i'm no expert but I don't expect slagging off the community you're asking to pay for your flight is productive.. and again, they're paying for your accomodation / food cost of living in return for your work, but that sort of sounds like the same deal as the gap year kids. IF I WAS YOU (ie a professional with a skill set that they need) then I would insist on them covering your trip.. and if you have to work it off? otherwise, it seems they're not really valuing you or what you can do for them. but then, I don't really know that much I guess.
i'm no expert but I don't expect slagging off the community you're asking to pay for your flight is productive.. and again, they're paying for your accomodation / food cost of living in return for your work, but that sort of sounds like the same deal as the gap year kids. IF I WAS YOU (ie a professional with a skill set that they need) then I would insist on them covering your trip.. and if you have to work it off? otherwise, it seems they're not really valuing you or what you can do for them. but then, I don't really know that much I guess.