Becoming a Helper is a selective process. We are looking for the right fit.
Read Everything: First, read this entire website. Then, find our "Alp Casa" and "Charitable Casa" listings on Airbnb and read the full description to understand the reality of the space.
Complete a Personal Reality Check
Before you consider this further, please conduct a frank self-assessment. A stay with us, might be a significant undertaking.
Visas & Travel: You must be able to legally enter Switzerland on your own accord (e.g., with a standard tourist visa). We cannot and will not provide letters of invitation, confirmations of stay for visa purposes, or any assistance with your visa application. This is your sole responsibility.
Financial Self-Sufficiency: This is a work exchange for discounted accommodation, not a paid job. You must be able to fully cover the cost of your flights, travel, and all your own food and personal expenses for the entire duration of your stay.
Accommodation Costs: While our helper rates are significantly discounted, they are generally not free. Under truly exceptional circumstances, for candidates offering highly valuable and difficult-to-find skills or for specific periods, we may consider a free stay, but this is rare and should not be expected.
Our Priority Time Frame:
We are particularly looking for helpers to join us in Switzerland from July through September and February through April. Proposals for these periods will be given priority and for Iceland in the winter months anytime from mid September to mid May especially for October, November and February. Proposals for these periods will be given priority.
For summer in Iceland we are generally only looking for short stays which you can easily book on Airbnb, just zoom into our location in Rif, Iceland. Short stays in Switzerland can also be booked on Airbnb. In which case you can zoom into our location between Oberaegeri and Rothenthurm, Switzerland.
If you have honestly assessed all of the above and all other information we have provided and are confident you can realistically make this journey, then you are ready for the next step.
Write Your Proposal: This is the most important step. Do not just send a generic "I want to come" message. Send us a formal proposal on WhatsApp +41786177300
Your proposal must include:
Your desired dates and length of stay.
Which Helper role you are applying for ("Guardian of the Sanctuary" and/or "Catalyst for Change").
A clear and honest description of the specific skills and experience you bring. If you are a communication catalyst, include links to your portfolio or previous work.
A paragraph explaining why you believe you are a good fit for our community and our mission.
We receive many inquiries. Proposals that are thoughtful, detailed, and demonstrate a genuine understanding of this work exchange will be prioritized. We look forward to hearing from you.