Luke

United Kingdom
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Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
Hi all! 👋 I'm Luke, a hard-working 26-year-old from the UK hoping to meet new people and improve my French skills with a view to one day working abroad.

As a professional English teacher (holding a Masters from a top ten UK university) I enjoy working in a diverse environment of all ages and nationalities where every day presents new challenges and opportunities. This love of cultural exchange has motivated me to seek further experiences beyond my own shores.

I'm a hugely creative person, having other qualifications as an artist and musician. I have played folk guitar in several bands, along with harmonica, tin whistle, and a bit of piano.

I can't wait to share all of this with you :)

Please read on for more info.
Interests
Fitness
Hiking
Drawing & painting
Cooking & food
Photography
Writing
Performing arts
Outdoor activities
Movies & TV
Nature
Music
Languages
History
Culture
Camping
Books
Art & design
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
More details about my language interests
I'm a professional English teacher and would be more than happy to help others improve. I'm very interested in developing my French.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Being an elderly companion
Gardening
Life at a Farmstay
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Some knowledge of:
Art Projects
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Helping around the house
Able to teach about:
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
Graduating with a Masters in English Literary Studies (with Merit) from the University of Exeter last September, I then went on to complete CELTA certification before entering a teaching position in February.

Aside from being an expert on language and literature, I know how to manage large groups of children, as well as teach and interact with people from all over the world.

My extensive studies, on top of my current jobs, mean I'm able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines while remaining approachable and friendly.

On Saturdays I often work as an Occupational English Test (OET) interlocutor and examiner, which is a globally recognised language test for medical professionals. My role involves independently administering all aspects of the test (speaking, listening, reading, writing) to OET standards, meaning I can be relied upon to work to a high standard and by myself when called upon.

In the past, I've worked various jobs.

My experiences working several summers at an event hire company (which involved cleaning and transporting equipment around the county) taught me practical skills, to work with my hands and value teamwork.

I'm pretty handy when it comes to DIY and maintenance work, having helped to paint and decorate our family home. My grandfather being a carpenter and father a trained electrician doesn’t hurt either in passing me on those skills. Thanks to my mum, I can be useful in the garden, as well.

I'm a capable cook, having prepared meals at university and since then. Recently I took up baking and am currently working on perfecting the traditional Devonshire Cream Tea, a delicious local delicacy I'd love to make for you.

My level of French is intermediate, but improving all the time with the help of a former student, and eager to take further steps towards fluency before eventually finding a permenant job in the country.
Age
27
What else ...
Performing with people and sharing my love of music is one of my biggest passions. I have recorded my own albums (link provided at bottom of page) and performed extensively. I recently began a music club at my school, too.

My other artistic hobbies include painting (mainly watercolours), drawing and photography.

I have travelled extensively around Europe, to France (x3), Spain (x8), Portugal (×2), Cyprus (×2), Austria, and Greece, so I'm comfortable adapting to new environments.

I love animals, especially walking, training and taking care of my dog, Mabel. In the past, I've had other dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, you name it.

I'm very sporty. I've played in football, rugby and cricket teams — let me know if you'd like me to show you the rules :) I also enjoy skiing, cycling, running and playing chess occasionally.

Growing up in rural Devon, I never miss a chance to get outdoors into nature and hike on Dartmoor. Having been a cub scout during my teenage years, and going camping around Cornwall and Somerset many times since, I know my way around chopping firewood and building shelters, etc.

Having studied Literature at university, I'm a keen reader and love to discuss books and films. Currently, I'm reading a Don Quixote and On the Road.

I come from a large extended family, with an elder sister and a younger brother, so I'm sure I'd fit right into any family dynamic.

https://on.soundcloud.com/F242n
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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21 Jan 2024

Left by host (Come to the French Riviera, ...) for Workawayer (Luke)

Luke was a very, very good Workawayer; helping me to trim the olives trees, to plant the raspberries and helping for the small skills in the garden, he was helping to carry all the items I bought in the stores and many other things . . .
Luke was surprised I made all the meals we eat and he told me : "I'm a pure product of the 21th century".
We… read more

(Excellent )

2 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Luke) for host (Come to the French Riviera, ...)

I spent a lovely month with Annick from mid November through December, creating memories I'll cherish forever. I went with the object of improving my French, which worked out excellently because living with Annick provided constant opportunities to practise. Annick also possesses very good English (not to mention patience!) so she was always able… read more to help out if ever I got stuck. Sharing meals together, often with Annick's two other lodgers, Bastien and Angelique, who live above and below, as well as the several dinner parties we hosted, meant I was never short of language partners either. Everyone was incredibly welcoming. Bastien even took me and a friend to the cinema one evening. The lodgings were comfortable and I had plenty of room to myself. Annick is a great cook; I enjoyed four courses each night, being introduced to all manner of wines and cheeses (the local Roquefort being my favourite discovery), as well as regular visits to the bakers before breakfast. We typically had breakfast at 9am, worked for four or five hours, a late lunch and then dinner around 7.30pm. I did all sorts of jobs: keeping chickens, running errands, working in the kitchen garden, planting strawberries, cutting back trees and bushes, collecting firewood, even herding wild boar on one occasion. In fact, one of the highlights of the trip came when, after last year's strawberry plants had been ruined by boar, Annick and I went on a weekend trip to Aix-en-Provence to collect more from her brother. We were joined by her little dog, Ganesha, who came almost everywhere with us and is probably the most well-behaved dog I've ever met. She has two cats, too, Bagheera and Mia, who love to be fussed. Well, Mia at least! When I wasn't working at home, I had plenty of time to get out and explore the region myself. I must have visited Nice about six or seven times, as well as Cannes, Antibes, and Grasse, each of which was more beautiful than the last. Travelling was super easy, owing to the bus stop not 50m from the house. On my final day, Annick gave me a personal tour of the area in and around Nice where she grew up, which was very special. Other trips included a visit to the CERGA observatory in the picturesque mountains above Cannes, and the local Christmas market. I can't say how grateful I am to Annick for making my time in France so rewarding, and I can't wait to get back there. Thanks again for the jam! Wishing her all the best in future :)

(Excellent )