Profile information
Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
Hi! I'm Tristen. I'm most passionate about the natural world and everything that it entails, which led me to obtain both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Animal Sciences. I have worked in the human nutrition field as a researcher for the past 3 years and am now in an "in-between" phase as I search for my next venture. I would describe myself as a grounded, mature, goal-driven, hard working and career-focused individual. I do, however, soak up and enthuse any opportunity to pursue my hobbies and passions in life, the simple pleasures.
I am happiest when in contact with animals, nature, mountains, so I spend a lot of my time hiking, climbing, running, horse riding and teaching and practicing yoga. I love meeting new people, forming new connections and bonds, teaching and learning from others and experiencing cultures and ways of life. I am an avid traveler and never hesitate at the opportunity to do so. I have traveled to Kenya, Madagascar, Phuket, the US, Brazil, and much of Europe. Earlier this year I completed a stretch of the Camino, which was incredible!
My upcoming travel plans are focused to the US as I plan to spend time there before making a permanent move to the States. I currently work remotely part-time as a nutrition research consultant, and am looking to either stay in the human nutrition field or move back into animal and/or wildlife nutrition.
I'd love to learn more about "living off the land", growing food, building, DIY projects etc. I am strong, fit and healthy and ready to learn and share.
Interests
Yoga / Wellness
Self development
Van life
Nature
Outdoor activities
Pets
Photography
Mountain
Farming
Fitness
Hiking
Dancing
Culture
Camping
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
English: Fluent
Dutch: Beginner
Portuguese: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
I am open to teaching English and/or Afrikaans/Dutch. I'd love to learn more Portuguese/Spanish.
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Some knowledge of:
Languages
Teaching
Life at a Farmstay
Hospitality/Tourism
Able to teach about:
Animal Care
Helping with Computers/ Internet
More details about your skills
Pursuing both my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Animal Sciences at Stellenbosch University in South Africa has afforded me with a wide range of practical and theoretical experiences working in diverse settings with both domestic and wild animal species. I have owned and ridden horses since I was 9 years old, and have further completed my certification as an Equinology Equine Bodyworker. I have worked as a trail guide (horseback) for about 6 years throughout my late teens and early twenties, accompanying guests on rides and ensuring their safety and enjoyment and the safety and care of the horses. I have completed pet-sits/house-sits on a number of occasions, caring for others' dogs, cats and parrots, and of course their homes and belongings.
I have had exposure to sheep-sheering, goat farming, game farming, cattle, sheep, ostrich and pig farming, as my degrees were Agriculture-focused. I have also completed training in artificial insemination in cattle (though a little out of practice!). I volunteered at 2 wildlife rehabilitation centers throughout my university career and learned so much there about handling, treating and helping various species of wildlife.
Further, I have completed my RYS 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, and have the ability to teach easy-flow as well as more dynamic heated classes. I have been teaching for a year and love the opportunity to teach and help others in starting or advancing their yoga practice.
Having worked as a research manager for the past 3 years, I have extensive knowledge of and ability to help with computer-based tasks or general administrative/logistical tasks. I am an ambitious, driven, and goal-oriented young professional, with a meticulous sense of organization, communication and attention to detail. I am adaptable and a quick learner.
Age
29
What else ...
I recently obtained my Greencard and would love the opportunity to start my new journey in the States with a host family, where I can be part of the day-to-day activities, help out, meet and connect, and learn about American travel and culture.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
I prefer to exclude dairy and gluten from my diet, but am not allergic to any foods, this is merely a preference
