Marina

Spain
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Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
Hi, I'm Marina :)
I'm 25 years old, I live in a small town in the centre of Spain. I've finished studying a university degree and I'm taking this year to travel, volunteer and learn everything that doesn't come out in the books.
I am passionate about animals. Since I was a child I have lived surrounded by them and I love living in nature, enjoying the countryside, walking with my dogs and learning everything I can about them.
I also love photography, doing sports, I like to practice yoga from time to time and above all I love meeting new people, enjoying life in community, getting to know new cities and learning about the culture of the places where I go.
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Charity work
Sustainability
Yoga / Wellness
Water sports
Van life
Videography
Hiking
Politics / Social justice
Beach
Nature
Pets
LGBTQ
Fitness
Photography
Gardening
Writing
Drawing & painting
Winter sports
Adventure sports

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Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Italian: Intermediate
Portuguese: Intermediate
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
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Some knowledge of:
Languages
Eco Projects
Animal Care
DIY and building projects
Gardening
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
I studied law and political science at university. Then I did a master's degree to become a lawyer and worked for a year in a law firm specialising in animal protection and welfare. Therefore, I have a great capacity to manage information, resolve conflicts and take responsibility.

Apart from that job, I have done several voluntary work. In 2019 I was in a wildlife recovery centre in Bolivia with the NGO CIWY. There I learned how to manage an animal sanctuary, how to deal with wild animals and everything that caring for animals in need entails.

This past summer I volunteered in Italy in a small village in Cuneo. The tasks consisted of small maintenance and construction repairs where I learned how to use machines such as drills, pyrograph and others.

I also have experience working on my parents' family farm where we took care of two donkeys, a vegetable garden and a vineyard. Since I was a child I have also enjoyed drawing, painting and taking photos. I have hardly had any artistic training, but I try to cultivate it on my own.

I am an active and open-minded person and I like to learn new things. I like to participate in the organisation of tasks and to see how each idea or project grows.

As far as languages are concerned, I speak English as I have been taking classes since I was very young. I also learned Portuguese because I did an Erasmus year in Lisbon and now I am trying to learn Italian.
Age
25
What else ...
I am looking forward to getting to know new environments, learning new activities, being in contact with different people and giving the best of myself wherever I go.
My goal during this course is to learn new skills, meet new people and get to know myself. I think I am a friendly, warm person with an active and collaborative mind. So here we go!
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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5 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Marina) for host (Share our passion for animal ...)

It has been a few weeks since I left this shelter. This was my first Workaway experience as it has been for many others, I am very happy and grateful to have experienced this volunteering.

As you can read in the description and in the comments from colleagues, the place is located near Pula. It is easy to get there from the city by bus or cab.… read more The welcome was cordial, I was shown where I would be staying, in a room inside a mobile home inside the fort where the shelter is located. The bed is large and comfortable. When I went there it was winter, in the months of November and December, but the climate there is not extreme. I also had a heater in my room that I could use whenever I wanted. I also had all the blankets and sheets I needed.

On the first day of work I was shown how the shifts work, what tasks you have to do and what to look out for. A very good thing is that we also have a lot of clothes and shoes at our disposal. This is very good because during work you can get very dirty and this way you don't have to stain your own clothes.

During the work it is important to have your cell phone on sound because they make sure that the conversation is always accessible between the volunteers and the organizers. This is very good because if you have any questions, no matter what time it is, you can ask them.

Obviously, if you like dogs, this is paradise. I have never been so happy and so surrounded by dogs. It's amazing to be able to spend time with them, get to know each one's personality and share walks and petting with them.
One thing I loved about this place is that every time one of the dogs has found an adoptive family they put a smiley face on the sign with their name on it, so you can see how there are more and more dogs being adopted. The managers of this site do a spectacular job managing the adoptions, taking care of all the dogs, the volunteers, organizing the shifts, the visits to the vet, the materials and equipment that are needed.... It is extraordinary and I have a lot of respect and admiration for them.

This is a place where your help is really indispensable, so if you decide to come here keep in mind that they need you 100% giving your best and being totally concentrated during the work. I promise you that it will be worth it and you will feel how every single effort has a direct impact on the welfare of the animals. I see this site as a sophisticated and perfected machine that works slowly but efficiently. We are small gears that even though we seem small, we are necessary for everything to work. And I think that is precious.

What will you get out of it? You will learn about dog behavior of course, you will have the opportunity to get to know Pula and the wonderful surroundings, you will test your endurance to the hard work involved in the care, you will receive lots of love and affection from all the dogs. You will also have all the food you want and need, a comfortable and warm space to share with your companions, you will meet nice people from all over the world. You will learn how an NGO of this size and characteristics works, you will meet incredible people who dedicate their lives altruistically and maybe, if you are lucky like me, you will gain confidence and hope in humanity.

Overall my experience has been very good. It was very worthwhile and I highly recommend anyone interested in volunteering to come to this place. Although there are some challenges, and the work requires concentration and seriousness, the shifts are enjoyable and the rewards are immense.

Thanks to all of you who make it possible.

Best regards and please feel free to contact me if you would like me to tell you more about my experience.

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