Maria

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hello! My name is Maria, and I am 22 years old. I am originally from Bucharest, although my heart lies with Spain, where I've lived for most of my life.
I've been living and studying in Edinburgh for the past four years, and just recently graduated in English Literature, a major that I loved deeply and want to continue in the future. However, I'm currently taking a year off studying (or more, who knows) because I've had enough of the student bubble and would like to expand my frontiers through new, more meaningful experiences whilst strengthening my love for art, nature, and culture.
Therefore, I'm looking for a freer and more creative lifestyle. I want to develop new interests, engage in projects that I feel passionate about, and, most importantly, learn from the people I meet along the way.
I consider myself a very enthusiastic and open-minded person, and whilst I like the accomplishment that comes with bigger projects, I also appreciate the beauty of helping with the small things of daily life. All in all, establishing a friendly and caring environment is a priority for me when thinking about Workaway.

I'm not looking for any particular type of volunteering, as I would be more than happy to work on a variety of activities, from cultural projects to animal care, gardening, language exchange or hostel work. However, if I had to pick, I would love to work with animals, as I've always felt happy around them, or in a language-related Workaway, since I am trying to gain experience as an English teacher.
At the moment, I am looking for a volunteering opportunity in France, Greece and/or Italy, as I've always wanted to experience life there for a longer time than a holiday would allow, and truly engage in the culture rather than seeing it from an outsider perspective.
I am fluent in Spanish, English and Romanian, and intermediate in French, so a language exchange in which I could learn the local language in exchange of teaching any of the three I speak would be very welcome :)

Interests

Hiking

Van life

Beach

Music

Movies & TV

Nature

Mountain

Pets

Books

Gardening

Languages

Events & social

Writing

Adventure sports

Culture

Plant care

DIY & crafts

Dancing

Self development

Performing arts

Architecture

Art & design

Animals

Camping

Outdoor activities

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Romanian: Fluent
French: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
I'm especially keen on developing my French skills in order to become fluent again, although I'm open to any kind of language exchange, as I find them fascinating and I greatly enjoy the process of learning. In particular, I've always wanted to learn Greek and Italian.On the other hand, I am just finishing a Level 5 TEFL course, with which I am learning language teaching practices with students with which I don't share a common language. Although it is especially focused on the teaching of English, the skills can be used with any kind of language, so I would be more than happy to teach Spanish or Romanian!

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

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Some knowledge of:  

Art Projects

Eco Projects

Gardening

Animal Care

Life at a Farmstay

Hospitality/Tourism

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Teaching

More details about your skills

I have plenty of experience in hospitality, as I've worked in a variety of roles throughout multiple establishments during my student years, from bartending in fine dining restaurants to catering festival events. I've been a waitress, bartender and barista, as well as some one-off shifts as cleaner and receptionist when needed.

Moreover, I've lived most of my life in a little village surrounded by animals and nature, taking care of stray dogs and cats, wounded birds and hares, and walking around cows, goats and horses (and even boars!) on a daily basis. For that reason, I am very comfortable around animals and I think I can understand them and take good care of them. Moreover, I am also well acquainted with gardening, as we used to own a vegetable garden with plenty of different plants that I tended to regularly. Currently, I'm helping my parents build a little house in the woods that will one day be self-sufficient, and I am enjoying the process immensely.
In short, I never shy away from getting my hands dirty or doing physically heavy activities. I love cooperating in manual and nature-related projects and seeing how little by little, something new and unique can be built in cooperation.

Age

23

What else ...

I'm currently a bouldering geek and a guitar wannabee. I'm not particularly good at any of them, but I have great fun at being bad :)

I'm also a passionate dancer! From ballet to cabaret, I've tried many many different styles, but what I've always liked the most is contemporary dance and hip-hop.

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