Jan Willem

New Zealand
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Netherlands - from Mar 2024 until Mar 2025
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Description
Hi, my name is Jan-Willem. I was born in The Netherlands but have spent almost my entire life living in wonderful New Zealand! I am an extremely positive and friendly guy who enjoys throwing myself into the deep end and experiencing anything the world has to offer. I especially love meeting new people and understanding their culture, background, and history. I am currently taking a break from my career and looking to travel the world and experience a whole bunch of amazing new experiences. I have just spent the last two months completing an internship in Japan, and my plan is to then travel around Europe, basing myself in The Netherlands for around the next six months to a year. I am extremely motivated to learn and live within Dutch culture as I’m seeking to understand my heritage, the people, culture of the Netherlands, and of course the language. I would consider myself to be very artistic and enjoy getting outdoors! I am new to the Workaway experience, but my family operates dairy farms in New Zealand and we have been privileged to have some wonderful volunteers help out there. Thank you for reading my profile!! :)
Interests
Hiking
Languages
Animals
Cooking & food
Art & design
History
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Sustainability
Self development
Photography
Nature
Farming
Beach
Events & social
Gardening
Pets
Technology
Performing arts
Drawing & painting

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Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Beginner
More details about my language interests
I am Really interested to learn Dutch and am happy to teach English.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Art Projects
Charity Work
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Eco Projects
Being an elderly companion
Babysitting and creative play
Some knowledge of:
Languages
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Life at a Farmstay
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Animal Care
Teaching
More details about your skills
Lifestyle:

While growing up, I spent good portions of my childhood out on our family's dairy farm, tending to the animals, milking, and using the tractor. Although it has been a few years, I'm not afraid to get stuck in on the farm and love animals! I have also maintained and grown vegetable gardens and completed small household maintenance repairs, such as painting, and helped my parents renovate houses when I was younger. Finally, I also assisted with homestays, which included limited English teaching. I would be very comfortable teaching English now.

Study:

I have completed a Bachelor of Applied Management (majoring in Supply Chain and Marketing). I also hold a Diploma in Business and have received a number of top student awards.

I have on a few occasions been invited teach/present classes at my university, this was mainly related to career pathways.

I received a painting recommendation/scholarship in high school and won the painting award at my school.

Career:

I have worked in the Supply Chain industry for the last 13 years and most recently worked as an Account Manager, looking after customer relations and proposing supply chain solutions.

I have also worked in a few restaurants over my career and most recently helped run a burger cart at the local farmers' markets. As cooking is a hobby of mine, I regularly cook and really enjoy it. I would be very happy cooking meals for large groups of people.
Age
29
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

Feedback

23 Apr 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jan Willem) for host (Help with our garden and 1905 ...)

What attracted me to Paul and Monique’s profile was that I felt it would be a genuine experience of life in the Netherlands and provide an opportunity to develop my language skills. I first met Paul and Monique over a video call not long after I signed up for Workaway. Having never done before or anything similar, I was quite nervous to meet them.… read more They immediately put my mind at ease, and I felt that we were a great match.

Up until I arrived, we stayed in regular contact ensuring that everything required was ready, and Paul even gave me some great advice on how to set up my cellphone and use the local trains! Once I arrived, Paul collected me from the train station in Veendam (this was amazing), and I was then introduced to Monique upon my arrival at their home. They were both so friendly and explained to me their desire to ensure I felt at home and if I needed something to just ask. This made me feel so comfortable and set the scene for what was to be an amazing stay!

Accommodation and Food:

Their house is situated in Zuidwending, a truly lovely part of the Netherlands, and their home is a fantastic place to live. The food was excellent, and I was well-fed at all times. Paul even introduced me to some Indonesian-style food and spices that he picked up from his time in the navy. While Monique introduced me to some more traditional but amazing food and i even showed her what a chip buttie was.

Work:

The work was very rewarding and kept me fit. I was asked to help out with projects around the house such as tree pruning, gardening, and I also helped at the local community center (more on that later).

Cultural Exchange and New Skills Learned:

Paul is heavily involved in multiple community activities and other hobbies, which I gladly accompanied him on. I visited the Repair Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/RepairCafeVeendam/) , Irish music nights (where Paul played), recorder classes, and a concert (where he teaches and plays). Finally, I helped at the local community center and attended a couple of great nights playing billiards. Getting involved in the local community was a major highlight for me; everyone I met was so friendly, and I felt like I could return in a number of years and still be invited back in like I never left!

Monique was interested in improving her English and was more than happy to help me learn Dutch. Be it that my pronunciation was terrible, but it provided some great laughs!! Thank you for persevering with me!!

During my stay, I also learned a lot about the sustainable practices that they had installed over time within their home (water catchment systems and solar energy to just name a couple from a very large list). I also gained skills in gardening and even gave tree pruning a go.

I could go on with so many other great memories and experiences, but overall, this experience far exceeded any expectations I had. I would highly recommend any Workawayers that have an opportunity to stay with Paul and Monique to take it and get as involved as I did. You will not be disappointed!! I was genuinely sad to leave. Paul and Monique, I hope to see you again sometime soon; thank you for everything!

Bedankt, or Moi (as they say in Groningen)

Jan-Willem

(Excellent )

22 Apr 2024

Left by host (Help with our garden and 1905 ...) for Workawayer (Jan Willem)

Jan Willem, a Dutch Kiwi who doesn't speak Dutch (yet) surprised us when he wanted to come to us and we had an excellent first impression in a video call. Clear messages, well-kept promises. What a joy to have JW in our home. We told him to act as if he was at home and that's just what he did. Not shy to open a cupboard preparing breakfast or… read more

(Excellent )