Front Desk & Guest Experience in Vibrant Catania 🏖️

Colombia

3

The experience was ok. Reza and Salvo are very patient when teaching. The hostel is quiet. The amount of work is a lot compared to what you get in return. They send the info beforehand and you accept it, but reading it is not the same as doing it. They don't have staff, ¨we are¨ Breakfast isn't enough for the work required. It was okay thanks to the amazing other volunteers.

2 mesi fa

Germania

3

I would advise everyone to take the provided list of daily tasks and working hours seriously and really ask themselves if they are willing to work that much & get relatively little in return. There will be days where you are working from morning until 7pm, with just one little break to cook yourself lunch. If you like staying busy and have some time to kill, this hostel is a good option to experience the Sicilian life. It has a nice vibe, I almost immediately felt very comfortable. And Catania actually grows on you. For me it's a good memory, but I don't think everyone will enjoy it.

2 mesi fa

Reza ha risposto

All details about hours, tasks, and what’s offered were clearly explained on our profile and during our WhatsApp chat before arrival. You even said, “I’m confident I’ll be able to manage everything easily.” So it’s surprising to read it felt unexpected. We value transparency and always ensure volunteers know exactly what to expect.

Turchia

3

Pros: They don't blame you if you can't do the work correctly, they just show you how to do it. Everyone is so kind and open-minded. You meet different people all around the world. My priority to come here was to practice my English and I appreciate that it worked. I had the chance to meet the best volunteers! Best parts are the friendships and traveling around Sicily. Cons: It's a lot of work. Yes, I agreed and said OK to everything during my stay but what you give and receive are not the same. I showed them I cared about my work and I got the most work in the morning shift! :)

2 mesi fa

Canada

3

The work and hours were ok. Other than if you had a cleaning shift then the afternoon reception shift, that ment you were working almost all day. I would recommend to know a bit of Italian or Spanish, it would be very beneficial with the guests and in Sicily. I loved Catania, the people here are very friendly and nice.

4 mesi fa

Reza ha risposto

We explained everything before confirming anything, the hours were explained in details and there was no surprises, as other volunteers have mentioned in their reviews the agreed hours are always respected and the job is laid out very clearly before your arrival, the full job description (including hours, number of shifts, type of the job and even house rules) is the first thing you receive from us after applying.

Brasile

3

This was my second volunteering in a hostel. Since the beginning Reza and Salvo were very welcoming and helpful and it stayed liked that throughout the whole volunteering. Personally I'd say this experience is ok, they're very transparent about the work which is kinda hard specially during the summer with the high temperatures. The bed was uncomfortable, the supermarkets are a 20min walk away and the beaches are a 30-50 min walk away. However on your days off it's easy to take a bus and visit other cities in Sicily. I had some fun and meet amazing volunteers and that's what matters :)

6 mesi fa

Irlanda

1

I can not stress enough to please private message recent volunteers before your stay here.

7 mesi fa

Reza ha risposto

We also encourage any potential future volunteer to contact previous volunteers (period of April, March and May) to contact the volunteers who stayed with us during Cormac's stay :)

Germania

4

I'm thankful for the experience at the hostel. The tasks (and the amount of work) are detailed communicated before your stay, so you know exactly what to expect, which is very helpful so there are no negative surprises (you have to take it seriously, it is a lot of work, but the working hours are completely respected!) The staff is helpful and welcoming. If you have the opportunity to visit the farm- it's the best!! Perfect escape from the daily life and a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Heaven on earth. Additionally, the location of the hostel is quite central!! You can da lot of day trips:)

7 mesi fa

Germania

3

For my first experience on worldpackers it was fine, just a few things were off. Salvo and Reza were funny, welcoming, helpful, patient and nice. Unfortunately we had some drama in the group that altered my perception during my stay which didn't fully have to do with the hosts but a little and made me feel uncomfortable. In general I think the work is a lot, although it was communicated and there were incidents in which I was left alone didn't feel prepared for some tasks. Overall I still am grateful for the opportunity I was given, the people I met, places I've seen and things I learned.

7 mesi fa

Reza ha risposto

Dear Antonia
Everything is agreed upon before your arrival, first through the comprehensive detailed description of the job you receive (about working hours, types of tasks and the workload) also again explained by Reza during the call before confirming everything! We clearly mention that this volunteering position is demanding but it's absolutely fair, as other volunteers have mentioned in their reviews, working hours are respected, the amount of work is not a surprise.

Polonia

5

It was my first volunteering experience and it couldn't be better! The whole stuff was very welcoming and easy to talk to. Salvo and Reza made it unforgettable. With other volunteers we created our own little community. Tasks were the same as discussed beforehand. I hope to come back here someday!

circa 1 anno fa

Polonia

5

I spent 7 weeks in UrbanPop and the worst part is that I had to leave. The hostel itself is beautiful and very clean, living conditions for volunteers are also very nice. The work is fair, easy and most of the time really chill. But what makes this experience so amazing and unique is the people who create this place. Salvo and Reza are truly the best hosts! Always there to chat with you, funny, but also really caring about the volunteers and keen on helping you if you ever have a problem. I can recommend this experience with all my heart.

circa 1 anno fa

Candidarsi Ora