LauraBulfin

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I am a college student (studying psychotherapy) who wants to make the most of my time during the breaks by learning though new experiences. I am especially interested in learning about animals and ways of working with them, with horses in particular. I am also trying to expand my knowledge of plants - from gardening to foraging. I enjoy working in the garden at home, particularly for the benefit of biodiversity, through sowing wildflowers or creating wildlife ponds, for example. I have an amateur's knowledge of flower identification (but it seems each new one I learn, makes me forget another!), and am very interested in learning more about wild plants and their uses. I have a great love of nature and wildlife, and often go walking to spot flowers, insects and animals. I have a great interest in creating spaces for wildlife and biodiversity, and like to learn about ways to implement spaces for wildlife. I'm interested to learn more about working with my hands, for example with carpentry, and would like to learn about self sufficiency.

I prefer to work somewhere with lots of animals as I am used to being surrounded by them at home - I live on a farm and have lots of experience working with and caring for animals, having milked cows and fed calves; cared for a small flock of sheep shared by my sister and I for years, along with my own 4 goats. In the past I cared for our ducks and hens too. I have grown up with many cats and dogs and in my mind they are essential members of a household. I am always happy to spend time petting a cat or walking a dog. I also have some experience with horses, but would really love more - I have a Shetland pony, have taken some horse riding lessons as a teen and have restarted going weekly, have mucked out stalls, have hacked on the road and in fields with a friend, can groom and lead. However I always feel out of practice with my horse skills as my experience with horses has never been consistent, so I am not the most confident person at tacking up for example, even if I know how to do it theoretically, and have done so before. I would really like practice, so that it can become more automatic to me. I have got some practice through different Workaways, for example in 2023 I stayed at a large and very busy horse farm. I also learnt how to ride and care for horses in a more holistic way at one Workaway and I really enjoyed this a lot. In 2022 I was taught in a short course about horse care in detail, from common health issues to diet to anatomy. During that time I also partook in equine assisted learning, which involved working closely with horses on the ground and then I helped to carry out equine assisted learning with a group of young girls, which was really enjoyable. I would really love to build up my experience with horses, both on the ground and riding, and learn more about their care in a hands on way. I would say my riding level is around advanced novice or intermediate, at the moment I am trying to improve how I communicate to the horse using my seat, working on keeping good contact with the reins, and jumping small jumps.

By the way, I am someone who is interested in sustainable living and I feel the urge to care for the environment very strongly! So I am interested to learn how others live in sustainable ways.

I am happy to share information about my Irish culture and I enjoy learning about different cultures in exchange. I often enjoy deep meaningful conversations! However it's also important to me to have some time alone so I can definitely adapt to hosts who need space and silence as well.
During free time I am interested in exploring the nearby natural area, mainland Europe is so much more diverse with animal, insect and plant species than Ireland, so I really like to discover the nature wherever I go.
Workwise, I have worked on the family farm for years; also with a neighbour of mine facilitating Social Farming, which is a scheme that involves helping people to come together and do gardening work, animal care, and crafts, for the betterment of their mental health; and since early 2025 I've also been working as a counsellor (in training) online, although I don't expect to have much client work over the summer.

Interests

Politics / Social justice

Sustainability

Dancing

Cycling

Writing

Self development

Mountain

Movies & TV

Languages

History

Architecture

Books

Photography

Plant care

Nature

Pets

Outdoor activities

Music

Hiking

Gardening

Farming

DIY & crafts

Culture

Camping

Animals

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
Irish: Intermediate
French: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I would really like to improve my German. I can understand a lot but still get lost in some conversations, and I am a bit shy to speak German until I get used to it again.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

Eco Projects

Art Projects

DIY and building projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

Life at a Farmstay

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Languages

Helping around the house

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Being an elderly companion

General Maintenance

House & pet sitting

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Able to teach about:  

Animal Care

More details about your skills

I have good interpersonal skills and try to communicate if I am not certain about something. I have no problem with getting dirty on a farm or ending up with soil under my fingernails. I am used to physical farmwork as I have helped out on my family's farm for years. I can be a bit slower than others when working sometimes, but I also like to complete things to a satisfying standard. I am generally confident when taking care of animals (not including bulls, I have had two bad experiences when I was younger so I am afraid of them) and feel a lot of connection with animals. I am conscious that it takes a lot of trust to host a workawayer in your home, so I really like to fulfil my role and be helpful. I am generally open to try things, for example on another Workaway I learned to use power tools such as a drill, electric sander, and electric hedge trimmer and this was invigorating!

Age

22

What else ...

I can think quite literally and usually need clear instructions when doing something new, but I will communicate to ensure I understand what is being asked of me 100%.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  Penicillin

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  Special dietary requirements
  No