Heather

& Nele

Travel information

We are currently

Description

Hi hosts and fellow travellers, we're looking to spend some time in Japan next summer!

We’re Heather and Nele, both 19, travelling together as close friends who share the same curiosity about the world and the same excitement for new places and people. :)

Japan isn't the usual destination for backpacking or work and travel, but that’s exactly why we‘re drawn to it. In our cultures, Japan is often seen as distant and unfamiliar, and it’s that difference that interests us. We enjoy new environments, challenges and forming new connections with the communities we meet, so Japan feels like the right place to push ourselves and learn!!

Our goal is to experience every-day life, especially in places most tourists overlook. We‘re both genuinely interested in Japanese culture, and having a close friend from Chiba only strengthened that curiosity! Since we both grew up in rural areas we’re excited to see how rural Japan works day to day, but we’re equally eager to experience the energy of its cities!! We’re also looking forward to connecting with our hosts, contributing meaningfully, and learning from the people we meet.

Please check out the ‘what else’ section to learn more about us individually!

Interests

Self development

Culture

Technology

Sustainability

Pets

Politics / Social justice

Events & social

Charity work

Writing

Photography

History

Music

Languages

Gardening

Drawing & painting

DIY & crafts

Cooking & food

Books

Art & design

Animals

Winter sports

Water sports

Outdoor activities

Mountain

Cycling

Camping

Nature

Yoga / Wellness

Hiking

Beach

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Irish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
We're interested in learning any language, especially Japanese or Spanish! And we could teach you English, German and a bit of Irish :)

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn

We're interested in:  

Creative DIY projects

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Light maintenance

Hospitality/Tourism

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Some knowledge of:  

Light gardening

Being an elderly companion

Charity Work

Teaching

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping with Computers/ Internet

House & pet sitting

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Able to teach about:  

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Languages

Art Projects

More details about your skills

Strength as a Pair
Our friendship grew during a year full of new experiences, challenges, and cultural differences, so we learned early on how to communicate clearly and support each other under pressure. We divide tasks easily, stay organised, and work efficiently as a team.

Practical Skills
We’re comfortable with hands-on work and day to day responsibilities. Between us, we have experience with:

-Animal care (cats, dogs, sheep, horses)
-Housework, cleaning, cooking, and baking
-Horticulture, gardening and outdoor tasks
-Art projects and creative work
-Photography
-Computer and tech literacy
-Fluency in multiple languages
-Teaching assistant experience (Heather)
-Bartending (Heather)
-Working as a cashier (Nele)
-Driving a manual car (Nele)
-Creating and managing social media content for a local business (Heather)
-Graphic design experience (Heather)

Age

19 & 19

What else ...

We met at 15 during Nele's exchange year in Ireland and became close friends quickly. Since then, we've stayed in regular contact and visit each other every year, alternating between Ireland and Germany. Our friendship has shown us that meaningful connections can grow anywhere, regardless of background or language.

Hi, I'm Nele! 🇩🇪🗻🧗‍♀️🏊‍♀️📷
After I finish school next year, I want to head out into the world and get a taste of real life. Due to travelling alone from a young age, I grew into an independent and adaptable person, who doesn't need a lot to be happy. I'm also a bit of an adrenaline junkie who is always looking for the next adventure. In my free time, I do voluntary work at the mountain rescue team, as well as climbing, swimming and hiking. Photography is also one of my passions, and I photograph and write for the school magazine. Due to growing up in the countryside, I have some experience with gardening (weeding, planting), animals and a little bit of building by helping my dad. I'm a quick learner, so I'm ready for any task you throw my way :)
Additionally, I've done a bit of cat sitting and I'm good with kids, thanks to having lots of siblings myself.
I'm looking forward to experiencing community, learning new skills and languages through volunteering. Contributing to a good cause, like sustainability, and learning how to build a life and support yourself is something I'd love to be a part of.

P.S. I want to study photojournalism so I'm always looking for stories to tell with my camera!

Hii, I’m Heather!! 🇮🇪🎨🖌️🐾🍀
I’m currently studying art in college and hoping to build a future in the creative world, especially illustration, painting and storytelling. I’ve always had a strong interest in Japanese culture, and I’m excited to learn more about it through real experiences!!
Growing up in the Irish countryside shaped a lot of who I am. I'm comfortable with animals, gardens, and general hands-on work, and I love growing my own vegetables! I’ve worked as a teaching assistant, volunteered in an animal shelter, spent time in a graphic design studio, and worked in a traditional Irish pub, so I’m used to taking responsibility and staying calm when things get busy.
I also have experience travelling independently. Last year, I travelled to South Africa alone to volunteer in a school, an orphanage, and a wildlife project, which helped me become more adaptable, confident, and open minded.
In my free time I enjoy reading, drawing, listening to music, and spending time with my six pets (two cats and four dogs)! I enjoy helping others, whether that’s minding young children or supporting elderly neighbours, and I’m always happy to learn something new! :)

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
  no, we like to try everything