Haoyu

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi, I’m Haoyu from China. Some friends also call me Gray. I recently finished my bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related project management field, and I’m taking a gap year to experience life in a slower, more grounded way.

For a long time, I introduced myself mainly through schools, grades, competitions, and work experiences. This year, I want to learn a more human way of meeting the world: staying in real places, working with my hands, sharing daily routines, and understanding how people live, build, grow food, cook, solve problems, and take care of each other.

I’m curious, reflective, and reliable. I enjoy listening to people’s stories, asking thoughtful questions, organizing things clearly, and helping a team move from an idea to real action. In my past university projects and internships, I often took responsibility for coordination, research, data, presentations, and team communication. Now I want to bring that same seriousness into more practical work: gardening, painting, cleaning, carrying materials, simple building tasks, cooking, and general maintenance.

I’m not a professional farmer or builder, and I won’t pretend to know something I don’t know. But I learn fast, follow instructions, show up on time, communicate honestly, and care about finishing work properly.

I travel simply and carefully, with a realistic budget and a long-term plan. Because I hope to continue volunteering and travelling responsibly, I prefer slower stays, clear communication, and practical planning. I don’t see Workaway simply as a way to save money; I see it as an exchange where I should be useful, respectful, and present.

What brings me happiness is real connection: doing something useful with others, spending time in nature, having honest conversations, and slowly becoming a more grounded person. I’m not looking for luxury; I’m looking for real work, real people, and a simpler rhythm of life.

Interests

Performing arts

Music

Languages

Gardening

Art & design

Books

DIY & crafts

History

Photography

Writing

Drawing & painting

Carpentry

Blogging

Architecture

Animals

Winter sports

Yoga / Wellness

Outdoor activities

Sailing / Boating

Mountain

Dancing

Camping

Fitness

Nature

Team sports

Water sports

Hiking

Cycling

Beach

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
Chinese (Mandarin): Fluent
English: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
Yes. I can help hosts and other travellers learn Mandarin Chinese, including daily expressions, simple characters, pronunciation, and Chinese culture. I would also love to learn basic Portuguese and Spanish during my travels, especially words used in daily life, gardening, cooking, tools, transport, and local culture. I enjoy language exchange in a natural way: while working, cooking, walking, or having conversations after the workday. For me, language is not only about grammar, but also about understanding how people think and live.

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Art Projects

Eco Projects

Helping around the house

Babysitting and creative play

Creative DIY projects

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Life at a Farmstay

Languages

Light gardening

---

Some knowledge of:  

Teaching

---

Able to teach about:  

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

My main strengths are reliability, organization, communication, and learning quickly.

Practical help I can offer:
- Gardening and outdoor work: beginner, but very willing to learn
- Landscaping, clearing areas, carrying materials, and other physical tasks
- Painting, cleaning, simple DIY, and basic building tasks under guidance
- General maintenance and organizing spaces
- Cooking and helping in the kitchen
- Basic computer, data, planning, and project organization tasks
- Chinese language and cultural exchange

I have a background in engineering-related project management, data analysis, research, and team projects. These experiences trained me to plan work, communicate clearly, keep track of details, solve problems step by step, and take responsibility for results.

I’m especially good at turning unclear tasks into clear steps. I like making plans, checking progress, asking questions early, and keeping people updated. In manual work, I am still learning, but I bring patience, attention, and a steady attitude. I don’t mind simple or repetitive tasks when they are useful for the host, the home, or the community.

I’m also happy to help with computer-related tasks if needed, but I am not looking to stay behind a screen all day. One of the reasons I’m doing Workaway is to work more with my body and learn practical skills in real life.

Age

23

What else ...

A small note about me: I come from a very achievement-oriented environment, where people often introduce themselves through grades, schools, competitions, and labels. My gap year is partly a chance to learn a slower and more honest way of living.

I hope to contribute with both my head and my hands. I’m thoughtful and organized, but I also want to get dirty, tired, and useful in real life. I appreciate hosts who give clear expectations and honest feedback, and I will try to communicate in the same way from my side.

I’m looking for stays of around 4–8 weeks when possible, because I believe trust, rhythm, and real connection need time.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies

• 

  Special dietary requirements