Zarka

Travel information

I am currently

Description

My name is Zarka, born and raised in London, I have a passion for travelling. I am an artist with a degree in Politics and International Relations, and I currently work in the cultural heritage sector.

I have travelled to a number of European countries and cities, and I love to spend extended periods of time beyond the continent. I previously completed an International Citizen Service (ICS) placement in Nepal in 2019, spent 6 weeks travelling in Egypt and Jordan, volunteered with an NGO supporting indigenous women in Mexico and have made several visits to my country of origin, Pakistan (including going on a tour of the breathtaking Northern Areas earlier this year).

I value the meaningful cross-cultural relationships I've been able to build throughout my travels and am always seeking to expand my horizons through experiences in new destinations. I enjoy nature and hiking, and love to explore the creative/artistic traditions of cultures around the world.

I have previously undertaken workaway placements volunteering in guesthouses, and I am also able to assist on creative projects and with language exchange ( I have a TEFL certificate).

I look forward to new opportunities ahead!

Interests

Photography

Politics / Social justice

Nature

History

Hiking

Blogging

Culture

DIY & crafts

Drawing & painting

Charity work

Art & design

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Punjabi (Eastern): Fluent
Urdu: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I am fluent in written and spoken English, and am happy to practice this with children/ others as part of cultural exchange.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

Hospitality/Tourism

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Art Projects

More details about your skills

ACADEMIC/ POLITICAL/ CHARITABLE:
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/zarka-iqbal

- Projects and Policy Officer at Heritage Crafts (the national charity for traditional craft skills in the UK). https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/staff/zarka-iqbal/

- Digital Communications volunteer for Mexican NGO Psydeh, supporting indigenous women from the state of Hidalgo.

- First Class BSc Politics and International Relations, University of Bristol

- Completed International Citizenship Service (ICS) programme in Nepal, 2019 (livelihoods):
- Planned/delivered school sessions on a range of topics, working with children
- Conducted community action research to better understand needs of the local
community, building cross-cultural relationships with local stakeholders
- Communicated information clearly / worked cohesively despite a language barrier
- Worked collaboratively as part of a team

- Employed Intern for UK Member of Parliament:
- Worked in the heart of British politics, gaining an in-depth understanding of the
operation of UK representative democracy
- Encouraged democratic participation, particularly among minority/underrepresented
groups (ethnic minorities, women etc.)
- Conducted in-depth research on various domestic/international affairs for policy blogs
(website editing experience)


CREATIVE SKILLS:

- Fine art (including drawing, painting and other DIY projects)
- Textiles, craft and design (dressmaking, sewing cushions/other items, tailoring)
- Baking and cake decorating


OTHER PERSONAL QUALITIES:

- Friendly, polite and personable
- Cultural awareness, sensitivity and adaptability
- Resourceful, hardworking and resilient
- A team player, enjoy working with others

Age

26

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