My Nightmare Worldpacker’s Story and Advice

[@phoebetang3884]

I’m shocked.. because I went for a Worldpackers in France countryside as well. Just got kicked out 1 hour ago.. looking to youtube for help and support from people who have been through the same. My host is EXACTLY like what you described. passive aggressive, petty, complaining about other volunteers all the time, very negative person, says she’s direct and straightforward about tasks but then threw a big fuss about how I didn’t offer help outside of my set working hours. Insisted to eat meals together for both lunch and dinner. (She cooked, so no complains). But lunch was just a 1-2hour tirade of complains and negativity. Dinner is a long work meeting because she keeps going over every tiny detail and repeats herself when a lot of the things she wanted to say could have been done in a few words. Never been so mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically drained in my life. Saw the comments. Will NEVER do a Worldpackers in France again. Messed up for real. Kicked me out and I had to find a ride to the nearest big town which is unfortunately 1 hour car ride away. Decided I was willing to settle for the nearest train station (which is 30min away). But a lot of people still rejected me. Finally found a guy who was willing to drive me there. A good guy. Was the mayor of the town I was in. Drove me all the way there. Had to google translate the whole time. Tried to pay him as well but he refused. Really such a gem after all the trauma 😭😭😭😭 Now I’m in my airbnb. In shock. Trying to recover. Just glad I’m out :”) Okay I will continue watching your video now..

[@Izabelacore]

Hope you’re ok and safe now!

[@justcha8276]

Omg ?? Where were you exactly (French, here)?

[@phoebetang3884]

@@justcha8276 yes! cogners

[@paperchasewebb]

First mistake was going to France...

[@TaigiTWeseDiplomat--Formosan]

：０

[@observer164]

Why? It's a beautiful and interesting country. Most of the genuine (ethnic) French families that we stayed with were lovely, but for one exception. The motto liberté, égalité, fraternité still resonates with many French. I recommend to look for a host with some education. Our other hosts in France, who hailed from NZ, Australia, UK were an entirely different story. Basically killed our desire to visit any of those countries.

[@tricoolaz7188]

He should have appeased the French by offering a fresh baguette 🥖

[@decembernorth5786]

exactly what I was going to say lol

[@yashkumar-ft8mg]

French are very complaining in life.

[@gangiskon]

What a terrible experience, sorry to hear about that. It really bothers me when people cant reciprocate simple decency with one another. I am glad you won’t let one terrible experience ruin what may be some of the best experiences for you in the future. 😎

[@MethodMarcus]

Thank you! It was….character building, don’t regret it one bit

[@ileina9859]

Emotional abuse! I’m so insanely sorry you experienced this. You seem like a beautiful human. Make sure you heal yourself from this experience and don’t EVER let this doubt your confidence in your own intuition and inherent good. Emotional abuse is something I would never wish on anyone.

[@MethodMarcus]

That’s very kind, thank you!

[@jlucorrea]

Thanks Marcus for sharing your experience, reminds me that one has to have a plan B in case things don't go well.

[@penultimaparada]

03:00 - You should just had gone immediately!! We are doing this for two years now, and everytime we have a bad experience, in the first sight of abuse we go!!!

[@observer164]

His pos host kept sending him on guilt trips, causing self-doubt.

[@LivingforalivingwithPatzy]

You seem so kind! I’m sorry you had to deal with this! I would’ve left after his little “better have the right energy” statement.

[@vanyaliveshere]

I'm planning a trip to Portugal/France with Worldpackers for myself for this coming November and your video is extremely timely. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! And obviously, really sorry, you had to endure that. Some people in the countryside are like that, I suppose. Certainly now I'll aim for big cities for extra "insurance".

[@BedouinBabeNomad]

I’m so delighted things ended on a good note… I almost cried several times and could feel the anxiety & relief. Thanks for sharing. Wishing all, all the best & safe travels ✌🏽

[@MethodMarcus]

Thank you thank you!

[@aimeehemingway9271]

Thank you do much for the video..I am planning on going on a few this winter in South America, Central America, and Southern Mexico.

[@anitac2017]

Hey, me too. How is your search for hosts coming along?

[@fariedaisaacs1623]

We had the same bad experience in Germany. Plus the couple didn't at all look like their pictures and we didn't know they had cameras with listening devices all over their hotel we were working at. Volunteers work 5-6 hours a day max, 5 days a week - think again. We work 10+ hours 6 days a week but I corrected that after 3 weeks. But we still worked long hours and the 1st three weeks we had to buy our own food. Alot of Hosts sound nice & friendly on the phone or Skype calls but once you get there you are literally their Slaves. I had a death in our family, my brother passed away & was told to suck it up death is a part of life. The woman made my life a living hell, hacked my Facebook & email account & even made a play for my husband lol. I could go on & on but this experience taught us alot & we kinda scared to try anything like this again. These people change Volunteers like they change underwear so please always have a back up plan & keep your travel documents on you at all times cos these people will steal it & force you to work if you wana leave.

[@MethodMarcus]

This definitely is worse than my experience! So sorry about your brother. Especially having to go through it during your run in with the host.

[@cryptogrrls]

Also please post name of host so nobody mistakenly goes there!

[@YouAreGifted182]

Thanks for the info Marcus. Where are you know ? I would run away from a farm.

[@MethodMarcus]

Home! Safe and sound lol

[@lukaz2040]

I saw similar situations back when I was doing CouchSurfing. This must have been awful for you, I am sorry you had to go through it. Luckily, this is usually the exception. Just like you said, most people have a great experience. Thanks for sharing this, man!

[@MethodMarcus]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad I got to learn from it haha

[@AshayAz]

It's not that he didn't like you, it's the fact that he's miserable and there is no pleasing him.

[@epesnihrdina3143]

Good, sorry to heare your storry. That guy sounds like textbook example of narcissist. Makes me really sick to just hear it. All you guys listening to this story have perfect recipe for spotting a toxic person. Marcus, thank you to share this with us I hope your next journeys gona be just pleasant and beautiful. :)

[@bakmaratya1963]

WFT..dude, that story is worth a movie about a broken predatory guy looking for volunteers. In Spain i had such an amazing experience with a host i found

[@MissAprilMarie]

Are you able to give any hints as to who that host may be? Thanks so much.

[@Victoria00georgieva]

I am also interested to know who the host was. Planning on going to Spain this summer

[@observer164]

One of our worst experiences was in Spain. The Franco country till 1975, no wonder.

[@andreemartin3455]

This is terrible , sorry it happened to you 😢

[@carlydaisy6628]

I'd have left after day 1! You did well to endure it for as long as you did 😊

[@pacgirlschanel]

I'm so sorry you had to go through this terrible experience with such a nasty host. I'm 30 y/o female and I'm looking to try world packers, so this truly helps! Thank you so much for sharing these tips and experiences. Maybe I'd also add homework to have a video call with the potential host prior to traveling? Maybe! ALSO!! I think Worldpackers should take this matter seriously and ban that host for not being suitable for travelers/guests.

[@Shai8212]

I’m traveling right now. I am in a remote area. Everything‘s cool. I like where I’m at! I did tell myself if I do this again it will be in cities though. Because I wonder if I didn’t like it here and the host didn’t want to take me to the airport. I’m literally stranded, I am literally at their mercy and I don’t like that feeling 😂

[@MethodMarcus]

Yes I agree! I hated the feeling lol

[@kierynnelizabeth3003]

Found this video after leaving a bad host, that guy sounds exactly like the host I stayed with although mine was in Puerto Rico. I wonder if this is common for hosts?

[@MethodMarcus]

I really hope not!

[@Kiki-kicks]

I have a question I m new on the website..I would like to do volunteer work and travel together but because we are new on that even my profil it s not completely done I need some advise from people like you who travel.. And another question I have to send the message from host but what kinf of messages and how long can be wait to be aprove for some trips? Thank you I hope can you help me with some advice thanks a lot

[@JBdaVP]

My daughter is on a WWOOF in Scotland right now and her host is like that guy minus the creepy pervie sounding part. She's making a plan.

[@observer164]

Summon your critical thinking skills on this one. Most of the hosts call for volunteers in hopes of saving big bucks on running their businesses. Saving money means cutting on their volunteers' food, comfort, and cultural outings, which they are supposed to provide. Some of those hosts are wealthy enough to pay for hired labor, yet they choose to opt for almost free volunteers.

[@chelawrence2285]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this review. I've seen so many positive reviews with persons downplaying what I consider to be major issues. What you described is the very same rudeness many tourists, visitors, expats in France experience. I have a friend teaching English who met pretty much similar treatment from a landlord, plus there are tons of videos of English speakers (including non-Americans) who met similar. I saw one video saying the French respect you more if you match them with that combative, rude energy. My only problem is that you didn't tell us who it is. I'm planning to do a Worldpackers experience, and I will certainly be avoiding any farms in remote France.

[@jamizal4522]

Please come to Cameron Highlands. And stay at our place ☺️🙏🏼 #mountainguide #pmgch #thebackyardglamping #worldpackers

[@tamarasaldiviacarcamo81]

I'm in a similar experience with a German host in Portugal. The problem started when I asked to leave because the ad didn't match the reality. Every time I asked a question the answer is "You are the only person who has had that problem!" But, he only has good reviews.

[@Steeve.Asensi]

Oui ça refroidit tout ça. Et ça ne donne pas envie de continuer ce genre d'expériences

[@gselll]

Ahh, it’s been a year since my terrifying experience from a Worldpacker host in Italy . It was an off grid city, the host insisted to kiss him and even sleep on the same bed . he said it was just an Italian thing . I felt in flight or fight mode but couldn’t do anything bc I was in a country side of town and was scared . I had to leave early and he forced me to leave him a good review.

[@fevlc]

Any advice for beginner?

[@okoronkwosolomon7]

Trank you so much for this video !!!

[@ilkaszarazova4793]

Hello Marcus, can I ask you about the guys reviews? Did he have positive ones? If yes why do you think that the other people give him nice ones? I am asking because Im actually reasearing that specific topic - how is it possible that that app claims to be safe, yet isn't. Have a wonderful day and thank spreading this message, its very important.

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

Did the host have photos of himself online?

[@lorihorbiak1680]

Just changed my mind about volunteering in this way.

[@RadiantRiv]

Which Worldpackers experience was this? So I know to avoid it

[@MethodMarcus]

I’m not mentioning it by name here, but if you happen to come across it, it will be obvious

[@fasteddylove-muffin6415]

@@MethodMarcus May I ask, is there a reason why you aren't mentioning him by name?

[@iam_topg]

illegal to mention or dox him

[@fasteddylove-muffin6415]

@@iam_topg I didn't say to dox him. Illegal according to what laws to mention his name? The concept/concern here is doing a service to warn others not to use this provider.

[@phoebetang3884]

Hi, wanted to check if Worldpackers took down that account or if it’s still up? The EXACT same situation happened to me in France and the host also had a misleading number of good reviews but was actually super toxic. I think it’s because most volunteers are fearful of getting a bad review as well. Also, if I don’t leave a review, can she still leave a scathing review on mine?

[@veronicasarabia3821]

This is so helpful, especially looking for a big city . Also , is it possible we can have a vídeocall before accepting to volunteer with a host? Thanks !

[@MethodMarcus]

It’s not built in to Worldpackers, but I would recommend it! Through WhatsApp or another messenger if you can.

[@observer164]

Unless your are a trained psychologist or your host is an obvious psycho, the impression that you get from one or two video calls may be quite deceptive.

[@NotDanValentine]

"I'm such a naughty boii" hahahahahaha 😬🚩🚩🚩

[@N_S808]

Hey,do they do reviews of world packer hosts? Or is it just luck of the draw?

[@sesameseednothankyou7893]

Hi, I’m thinking about going to France with Worldpackers this summer. Did the host you went to have a top host badge?

[@MethodMarcus]

He didn’t, but he did have good reviews! Which was silly on my part lol. Go! You’ll have an adventure regardless.

[@PauloMaierr]

Good video!

[@SnapItMark]

Thanks for sharing, it defo helped :D

[@lisanne7449]

Good you made this video

[@tommyhuffman7499]

Pretty sure he was just looking for someone to sleep with and possibly gets a kick out of creeping people out or bullying them. You shouldn't have been so polite to him. Sounds like he was a real jerk. Sorry about your experience. I've met strangers in foreign countries many times. Mostly positive experiences, and the one bad experience I had I chock up to poor planning and cultural misunderstanding on my part, because we have since made up. Definitely never had a bad experience like yours.

[@anzelijuo]

Can u write his name or place that u stayed? So we all know not going there

[@eshanparmar9660]

could you claim your WP Safeguard insurace in such a situation?

[@MethodMarcus]

Yes! And it went through!

[@atifmohammedhussain6635]

Why most of the complaints are coming from france?

[@lodijtom]

come to Philippines, learn our culture, and learn some techniques on how to handle that kind of situation. btw thanks for your story you teach us a lot.

[@observer164]

i would not be surprised if the owners of the volunteering site were removing bad reviews about hosts. Their business depends on hosts, whom they try to attract by all means possible. No membership fees for hosts.

[@thesunrising4982]

Jeez that guy sounds miserable. Must be fun at parties.

[@observer164]

He sounds intelligent and educated, which unfortunately, makes him a minority.

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

You should have left as soon as he said he would kick you out.

[@seanmaher8320]

Hows your french coming along now, you still studying?

[@MethodMarcus]

I sure am! My progress has slowed down since I’ve gotten past the beginner progress, but I’m still at it and trying out new methods along the way

[@El.Senousi]

I am going to turkey with aicece but you scared me 😅😢

[@MethodMarcus]

Don’t let me scare you! From what I can tell, it seems like my experience is in the minority

[@NolithaHopkins]

I thought that it was a double-blind review. Or am I understanding that incorrectly? You leave your review, they leave theirs but they're both revealed at the same time? So neither one can respond or it is now a new thing?

[@MethodMarcus]

It is a double blind review, but AFTER that, the host is allowed to respond to your review. I didn’t know about it either.

[@lisanne7449]

This is the worst workaway expierence possible. Removing black mold, the man had no humanity

[@observer164]

We were asked to remove led paint from ancient windows by a female business owner in Denmark. Protective equipment was denied. We left.

[@lisanne7449]

@@observer164 good you left! It’s really unhuman people ask you to do something like that!

[@charliegirard]

So sorry to hear this but I am french and I can definetely confirm you that this is not french people, you had been unlucky on this... :'( But it can happen, I recommend to go to cities instead of countryside..

[@MethodMarcus]

I totally agree lol, I had a good experience with everyone else when I was there!

[@Steeve.Asensi]

Oui je tiens a partager mon expérience aussi avec woofing : une ferme en France avec une éléveuse de chevaux, très dure, jamais satisfaite, m'a explusé aussi, malgré tous mes efforts pour m'intégrer. Donc sachez que beaucoup rencontres ce genre de mésaventure. Sachez que pour les hotes, ils peuvent y voir de la main d'oeuvre gratuite, donc ils partent du principe que vous êtes leur esclave. Soyez prudent, renseignez-vous bien avant d'y aller. Evitez les fermes, les endroits où on pourrait facilement essayer de vous exploiter.

[@titinastar3284]

who was he? so we can avoid him

[@enticric]

Awww, the French😊

[@cryptogrrls]

Wow. Please post who this host was so that I don't mistakenly go there!

[@ommm369]

he's lucky he hasn't gotten his ass kicked

[@aldenasuemia]

He was a pedophile and got off on abusing others or being inappropriate and looking at people's reaction.

[@alaincullell]

really??

[@DarkStarSigma]

not your fault for the train being late, and honestly I'm surprised you didn't just walk away after the initial introduction. I would have. I'm researching these travel volunteer websites right now. this is not encouraging.

[@lovethesleep5381]

Bro, I really enjoyed your experience of joining the French Foreign Legion. Only joking... I hope that host gets black listed!

[@angelofamillionyears4599]

It sounds like he does not like Americans.

[@viajay]

average french experience

[@MethodMarcus]

Lol

[@treesupportdollar8276]

Why would you put yourself in such position 😮

[@TaigiTWeseDiplomat--Formosan]

：００

[@bojack3827]

This is very one sided. Let's hear his side too.

[@KRUKOLIBIDINOUS]

How

[@Kiki-kicks]

He don t have reason to lie to us he just made the video to show us for rest of volunteers to not get in the same situation of his situation.so Thank you a lot

[@scottshawn70]

I agree. It sounds like Marcus brought some real negative energy into the situation honestly. Im not sure I believe him.

[@Zaydawwwg]

Found the French guy lmao

[@captivatedlunt1895]

@@Zaydawwwgdo you know his name??? Can you tell me?

[@scottshawn70]

To be honest I can relate to the guy from the farm telling Marcus that he needed to bring the right energy.. I have never watched any of Marcus's videos on KZbin (this is the first) but he seems extremely nervous anxious and anxiety ridden. He is constantly swallowing looking off to the side and exhibiting signs of extreme uncomfortability even in this KZbin video. I would venture to guess he has extreme social anxiety. I would think Worldpacker may not be a good fit for him in all fairness. I understand where the farmer was coming from. I get uncomfortable just watching Marcus let alone having to live and work with him 😐Not trying to be a hater but if you cant bring a positive energy into a situation than your part of the issue.

[@Mogey_]

I think his demeanour is coming from the fact that he is sharing a pretty intense memory, and reliving that for the video is bringing up the feelings of anxiety from his interactions with this host.

[@scottshawn70]

@@Mogey_ Possibly but I just cant see getting so anxiety ridden from just telling a story on KZbin unless unless your prone to high levels of social anxiety. Maybe Worldpacker just isnt a great fit from him? Not to say he couldnt fit in elsewhere doing good deeds tho. He seems like an admirable guy. I get stressed just watching him tho.

[@santhaxenia1976]

You are so wrong it hurts🥲

[@studiokaralis3622]

And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is what victim blaming looks like. Even if Marcus was in the wrong, there is no reason deny his opinion on his experience. Even worse - trying to justify it because some gestures and mimic he makes that makes YOU, Scott, uncomfortable? Sounds you are very insecure if someone over video can make you so uncomfortable that you even have to comment on it. Ironically, you're bringing very bad energy to this comment section.

[@scottshawn70]

@@studiokaralis3622 😀 I’m pretty sure the bad energy is already here!! His video made my skin crawl. It has nothing to do with my insecurity but rather his. The awkwardness of that video was outlandish. And the only thing he’s a victim of is social awkwardness.