Join us in a local musical home in Penang, Malaysia

Details

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  Description

  Help needed from December 2025 until project completion. Choose at least 2
  - Content creating (Instagram, youtube)
  - Create presentations (power point, pdf with canva) and learning materials, worksheets
  - Meticulous home cleaning , painting the stool. (to be completed by mid january 2026)
  - Mathematic support (until June 2026)
  - Academic support ( until April2026)
  
  
  Hello, I'm Michelle. I am vegetarian. I'm a full-time teacher (Music & Mathematics) teaching age 4 until 16, a full time university student in pure science (Biology & Mathematics). I also rent out rooms and give tours as a side income. Occasionally, my friend stays with me too.
  
  I enjoy structured routines, quiet productivity, and deep conversations particularly about mathematics! I’m especially excited to host volunteers with a background or interest in math, science, engineering or herpetology (I love observing reptiles in the wild)
  
  My home offers a truly local experience in a middle income government housing area in Georgetown, Penang, just 3 km from the UNESCO Heritage Site and near the sea. It’s ideal for independent, respectful volunteers who want to experience real Malaysian life.
  
  As I have injured both of my knees and ankles in the past. My mobility is a little bit limited. I cannot hike, run, jump anymore.

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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 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 community. 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. 2 hours lessons a week for each subject.
  - Free Lessons: Piano and singing lessons can be offered free of charge to those who are able to assist with additional tasks.
  
  Planned Activities During Your Stay:
  To make your stay both enriching and enjoyable, I organize various activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the beauty of Penang and beyond. Activities will be planned based on my available time, and workawayers will not be able to choose specific activities. However, I will ensure each activity is engaging and culturally significant.
  
  Some examples of activities I’ve organized in the past include:
  - Mini Food Tour
  - Round-the-Island Tour
  - Camping
  - Nature walk at Penang Botanical Garden
  - Cultural Dance or Music Show
  - Chinese Calligraphy & Chinese Brush Drawing
  - Day trips and overnight trips to nearby states such as Perak and Kedah, which offer their own unique attractions for those who stay for longer period
  
  I will schedule these activities according to my availability, ensuring that they provide you with a meaningful way to experience Penang and Malaysia as a whole.

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  Help

  You’ll help 15 hours per week per person. Minimum stay is 7 days, maximum stay is 15 days. Longer stays up to 6 week is possible, but extensions can only be discussed after the 10 days of stay for candidate with correct skills and work ethics. I prefer candidates who could stay for at least 10 days. The candidate must be comfortable staying alone.
  
  Details of Help required
  
  House Sitting (Compulsory)
  You will be mostly alone. 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.
  
  Cleaning & Tidying: (Compulsory)
  Meticulous cleaning of home, appliances, containers. Also includes some plant care.
  
  Crocheting: Must already know how to crochet granny squares.
  
  Eco Project ( March 2026)
  Clean glass jars for reuse. Jars will be given to local seller to put food to sell in the market
  Chop citrus for fermentation. Remove fermented citrus from bottles and packaging.
  
  German Language Practice
  Native speakers only. Help me with reading, writing, speaking, listening.
  
  Mathematics Support (Until June 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 (Until April 2026)
  - Search for journals related to my project.
  - Taking pictures / videos for my academic essay
  - Assisting in typing, format for academic journals and notes
  - Create powerpoint presentations and videos using Canva.
  
  Content creation
  - Create posters, adverts, videos and campaign flyers
  - Confident on camera and comfortable appearing in photos and videos when needed.
  - Take photographs and videos creatively.
  
  Art help
  - Develop original hand-drawn designs and illustration for personal project.
  - Draw greeting cards with colour pencils for own use or for sale for charity.
  
  Candidate should be:
  - Between ages 18 - 40, with verified ID.
  - 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.
  
  Priority will be given to those who has positive reference from hosts as I have many children here.
  
  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, morning work may start as early as 9 AM, and evening tasks can go until 9 PM. You’ll need to follow my schedule, as it needs to align with my university and work commitments. Generally, you will have 3 days or 4 off 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 may start at 9 AM; some evening tasks until 10PM. You’ll have at 3 days off per week.
  - Bucket Shower (room temperature water)
  - You must keep your space clean and follow simple housekeeping rules (e.g., vacuum 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
  
  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 and various other hosting platforms. I receive many applications each week. I carefully review every message, so please take time to read my profile and respond to the questions listed. This helps me select the most suitable guest, especially since I can only host one or two person at a time.
  
  Please note that I work and study in shifts, so my availability changes monthly. I will share specific tasks closer to your arrival. You're welcome to message me throughout the year to express interest.
  
  Due to time constraints, I do not conduct video or phone interviews. All communication will happen here, once you’ve sent a detailed and thoughtful message including the required answers.
  
  Important Information for Volunteers
  Please note that I do not provide my home address. You are fully responsible for arranging their own travel and for completing any necessary arrival or immigration cards as these matters are your personal responsibility. The meeting point is opposite my home (details will be given once your stay is confirmed). Thank you for your understanding.
  
  Thank you for taking the time to understand my hosting setup. I look forward to hearing to you.
  
  To be considered, please answer all the following questions in your first message (no copy-paste):
  - What are your exact arrival and departure dates? How will you be traveling (bus, train, or flight)?
  - Choose 2 task that you would be most interested to help with.
  - Are you independent and comfortable spending time and staying alone? You will be living mostly alone.
  - What is your highest level of education? Elaborate more on your education background and/or career background. If you have a LinkedIn profile related to your work , feel free to share the link as well .
  - What inspired you to choose Penang, and why are you interested in staying at my home in particular?
  - Are you open to helping with other tasks if something unexpected comes up? Is there any task that you are not willing to do?
  - What is one of your biggest fears or weaknesses, and how are you working to overcome it?
  - What do you hope to gain or learn from this experience?
  - Are you interested in learning or sharing music during your stay? If yes, please tell me about your background in music and your learning goals.

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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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