Our Goal Is To Enable All Backpackers The Opportunity To Live In Latin America And Experience Its Amazing Culture And Sights. In Order To Provide The Best Experience Possible REAL Has Hit The Road. We've Strapped On Our Backpacks, Laced Up Our Boots And Are Back To Exploring Latin America In Search Of New Corners To Explore, New Hostels To Partner With, And Cool New People To Meet. Unfortunately We Will Not Be Accepting New Applicants Until Further Notice.
Who are we?
We are backpackers just like you! We travel independently, we live on the cheap, and our passion is experiencing new cultures.
What do we do?
We arrange work exchange positions in hostels throughout South America. Our REAL backpackers work at AMAZING hostels in exchange for accommodation, experience, unforgettable memories, and the opportunity to improve their Spanish language skills!
Our vision is to enable all independent backpackers (no matter how small their budget) to have a real hostel work exchange experience fully immersed in South American culture, focused on volunteerism, and keeping with eco-friendly and green practices.
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Contact Us
We will send you the application materials.
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Send Us
Your complete application, a photo and a 250 word letter (in Spanish!), "Why I want to live and work in Latin America".
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Evaluation
We will evaluate your applcation materials and begin contacting our hostels.
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You Get Accepted
We will send you the position offer and logistical information (location, compensation, duties) along with our terms and conditions.
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Accept Offer
You accept the position by returning the signed terms and conditions and pay the program fee.
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Make Travel Plans
You start getting travel plans in order and our experienced staff gives assistance and advice on cheap airlines, bus routes, hostels, what to pack etc.
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Begin!
Arrive in Latin America and begin your REAL work exchange program!
Ana Almagro, Australia
"I had loads of fun meeting the locals and had great opportunity to practice my Spanish. The owner of the hostel taught me to paraglide, how cool is that?"
Tom Doig, New Zealand
"I truly had a great time working in the hostel, learning the language, making some friends for life... Thanks REAL!"
Jack Schwarten, USA
"The staff at REAL are travel vets and have great insights on backpacking in South America cheaply! ¡Qué buena onda! Thanks amigos!"
Nicole & Kurt, Chile
"The workers we've hosted from REAL... bring new ideas and always ensure that the backpackers staying at our hostel are having a fun time!"
Hostel
noun \ˈhäs-təl\
b: a supervised lodging for usually young travelers —called also 'youth hostel'
Work
noun \ˈwərk\
c: a specific task, duty, function, or assignment often being a part or phase of some larger activity
Exchange
noun, often attributive \iks-ˈchānj, ˈeks-ˌ\
a: the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another
REAL Hostel Work Exchange
noun, arguably a verb \ˈhäs-təl- ˈwərk- ˈeks-chānj\
a: a program that sets you up with work in a hostel in the South American country of your choice in exchange for accomodation and sometimes food.