Karlijn

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi! My name is Karlijn, I am 22 years old, and from The Netherlands. This past year, I took a break from my law studies to focus on personal growth and to reconnect with myself and nature. From mid-October to early February, I backpacked solo through Asia, visiting Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This journey gave me so much — not only did I get to discover all kinds of beautiful places, I also rediscovered myself and started tot understand what truly makes me happy.

Along the way, I didn't just explore - I also volunteered. I worked on a rainforest conservation project in Sri Lanka, helped out at a dog shelter in Thailand, taught English at a local Thai school, and worked on an organic farm in Thailand. Each experience was unforgettable and meaningful in its own unique way. I met so many incredible people and animals, formed deep connections, discovered different ways of life up close, and learned valuable skills and knowledge. In Nepal, I also took part in a 10-day silent meditation course (Vipassana), which turned out to be one of the most transformative parts of my trip.

Travel has always been a passion of mine. Traveling makes me step out of my comfort zone, gives me a sense of freedom, and teaches me lessons in adaptability and self-reliance. Being surrounded by nature gives me a deep sense of peace and connection, something I was really craving after years of academic focus. I’m eager to keep discovering new cultures and ways of life, far from the busy pace of the Netherlands. Through Workaway, I hope to continue growing, connectioning to people, learning new skills, and giving back to the people and environments I encounter.

I also love to learn in a more formal setting. In June 2024, I obtained my bachelor's degree in Law at Radboud University in Nijmegen. In addition to my bachelor's degree, I followed a faculty honors program. I followed both with great pleasure and passion. In 2023, I attended a summer school in Thessaloniki (Greece) for a few weeks with the overarching theme of international human rights in relation to women and gender. This further fueled my interest in social justice issues. In September 2025 I want to start a master's degree in Criminal Law at the same university. However, I have a wide range of interests that extend beyond just law :)

Outside of my studies and travels, until last year, I spent a lot of my time with my rescued cat, who was my whole world. In my spare time I like to walk (preferably in nature, especially in the forest). I also try to exercise a few times a week (such as running, yin yoga, fitness or kickboxing). I often do this while enjoying music or a podcast. This helps me to calm my mind. To really relax, I enjoy watching movies and series or reading books. I also love being creative, such as drawing or painting, even though I don't do it at a high level and don't do it very often - it's more about the peace it gives me and enjoying the process :)

A bit more about how I'd describe myself: I am a motivated, responsible and hard worker who always wants to deliver good results. I am very eager to learn and can think creatively. I pick up new concepts quickly, and I have an analytical mindset and attention to detail. While I can be a bit reserved at first, once I open up, I become more spontaneous, and love to laugh and have fun with others. In addition, I am very sensitive and that is why I like to have deep connections with others. I also think it is important to be helpful, caring and reliable to others, and I quickly feel responsible for others. Although I have a naturally positive and optimistic outlook on life, I always have a realistic and rational approach to situations.

Interests

Yoga / Wellness

Mountain

Fitness

Cycling

Vegetarian or vegan

Sustainability

Self development

Politics / Social justice

Photography

Plant care

Pets

Outdoor activities

Nature

Languages

Music

LGBTQ

History

Hiking

Movies & TV

Gardening

Farming

Drawing & painting

DIY & crafts

Culture

Cooking & food

Charity work

Books

Beach

Animals

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
German: Beginner

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

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

General Maintenance

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Some knowledge of:  

Animal Care

Babysitting and creative play

DIY and building projects

Helping around the house

Gardening

Teaching

More details about your skills

I had a few part-time jobs during high school. I worked at an animal boarding house for 1.5 years. I have experience working with dogs and cats. The work consisted of: cleaning kennels, walking, feeding, washing and taking pictures of dogs and caring and feeding cats. It was hard work, but I found it very rewarding and wonderful. I love taking care of animals and at the moment, I occasionally babysit pets in the neighborhood. In addition, I had a cat myself until this August. I want to expand my knowledge and skills in these areas. For example, I want to learn more about animal behavior, medical animal care, and gain more experience with other animals.

I also had a summer job as a sales employee, where I learned how to interact with customers and handle their needs. The following year, I worked as a logistics department employee, where I managed physically demanding tasks, and practiced my abilities in time planning, working efficiently and team work skills.

Last academic year I also sat on a committee for my study association and on a committee for my legal advice centre. These volunteer jobs gave me some experience in planning activities, managing social media channels and creating content for these channels.

In addition, I have experience working with children. I have been babysitting children in the neighborhood for 7 years, and I really enjoy spending time with them. I care about them very much.
Furthermore, during my studies I volunteered as a legal advisor at a children's and youth legal advice centre. I provided free legal advice to children and young people and assisted them in writing letters to the juvenile court judge. In addition, I held consultation hours on behalf of the legal advice centre in a youth custodial institution (for which I obtained a Certificate of Good Conduct) and gave presentations in this youth custodial institution and at primary schools.

Most recently, in March, I worked as a counselor at Europeshire — an international educational camp aimed at improving English speaking skills through workshops, creative activities, games, and sports. I was a mentor for groups of teenagers and led the workshops and activities.

Age

22

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements
  My preference is to eat vegetarian, but I don't mind if this doesn't work out. However, I strictly don't eat seafood.