Minttu

My status

I'm currently volunteering at a horse farm in Alentejo.

Description

Hello! I'm Minttu, 38 years old and originally from Finland but I have lived abroad since I was 18, most recently residing in Amsterdam after some time living in the US, and Ireland and UK before that.

In 2017 I took just over a year off work to travel and volunteer in animal shelters and farms and even a cooking school in Malaysia, I learned a lot and met some amazing people and ever since then my dream has been to go explore again. For the past few years I was back working full time while studying for a master's degree, and since I graduated this fall I have been in Portugal traveling and volunteering at a horse farm in Alentejo.

Animal welfare is close to my heart, I especially love dogs, cats and horses. I am a good horse rider and I have previous experience of looking after farm animals. Currently I'm learning freedom based horse training.

I am also interested in permaculture and organic farming, I used to work for an organic farmer in Wicklow Ireland so I'm used to hard work! I have a keen interest in sustainability and land preservation.

Interests

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Art Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

General Maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

Language practice

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Able to teach about:  

Animal Care

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

I grew up riding horses and I'm very used to handling animals of all sizes, including farm animals. I have plenty of experience with dogs from having my own as well as volunteering in dog shelters and house sitting for people with rescue animals.

I have a keen interest in organic farming and permaculture. I used to work for Denis Healy's organic delights in Ireland. I would like to live off the grid in the future so I want to learn as much as possible about being self-sufficient. Independent work suits me well but being a part of a community (however small) with similar goals in life is my ideal set up.

I am a merchandiser/ product planner by profession so I have strong analytical and computer skills, I have 10 years of experience working for retail and wholesale organisations and I also have knowledge of e-commerce and digital marketing. I have a BA in Economics and an MBA with a focus on sustainability and responsible leadership.
I have worked in hospitality in the past, in hotels, restaurants and bars.

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Finnish: Fluent
French: 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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Age

38

What else ...

Ideally looking for 1-3 months opportunity from January possibly longer if the place is right.
I have a US driver license but I have not been behind a wheel for over two years so I'm rusty! I prefer a location where I do not need to have a car but could get around by bike, foot, public transport.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  No

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  Special dietary requirements
  I mainly eat a plant based diet although I occasionally eat fish and a bit of chicken.