A short call or video call before confirming a visit gives both the host and WWOOFer an opportunity to get to know one another, discuss expectations and check that the proposed stay is a good fit. It also allows practical arrangements, daily routines, activities and any important needs or concerns to be discussed in advance, helping to prevent misunderstandings later.
Below is a sample guide to help direct your call or video call.
Wwoofer Name:
Contact number:
Potential visiting date:
Motivation & Expectations
☐ Why did you join WWOOF?
☐ What kind of experience are you hoping for with us?
☐ What does a “good stay” look like to you?
Skills & Experience
☐ Previous farm/garden/manual experience?
☐ Comfort with physical labour?
☐ Experience with animals/tools/gardening?
☐ DIY skills (if relevant)?
Practical Compatibility
☐ Dietary needs / allergies?
☐ Health issues or injuries?
☐ Sleep schedule / energy level?
☐ Comfort with shared spaces?
☐ Languages spoken?
Reliability & Conduct
☐ Past volunteer/travel experiences? (worth reading previous reviews)
☐ How do you handle conflict/stress?
Risk & Safety Check
☐ Insurance / liability coverage understood
☐ Medical conditions disclosed
Clarify Your Hosting Needs
☐ List current projects (planting, weeding, animal care, building, etc.)
☐ Note physical demands (lifting, early mornings, weather exposure)
☐ Decide expected hours per day / days per week
☐ Identify required skills vs. “nice to have”
☐ Confirm accommodation details (room type, bathroom, privacy)
☐ Confirm meals (provided? dietary style? cooking expectations?)
☐ Arrival/departure dates discussed
☐ Any deal-breakers (smoking, pets, allergies, etc.)
Prepare Key Information to Share
☐ Daily routine
☐ Farm/property description
☐ Living situation (family, other volunteers, noise levels)
☐ Internet / phone signal availability
☐ House rules & boundaries
☐ Transportation / pickup logistics
☐ Nearby town / isolation level
☐ Safety considerations (tools, animals, terrain)
Afterwards, gather your thoughts
☐ Do expectations align?
☐ Any red flags?
☐ Would you enjoy living/working alongside this person?
☐ Next steps – make or decline the visit on Wwoof.ie
- Summaries any particular agreements in a message to the wwoofer
- Send directions and what to bring list
- Set a diary reminder to touch base a week before arrival