Apply Now

First hostel volunteer experience? Start with us in San Diego!

5.0
(90 reviews)90

The experience

Be in the heart of San Diego! We have a great team but need a few more energetic and outgoing travelers for housekeeping and helping check in guests. The schedule rotates each week, but never more than 25 hours. If on reception you may have to do an overnight shift on occasion. Breakfast everyday, team and guest meals on occasion. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Night Shift: Help with night shift tasks and create a relaxing environment for guests.

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.

Additional fee required

Amount: US$ 50 One time

Description: We require staff to put down a $50 refundable cleaning deposit. It is refunded when staff leave their bunk and food storage in clean condition.

What you get

2 days off per week

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.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.

Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.

Free Events: Get free entrance for the best events in town.

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

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

Requirements

Intermediate English

Between 21 and 35 years old

Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)

United States Visa

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

The program follows the cultural exchange tradition of providing accommodation in exchange for help: allowing young travelers to stretch their limited budget; extend their time in the country they are visiting; learn about other cultures and people to help bring cross cultural understanding and provide an opportunity for participants to strengthen their languages skills of the host country. This practice dates back at least 100 years, originating in Germany and is part of what defines a hostel. Hostel sponsored social activities, along with volunteer participants are what make hostels unique and foster the cultural experience for guests and volunteers alike as well as the hostel’s permanent staff.

We do not host locals or people looking to move to San Diego or the USA in search of opportunities.

Activities & Shift

We have varying shifts depending on whether it is housekeeping or reception. Most shifts are 5 hours long but we also have 6 and 8 hour shifts on reception. The 8 hour shift is overnight and rotates among the staff so no one is 'stuck' with it. Person working that shift gets a shorter week to compensate. Staff may also lead activities as part of their shift. Activities include Taco Tuesday outing, Sunset Walk, Beer Pong and Saturday Social. Other events during holidays.

Rules

We know volunteers are in San Diego to have fun and we support that, but you must be able to show up on time for shift and be able to make it through - just swallow some Advil and muscle through the hangover!

No smoking/vaping is allowed in the building per law. No hard drugs.

We do not accept people traveling to the USA on a tourist/ESTA visa as that does not allow for work permit.