Join us in a local musical home in Penang, Malaysia

Details

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  Description

  Important now
  - Looking for volunteers who are comfortable being on camera for photo and video content.
  - Academic support
  
  Hello, I’m Michelle. I’m 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, and occasionally host a close friend.
  
  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—especially about mathematics. I’m particularly happy to host volunteers with an interest in math, science, engineering, or native German speakers, though anyone with clear intentions and a genuine desire to learn is very welcome.
  
  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

  General 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.
  
  Music Lessons:
  - I have 15 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 may be offered to all Workawayers including children, whether living with me or not, in exchange for helping create promotional content.
  
  Planned Activities During Your Stay
  I organize activities to make your stay enriching . Activities are planned around my schedule, so specific choices cannot be guaranteed, but I ensure each one is engaging and culturally meaningful. I also attend Catholic Mass on weekends, and you are most welcome to join me.
  
  Some examples of activities I’ve organized in the past include:
  - Mini vegetarian Food Tour
  - Round-the-Island Tour
  - Camping
  - Nature walk at Penang Botanical Garden
  - Cultural Dance or Music Show
  - Chinese Calligraphy & Chinese Brush Drawing
  - Mass in the Catholic Church
  - Outdoor sketching
  - Day trips to the mainland
  - Overnight trips to nearby states such as Perak and Kedah, which offer their own unique attractions for those who stay for longer period
  
  You can request for the above activities and I can advice you on my availability. You are responsible for the transport cost.

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  Help

  You’ll help 15 hours per week per person. Minimum stay is 7 days, maximum stay is 15 days. Stays longer than 15 days can be discussed after your arrival. I prefer candidates who could stay for at least 10 days. 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 most of the times to attend to my school and university commitments.
  
  Housekeeping and house maintenance
  Meticulous cleaning of home, appliances, containers. Also includes some plant 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 needed.
  
  German Language Practice (Ongoing)
  Native speakers only. Help me with reading, writing, speaking, listening.
  
  Mathematics Support (January 2026 - May 2026)
  Ideal for those with a strong academic background. Mathematics major,Physics major or Engineering Major. Helping me to understand Advance calculus (Multivariable Calculus), Linear Algebra (Matrices, Determinant, Eigenvalue, Eigenvector).
  
  Academic Support (Top Priority)
  - Search for journals related to my project.
  - Assisting in typing, format for academic journals and notes in docs and PDF.
  - Assist with scanning documents, photos, or other materials into PDF files. Organize and save files in a clear, accessible way. iPhone needed.
  - Create powerpoint presentations and videos using Canva.
  
  Content creation (this is a side project until project completion)
  - Create posters, adverts, videos and campaign flyers
  - Confident on camera and comfortable appearing in photos and videos when needed.
  - Take photographs and videos creatively.
  - Edit video
  
  Appearing in my photos and video for content
  - 18-30years old
  - Youthful, vibrant, and energetic (you’ll be featured as a student )
  
  Flyer distribution
  - Helping me distribute my music and math lessons flyer
  
  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 children under age 13, 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 or 4 off days each week. Help will be required on Saturday and Sunday, and one or two other days.
  
  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
  - 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 here. Please send a detailed and thoughtful message including the required answers. I may ask follow-up questions based on your interests and skills to better match tasks and activities to you.
  
  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.
  
  Refer to the calendar:
  Green – can host 2 people
  Yellow – can host 1 person, limited availability for 2 people
  Red – fully booked
  
  Application Process
  Send me a message 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.
  
  Questions to Answer in Your First Message
  - Exact arrival and departure dates (or month), so I can advise on availability.
  - Any tasks you cannot or do not want to do, and whether you’re open to help with other tasks if needed. Tasks are assigned based on weekly availability.
  - Are you independent and comfortable spending time alone? You will mostly live alone, and I cannot provide constant supervision. If coming alone, are you okay sharing space with another workawayer, volunteer, or renter?
  - Your highest level of education and a brief overview of your education/career background. If you have a LinkedIn profile, feel free to share it. This helps me assign tasks suited to your experience.
  - What inspired you to choose Penang, and why are you interested in staying at my home?
  - One of your biggest fears or weaknesses, and how you’re working to overcome it.
  - What do you wish to learn from this experience? (e.g., Rosary, Music, Math). Please state any prior experience.
  -Any requests for specific activities?

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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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