Francesco

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Ciao! I'm Francesco, a Psychology student at the University of Turin, where I'm writing my thesis this year. Turin isn't my hometown: I grew up in Genoa, a port city, and I've been living on my own since I was [età], so changing places and starting over is something I'm used to.
The sea has always been part of my family life. Since I was a kid, my dad and I have gone surfcasting on the beaches of the Italian Riviera: early mornings, a few spots we know by heart, and usually not much fish. That was never really the point. We sit there, watch the sea, and laugh about our misadventures and about life in general. That's where I learned to enjoy the process more than the result.
I like learning by doing and being around people, and my experience reflects that. I've spent two summers as a lifeguard and canoe instructor, teaching 100+ beginners, and supervised groups of kids at an after-school program. In March 2025 I volunteered for two weeks at an orphanage in Nianing, Senegal, caring for toddlers in a place with very few resources. I also did an Erasmus semester in Barcelona. Between moving out young, Erasmus and Senegal, I'm quick to adapt: I arrive, observe, and figure things out.
I'm flexible and happy to help with anything, from kids and outdoor activities to cooking, cleaning and hands-on projects, and I'd love to learn something from you in return.
I'm happiest when I can live the sea: in it, on it, or just watching it. I love trips that are more adventure than comfort: rough roads, crazy places, incredible views. Sunsets and photography, reading, and music of every kind, especially reggae and Italian singer-songwriters from the '60s to the '90s.
But what I value most is time with people: a big table with a lot of noise and too much food, long talks with friends until sunrise, and listening to other people's stories. I like doing good, bringing positive energy and keeping things light, wherever I am.

Interests

Events & social

Fashion or beauty

Van life

Self development

Astronomy

Sailing / Boating

Blogging

Plant care

Music

History

Books

Photography

Languages

Gardening

Cooking & food

Writing

Animals

Yoga / Wellness

Team sports

Nature

Fitness

Camping

Beach

Dancing

Mountain

Water sports

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Cycling

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
I'm keen to keep improving my English and Spanish, so feel free to speak to me in either one and correct me when I slip. I'd also like to start learning French, and I'm open to new languages. Italian is my mother tongue and I'm happy to teach it to anyone curious, from survival phrases to everyday conversation, whether you're travelling to Italy, have Italian roots or just like the language. I'm always up for a language swap over a meal or a walk.

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Creative DIY projects

Art Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Light maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Light gardening

Hospitality/Tourism

Languages

Teaching

More details about your skills

I learn by doing and I work best around people: I'm calm when things get busy, I like to be useful early in the morning, and I don't mind the boring jobs.
Water & outdoors: Certified lifeguard and swimming instructor. Two summers as a lifeguard and canoe instructor, teaching 100+ beginners from kids to adults, and handling equipment, logistics and safety briefings. I've also been surfcasting since I was a kid, so I know rods, early starts and a lot of patience.
Kids & groups: Only supervisor of groups of 15-25 kids (5-12 years old) at an after-school program, planning creative workshops and games. Two weeks at an orphanage in Senegal, caring for toddlers in a place with very few resources.
People: Six years in PR taught me to talk to anyone and stay calm under pressure. My Psychology studies help me read how people behave in groups, which is useful with kids, teams and guests.
Reliable: Four years of pizza delivery in every kind of weather, always on time. Punctual, fit, and fine with repetitive or tiring work.
Practical: EU passport and driving licence (B).
I'm not a chef or a carpenter, but I'm keen to learn and happy to be taught how you do things.

Age

22

What else ...

Available from mid-October to early December (about 7 weeks), either with one host for the whole time or split into two stays, whatever works best for you.
I'm writing my thesis this year, so I'll need a few quiet evening hours and a reasonably stable wifi connection. Apart from that, I'm happy to fit into how your place works.
I like to stay active: I work out, swim and run, and I'm always up for an early session before the day starts.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  No

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  Special dietary requirements
  No special requirements, I eat everything. I train regularly, so I like good, simple food, but I'm happy with whatever the house cooks.