world. Even so, be cautious in your search and always tell someone where you're going before you leave home!

(A place to start: Oz Traveller)