Vincent

United States
Login to see last activity

Badges (4)

Photos

View all

Give the gift of Workaway

Profile information

Travel information

I am currently

At home

My next destination:
Taiwan - from Nov 2026 until Nov 2026
View all
Description

I am retired now from a life working in non-profits and IT . Today, my world is mostly about travel. I am an experienced Couchsurfer having hosted (or been hosted by) more than 200 people from all over the world. I totally enjoy people and many who have stayed with me return for visits and still maintain contact with me. I have also stayed with many folks all over the world and truly enjoy travel that has me connected to people.
In 2018-2024 I have completed 9 workaway experiences. All 5 star reviews and all so different and amazing: I have worked in Thakek, Laos, Tangier, Moroco and Bangkok, Thailand doing hostel/ hotel tasks such as a receptionist, barista and bartender; I helped mix clay and build structures at a Buddhist commune outside of Khon Kaen, Thailand, as well as shared cooking responsibilities for 35 people; and in Seoul, Ho Chi Minh, and Casablanca I taught English. (Please see my workaway references.) I look forward to more travel in 2026-2029.
Meditator, philosopher, chill, open-minded, self-motivated and a team player. Well traveled and have stayed with couchsurfers, hostels, bnb’s, and hotels in over 75 countries. I have now set foot on all 7 continents as of 2023
My references attest to my hospitality and ability to make strangers quickly feel like friends and "at-home." I am an AirBNB host for over six years with a perfect 5 star hospitality track record. I am interested in work experiences in almost any part of the world. I care about the quality impression a business needs to make on its guests. I enjoy involving myself in the missions of those doing good works for their communities and the world at large.
Interests

Mountain

Music

Politics / Social justice

DIY & crafts

Gardening

Books

Plant care

Movies & TV

Technology

Pets

Events & social

Performing arts

Self development

Outdoor activities

Nature

Cooking & food

Hiking

Culture

Charity work

Beach
Languages spoken

English: Fluent
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:

Eco Projects

Some knowledge of:

Light gardening

Babysitting and creative play

Light maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Languages

Art Projects

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Animal Care

Creative DIY projects

House & pet sitting

Able to teach about:

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

Teaching

Helping around the house
More details about your skills

I am able to meet and greet guests, room cleaning and maintenance, courteously resolve guest issues, pet sitting, gardening, know Microsoft Office products, reservation system software (quick learner of any software system), tour guide, process improvement consultant, non-profit consultant (See my LinkedIn profile for more). PADI Advanced Diver and diving since 1986. Bartending skills are still there from my many years as a barkeep.
I am very willing to learn skilled trades. Don't get me wrong... I can handle a hammer and nails. But willing to learn/do masonry, mosaic, ceramic. I spent two college summers doing lawn cutting, landscaping and gardening at a very large private sanctuary. I have been a meditator for many years and recently completed Vipassana 10 day meditative training. Happy to commit from 2-8 weeks to my host's needs and to represent their business in the best possible way.
Meditator, philosopher, chill, open-minded, self-motivated, team player.
Age

69
What else ...

My passport lists me as Vincent, but I am Jim to all my friends. Happy to share my personal profiles on AirBNB (I have been a "Superhost" for all of the three years I have been hosting) and on Couchsurfing to add to my references as being a great host.
I taught high school for two years before becoming a State of Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have skills working with families and children as well as with clinical patients who have emotional and behavioral challenges. I easily mix and get along with young and older folks.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No
- Special dietary requirements
  No

Website Safety

Feedback

4 Feb 2024

Left by host (Share your English skills and ...) for Workawayer ()

We were thrilled when Jim agreed to join us in Casablanca. As an old friend, we knew that his skills would be invaluable to our school, and of course we were not disappointed. JIm is great in connecting with people and our students were no exception. From the kids class to our most advanced adults Jim captured the attention and interest of all … read more

(Excellent )

4 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Share your English skills and ...)

It has been almost 5 years since I came back to Morroco for another Workaway and once again I chose the school that Sara is currently in charge of. I had a great time working here and was treated so well with a private room and a meal per day. The hours are very reasonable and the schedule reliable. The students are so much fun and are very … read more

(Excellent )

18 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer () for host (Looking for receptionist to ...)

It was such a great pleasure to work with Pingpong on professionalizing some paperwork and forms as well as help with breakfast service and morning barista. He’s a chill guy and gives very clear instructions on what has to be done. The work is so reasonable and usually only takes a few hours each day. You will love his spirit and his jack russel … read more

(Excellent )

2 Mar 2020

Left by host for Workawayer ()

It was absolutely delightful to have Jim around.
Great communication skills, always eager to help around, it was genuinely a pleasure to know a great man like Jim.
I would whole-heartily recommend anyone to host Jim and I hope we'd meet again some time in the future.

Thanks again Jim!

(Excellent )

25 Feb 2020

Left by Workawayer () for host (Let's share your culture in ...)

This was my fourth country to teach English in and it was a great experience. Mark Is a fantastic guy and will make sure you have all the information you need to provide a good experience for the students. The international workawaywrs that I lived with really made for a nice and easy-going community of folks to live and laugh with. You will also … read more

(Excellent )

View all

Photos

Show all photos

Give the gift of Workaway

Friends

Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Communication:
(5.0)

Skills:
(5.0)

Observed house rules:
(5.0)

4 Feb 2024

Left by host (Share your English skills and ...) for Workawayer

(Excellent)

4 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Share your English skills and ...)

(Excellent)

18 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer for host (Looking for receptionist to ...)

(Excellent)

2 Mar 2020

Left by host for Workawayer

(Excellent)

25 Feb 2020

Left by Workawayer for host (Let's share your culture in ...)

(Excellent)

16 May 2019

Left by host (Chat with our students, ...) for Workawayer

Vincent was one of the most hardworking,thoughtful and grateful volunteers I have had in my school.He is a very kind hearted,wonderful, helpful, sociable and organized person.During his stay at the Academy, Jim set up the example of how a good workwayer should be .He was always there to help with any task and he was always doing this with a lot of … read more

(Excellent)

29 Apr 2019

Left by Workawayer for host (Chat with our students, ...)

I want to say this has been one of the most excellent experiences I have had in a Workaway. I taught at one of the two Casablanca schools. I also went on the four day desert excursion with the students as part of my month there. This is a great school with very happy faculty and students who have really come to learn. Their motivation is … read more

(Excellent)

28 Mar 2019

Left by host for Workawayer

One of the most amazing workaways we ever got! Always with that signature positive vibe of his, making everybody feel happy and belonged. Work always on point, good discipline, respectful and his multi-tasking abilities makes him a great person to have around.

(Excellent)

24 Mar 2019

Left by Workawayer for host (Looking for an experience in ...)

I had an amazing time working with the team at the Pot. This is a great group of dedicated people who really want to see the hostel guests have the best time. I received a great welcome and good orientation to my responsibilities. Within the week I became very good friends with Luis and the entire staff. I miss these guys already. Learned so much … read more

(Excellent)

30 Apr 2018

Left by Workawayer for host (Come and help a group of ...)

I was SO VERY HAPPY that I chose this Homestay to teach English in Vietnam. The students and young working people were immediately kind and welcoming. This was not work at all but simply a real joy. Teaching here is amazing because every student was motivated and so hungry to learn. But even when not teaching, being a part of the everyday life of … read more

(Excellent)

30 Apr 2018

Left by host for Workawayer

Vincent is a responsible and GREAT teacher
He is a very kind person, very smart and caring. He came with us with warm heart, he shares all experience to our students here, we have been learning too much new things from him, a person with vast knowledge and experience.
He take care students as his children, always ask students about lesson, … read more

(Excellent)

19 Mar 2018

Left by host for Workawayer

Jim was a joy to have at the project! He was very open, kind and hardworking. Everyone enjoyed having him around and we would have him back at the project anytime! Thank you for all your hard work Jim, open heart and sharing. Best of luck in your further ventures!

(Excellent)

11 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer for host (Come and help out a Monastery ...)

This project is just as described. A chance for you to turn inward to see how a mindfulness approach to life changes everything. I thoroughly enjoyed the days as they unfolded: yoga, meditation, some honest work building a great new community, and the circle of people who made this place incredible. Cannot wait to come back in the future to see … read more

(Excellent)

24 Feb 2018

Left by host for Workawayer

I have to admitted that when he applied for the job, i had to think twice before hosting Jim at our party hostel based here in Bangkok. BUT! HE PROVED himself in the first night of his arrival that he is super cool guy!!

I have never regreat a single moment he was with us. One of our best volunteer so far. He always went an extra mile for … read more

(Excellent)

22 Feb 2018

Left by Workawayer for host (Helping in a hostel in the ...)

My first workaway and I am so pleased I got to stay and work with this amazing set of workers/friends/family. I write this now in the airport after spending a month serving in both the hotel and hostel and I already miss these people! Everyone works hard and plays hard. Kindness is everywhere. I have made genuine friends here and I cannot wait to … read more

(Excellent)