You Can Now Live Rent-Free In This Italian Village, All You Need To Do Is Share Career Advice

In the beautiful heart of Sardinia, Italy, surrounded by stunning mountains, you'll find the charming village of Ollolai. It gained fame in 2018 when it sold its empty homes for just one euro (equivalent to Rs. 88). Now, Ollolai is making headlines again, but this time for a new and creative project.

The Work From Ollolai (WFO) project, created by Mayor Francesco Columbu and his brother Luca, who came back to their hometown after 15 years in New York, is changing how we view remote work.

It's designed to draw in digital nomads, including students, giving them the chance to live in this lovely Italian village and help it thrive.

In a special interview with Fortune, Mayor Columbu shared that the WFO project aims to connect rural life with talented individuals who might not be aware that working from Ollolai is possible. He thinks this cultural exchange is crucial for highlighting the opportunities in emerging digital careers.

How to take part in this?

To take part in this special opportunity, all you need to do is pay a small monthly fee of €1 (about Rs. 88) and agree to share your knowledge with the local community. While staying in Ollolai, you can contribute by giving presentations, lectures, or lessons related to your professional expertise.

Eligibility Criteria:

The project is open to applications from various remote professionals, with a particular interest in those working in technology, media, finance, real estate, and architecture. Artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and academics are also encouraged to apply.

How did this interesting project come to life?

The project began with an initial grant of $20,000 from the local town council and had the initial goal of attracting 10 American tourists. This idea was inspired by the village's ties to Franco Columbu, a former shepherd who became a renowned boxer and was born in Ollolai.

However, the response has far surpassed expectations, with more than 2,500 applications coming in from all over the world.

The WFO project is gearing up for another year, and people from different parts of the world are already eager to have their Ollolai experience. As Mayor Columbu stated, "For a lot of rural communities, it¡¯s a chicken and an egg situation. For us, it's about finding the opportunities and bridging the gap between the evolving world and the jobs they¡¯re missing."

While Ollolai offers the charm of a Mediterranean island, it's important to note that this opportunity doesn't include full-board accommodations.

Participants are responsible for covering their expenses, including food, drinks, utilities (which are estimated to be around €100 or Rs 8,870 per month), and travel costs. Renting a car is advisable for getting around in this remote location.

Additionally, you won't find your temporary Ollolai home on Airbnb. Instead, guests will stay in private one- or two-bedroom apartments, with a strong emphasis on treating these accommodations with the same care and respect as if they were their own.

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Challenges?

Living in the Barbagia region of Ollolai does come with transportation challenges. It's a two-hour drive from the capital of Cagliari, and the nearest airports are also a few hours away by car.

However, the project team assures potential guests that they'll have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the lifestyle and culture of a "blue zone," one of the five regions globally known for having a high concentration of people who live beyond 100 years old.

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