Dorothy

Australia
Login to see last activity

Badges (5)

Photos

View all

Give the gift of Workaway

Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Italy - from Apr 2024 until Jun 2024
View all
Description
Hello, I am a retired lady with an extensive background in management and community education, early childhood education and social justice roles which included programs for unemployed, people with disabilities, women returning to the workforce and individuals who faced numerous barriers to finding employment.
For many years, I have hosted international students in my home and enjoyed the opportunity to help them learn English and to share our culture. I also volunteered for several years at an aged care facility in between my travels, an experience that greatly enriched my own life
I have two delightful grandsons who regularly spend time with me, less so now that they are working and/or at university .
I am a registered house sitter on housecarers.com and have also been a member of Happy Housesitters and Nomador. I have also participated in home exchanges. I have hands-on experience with many different animals, from goats to guinea pigs although most of my house/ pet sits have been taking care of cats and dogs.
From 2012 onwards, I have completed numerous assignments in France, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Italy , Germany, Ireland,, UK USA and Canada - pet care included horses, large and small dogs and many different cats. Workaway duties included English language lessons, gardening animal care and general household help.
English language lessons in Italy began in Chiavari and the experience was so rewarding for all of us that I returned to this wonderful family the following year. We have remained firm friends and if possible, I visit briefly when I am in Italy even though my teaching skills are no longer required.
During the summer of 2015 I completed a 10 week workaway placement in Tuscany, Italy where I helped with all household matters and taught two young children English - the children responded well and after 10 weeks the 4 year old had an extensive English vocabulary and a well developed understanding of clearly spoken English.
Again in 2018, I undertook an assignment in Italy to assist with English language lessons for two young girls. This was a very positive experience for all of us and I departed with sadness as it felt like leaving family.
2019 provided more great workaway placements with an enjoyable experience in the Boston area (USA) and two different placements in BC Canada. I returned to Australia in November 2019 and renewed my passport in December 2019. Then came the Covid pandemic and regular travel, particularly internationally, was suspended. I am vaccinated and boosted and thankful for my good health.
I have built a reputation for reliability and honesty and have been blessed with new friendships from many of my visits. As a registered house sitter, I have verified experience with home care/security and a variety of animals entrusted to my care. I can provide excellent referee details on request and you can check my host reviews for various workaway assignments in the USA,Spain,Italy,France, Portugal and Germany. I really enjoy the experience of different cultures and I am comfortable with people from all backgrounds and from all age groups
I have an outgoing personality, work well with others and am confident and experienced with international guests, tourists and associated customer relations work.
I am looking forward to the opportunities and shared experiences that workaway placements will provide as I resume my travels in 2024.
Thanks for reading this and I welcome all enquiries.
Interests
Pets
Performing arts
Music
Culture
Charity work
Books
Beach
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Italian: Beginner
More details about my language interests
Yes, wherever I stay I try to improve my Italian and French and am also open to learning other languages with my host family
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
Being an elderly companion
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Teaching
Able to teach about:
Babysitting and creative play
Helping around the house
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
Languages
More details about your skills
Management- including human resources and financial; community education; social justice experience; hospitality; teaching English; aged care, and child care.I have a high standard of customer relations skills and I am very experienced as a house and pet sitter in many different countries. I am totally reliable, trustworthy and considerate of others. I will happily take on the responsibility of house and animal care if you need to be absent but I really enjoy the opportunities that workaway offers to be part of another household and share their local community and culture.
I am a Qualified Justice of the Peace and active in my community. I am a non smoker.
Age
67
What else ...
I am very sociable, flexible, and happy to try most things although I cannot pretend to be a building expert. I am very keen to learn languages other than English and to immerse myself in different cultures and communities.
I have travelled extensively, preferring local hospitality to hotels and am enthusiastic about new experiences in different cultures. I value honesty and integrity and have built my personal and professional reputation on these values. I am a non smoker.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No but I find being around smokers can be quite difficult
- Special dietary requirements
  No, I am happy to live as a vegetarian if required and enjoy eating food from a variety of cultures.

Feedback

23 Apr 2024

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Help our family with English ...)

I have just left this wonderful family after 11 nights, my stay sadly cut short after I received the tragic news of my only brother’s sudden death.
From the moment I arrived I felt welcome and very quickly became part of the family. Each member of the family was interested in exchanging information about our countries and cultures and working… read more

(Excellent )

14 Aug 2019

Left by host (Join our family and help with ...) for Workawayer (Dorothy)

I had initially spoken to Dorothy via Skype a couple months before her arrival, this was going to be one of our first times as WorkAway hosts, so I wanted to make sure that everyone was on the same page and to also see if we would be a good fit for her. Dorothy is someone who I can’t imagine anyone not getting along with, she is outgoing, a great… read more

(Excellent )

5 Aug 2019

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Join our family and help with ...)

I spent 10 days with Saira, Rayaan and Aanisa and it was a very enjoyable experience. Saira had kept in touch from the time we confirmed my placement before I left Australia ( two months prior to my arrival) and welcomed me as one of the family. I bonded quickly with both children and happily participated in all their activities as well as helping… read more

(Excellent )

15 Jul 2019

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Join our family on the beach ...)

A great experience in a peaceful and stunning location. I enjoyed ten days with Anya, Phillip and their adorable daughter, Mara. Phillip met me at the ferry and I was made welcome from the moment I arrived. The location is amazing and I was content to stay at home throughout my stay , helping out with household chores and the tiny house… read more

(Excellent )

View all

Friends

Photos

Feedback

23 Apr 2024

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Help our family with English ...)

(Excellent )

14 Aug 2019

Left by host (Join our family and help with ...) for Workawayer (Dorothy)

(Excellent )

5 Aug 2019

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Join our family and help with ...)

(Excellent )

15 Jul 2019

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Join our family on the beach ...)

(Excellent )

21 Jun 2019

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Help us and become part of ...)

I have just completed18 days with Mia and Peter and it was hard to say goodbye to this wonderful couple and their adorable cats. Their home and location were full of character and surprises, as well as being comfortable and inviting. Mia and Peter are extremely generous with their time and attention to maximising your experience and because of… read more

(Excellent )

26 Jun 2018

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Help with childcare in Milano ...)

I have just completed 16 days with this lovely family and it was a great experience. Alessandra and Massimo welcomed me as a part of their family and since our first Skype meeting we had all connected well. Vittoria and Cloe are very active little girls and also curious, creative, and affectionate. I was included in family activities on the… read more

(Excellent )

5 Nov 2014

Left by host (English speaker who is eager ...) for Workawayer (Dorothy)

She was living with us for 3 weeks, and it became obvious very quickly that she has travelled a lot, looking after houses through "housekeeper". She observed with detail our routines in order to help us, and so without us saying anything she decided she was going to help us with cleaning the kitchen after lunch,dinner,...emptying the dishwasher,… read more

(Excellent )

21 Oct 2014

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (English speaker who is eager ...)

I spent 3 weeks with this lovely family and always felt welcome and appreciated, I had a lovely room and use of a bathroom close to my room. Patricia and Roberto are a very busy working couple and are dedicated to improving their English language skills, already at a high standard. So, in addition to their jobs, they also attend English classes… read more

(Excellent )

21 Dec 2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Dorothy)

A BIG Thank you to Dorothy! The modest and unassuming power horse who came to the rescue, with much aplomb and distinct evidence of experience.
Dorothy`s flexibility in changing locations for the post of workaway was extremely beneficial to me . Having now met Dorothy and experienced her ability to lead in a " left home alone " situation has… read more

(Excellent )

11 Dec 2013

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Volunteer on a project in SW ...)

Initially. our discussions centred around this French location but ultimately, I travelled to a different location, in Portugal, and looked after the house and four dogs while Iona was back here in France. The dogs quickly adjusted to me and accepted me as their "pack leader" so they were quite relaxed while their beloved owners were away. I… read more

(Excellent )

25 Nov 2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Dorothy)

I wish Dorothy would still be here or could have stayed longer. She is a wonderful woman. She has helped me in the short time very much. We had many great conversations and I'm really looking forward to meet her again.

(Excellent )

17 Oct 2013

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Come and help with household ...)

Barbara is herself an experienced workawayer and she is a warm and welcoming host. We had a great deal in common and I really enjoyed my short stay with her. I had a big, warm, water bed in the guest room which was very comfortable, The apartment was very pleasant and well located in Friedberg, an historical town about 30 minutes train ride to… read more

(Excellent )

21 Jul 2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Dorothy)

We loved our time with Dorothy. Paolo was always happy working with Dorothy to help improve his english.We quickly built a family relationship and everyone was relaxed together.Dorothy was willing to do every kind of work and to socialise with other family and friends.
Next year we hope Dorothy will stay longer with us. We can highly
reccomend… read more

(Excellent )

21 Jul 2013

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Help look after our son in ...)

What a lovely family experience this has been! We met last year and so I was already looking forward to an invitation for the summer of 2013.. I was only able to spend two weeks but I enjoyed every day. Paolo is just like one of my own grandson and I found him to be a very willing student in English and a delightful young man in general, easy… read more

(Excellent )

11 Dec 2012

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Help around our place in Los ...)

Laura is a wonderful host, very welcoming and I felt like a family friend, also welcomed by her delightful mother as well as her son and nephews. I really enjoyed my stay and time with this warm and caring family who go out of their way to ensure that you enjoy your time in LA. Laura has sold her house so I think that I was lucky to have time in… read more

(Excellent )

10 Dec 2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Dorothy)

Dorothy is wonderful. She came to help me organize and help with a moving sale which she did very well. She also did things I didn't ask like doing a thorough cleaning of my kitchen. Dorothy is very responsible, capable and very personable, a lovely lady. I have gained a friend.

(Excellent )

30 Jul 2012

Left by host for Workawayer (Dorothy)

Very capable woman,came as a house sitter left as a friend.

(Excellent )

30 Jul 2012

Left by Workawayer (Dorothy) for host (Volunteer in Lower Normandy.)

I began as a house sitter and then expanded my duties while the owner was at home. Jackie is very welcoming and a good cook too! The dogs love the new company and the horses are easy to care for, all in all a great experience.

(Very good )

To leave feedback make sure you are logged in & your account is online