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Cultural exchange

5.0
(30 reviews)30

The experience

Life here moves to the rhythm of the Soča River and the Julian Alps near Tolmin. We're a small family — a maker, designer, artist, and very curious 4-year-old — welcoming EU citizens for genuine cultural exchange. Shared meals, stories, adventures, creativity. We paraglide, climb, walk, and make things. A sculpture garden, creative workshops, and yoga and meditation sessions are all taking shape. EU citizens only. Not a working stay.


What you offer

1 hours of help per week

Arts: Help with painting, graffiti, sculpting or drawing.

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens


What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

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

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.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

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

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

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

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Surfboards: You can use our surfboards as much as you want.

Yoga classes: Take free yoga classes at our place.

Surf lessons: Take free surf classes at the local beaches.

Dance classes: Take free dance classes at our place.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Holistic Therapies: You can take part in any of our therapeutic activities for free.

Permaculture Course: Take part in our Permaculture course for free.

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


Requirements

Intermediate English

Between 18 and 50 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

European Union Passport

Travel insurance


What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa


Program Details

Who We’re Looking For

We love welcoming curious, creative people—but this space really thrives when guests bring strong hands-on skills, real experience, and a solid work ethic.

We’re specifically looking for people who:

Have proven experience using power tools safely and confidently (this is essential)
Can work independently in woodworking, metalworking, or fabrication
Are comfortable with CAD / 3D design software and understand how to turn ideas into buildable plans
Have a background in design, architecture, construction, or making
Are physically capable and happy doing practical, hands-on tasks every day
Can see what needs doing and get on with it without needing constant direction

This is a cultural exchange focused on sharing skills and ideas, but daily life is active and practical. We’re not a good fit for complete beginners or people looking for a purely relaxed stay. The best experiences here happen with people who are reliable, capable, and ready to contribute.

The Vision

Our long-term dream is to grow this place into a small creative community—a space where people come together to:

Design and build meaningful projects
Explore art, making, and craftsmanship
Share knowledge across different skills and backgrounds
Create a beautiful, functional environment with gardens, structures, and spaces to live and work in
Grow food, flowers, and ideas side by side

We’re not just hosting—we’re slowly shaping a place where creativity, nature, and collaboration meet.
Daily Rhythm

We start early and make the most of the day:

Start: around 7:00 AM
Finish: around 12:00 (midday)

Mornings are focused and productive, working together on projects, building, designing, or outdoor tasks. After lunch, the day is yours to enjoy.

You can head to the Soča River (5 minutes away), explore the mountains straight from the house, relax, or follow your own interests.

What Makes a Good Fit

The best experiences here happen with people who:

Are independent, proactive, and take initiative
Take pride in doing things properly and safely
Are physically strong and capable
Enjoy both creative thinking and practical execution
Respect shared space and contribute positively to family life

We value people who are not just creative thinkers, but doers—people who show up, get involved, and help move things forward.

Why Join Us

If you’re looking for something more than just a place to stay—
If you want to exchange ideas, learn new skills, and actually make things happen—
If you enjoy being part of something that’s evolving over time—

Then you’ll probably feel at home here.

Come for the mountains, the river, and the fresh air…
Stay for the conversations, the creativity, and the chance to build something real together.


Activities & Shift

I’m now focusing on welcoming guests for cultural exchanges rather than volunteer positions. 🌿 Volunteer spots are closed, but I’d love for you to explore my one open cultural exchange opportunity — in keeping with our local rules. 🙏