Interested in long-term world travel? Not a millionaire? Don’t despair! Long-term travel doesn’t have to break your bank account or your credit score.

Whether you are interested in butterfly farming or ditch-digging, babysitting or constructing schools, there are thousands of ways you could be of service to farm owners, social initiatives, and families. Using the services of the websites and organizations listed below, you can trade your skills and services for room and board with hosts around the globe.

Taking part in a work exchange programs is not the same as getting a job abroad. Instead of thinking of it as a way to earn income, you should view it as an opportunity to exchange one service for another and have an uncommon work experience in a foreign environment.

If your priority is simply ultra-low-budget travel, you should probably consider backpacker hostels and ramen noodles instead. Work exchange programs will provide much more enjoyable results if you are selecting a program based on your own interests and skills.

Like anything else in life, there are certain risks and benefits to work exchange programs: