David

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

Belgian from the Antwerp/Ghent area, I can show people around here.
Travelling Europe, mainly Italy for summer. Eco/agro-tourism, permaculture, language & skill exchange, prospecting properties.

Description

Hello,

I'm David from Belgium, probably the rainiest country in Europe! I've got some Italian blood, so obviously I developed quite the affection for the Mediterranean.

Personally, I love nature and being outside. In the tranquil forest, serene mountains or basically anywhere outdoors. Not to say I don't like other things, I do especially like culinary experiences.
My passion is integrating science, nature and agriculture through agro-ecology, permaculture and similar concepts.

Every year I try to do an exchange via WorkAway, so I'm interested in a wide variety of experiences. Sadly I'm limited to school holidays at the moment.

Interests

Van life

Farming

Cooking & food

DIY & crafts

Self development

Music

Movies & TV

Animals

Plant care

Technology

Sustainability

Outdoor activities

Nature

Mountain

Languages

Hiking

Gardening

Cycling

Camping

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Italian: Intermediate
Catalan: Beginner
German: Beginner
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
Sì, imparo l'Italiano e adesso sono a nivello B1. Mi piacerebbe incontrare persone che possano aiutarmi a migliorare il mio italiano. Myself, I could help other people with Dutch, English and some intermediate French. Of course, I'm always interested in other languages.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Life at a Farmstay

Animal Care

Hospitality/Tourism

House sitting

---

Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

General Maintenance

---

Able to teach about:  

Eco Projects

Languages

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Teaching

More details about your skills

I studied Biology and Agro-Biotechnology and I've worked many laboratory jobs over the years at universities and NGOs. As such I have a decent amount of theoretical knowledge on plants and animals with insight into ecological and farm design.
I've also completed an online Permaculture Design Course and I'd love to build up more practical skills. Eco/agro-tourism are my main interests for volunteering.

Most recently I worked as Lab Manager for the University of Antwerp at the Faculty of Heritage, Department of Conservation & Restoration (Art).
Reasonably out of my comfort zone, but interesting nonetheless.
Currently doing a career switch to professional teacher (in training).

I've been Private-Tutoring science to pupils occasionally as a freelancer for several years now. Mostly Chemistry, Biology but also some other topics.

Age

42

What else ...

My reason for travelling with WorkAway is the ability for amazing experiences while both helping locals and reducing travel expenses for longer stays.

Unlike other platforms, I do consider it a holiday experience and not a full-time job. I've already done several long WorkAway stays, so I know what's important. Good cooperation requires some basic agreements and respect.

I consider myself a reasonably smart, respectful and helpful person, positive and enjoyable. Sometimes I might be confused so that I am very direct, hence I appreciate similar communication.
Other people have described me as authentic, sophisticated but also stoic and witty.

Apparently, people from Belgium are very organised, the only reason I plan my vacations far in advance is mostly to avoid high ticket prices.

As a disclaimer, I hope the following information is useful to some:
Medical Condition: Neurodivergent
Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator: INTJ-A

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies
  No, or I don't know yet.

• 

  Special dietary requirements
  No