Stijn

Belgium
Login to see last activity

Badges (3)

Give the gift of Workaway

Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Description
I grew up in Belgium, close to the city but always drawn to nature. As a family, we spent a lot of time outdoors and traveled frequently. My parents have a second home in Sweden, so I’m used to being away from home for longer periods and traveling back and forth.

I have a background in both animal care and fashion technology, having studied animal care in high school before earning my bachelor’s degree in fashion technology. While these fields might seem different, they both reflect my deep interest in sustainability, creativity, and working with my hands.

I’m a naturally curious and open-minded person. I love meeting people from different backgrounds, learning about their stories, and understanding what shapes their perspectives. I appreciate people who think freely and embrace diversity—I believe in equality, open-mindedness, and giving everyone a fair chance.

Nature makes me truly happy. I love spending time outdoors, hiking through forests, and enjoying peaceful surroundings. I also have a strong passion for sports, health, and exploring different cuisines. I adore animals and feel comfortable working with all kinds.

I chose Workaway because I want to improve my French—I’ve been wanting to learn the language for years, but I tend to freeze up when speaking. Immersing myself in a French-speaking environment feels like the best way to break through that barrier. I’m also looking for adventure and personal growth, stepping out of my comfort zone, and experiencing different ways of living.

More than anything, I strive for a more sustainable and fair world. I want to contribute in a meaningful way, learn new skills, and connect with people who share the same values. I may be new to Workaway, but I’m excited to be part of this journey and to help wherever I can!
Interests
Events & social
Culture
Sustainability
Pets
Fashion or beauty
Self development
Charity work
Cooking & food
Books
Art & design
Plant care
Animals
Nature
Team sports
Fitness
Mountain
Beach
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Adventure sports
Languages
Languages spoken
Dutch: Fluent
English: Intermediate
French: Beginner
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.
Find a language partner
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Charity Work
Art Projects
Languages
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
Some knowledge of:
Eco Projects
Gardening
Life at a Farmstay
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
More details about your skills
I wouldn’t call myself the handiest person, but I can definitely manage basic tasks. I have a good sense of problem-solving and always find a way to get things done—even if it’s not the most efficient method. What matters to me is delivering a solid end result and staying committed to finishing what I start.

I have a strong background in animal care, as I studied it in high school. I’ve worked with small pets, farm animals, and even reptiles. During my studies, I interned at a cattle farm and an aquarium store. I also spent over 10 years horse riding, mainly show jumping. While I don’t ride intensively anymore, I’m still involved with horses, helping friends train and improve their riding skills.

Cooking is something that runs in the family—my parents had a restaurant, and my dad is still a chef. I love experimenting in the kitchen, trying new recipes, and improving my skills. The only area I haven’t explored much is baking and pastry, but I’m always open to learning!

Since my parents often travel for long periods, I’ve become very independent when it comes to household tasks. Cleaning, cooking, laundry, and organizing are all second nature to me.

I don’t have formal experience with childcare or teaching, but I enjoy being around kids and get along with them well. In general, I love sharing knowledge in a casual way—just through everyday interactions. I wouldn’t say I’m the best at structured teaching, but I always like to exchange skills and learn from others.

Creativity is part of who I am. I studied fashion technology, so I have a strong eye for design. I also love art and photography—not as a creator, but as someone who deeply appreciates different artistic perspectives. I enjoy understanding the artist’s vision and interpreting their work in my own way.

When it comes to organization, I can be a bit chaotic at times, but I do know how to structure things well. I’m good at planning and organizing, whether it’s for daily life or bigger tasks.

Language-wise, my native language is Dutch, and I speak English well, using it regularly for work and daily life. I also have a strong interest in technology and computers, which makes me quite adaptable to digital tools and systems.
Age
24
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  no
- Special dietary requirements
  I like to eat organic whenever I can and enjoy healthy, nourishing food. I try to keep my diet as natural as possible.

Website Safety

Feedback

14 Apr 2026

Left by host (Gardening, painting and small ...) for Workawayer ()

Stijn initially came for two weeks and eventually for months. He very naturally integrated the family and it was great having him around. He brought a lot of positive energy to our place. Always hard-working, autonomous, and full of initiatives. Whatever he did he was really good at... looking after our dogs, working in the garden or inside the… read more

(Excellent )

14 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Gardening, painting and small ...)

From the very first moment I arrived, I felt genuinely welcome. There was such a warm, open and relaxed atmosphere that I settled in almost immediately. It didn’t feel like arriving somewhere new, but more like coming home to a place I somehow already belonged.

The people here are truly special. From the start, there was a natural connection and… read more everything just felt right. I was included in daily life straight away, sharing meals together, working as a team, and having plenty of time for conversations and simply enjoying each other’s company. What really stands out is their genuine hospitality and openness. Everyone is treated equally, and you’re given the space to be completely yourself, which is something I haven’t experienced like this anywhere else.

During my stay, I had a very varied set of tasks. In the beginning, I mainly helped in the garden, but over time I got involved in all sorts of things, from working in the vegetable garden to helping in the kitchen and preparing rooms. What I really appreciated was the flexibility. They really listen to what you enjoy doing and give you the freedom to shape your tasks and even bring in your own ideas. I usually worked around 4 to 5 hours on the days I worked, which still left plenty of time to explore the beautiful surroundings.

I actually came here because I needed a break from my life in Belgium. I wasn’t feeling very happy and just needed some space to reset. What I found here is honestly hard to put into words. I learned to slow down, to enjoy the simple things again, and to accept that not everything has to be perfect. This experience really changed me. I left feeling like a different person, happier, lighter, and ready to take on life again.

The place itself is stunning. Surrounded by vineyards and forests, with views that constantly invite you to go outside, walk, and just take it all in. Whether it was going for a walk, enjoying the sunshine, or simply relaxing, everything felt peaceful and right. My room was spacious, comfortable and clean, and I always had the option to take some time for myself when I needed it.

What made this experience unforgettable are all the moments we shared. Long summer evenings outside, cooking and eating together, laughing a lot, meeting new people, and spending time with friends and family who came to visit. Even after long, hot days of work, we would cool off together in the pool. There are so many memories I’ll carry with me, from little everyday moments to bigger adventures, trips together, and even spending the Christmas period as a group. It really felt like being part of a family.

I originally planned to stay for about a month, but I ended up staying nine months. That probably says enough on its own, it just felt too good to leave.

I also learned so much from each of them in their own way. The creativity and passion in the kitchen, the positive outlook on life, and the way they make everyone feel comfortable and at home. It’s all incredibly inspiring and something I’ll take with me.

And of course, I can’t forget the dogs. Boris and Igor have a very special place in my heart and I’ll miss them a lot.

I left with a deep sense of gratitude and respect. This has been, without a doubt, the most beautiful experience of my life so far. It’s not just a place you stay, it’s a place that changes you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you Philippe, Stevan and Sven for everything! For the warmth, the kindness, the trust, and all the unforgettable moments. I wish you all the happiness, love and success in the world.

I already look forward to coming back to what will always feel like a second home.

(Excellent )