Editing Rural hospitality in the developing world (section)

== Guidelines and expectations for guests ==

Although rural hospex in developing countries will be a completely different experience from that of a urban setting, it can still be good to take a look at some of the guidelines of [http://couchwiki.org/en/How_to_be_a_good_guest "How to be a good guest"]. Below is a list of guidelines that should be respected during your rural experience. We tend to believe that a rural experience in the developing world will be like participating with [http://www.wwoof.org/ wwoof], only without the bureaucracy, payment structure, expected labour, and general lack of hospitality. If you are going to spend time within a rural community, you are expected to give something back.

'''* Be part of the community'''
Make sure that you know what will be expected from you before going to the rural area. This can be sorted out yourself through direct communication with the area if possible, or with that of a mediator. Don't be afraid to ask what type of help it is that will be doing and how you will be able to integrate with the family or community will be staying with. Always remember to listen to what your hosts want, not what you think they need. From there, you will be able to do your best to help in any way possible.

'''* Be ready to help'''

If you agree that you're willing to help three hours a day, after one hour do not say that you don't want to help anymore and that you're going for a walk. Respect what has been agreed upon and give even more if you are able and enjoying it. Try to be flexible with your hosts and work with their daily schedules.

'''* Respect your limits'''

Never accept a task that you are not comfortable doing, no matter the cultural sensitivity. Be sure to know what you're going to do in advance and that you'll be able to do it. If a host ask you for something that you can't handle, then refuse kindly and propose your help for something else. There must be a bond of mutual respect built between the host and those being hosted. For example, if you are a vegan and plan to attempt a rural experience in Mongolia, be sure that it is known to your hosts (if through direct communication or mediator) why you live this way and that it is of no disrespect to their customs.

'''* Don't believe that your help is paying a hotel service'''

Working in the garden for two hours doesn't prevent you helping with other day to day chores. Helping two hours a day for five days doesn't make you unable to give any extra help needed. In general, as with any internet hospex experience, be ready to give a little hand for other daily tasks on top of what you are expected to give primarily if the hosts are comfortable with you doing so.

'''* Bring appropriate clothing'''

If you know that you'll be helping in the garden, don't bring only your brand new skirt or your favourite pants. Adapt yourself to the situation.

'''* Be curious but respectful'''

Don't expect your hosts to entertain you with rural experiences for your entire duration. Be curious and willing to help and learn within the limit of the your hosts hospitality and do your best to be helpful, but not in the way during your down time. Be able to fill in your own free time without any outside help as it may very well come to this on many occasions.

'''* Cultural differences'''

As with any travel experience, you can expect to run across some cultural sensetivities whilst visiting developing rural areas. This could be anything from learning a particular greeting and basic local phrase, to the particular mannerisms and dress codes that may apply in a rural village of South-East Asia. Before you go to a developing rural area with the intent to be hosted, take the time to learn about the local customs and try to respect them.

'''*Resources'''

Entering into some areas you may encounter forms of scarcity that you have never dreamed of. Do not leave taps running and be respectful of shared resources.

Don't just wash your hands in just any water trough you see. It may be the family's drinking water reservoir. Scoop some out first with a cup, or better yet ask your host where to wash your hands.

'''*Transportation'''

There may or may not be any public transport to where you are going, there also may or may not be roads. Instructions to someone´s house may be as follows:

''''From the main town, hitch-hike 70km south. Walk into the village, ask for the mzungo (forigner).'' Quote from [http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/xnothingxheldxbackx Taylor]'' 

Traveling at night or during certain times of the year may not be possible. Road signs may or may not exist.