How to Get a Free All Inclusive Stay in Europe: Volunteering With Diverbo
Volunteering With Diverbo
Did you know you can volunteer around Europe as a native English speaker and get the chance to have your board and lodging in beautiful hotels covered??
It’s a great way to visit stunning places and meet inspiring people from around the world.
So how does it work??
People wanting to learn English book a holiday for an all-inclusive retreat where only English will be spoken. As one of the many volunteers, you get everything for free. Just be prepared to talk (a lot!)… it’s the perfect free holiday for any social butterflies.
I personally volunteered with Diverbo in Laubach, Germany on my first ever international trip and had an incredible time. Amazing people, great conversation, a beautiful hotel in a little German town and a totally free holiday!
A great way to extend your travels is to volunteer with Diverbo.
I’m constantly asked how can I afford to travel for so long and the answer is simple. I volunteer and work around the world to extend my trips!
Read: TRAVEL JOBS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FINDING PAID WORK AROUND THE WORLD
And one of the best ways to do this is to sign up for a program like Diverbo.
With Diverbo, you receive one week of food, drinks and accommodation in Germany or Spain in exchange for volunteering your time speaking English with the German students enrolled in the program.
I was already traveling around Europe solo, so I decided to sign up to volunteer with their German program, Englishhaussen and I was so glad I did- who would turn down a free all inclusive stay in Germany?!
My Diverbo Experience
Everyone met in Frankfurt, Germany the night before the program started to have a welcome dinner for the volunteers. We all got to know each other, had way too much pasta and local wine.
Volunteer in groups, pairs or like I did- solo!
I was relieved to find a lot of people volunteer for the program solo. This was during my first trip abroad and I didn’t know anyone else there. I remember walking up to the restaurant excited and slightly nervous about this new chapter.
And while most volunteers were older than me, I clicked with another girl my age immediately and we were roommates for the week!
Since then I’ve visited her in Stuttgart, Germany and we’ve stayed great friends. The people you meet really are the best part of the program!
Exploring German castles with my roommate from Diverbo, Shirley!
The next morning we boarded a bus outside the main station in Frankfurt and set off on a beautiful drive through the German countryside to a resort near a small quaint village, Laubach.
Get ready to talk non-stop!
In the week that followed, we had incredible discussions and formed such close bonds with one another. By day two, we had run out of small talk so we got to know everyone quite well. We discussed everything -love, religion, politics, family, you name it!
You literally are talking from morning to night here so be prepared with lip balm and water- my voice was hoarse by day three, ha!
No previous teaching experience is required.
It’s laid back and conversational.
Every morning we would wake up, have a massive breakfast buffet, then separate into pairs. One English speaking volunteer paired with one Diverbo.
We would walk through the gorgeous Laubach woods or through the grounds of the resort and discuss whatever topic we were given.
As a native English speaker we were encouraged to kindly correct them on their grammar or vocabulary as we chatted.
We would then meet back up as a group, have another enormous meal for lunch and continue with activities.
Some days it would be a tour of the town, castle or church. Other days we had small group discussions or games.
In the evening, we would play games, mingle, eat some more and drink delicious local German beer and wine.
Despite spending all day together, we always wound up in the bar chatting and hanging out until late in the evening!
If you’re interested in volunteering with Diverbo in Germany or Spain, you can apply here.
If you’re a social butterfly like me, a week with Diverbo will be highly fulfilling and a wonderful opportunity to connect with people from all over the world.
We had volunteers from the UK, Ireland, United States, Scotland, Australia and more! Just be ready for some long days and lots (I really do mean A LOT!) of talking!
Your commitments before the program
- Arrange and finance your travel
- Arrange and finance your accommodation for before and after the program
- Join us for the Welcome Reception (not mandatory but super fun!)
- Be at the bus departure point at the correct time on the first day of the program
And what do our volunteers get in return? It’s an unrivalled package of fun, and a cultural experience that you’re sure to remember for the rest of your life. -Diverbo
During the program you will receive the following:
- Full room and board: the provision of high-standard accommodation for the duration of the program. (*If applying to the German programs, due to limited hotel space, the likelihood of needing to share a room is very high. Therefore, they give preference to applicants who are willing to share)
- Transport to and from the venue by coach.
- Medical and accident policy during your stay. (Extra travel insurance is recommended, at your own cost).
Laubach, Germany
If you volunteer with Diverbo in Germany, you’ll be staying at a lovely property near Laubach, a town of approximately 10,000 people in the Gießen region of Hesse, Germany. This little town is full of historic German buildings and colorful half-timbered (fachwerk) buildings.
The Accommodation
- All rooms with shower, WC and balcony
- Many well-lit public areas
- Spa with a heated swimming pool and sauna
- Excellent restaurant with regional and national specialties
- Large sun terrace
- Several seminar rooms
- Wireless internet access
- Direct access to Forest walking trails
Schloss Laubach
Schloss Laubach is the stunning castle located in the heart of this small German town. While the schedule is certainly busy at Diverbo, there is still plenty of time to explore the grounds during your lunch breaks, group tours or down time.
Volunteer in Italy with Speak
Think you’d rather volunteer in Italy instead of Germany?
There is another company in Italy, Speak, that provides similar opportunities for English native speakers if you’re looking for a free all-inclusive stay!
Locations include Lombardy, Lazio, Puglia & Tuscany!
An unforgettable experience in Italy
“Speak venues each boast their own rich history and personality with first-rate facilities for the exclusive use of Speak. Located in some of Italy’s most fascinating regions, our locations include a noble castle, a woodland country hotel, a historic abbey and a Mediterranean estate.
Come and enjoy a beautiful stay in one of our stunning locations in the Italian countryside.” -Speak
You can apply to volunteer with Speak here.
Another option: Volunteer with Angloville
Angloville is another great option for English immersion.
They have programs all over Europe- Ireland, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Italy, the UK and the Czech Republic.
You can apply to volunteer with Angloville here.
With Angloville, you can even earn a TEFL certificate through their scholarship program which will allow you secure a paid position teaching English as a foreign language!
The Anglo-TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Scholarship arms you with an accredited 120h TEFL Certificate and 3-week real life teaching experience.
Your 120h TEFL training (accredited by TQUK, Ofqual, ACDL) is provided online by Premier TEFL. For the 3-week teaching practice, Angloville will welcome you in beautiful hotels in Central Europe, board and lodging provided free of charge.
VaughanTown
VaughanTown is another option for English-immersion volunteer programs in Spain!
I wasn’t able to join but my friends from Diverbo volunteered with VaughanTown and had a great time.
Programs run Sunday to Friday in Spain. On Sunday morning you depart to your venue for 6 days with the other volunteers and Spaniards speaking English. Like the other programs, participants come from all over the world and in exchange for their time, they recieve full board and lodging.
Apply to be an English-speaking volunteer here.
Have you thought about volunteering abroad in an English immersion program? Let me know!
Looking to book a trip to Europe before or after your volunteer stay with Diverbo? Check out these deals on TourRadar!
Save this post about Diverbo on Pinterest!
Read more about working & volunteering around the world:
- 12 COMPANIES THAT PAY YOU TO TRAVEL- APPLY HERE FOR A TRAVEL JOB
- TRAVEL JOBS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FINDING PAID WORK AROUND THE WORLD
- HOW TO FIND WORK WITH A DOG SLED COMPANY – AND WHERE EXACTLY TO APPLY
Are you required to know any German for a program like this? I’d love to do this, but don’t speak any other languages…
I don’t either and actually they prefer you only speak English! Haha that way you’re not tempted to speak in German with the students- they want 100% English the whole time! Great question 🙂
Did they even pay for your airfare with this? Or just room and board when you were there? I’m going to have to look in to this! Thanks for the info.
Glad you found the info helpful 🙂 Unfortunately airfare isn’t included, I would recommend adding a stay with an English immersion program when you are already in a country traveling – instead of flying over just for that!
I’m so happy to be following you, Emily!
My husband and I loved Nepal if you find yourself traveling that way.
I look forward to more posts!
That means so much!! Lots more coming soon 🙂 Thanks guys!!
Girl you are living the life I’ve always wanted!!! I’ve done a little travel hacking, but only here in the US. I have always wanted to travel abroad but have always been worried that going by myself as a young woman isn’t safe! Were you always with people? What did you do to make sure you were not endangered?
Keep up with the travel hacking, it really pays off 😉 Absolutely it is safe to travel abroad. I have traveled solo, with a friend and in groups. The only time in my last year of travels that I felt unsafe was when I was nearly in the mass shooting in Las Vegas! That was right here at home where it’s supposedly “safer”. I’ll be posting more about safety while traveling solo but never once in Indonesia did we feel unsafe, even while hitchhiking! Anywhere in particular you are wanting to travel?
The Diverbo link only talks about the program in Spain. I’m more interested in Germany. I tried going through the Diverbo homepage and clicking on Germany, but that didn’t seem to get me to the right place.
Hi Veronica!!
I did the program in Germany and had a great time, I’m sure you’ll love it!
Try applying and reading info about the program in Germany here!
https://www.diverbo.com/english/english-for-adults/adults/germany-laubach/
Hello there! Usually Iam travelling solo(long time) and at many different places I’ve always trying to volunteering to do something good for somebody and then learn something new and a same time to get a chance for temporarily shelter,food and water! I dont know very well this program but I decide to try (why not)! Most of all,I can do many things and works by my hands!
Yes I travel solo a lot as well and love to volunteer 🙂 Definitely look into Diverbo, I think you’d like it a lot 🙂 And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Workaway!
i volunteer to aply to diverbo for free trip to germany long stay with a mini job
Oh wonderful! I hope you enjoy it 🙂 I really enjoyed my week with Diverbo!
Hi Emily, love the post, you have now given me crazy wanderlust!
Quick question, how did you find everything comfort wise with diverbo e.g. accommodation, food etc. I know I can be quite high maintenance with things like that but everything else sounds amazing!
You mention having a roommate, did you share an apartment with separate bedrooms, or did you actually sleep in the same room?
Hi Molly!! Aww, I’m so glad to hear that 🙂
The food was AWESOME. 3 huge meals a day, I felt like I put on a few pounds and we always had wine or beer too haha. The resorts were nice and yes I shared a room with a roommate. But her and I got along so well, we were thrilled with the rooming situation. We have remained friends & I’ve visited her abroad since our time volunteering together. Looking back on it, I know some people had solo rooms. I think they ask when you apply if you are comfortable sharing a room and I had said I would be!
Hi Emily, I am super excited about this Diverbo experience. Is this available for African countries like Ghana. We are native English speakers.
Hi, I really want visit Germany to figure out the culture and give a volunteer work