Welcome to a local musical home near the sea in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Details

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  Description

  Hello, I’m Michelle. I am a Catholic vegetarian, a full-time Music & Mathematics teacher (ages 4–16), and a full-time pure science university student (Biology & Mathematics). I also rent out rooms, give local tours as a side hustle.
  
  My interests centre on mathematics, science, and music. I enjoy observing reptiles, insects, and geometric patterns in nature. For exercise, I swim and practise static strength training.
  
  I value structured routines, quiet productivity, and deep conversations particularly about mathematics. As I am taking Cathecism classes, I would be most happy to host Catholics and take them to class with me. Even if you do not have similar interest as me, your clear intentions and a genuine desire to learn is very welcome here too.
  
  My home offers a truly local experience in a middle-income government housing area in George Town, Penang, about 3 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site and close to the sea. It suits independent, respectful volunteers who wish to experience everyday Malaysian life.
  
  Due to past injuries to both knees and ankles, my mobility is limited, and I’m unable to hike, run, or jump.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  House & pet sitting
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  Interests

  

  Charity work

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Music

  

  Fitness

  

  Plant care

  

  Water sports

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Sustainability

  

  Self development

  

  Culture

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Languages

  

  Books

  

  Nature

  

  Outdoor activities
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Location and Nearby Attractions:
  My place is just a 3 km walk to the city center and the UNESCO Heritage Site, making it very convenient for you to explore the local culture. You can also take Bus 12, which goes directly to the city center. The heritage area is rich in history, and you’ll find numerous museums that are well worth a visit.
  
  Cultural Experience:
  Staying in a local government home offers a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of a local Malaysian. It’s a great chance to observe and interact with local residents, including the children who come to my place to learn. I highly encourage you to engage with them, as this can provide valuable insights into the local culture and way of life. I would also love take you to Sunday Mass in the Catholic Church.
  
  Music Lessons:
  - I have 16 years of teaching experience, and my music lessons are professional. I teach a wide variety of ages and music background.
  - Discounted lessons: Piano, violin, and singing lessons are available at a reduced rate for all Workawayers, whether living with me or not.
  - One free piano or singing lessons available to all Workawayers including children, whether living with me or not, in exchange for helping create promotional content.
  
  
  If you stay longer, you can do day trips or overnight trips to nearby states such as Perak and Kedah, which offer their own unique attractions.
  You can request for the above activities and I can advice you on my availability. You are responsible for the cost.

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  Help

  You’ll help 15 hours per week per person. Minimum stay is 8 days, maximum stay is 16 days. Prefer candidates who could stay for at least 10 days. Longer stays can be discussed after your arrival. The candidate must be comfortable staying alone.
  
  There are various help needed depending on the month that you come.
  
  House Sitting (Important)
  You will be mostly alone as I mostly do not live there. You will see me on friday, saturday and sunday when I teach at home. I am away and stay in university most of the times to attend to my work, school and university commitments.
  
  Housekeeping , and lots of cleaning
  Meticulous cleaning of home, appliances, containers. Also includes some plant care and animal care. Might include painting the stools, wall, and ceiling.
  
  Eco Project
  Help clean glass jars for reuse. The jars will be given to a local seller to package food for the market. This task is available only when glass jars are received. About 3 hours of help a week needed.
  
  German Language Practice (Important)
  Native speakers only. Help me with reading, writing, speaking, listening the Bible (for Katechismus class) and animal book.
  
  Chinese Language Practice. (Important)
  Native speakers only. Helping a boy, a non native speaker in Chinese. Assist in reading and recording classes in mandarin for a child. Boy prefers someone young so someone below age 30 is ideal.
  
  Helping to teach Piano
  Let me know your piano playing , piano teaching experience and your repertoire. You will be helping to teach between 3 to 5 hours a week depending on week of the month.
  
  Advertisement Flyers (Important)
  Help me to cut the flyers and also distribute the flyers. Must have stamina walking at least 3km.
  
  Academic Support
  - Assist with scanning documents, photos, or other materials into PDF files. Organize and save files in a clear, accessible way. iPhone needed.
  
  Appearing in my photos and video for advertising content
  - You will be featured as a student. You must look clean and tidy and appropriate as a student in Malaysia.
  - Youthful, vibrant, and energetic.
  
  Candidate should be:
  - Between ages 18 - 40, with verified ID.
  - Minors age 13 and above are welcome, but parents are fully responsible for their supervision at all times.
  - Honest, reliable, humble, punctual and proactive.
  - Energetic, healthy, and an early riser.
  - Respectful of culture, independent, and okay being alone.
  
  As I have listed a range of tasks on my Workaway profile, there may be times when a previous Workawayer has already completed the task you were interested in. I kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility to assist with other tasks if needed. Your openness and positive attitude are always greatly appreciated.
  
  I STRICTLY do not host smokers, drug user, and people who use profanity and also those who do not bother to read my profile.
  
  Depending on the days and tasks, you must follow my schedule, as it needs to align with my university and work commitments. Generally, you will have 3 off days a week. Must help on saturday and Sunday.
  
  I do not have Wifi at home. I only use mobile data. If you need to be constantly on the internet, this is not a place for you.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Malay: Fluent
  German: Intermediate
  Chinese (Mandarin): Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  My language proficiency are as below Malay My national language and I am a native speaker English The 2nd language in Malaysia and my proficiency is C1. Chinese - Mandarin My 3rd language and my proficiecy is B2 German Completed B1. Chinese (Other dialects) Speak Teochew and Hokkien fluently. Could understand and speak some Cantonese. Improving and learning German is my top priority. I am not interested in practicing or learning other languages.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation & Daily Life
  - Living in local government home
  - Simple mattress on the floor, pillow, blanket, fan, plants, piano. (Refer photo).
  - No meals provided. Only light cooking allowed.
  - No WiFi at my place. You can use your own mobile data.
  - Morning tasks starts at 9 AM; some evening tasks until 10PM. You’ll have at 3 or 4 days off per week.
  - Bucket Shower (Room temperature water)
  - Everything is shared and no gender segregation.
  - You must keep your space clean and follow simple housekeeping rules (e.g., sweep floor twice a week, clean kitchen after use, modest dress, daily showers).
  - Cultural Note: Malaysia is a muslim country. Please dress modestly and be respectful of religious customs (e.g. No satanic, gothic, punk style, no tattoos on face, no excessive piercing, no excessive tattoos).
  -Time management is very important here. You are expected to be punctual. Schedules and dateline's are taken seriously.
  
  The Neighbourhood : Karpal Singh Drive
  Just outside of home there are
  - Supermarket for groceries and all your daily needs
  - Pharmacy, Doctor, Dentist
  - Park and playground
  - Many shops including vegetarian cafe, coffee, cafe, restaurants, food court, mobile accessories, hair cut, night market.
  
  HOW TO COME TO MY HOME :
  Coming by train is the safest way. Take a train to Butterworth. From Butterworth, walk and take the ferry to go to Penang island.
  Once you reach the island, from the Jetty , take Bus number 12 to Ocean View. You can also walk for 3km if you do not want to take the bus.
  
  If you take bus or flight to Penang International Airport, take any bus that goes to Komtar or Jetty. From jetty or komtar, take bus 12 to Ocean View. I will meet you at this bus stop. My home is right there. I do not provide my home address, therefore, if you are travelling internationally, you have to be responsible for the arrival card.

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  What else ...

  I’ve been hosting on Workaway since 2017, as well as on other platforms. I receive many applications each week and carefully review every message. Please read my profile and answer all the questions below as this helps me select the most suitable guest, as I can host only one or two people at a time.
  
  I work and study in shifts, so my availability changes monthly. Specific tasks will be shared about 10 days before arrival, but you’re welcome to message me anytime to express interest.
  
  Due to time constraints, I do not conduct video or phone interviews. All communication happens only here as I respect this platform.
  
  Important Information for Volunteers
  I do not provide my home address. You are responsible for your own travel arrangements and completing any arrival or immigration forms.
  The meeting point is opposite my home and details will be given after you stay is confirmed.
  
  
  Application Process
  Send me a message in English only introducing yourself and answering all the questions below.
  I will reply and may ask follow-up questions based on your interests and skills.
  This helps ensure we’re a good match and your stay is meaningful and comfortable.
  Messages not in English , requests to communicate on other platforms or missing answers will be rejected. I only communicate here on Workaway.
  
  In your first message, you must;
  - State the task you prefer , and I’ll let you know the available dates,
  or
  share your preferred dates, and I’ll advise on the tasks available during that time.
  - Mention any task that you are not willing to do.
  - Are you willing to help in some other task if something comes up?
  - Include your highest level of education and a brief overview of your education or career background
  You may also share your LinkedIn profile (if available) to help match tasks to your experience.
  - Explain your main intention for coming here.
  - Any request for special activities ( daytrips and overnight trips)
  
  I will reply with further questions based on your initial message.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  You have your own table and chair to do your work. I do not have WiFi here so you need to buy your own mobile data. Internet connection here is good.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

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