Volunteer in Chicago! Explore this amazing city!

Higher chance of approval: This host has recently approved volunteers and is looking for more applications.
Practice English: 13 travelers recommend this host to practice English
Connect with international travelers: 12 travelers recommend this host to meet travelers from all around the world
Accepts couples and pairs of volunteers

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What you offer

25h

Hours per week: Help out and collaborate with your host only a few hours per week.

Reception: Help with check-ins, check-outs and guest assistance.

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

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What you get

Days off per week: Have some time off for yourself, go explore the city or rest for a while.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Yoga classes: Take free yoga classes at our place.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Support: Get help from the Worldpackers support team in case you need it, at any point of your trip.

Verified Host: This host has been verified by our team before joining the community.

WP Safeguard: Did something not go as planned? Contact our team.; Learn more

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Availability

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Stay at least: 4 weeks

Stay up to: 12 weeks

The Experience

November, December, and January 2023 are open. There's waiting list for August-Oct 15. The day will be 4-5 hours. It will include cleaning the rooms when guests check out; daily cleaning the bathroom; cleaning the kitchen. There will also be outdoor work (landscaping) such as, raking leaves; snow shoveling; gardening; weeding, trimming the bushes; cleaning/painting outdoor furniture. The most important skill is asking questions!

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Requirements

Intermediate English
Between 28 and 70 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Be from outside United States
United States Visa

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Talk to those who have lived the experience

In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.

You can ask things like:

a) How was your experience with this host?
b) How was your day-to-day routine?
c) How much did you spend on this trip?

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Become a Verified Member and exchange ideas before your trip with other worldpackers who will be volunteering in the same place as you.

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21 Reviews

4.5

Host & Team

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.5

How this experience will transform you

13 Practicing English
12 Meeting international travelers
11 Meeting locals
9 Immersing in the local culture
4 Developing social awareness
3 Practicing Spanish

Diana

Mexico

Truly a unique experience! I always felt like if I was home. Mary is an excellent host. She has a remarkable sense of responsibility and leadership. In spite the fact that she's working 24/7, she is always making sure that all the volunteer and guests needs are taken care of. The tasks at the house are really simple and can be done in a very short period of time, leaving you plenty of time to relax before, during and after your shift. the hostel is located in a friendly, quiet neighborhood and is 15 minutes away from Harlem subway station, which takes you directly to downtown Chicago.

2 months ago

Catalina

Chile

My stay was very nice, the place was cozy, the tasks weren't difficult and I had time to know the city and meet friends. I had to work for 4-5 hours and the tasks were keep the house clean, be attentive about guest check-in and check-out, and do laundry sometimes. Also, Mary always needs to know everything so if something change with your stay, tasks, schedule or something else, it's appropriate that you talk to her, the communication and patient is the key to do this volunteer.

3 months ago

Fabio

Brazil

I had an amazing experience at this house. The tasks are not so hard, the house's enviroment is good, Mary cares about the volunteer. The house is not so far from the subway station, you also have the local commerce close. It was my first time with worldpackers and it couldn't be better! I'm very happy and grateful for lived that great experience!

4 months ago

Mary replied

It was really great having you with us. Thank you for all your help. Enjoy the next part of your journey. If you visit Chicago again, I'd be happy to host you.

Jhon Arley

Colombia

The experience was excellent, Mary is very attentive, organized, and respectful about the agreed commitment. The house is close to the train station which is great for getting to know Chicago. I recommend this experience because the job is simple and you can meet people from around the world. My time there was ideal for practicing my English. Thanks a lot Mary and I hope to visit Chicago anytime soon.

2 months ago

Gracyara

Brazil

When I stayed at Mary's the hostel, I used this time to improve my English, my knowledge on American culture and explore Chicago, its museums, parks, shows, libraries, the amazing landscape etc. I recommend this volunteering program if you have similar goals. You will have to work at the house for around five hours, but you can use the remaning time as you wish. Our host Mary usually takes two volunteers so you will probably have company and help to perform your duties. If you wish, you can contact me for more tips to enjoy your stay even better. You can always talk to Mary for any diffic

6 months ago

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About the host

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Hosted by Mary

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Response Time: This host usually writes back in 1 day

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