Mark

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

Dogs, woodworking, ceramics, chess.

Description

I have been an ESL / TEFL and Spanish language teacher for most of my adult life which has allowed me to study, travel and live throughout 10 different countries throughout the Americas. This bilingual lifestyle has gifted me many wonderful relationships over the years. Recently, someone told me about Workaway. I got really excited that something like this even existed! You see, for years I've taken care of my mom as she declined from dementia. Now, she is free and rests in peace (QEPD). She, an adventurer herself, would remind and encourage me that the time would come for me to continue on with my passions and curiosities for international connections and pursuits. So here I am, on Workaway, and I'm now available to help out others- in other places! I'm still looking for my first Workaway experience in this new chapter of my life. I'll be retired soon and I'm excited to challenge myself in new ways - expand into new horizons. My goal is to engage and enrich wherever I may land. I'm a hard worker and I have many skills. I hope you enjoy looking at my Profile and please don't hesitate to reach out and ask if you have any questions or suggestions. Thank you, and I look forward to meeting you - maybe someday soon! Gracias! Obrigado! Merci beaucoup! Ciao

Interests

Plant care

Gardening

Art & design

Fitness

Sailing / Boating

Dancing

Hiking

Farming

Events & social

Charity work

Pets

Self development

Culture

Performing arts

Books

DIY & crafts

Music

Languages

Writing

Drawing & painting

Carpentry

Animals

Beach

Mountain

Winter sports

Outdoor activities

Yoga / Wellness

Nature

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Intermediate
Sign language (American): Beginner
German: Beginner
French: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I started tutoring both Spanish and English in college. Afterwards , I started a bilingual after-school and summer day camp program in Oregon. Then, I entered the worlds of public and private school classrooms, some internationally, and I have been working with ESL /TEFL students of all ages and abilities for over two decades. I play guitar and write songs that reinforce lesson objectives. I believe all students have to feel safe before they can learn - and that is what I am best at. I like to think I make others comfortable and that by being of consistent character for them they are able to trust and learn best. By being comfortable with myself I can be uplifting for all. It's contagious. A profesional level of positivity goes a long way!

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

Animal Care

Charity Work

Art Projects

Life at a Farmstay

House sitting

Eco Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

DIY and building projects

Hospitality/Tourism

General Maintenance

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Being an elderly companion

Languages

Teaching

More details about your skills

Teachers wear many hats and by nature have to be flexible. I adapt to situations and surroundings. Although I have a B.A. in Communications, I believe that throughout different ages and stages of my life I have always aimed to practice active listening and to be also aware of what my personality brings to interpersonal interactions. I aim to meet people where they are at - and hope they can meet me there too. I am curious and yet careful. I am able to language switch when needed and have cultural competencies and abilities to be aware and engaged appropriately. One interesting current pursuit is that am a few credits away from finishing an accreditation/ certification in TRIN interpreting/translation. Someday maybe I too can be a digital nomad of sorts!

Age

57

What else ...

I like to play chess. I started playing during the Pandemic. I've reached the 60th percentile on Chess.com. Maybe that means I am able to lose, draw or win against half of the people on the planet? Its a fun hobby/pursuit and good for the brain. .

I grew up with dogs. I love them. My last dog was "Laila" She was from Cali, Colombia. (QEPD) She was my very best buddy and I miss her every day.

I am a lifelong learner. I want the next few years of my life to reveal something new to me. I am open to discovery and hopefully, maybe, the best is still yet to come...

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  bees, shellfish

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  Special dietary requirements
  no