Helena

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

community projects
organic farming
eco constructions

Description

I believe there is always more to learn, and that time is one of the most valuable things we can share.
I was born and raised in the countryside of Portugal, where I lived until moving to Lisbon to study. My parents are farmers, and growing up close to the land deeply shaped who I am. I see myself as a citizen of the world and I don’t believe in borders.
I love traveling, discovering new places, and meeting new people. I especially enjoy experiencing local cultures through traditional food and drinks — after all, “people who love to eat are always the best people.”
I am an anthropologist and I want to dedicate my life to meaningful work. My main interests include feminism, anti-racism, the arts, agroecology, de-growth, labour rights, fair trade, etc. I strongly believe we should never exploit others simply because they are in a weaker position.
After two years living in rural France, I returned to Portugal, where I developed several projects with rural communities.
My voluntaries experiences were crucial for learning how hosts and volunteers share knowledge and for adapting to varied tasks, paces, and cultural contexts. They also strengthened my intercultural communication and teamwork skills.
Currently, I am living in Galway, Ireland, where I am a visiting PhD researcher at the University. My research is about women's land rights, and gender inequalities in rural areas.
I am reliable, adaptable, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to projects that value sustainability, cooperation, and community life, while continuing to learn and share knowledge wherever I go.

Interests

Hiking

Yoga / Wellness

Writing

Sustainability

Self development

Politics / Social justice

Plant care

Pets

Performing arts

Outdoor activities

Nature

Music

Movies & TV

Mountain

Languages

History

Gardening

Farming

Events & social

Drawing & painting

Culture

Charity work

Books

Beach

Astronomy

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent

More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

Art Projects

DIY and building projects

Animal Care

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

General Maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

Languages

Teaching

Being an elderly companion

More details about your skills

I have solid experience in volunteering and cultural exchange, particularly in sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and community-based projects.
I started volunteering with WWOOF in 2016, spending four weeks in England and four weeks in Sweden. Later, in August 2019, I volunteered on a farm in California, USA.
I also took part in the European Voluntary Service (EVS), working at an agriculture and forestry school in southern France.
Through Workaway, I continued working on permaculture and rural projects in Portugal (2021), Asturias, Spain (2022), and Sierra de Gata, Spain (2023). These experiences strengthened my practical skills, sense of responsibility, and ability to live and work collectively.
Alongside this, I actively participate in Erasmus+ projects, including youth exchanges, training courses, and partnership-building activities in Georgia, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Armenia, and Greece (2022–2025).
In addition, I have experience in social volunteering. In 2009, I volunteered for nine months at Santa Maria’s Hospital in Lisbon, supporting patients with daily care and companionship. In 2017, I volunteered in a social housing neighbourhood in Lisbon, helping children with homework and educational support.

Age

37

What else ...

My first long trip was in 2016, lasting two months, during which I travelled through England, Wales, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and France.
I then lived in France for two years.
After that, I took a month-long trip across Canada and the United States.
A month in the Picos de Europa, Spain.
A month in Brazil.
I’ve taken several other short trips across Europe and also Egypt, Georgia, Armenia, and Morocco.
Currently living in Ireland.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  grasses and mites

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  Special dietary requirements
  I need to have a proper lunch, not just a salad or a sandwich, I mean a hot meal. For dinner, something light is fine.