Laura

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 would love 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! I have got some through different Workaways, for example in 2023 I stayed at a 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. I received a certificate for this. During that time I also partook in horse assisted learning, which involved working closely with horses on the ground and then I helped to carry out horse 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.

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!
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 there.
I also can be a bit shy when speaking German at first but it is my goal to get much better as I would like to move to Germany in late 2026 if all goes well. So I really appreciate opportunities to learn even if I am slow to take them sometimes as I often want to express myself more than my German ability allows!

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

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Art Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Languages

Helping around the house

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Being an elderly companion

General Maintenance

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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, but I also like to complete things to a satisfying standard. I am generally confident when taking care of animals (not including bulls) 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 and electric hedge trimmer and this was invigorating!

Age

21

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