Short on funds but want an in-depth travel experience? Hakka villages launch Working Holiday

▲The Taipei City Government’s Hakka Affairs Council has launched the “Come to Hakka Villages Working Holiday” campaign. (Photo / Provided by Taipei City Government’s Hakka Affairs Council)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Comprehensive coverage

The Taipei City Government’s Hakka Affairs Council today held a press conference for the “Come to Hakka Villages Working Holiday,” specially inviting Taipei’s model citizen YuanZai and international artists to lead trips to the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli Hakka villages. This year, they’ve introduced a “work-for-stay” lifestyle program, aiming to help urban youth deeply experience life in Hakka villages.

This year’s Come to Hakka Villages Working Holiday offers over 50 work-for-stay opportunities, including positions such as homestay helpers and agricultural harvest assistants. Those who complete their work may also receive gifts such as free entry tickets to Taipei Zoo.

Liu Chia-chun, Director of the Taipei City Government’s Hakka Affairs Council, stated that the goal of this event is to encourage urban youth to consider working for homestay owners or local industries in exchange for free accommodation and meals during their holiday trips to Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli—allowing them to immerse themselves in Hakka scenery, industries, and cultural life.

Regarding the work-for-stay activity, some members of the public find it quite interesting and would be willing to give it a try. However, others believe that working in rural areas is tough, and employers should offer wages and basic food and lodging allowances. Getting only free accommodation seems a bit unfair, so they wouldn’t consider it.