Kevin

Germany
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Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
Dear reader,

Greetings! My name is Kevin Zernickel, and I recently completed my Master of Education in Philosophy and English, as well as my Master of Arts in Philosophy, from Münster, Germany. Throughout my studies, I had the privilege of working as a student assistant at the chair for Practical Philosophy, where I supported two doctoral students in their dissertations in the field of Philosophy of Biology. Philosophical thinking has become an integral part of my life.

As I am currently in a transition phase, with a few months of free time before starting my practical studies at a school in November 2023, I am eager to engage in one of the amazing projects available on Workaway. I have the motivation and ample time to contribute to a meaningful endeavor.

During an exchange semester in India, I embarked on a ten-day Vipassana Meditation retreat in Igatpuri. It proved to be one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. Since then, meditation has become a steadfast practice, with daily sittings and an annual ten-day retreat. I also have a keen interest in Buddhism and enjoy exploring its philosophical and theoretical foundations. In my leisure time, I engage in various sports activities such as yoga, mountain biking, and social dance. These moments are precious to me as I embrace the final days of my student life to the fullest. I am skilled in preparing vegan dishes, with Indian curries being one of my specialties. Additionally, I have a fondness for parlour games like Wizard, Siedler, or Skyo.

Throughout my bachelor's and master's programs, I completed several internships in the field of social work. These included experiences at a Waldorf school, humanitarian refugee aid organizations, and a psychiatric day-care hospital for children and adolescents. Furthermore, I gained valuable teaching experience during a practical semester at a grammar school, where I worked as a teacher for a few months. During my work and travel year in Australia, I had the opportunity to work on various farms, including plum and strawberry farms, as well as assisting on a construction site.

I would describe myself as adaptable, open-minded, and respectful. I am comfortable working independently or as part of a team, interacting with customers, or working in an office environment. Therefore, I am willing to lend a hand wherever assistance is needed, provided that I am convinced of the project's value and purpose.

Thank you for taking the time to read this introduction. I wish you all the best, regardless of wherever you may be.
Interests
Events & social
Cooking & food
Sustainability
Mountain
Dancing
DIY & crafts
Camping
Vegetarian or vegan
Outdoor activities
Cycling
Books
Yoga / Wellness
Politics / Social justice
Nature
Culture
Adventure sports
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Russian: Beginner
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Art Projects
Some knowledge of:
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
language teaching
general maintenance
customer service
basic farm work
Age
28
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  no
- Special dietary requirements
  vegan

Feedback

6 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Kevin) for host (Welcoming imaginative, fun, ...)

My experience there, hosted by Safia and Ian in Wincanton, was truly enriching. For anyone seeking an opportunity to connect with people from around the world, engage in creative activities with children, and improve their English communication skills, this is the ideal destination. In the following sections, I will provide a concise overview of… read more the work, accommodation, and location of this Workaway site.

Work: The work commitment is 25 hours per week in exchange for food (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and accommodation, a fair arrangement. Safia's delicious lunches on workdays and Sunday pizza nights were particularly enjoyable. The main tasks at the workshop involve preparing, facilitating, and tidying up after various craft projects. These projects range from children's birthday parties and school activities to individual creative sessions. Initially, I was surprised by the amount of time spent on preparation, including gathering and assembling materials for the projects. I had underestimated the workload involved in preparing for the actual sessions. During the sessions, you mainly provide support in the background, allowing children or adults to unleash their creativity with some guidance and materials. After each session, you are responsible for tidying up and returning materials to their designated places, which can be challenging given the assortment of drawers and containers. If you're a coffee enthusiast, you'll be delighted by the excellent coffee machine there.

Housing: The accommodation for Workawayers is a mere 3-minute walk from the workshop. Workawayers share a kitchen equipped with essential cooking appliances and a room with 2 or 3 other people. Additionally, there is a spacious garden, porch, and common hallway for relaxation. A variety of board games are available, fostering interactions among fellow Workawayers. As the apartment has accommodated a remarkable 700 Workawayers in recent years, I initially had to adjust my hygiene standards, although there is a cleaning schedule in place. Cleanliness largely depends on the individuals you share the space with, making each experience unique. Naturally, wear and tear can occur with such a high turnover of residents. However, when I raised concerns about mold in my room with Safia, she promptly organized a deep cleaning day instead of a typical workday at the workshop. It's worth noting that the housing situation is expected to change, as Safia and Ian plan to vacate their flat directly above the project's place to make room for additional Workawayers.

Location: Wincanton is a charming small town in Somerset, about a 2-hour drive west of London. Within walking distance, you'll find cozy cafes, pubs, a park, and supermarkets. The leisure center offers a swimming pool, and there are gyms for those interested in staying active. While you can explore the surrounding area on foot, be aware that there are limited pedestrian walkways, so you may need to walk alongside cars or on grassy areas. On your day off, you can easily plan day trips to nearby cities like Bath, Bristol, or Frome using public transportation. Safia and Ian have been kind enough to provide lifts to the nearest train station in Bruton for some Workawayers.

In conclusion, my stay was immensely enjoyable, and I wholeheartedly recommend this Workaway experience to others.

(Excellent )

6 Oct 2023

Left by host (Welcoming imaginative, fun, ...) for Workawayer (Kevin)

Kevin is a kind and thoughtful person who is both creative and considered. It is an excellent mix and one which will make him an excellent teacher. Kevin is calm and caring, always giving children enough time to communicate their thoughts. We loved hosting him and hope that he will one day return.

(Excellent )