Samantha

United States
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Costa Rica
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Description
I am a college graduate from Michigan with a degree in Spanish and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL/ESL).

Studying Spanish ignited a spark in me that completely changed the course of my life. Throughout my studies, I quickly fell in love with the process of language acquisition and felt inspired by the opportunities it created to connect with people and learn about their cultures.

So far, I have traveled to Costa Rica, Perú, México, Nicaragua, and Japan. My passion for language and travel was solidified by my experiences living with host families in Costa Rica (2018) and Japan (2019). I feel eternally grateful and privileged to have spent time practicing our languages with each other, sharing stories, playing, and going on adventures together. I am convinced that the best way to learn about a country and its culture is to fully immerse yourself in connections with people.

My other passion is organic, regenerative, and permaculture farming. I love taking care of the land while it takes care of us. I spent a year living and working on a regenerative livestock farm in Michigan. I loved the physical labor, working with the animals, and learning about the relationships between the soil, plants, animals, and humans. My goal is to learn more about farming and alternative construction methods that will contribute to a happier, healthier planet.

For work, I love physical labor and all the sweat and dirt that includes. I am comfortable using power tools, operating tractors, and working with plants and animals. I am willing and eager to learn anything! My education is in language and teaching, so I would be happy to teach/practice English.

I am hardworking, energetic, thorough, organized, and tidy. Finding fun in challenges is important to me, and I look forward to learning and laughing each new day. My main values include direct communication, integrity, open-mindedness, and optimism.

In my free time, I enjoy dancing, arts and crafts, bouldering, trying new food, being outside, and exploring.

I believe our purpose as humans is to learn and connect with others and to experience the world through our senses and broad range of emotions. I am beyond excited to grow and experience the wonders beyond the borders of comfort and familiarity!
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Sailing / Boating
Yoga / Wellness
Writing
Cycling
Books
Art & design
Sustainability
Self development
Plant care
Outdoor activities
Nature
Music
Mountain
Languages
Hiking
Gardening
Farming
Drawing & painting
Dancing
DIY & crafts
Culture
Beach
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Camping
Architecture
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Japanese: Beginner
More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Eco Projects
Some knowledge of:
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Being an elderly companion
Life at a Farmstay
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Able to teach about:
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
Skills:
- Bilingual (English and Spanish)
- Quick and eager to learn
- Thorough attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Adaptable
- Works well independently and with others

Experience in:
- Farming (livestock: cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and turkeys)
- Teaching (One-on-one and in a classroom setting)
- Construction (reading blueprints, using power tools, painting)
- Gardening (designing permaculture gardens, tending to plants, and propagating)
Age
24
What else ...
I am interested in learning all kinds of things! I am happy to learn new, helpful skills.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

Feedback

24 Mar 2024

Left by host (Help our family to cultivate ...) for Workawayer (Samantha)

Estamos muy encantados con Sam ,estamos agradecidos por su ayuda en nuestra granja con madera ,limpieza, ayuda con nuestros animalitos ,ayuda en la cocina ,ella tiene mucha energia y ganas de ayudar, tenemos mucho agradecimientos por compartir ,reir ,mucho conversar de todo ,alegrarnos el dia, acompañarnos como dice mi Sra Ercira muy tierna y… read more

(Excellent )

22 Mar 2024

Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host (Help our family to cultivate ...)

I had a great time with Danilo y Ercira (and Ida) at their home in the countryside. They are incredibly generous, caring, and fun!
The "work" was very light; I mostly helped move firewood and did simple chores in the kitchen.
I really enjoyed learning Chilean slang, drinking mate in the mornings, eating tomatoes, playing cards, meeting neighbors… read more

(Excellent )

17 Mar 2024

Left by host (Welcome to our loving family ...) for Workawayer (Samantha)

Sam 💙 una mujer dispuesta aprender con mucha fuerza y habilidades del campo tanto en la parte agrícola como pecuaria... exelente compañía para intercambio de ideas y para cocinar la montaña te espera de nuevo 🙌🍀🐝 gracias por todo

(Excellent )

4 Mar 2024

Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host (Welcome to our loving family ...)

Fue un gran placer poder pasar un rato con Sebastian en la montaña. Es un hombre tranquilo, simpático e inteligente con un gran corazón. Él irradia amor por la naturaleza.
En la montaña se encuentra mucha paz, vistas hermosas, olores increíbles y oportunidades para aprender y conectarse con la tierra.
El trabajo en la finca también fue muy… read more

(Excellent )

2 Mar 2024

Left by host (Learn to grow vegetables and ...) for Workawayer (Samantha)

Because Sam has such a connection with animals, nature, farming and a desire to learn, she made an amazing contribution to our farm and our family.
She played an integral part in our way of life as farmes during her time here.
Everday she gave 100%! If you are lucky enough to have Sam as a volunteer, take advantage and enjoy, as she is unique!… read more

(Excellent )

18 Sep 2023

Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host (Learn to grow vegetables and ...)

If your goals include having fun doing physical labor and learning about the outdoor and indoor functions of a self-sustaining family farm, I can highly recommend this opportunity to volunteer with Juan, Lara, and their family.

During my time on the farm, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Juan, Lara, and their three sons. They are a… read more warm, fun, genuine, knowledgeable, passionate, and hard-working family that prioritizes the safety and health of their volunteers. Everyone in the family can understand and speak English, but Spanish is the primary language they communicate with. I can confidently say that anyone with a true desire to learn about the many intricacies of farming will find themselves more than satisfied under the teachings of Juan, Lara, and their children.

If you are unsure about how to use a shovel or a pitchfork, I would recommend you continue your search for a volunteer opportunity elsewhere. At this farm, you will be working! Every day is different, and the work is a dream for those who enjoy breaking a sweat and building strength. Outside, you’ll be able to care for plants and the land from pre-seed to post-harvest. There is also a lot to be done inside the ever-busy and bustling kitchen.

**Learning and integrating into farm life takes time. In order to get the most out of your experience and maximize your contribution to this farm, I recommend you plan to stay for at least two months. Not two weeks, two months. Personally, I had initially planned to stay for one month, but after a month had passed, I had no desire to leave! Additionally, a longer stay will allow you plenty of time to meet the family’s mountain neighbors and explore the area.

The accommodation on the farm is comfortable! (If insects and small critters are your enemies, you might not feel so comfortable.) There is no reliable WiFi or service where the farm is located, but there are places in downtown Turrialba that offer free WiFi. Lara cooks an INCREDIBLE breakfast and lunch for volunteers. For dinner, the family shares rice, beans, eggs, and homemade bread with volunteers, and volunteers are allowed to harvest or utilize the fruits, vegetables, and dairy the farm provides! Be sure to ask what can be harvested and how to do it; someone in the family will happily show you! It’s a great chance to experience living off the land.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Juan, Lara, Elias, Amado, and Luci for welcoming me into your beautiful home and allowing me the pleasure of contributing to your farm. I am beyond grateful for the knowledge shared, the experience gained, the connections made, the memories I’ll cherish, and the inspiration for my future endeavors.

(Excellent )

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