Dustin

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

I’m interested in helping with gardening, basic property upkeep, construction projects, animal care, cleaning, and educational activities. I am hoping to make Colombia my new home.

Description

I have had many jobs working in construction, sales, bartending, landscaping, gardening, teaching, personal training, and cooking, but most of my experience is in mental health. My most recent occupation was as a school psychologist where I taught teachers how to teach, parents how to help their children and themselves and students how to learn and cope. Physical, mental and spiritual health are my passions. I love working outdoors and participating in physical labor. Children and animals are who I connect with most readily. I enjoy spending time with elders and any professional knowledgeable in their craft. As a philosopher (a lover of knowledge/wisdom) I have acquired a little bit of knowledge about a great many things. Ultimately I believe my life path is to be a teacher and forever student of the healing arts.

I am leaving the United States in search of a better life with more genuine people. My hope is to volunteer, build relationships, learn Spanish, and later attain a work visa so that I may live in Colombia long-term. I’m comfortable helping with a wide range of tasks depending on what is needed: teaching or tutoring, childcare support, organizing projects, guest support, gardening, cleaning, basic property help, animal care, and other day-to-day responsibilities that keep a home, farm, hostel, or community running smoothly.

What I value most is sincerity, usefulness, and mutual respect. I’m not looking for a superficial travel experience. I have visited several countries and always find myself drawn to the rural areas and people. I have spent most of the last 8 years in the USA living in the wilderness with my dog, Dixie. She will be traveling with me until the day one of us dies.

I’m independent, observant, and easy to get along with. I can work alone, but I also value good conversation and shared purpose. I take commitments seriously, try to be honest and dependable. I believe in doing what I say I am going to do. I’m especially interested in projects connected to education, community-building, land stewardship, hospitality, philosophy, language learning, animal/environment caretaker and alternative ways of living well.

Though I am flying into Bogota I am hopeful to find a place for the dog and I in a smaller rural mountain town.

Interests

Politics / Social justice

Farming

Sustainability

Self development

Pets

Culture

Plant care

History

Books

Gardening

Cooking & food

Hitchhiking

Animals

Winter sports

Water sports

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Mountain

Sailing / Boating

Yoga / Wellness

Nature

Fitness

Camping

Beach

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
Teaching English: I have some limited classroom teaching experience and years of experience working in schools. I enjoy teaching and would gladly teach English. I tend to incorporate meta-learning principles like visualizations, recall over review, and creative framing. Learning: I am always interested in learning the language of the country I am in. I have never been completely bilingual, but have been able to get around and understand some basic conversations in Central America (Spanish) and Finland (Finnish).

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Eco Projects

Life at a Farmstay

Art Projects

Languages

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Some knowledge of:  

Animal Care

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Light maintenance

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Able to teach about:  

Helping around the house

Teaching

House & pet sitting

Babysitting and creative play

Being an elderly companion

Creating/ Cooking family meals

More details about your skills

I bring a strong mix of people skills, practical support skills, and adaptability. My background includes education, psychology, behavior support, fitness, customer service, and general organization. I’m comfortable working with children, supporting learning, communicating clearly, helping with routines and structure, and contributing to calm, well-run environments. I also have experience with hospitality-style tasks, cleaning, basic property help, animal care, and day-to-day responsibilities that keep a home, school, hostel, or community project running smoothly. I’m dependable, observant, easy to work with, and able to learn new tasks quickly. I work well independently, but I also value teamwork, clear communication, and being genuinely useful wherever I am needed most.

Age

43

What else ...

I enjoy nature, walking, animals, language learning, and good conversation. I’m especially interested in psychology, philosophy, education, and different ways of living and learning around the world. I like reading, writing, exploring on foot, and spending time with animals. I’m generally easygoing, thoughtful, and adaptable, and I enjoy quiet time and meaningful connection with others. I appreciate simple living, cultural exchange, and the chance to learn from everyday life in a new place.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements