Learn the in’s and out’s on how—and where—to work on a farm abroad. ☆ Have you been bit by the travel bug? Or was that an actual insect that nipped you while you were gardening? If you are ready to get down and dirty, work on a farm abroad for a chance to explore the world of international agriculture. Does the idea of growing veggies and taking care of animals makes you say, “KALE YEAH!”? Then turnip the beet, because farming abroad is gonna be a party.
The great thing about farm work abroad is that it doesn’t require previous experience, you’ll likely get food and housing with most programs, and there are opportunities to do it for a good cause. You can get involved in organic farming abroad, ranching abroad, cheese-making abroad… you name it.
Farming abroad is hard work, but the work you’ll be doing really makes a difference in people’s lives. You can volunteer, intern, or snag a an actual paying job you’ll really dig! If you’re itching to get outside and really make a difference, this is the experience for you. Ready to get dirty abroad?
Put your back into it: Work on a farm abroad
The key: Things to think about before you work on a farm abroad
Cause: Why work on a farm abroad?
- Children. Do it for the children! Some farming programs help provide sustainable food sources for children in need.
- Women. Many communities rely on women for food production. Empower women abroad and volunteer on locally owned, women run farming projects.
- Community. We’ve heard it said “it takes a village…” Some programs focus on how agriculture impacts specific communities or villages by encouraging people to work together to exchange goods and services, which includes growing veggies!
- Culture. Some programs are more “choose your own adventure” in terms of cause. They give you tangible ways to interact with local traditions, cuisines, and culture in general.
Experience: What type of program serves you and your goals?
- Volunteer. Volunteering on a farm abroad not only helps out local communities, but it gets us one step closer to peas on earth. ;) When you volunteer on a farm abroad, you have the opportunity to help many groups of people: women, children, and the whole community.
- Internship. Get your agriculture internship credits taken care of abroad! You can get college credit while living and working on a farm abroad, so no need to worry about missing out back at home.
- Paid work. if you’re looking for actual paid farm work abroad, there are programs out there for you! From organic farming jobs abroad to caring for livestock, there are real jobs in agriculture abroad just waiting for a person like you.
The Work: What projects you actually be doing when you work on farms abroad?
- Crop Farming. Plant, cultivate, clear land for crops. Then, reap the benefit come harvest time.
- Livestock. Care for animals (rabbits, sheep, cows, donkeys), etc. by feeding them, coraling them, fencing and moving them. You can also learn how to make cheese, Gromit!
- Education. Some programs have you interact with the community by teaching them farming techniques. You have a chance to teach communities about the importance of sustainability, and agriculture's role in that.
Top destinations to work on a farm abroad
1. Ghana
Find work on a farm abroad in Ghana
We’re not Ghana tell you twice, Ghana is a great place to volunteer on a farm. Over 50 percent of the labor force is in the agricultural industry, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room left for you. On the contrary, volunteering on a farm in Ghana would be a huge help to the communities there. Even though you don’t need experience to work on farms abroad, more experienced people can work with local farmers and develop new techniques. This cross-culture information exchange can help people who rely on agricultural work become more efficient.
It’s a great place to go if your passion is in volunteering abroad. There are opportunities to work with children, grow crops take care of animals, and engage in education. If you’ve bean thinking about working abroad, farm work in Ghana is great way to go.
- Cause: Children, Women
- Experience: Volunteer
- The Work: Crop Farming, Livestock, Education
- Recommended program: Volunteer in Agriculture in Ghana with IVHQ
2. Italy
Get hired in Italy for organic farming jobs abroad.
When you think Italy, what comes to mind? Amazing food. If you choose to volunteer on a farm in Italy, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with that tantalizing cuisine from the moment it was planted, to time it’s on your plate. Food is culture in Italy, and it only makes sense to totally involve yourself with farm work abroad. Go to Italy to learn about olive oil, wine, and cheese-making, and explore the country while you’re there. Foods connects people, so makes sense to connect with the community while abroad.
If you’re specifically interested in organic farming abroad, Italy is perfect for you. Of all member states in the EU, Italy has the largest area of organic vegetables. If 23,405 hectares of yummy veggies isn’t enough for you, we don’t know is.
- Cause: Community, Culture
- Experience: Volunteer
- The Work: Crop Farming, Livestock
- Recommended program: Seme Al Piatto: Italy, The Road Less Traveled
3. New Zealand
Work on farms abroad in this southerly island nation.
Did you know that New Zealand has more than 4 million dairy cows, and they produce over 15 billion litres of milk a year? That’s udderly jaw dropping! You could be part of the booming dairy industry in New Zealand if you choose it as your destination for your farm work abroad. The main crops are cereals, brassicas, and other herbage, which means you can easily get involved in the veggie and grains side of farming, too. If you’re looking to work on farms abroad for an internship, there are programs in New Zealand that can hook you up.
- Cause: Culture
- Experience: Internship
- The Work: Crop Farming, Livestock
- Recommended program: New Zealand Internships’ Agriculture Program
4. Australia
Farm work abroad down unda rarely disappoints!
Farm work abroad in Australia is an adventure waiting to happen. There are programs that will connect you with paid jobs down under, so you will have a chance to fund your exploration. Or, you could save up while you live and eat on the farm. The outback offers an authentic Australian experience for people who aren’t afraid to rough it. Learn how to ride horses, drive tractors, and use chainsaws. Join local Australian farmers who produce almost 93 percent of the daily domestic food supply. It would be an awfully s-wheat gig, so do your har-best to get a job working on a farm in Australia.
- Cause: Community
- Experience: Paid Work
- The Work: Crop Farming
- Recommended program: Farm Work in Australia | Oyster Worldwide
5. Ecuador
Spend next summer as a volunteer on a farm in the middle of the planet!
We’d be bananas to to leave Ecuador off a list of places to work on farms abroad! Bananas are one of Ecuador’s largest exports; in fact, in 2017 alone, Ecuador exported US$3 billion worth of bananas to 71 countries worldwide. There are countless opportunities to work on farms abroad, and Ecuador is perfect for those looking for an internship. Many internship programs offer credit, and some even pay you (as if free veggies wasn’t bonus enough!). Get involved in sustainable farming, research, and restoration abroad for the internship of a lifetime. When you take off your boots and hang out hat for the week, take an excursion to the coast or explore the volcanoes.
- Cause: Children
- Experience: Internship
- The Work: Crop Farming
- Recommended program: Intern in Ecuador (Quito) with CISabroad
You’re ready for organic farming abroad!
Practice your best Gus Chiggins impression & work on a farm abroad, dag-nabbit!
[None Quite Right? Browse ALL Agriculture Jobs Abroad]
If you’re looking for a way to do some real soul digging, why not try working on a farm abroad? You can explore culture through cuisine and learn about yourself and the people in a foreign country. Or you you can volunteer on a farm for some philanthropic experience. When you really put your back into something, you’ll feel accomplished and proud of the work you did.
Farm work abroad offers a myriad of opportunities for all y’all ranchers, cowboys/girls, farmers, and cheesemakers out there. Learn the ins and outs of whatever agricultural specialty calls you, from livestock to organic farming. Jobs abroad in the farming industry are sure to scratch that travel itch while giving you a chance to explore your organic side. So put on your gloves and grab a hoe, because farming abroad is for you.