Help at a cool hostel in the middle of the semi-desert, Udabno, Georgia

Details

• 

  Description

  Join our hardworking and warm-hearted team in the Georgian semi-desert!
  
  Hello! We are a Polish family running a unique guesthouse and restaurant in the small village of Udabno, right next to the David Gareja monastery complex. Life here is raw, windy, and sun-drenched. The views are endless, the food is real, and the work is honest.
  
  We’re looking for volunteers who love to be active, solve problems independently, and don’t expect to be babysat. If you're the kind of person who sees a full trash bin and takes it out without being asked – this might be your place. If you're the kind of person who needs a daily to-do list and reminders to clean up after yourself – it definitely isn't.
  
  🏡 A place built with and for the local community
  We proudly employ many people from the village – mostly women who have few other opportunities in the region. This job is their main source of income, and for many, the only one available in Udabno. Keeping a workplace running for so many people is a huge commitment, and we all play for the same team. This place exists largely for the village, and by volunteering, you become part of that mission.
  
  Most of our team does not speak English, and you should not expect them to. Of course, they try their best, and communication happens – through gestures, goodwill, and smiles.
  
  🚫 A note about couples
  Over the years, we’ve learned that couples who met recently or while travelling often face interpersonal challenges that impact the work dynamic. Because of this, we rarely accept such couples unless you've known each other and lived together longer. We also do not offer private rooms for volunteer couples, nor can we guarantee matching work shifts.
  
  🌾 Our philosophy: Work as a way of life
  We were raised to believe in the dignity and joy of work. For us, work is not just something to be endured in order to fund a lifestyle. It is a lifestyle – a meaningful, fulfilling part of being human.
  
  That said, we understand that people have different approaches to life and work. Many value "work-life balance" – and that can mean different things to different people. We respect that. But if the description above sounds more like a nightmare than a challenge or an adventure – it’s probably best not to apply. You won’t be happy here, and that’s okay.
  
  Here, skills are less important than attitude. We don’t expect you to know everything, but we do expect you to want to learn. We appreciate people who take initiative, who don’t wait for orders, and who clean up not only after themselves – but also when something needs to be done.
  
  If, back home, your parents (or hired help) made your bed, cooked your food, changed your sheets, and cleaned your bathroom — this is probably not the place for you. We're looking for people who were raised to respect and take care of shared spaces from a young age.
  
  🧼 Clean space = clear mind
  Volunteers share a simple but comfortable room and common bathrooms. It’s your responsibility to keep your spaces clean. Volunteers are expected to create and manage their own cleaning schedules. We are not your supervisors – we are co-hosts.
  
  For example, if we ask you once in the morning to clean the floor or the bathroom, it’s not a “special task” for that day. It means we trust you to make it part of a rhythm – a kind of ritual – and to take care of that task going forward without further reminders. This kind of independent, proactive approach is something we truly value.
  
  🤝 Solidarity is everything
  Imagine this: your shift is over, it’s dinner time, and you walk into the dining area. Suddenly, there’s an unexpected rush – the hostel's going wild, the team is short-handed. What do you do?
  
  If your answer is: "Serve myself and head to the terrace, as it's not my working hours " – this is not your place.
  If your instinct is: "Hey, do you need help?" – this is your place.
  
  We believe that’s how real communities are built – not through rules, but through care and awareness.
  
  ✨ Final thoughts
  We live and work in a remote, beautiful place. Our days are long, filled with real connection, fresh food, laughter, music, and work that matters. It’s not for everyone – but for the right people, it’s unforgettable.
  
  If you feel like this could be your kind of place, tell us why in your message. We can’t wait to meet you.
  
  EDIT – FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO STAY DURING WINTERTIME:
  Winters in Udabno can be harsh. During that period, you will most likely not stay with us (Kinga and Ksawery – the owners), as we usually spend the holidays in Poland. This means you would be here with just one or two other volunteers.
  
  You should know how to start a fire in the fireplace and feel comfortable being independent, confident, and emotionally resilient. Sometimes, unexpected issues like power or water outages may occur. In such cases, we expect you to contact us, or ask the neighbours for help – not simply pack up and escape Udabno ;)
  
  That said, it’s also possible that none of these things will happen – and you’ll just have a peaceful, quiet time enjoying the semi-desert life with not much work to do.
  But we do need to make sure that you’re the kind of person who’s not afraid of a little challenge :)
  
  After two weeks of your stay, we’ll sit down together and talk about whether we’d both like to continue.
  This is not a judgment of your character, your work ethic, or whether we “liked” you. It’s simply about whether the collaboration feels comfortable for both sides.
  This honest check-in helps prevent future frustration or misunderstandings – for you and for us.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Teaching

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Babysitting and creative play

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You'd live in a small village of Udabno with around 200 displaced inhabitants (originally coming from Svanetia) who even have their own language. At times it may not be easy but you'll definitely have a genuine cultural experience.

• 

  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

• 

  Help

  You'd help with:
  - welcoming guests (very few during winter time),
  - chopping the wood and putting it into hearth,
  - cleaning if there are some guests staying for night,
  - cleaning empty dishes,
  - chatting with guests :)
  - from time to time having a look at the two small creatures called children

• 

  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Polish: Fluent
  Russian: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
• 

  Accommodation

  We offer:
  - free food and accommodation in our hostel,
  - a great experience and a friendly atmosphere,
  - party vibes if you wish,
  - an opportunity to meet wonderful people from all around the world,
  - occasionally local polyphonic concerts,
  - lots of laughs !

• 

  What else ...

  Udabno is a small village, located in the middle of nowhere, just a few kilometres from UNESCO David Gareji Monastery. A very special place, one in its kind.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

• 

  My animals / pets

Website Safety

Feedback (53)