Neeliya

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

After nearly five years abroad, including the past four months traveling through India and Sri Lanka, I’ve returned to Bologna. I’d love to meet new people and build genuine connections!

Description

Hello🌞
I’m Neeliya, and right now I’m soaking up the vibrant energy of Kolkata during my exchange semester in India until March.

My journey has taken me across many places, I grew up in Italy with Sri Lankan roots, spent almost three years living in Portugal, and moved to Germany one year ago to start my Master’s.

I’ve never been one to stay in one place for too long. Over the years, I’ve studied and worked in Spain, the UK, Greece, and the island of Madeira, always looking for ways to immerse myself in new cultures.

Two years ago, I took a leap of faith by quitting my job and embarking on a three-month solo backpacking journey across Asia. Traveling through Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Where I had the opportunity to fully dive into local cultures, connecting deeply with diverse communities while volunteering.

For me Workaway it’s about making genuine connections and contributing meaningfully wherever I go. I’ve dedicated much of my volunteer work to teaching English to children and women in remote villages, empowering communities through education. My experiences also include working on community development projects and sustainability initiatives, as well as using my skills in social media and event planning during my time volunteering at the University of Bologna.

I’m simply someone who values genuine human connections. I love hearing people’s stories, exchanging ideas, and being surrounded by positive, inspiring individuals.

Growing up in Sri Lanka ignited my passion for uplifting communities and supporting those who have less. I dream of one day founding a nonprofit project dedicated to creating equal opportunities, especially for women, by providing fair working conditions and empowering them toward true independence. I also hope to inspire a broader shift toward mindful living, encouraging others to embrace ethical and responsible choices in their everyday lives.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?"

Interests

Events & social

Cooking & food

Plant care

Languages

Hitchhiking

Gardening

Art & design

Yoga / Wellness

Beach

Dancing

Camping

Charity work

Culture

Sustainability

Writing

Videography

Music

Photography

Nature

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Sinhalese: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Portuguese: Intermediate
German: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I'm bilingual in Italian and Sinhala. I'm fluent in English I have C1 level of the IELTS certificate level. I'm fluent also in Spanish level B2. I'm learning French, Portuguese and German.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Being an elderly companion

Animal Care

Art Projects

Gardening

---

Some knowledge of:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Eco Projects

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

---

Able to teach about:  

Babysitting and creative play

Languages

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Teaching

More details about your skills

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management from the University of Ferrara in Italy, and I’m now working toward a Master’s in International Management in Germany.

Photography is a true passion of mine, I love capturing moments and creating stories through both photography and videography, including analog and film photography. Creativity is at the heart of everything I do.

I also have experience in digital media, having worked for Facebook and Instagram in Lisbon for eight months. There, I helped small and medium-sized businesses manage their ad accounts. My work on social and sustainable entrepreneurship projects has deepened my commitment to making a positive impact.

In addition, I volunteered for a year at the University of Bologna’s Botanic Garden Museum with the SMA association. I also spent many years as a babysitter and teacher, and I’ve been involved in social projects working with children with autism and Down syndrome.

To top it off, I can cook you some authentic homemade Italian and Sri Lankan dishes, bringing a taste of my heritage wherever I go.

Age

24

What else ...

I absolutely love photography and enjoy singing whenever I get the chance. Lately, I’ve been learning to play the ukulele, which has been a fun challenge.

I practise yoga and meditation, and it’s been a great way to slow down and reconnect. One day, I’d love to properly learn how to surf and skate, they’ve been on my list for a while.

Some more information

• 

  Smoker

• 

  Driver's licence

• 

  Allergies

• 

  Special dietary requirements