Work Exchanges

The typical work exchange involves 10 to 15 hours of work per week in exchange for a room, utilities, and sometimes food. Occasionally, a small apartment might be offered rent-free in exchange for work, particularly if property management work is involved. More than 15 hours of work per week should involve some sort of pay.

Many kinds of work are offered in exchange for housing, but the most common is child care. Other types of work exchanges include running errands for a busy family, elder care, care for an individual with special needs, yard work, cooking, cleaning, or taking care of pets.

Work exchanges are a great opportunity to get involved in your community, and of course, they can be a tremendous benefit for students on a tight budget.