Profile information
Travel information
We are currently
Travelling
Description
Hi! We’re a couple from Turkey, partners in life, love, and all kinds of little adventures. We enjoy meeting new people, learning about different ways of life, and helping out wherever we can together, as a team We’re excited to share, learn, and laugh along the way.
Hello, I'm Defne,
So far, I have had the opportunity to travel to various countries through different exchange programs and projects. While doing these, I realized how much I enjoy getting to know new cultures. Learning about the foods, dances, songs, ways of life, and languages that reflect those cultures has always been very exciting for me. I also think this is a great way to understand people, listen to them without judgment, and learn their stories. Of course, that's why I love meeting people and feeling at home despite all our differences.
Being in nature always makes me feel good, and I sometimes go on long walks. However, experiencing the cultural textures of different cities is equally exciting. I'm studying philosophy at university. This has been my childhood dream from the beginning, except for the times I wanted to be a veterinarian because of my love for animals. Philosophy brings with it a great sense of admiration and curiosity about life. You should never compromise your investigative personality. At the same time, literature and art, which I believe are supported by philosophy, have always been a part of my life.
Since I started university, I've also been learning French. I think one of the best ways to get to know a culture is to learn the language spoken. I hope to improve myself in this area. My reason for joining Workaway stems from my never-ending excitement about connecting with people and new cultures. This is a new adventure for me. I hope to create many beautiful memories along the way.
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Hi! I'm Zeynep, a 23 year old law student from Turkey who somehow still finds time for joy, music, and garden soil between legal codes and court decisions. Currently in my final year of law school, I spend a lot of time in between pages of very serious books trying to understand even more serious people. But beyond all the seriousness of law, there’s a very curious, music loving, people oriented soul in me who loves to laugh, connect, explore, and build beautiful, unexpected bonds.
I’ve had the incredible privilege of visiting many countries, mostly in Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro... In other words, I could probably give a decent geography lesson if you wake me up in the middle of the night. I believe traveling is the best way to study the subject called “life.” Every person I meet adds something to who I am, even the grumpy man on a bus in Budapest who taught me patience.
I also had the chance to experience the United States of America for 4 months as part of the Work & Travel program, working as a certified lifeguard. It was one of the most enriching times of my life. Being immersed in such a vastly different culture (and portion sizes!) taught me so much about diversity and adaptability. The music, the food, the rhythm of daily life. I was constantly fascinated.
I also took part in a human rights-focused Erasmus+ project in Romania. Sharing the same space with people from different nations, coming together around one meaningful cause, was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me that, no matter where we come from, laughter sounds the same in every language (and coffee helps, too).
What I hope to gain from Workaway is much more than a new stamp in my passport. I want to become part of someone’s real, everyday world. I want to help, support, laugh, cook, learn, plant, clean, listen, and talk. all while soaking up a culture from within, not from the outside. I believe that human connection is one of the most beautiful things we can build and I hope to build many during my journey.
Interests
Van life
Vegetarian or vegan
Politics / Social justice
Self development
Yoga / Wellness
Winter sports
Writing
Outdoor activities
Plant care
Pets
Photography
Nature
Music
Movies & TV
Languages
LGBTQ
Hiking
Fitness
Farming
Drawing & painting
Events & social
Dancing
Cycling
Culture
Charity work
Camping
Books
Beach
Adventure sports
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
Turkish: Fluent
English: Intermediate
French: Intermediate
Spanish: BeginnerMore details about my language interests
For me, one of the best ways to learn about a culture is through learning the language spoken. Therefore, learning a new language has never been just about knowing grammar rules and learning words for me. Learning a language is like opening the doors to a new world, literature, art, and expression. At the school I attend, I am learning both French and Ancient Greek. Next year, I will start studying Latin. Of course, learning dead languages is a completely different experience compared to learning a living language. I want to make language as much a part of my life as possible and learn as many languages as I can. I'm still at the beginning of this journey and have a long way to go.
Skills and knowledge we'd like to share or learn
We're interested in:
Charity Work
Art Projects
Being an elderly companion
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Life at a Farmstay
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
Some knowledge of:
Languages
Eco Projects
Helping around the house
Able to teach about:
Animal Care
More details about your skills
Defne:
One of my favorite qualities about myself is that I place great value on the work I do. If I am given a task, I always strive to do it to the best of my ability. I am also very organized with my time and try to manage it in the best way possible. Most of the time, I am a good student and can quickly learn and participate in a subject I have no prior knowledge of. I have a dog, so I know how to approach animals and can take care of them. My mother is an excellent cook; although I'm not as professional as she is, I enjoy being in the kitchen and cooking. I can handle all kinds of household chores. In short, I am happy to work and participate. No matter what the task is, I always try to do my best.
Zeynep:
When it comes to practical skills, I’m quite hands on. Thanks to my grandmother’s village garden, I grew up helping with planting, digging, and taking care of vegetables and fruit trees. I’ve always loved the feeling of working with soil and being close to nature. At home, I’ve also been involved in daily chores for as long as I can remember. My mom always believed that helping around the house builds a strong sense of responsibility, and I fully agree. I’m comfortable cleaning, organizing, and generally keeping things running smoothly.
I get along well with animals they seem to like me, and I definitely like them. I’m happy to be around creatures of all kinds.
Age
21 & 23
What else ...
Defne:
Although I'm not very good at it, I play the guitar. Sometimes, my friends and I have music gatherings where we play and sing together. Music has always been a part of my life, and I love listening to music in different languages. For me, this is also part of learning a new culture.
At the same time, in an association I am a part of, we were conducting activities focused on learning through play. I love learning new things and believe that the best way to learn something is by combining it with play. The more fun and emotion there is, the more memorable the learning becomes.
My parents have been tango instructors for many years. I started learning in my first year of university. I take regular tango lessons, and to be honest, it is a very romantic and emotional dance.
I haven't gone in a while, but until a few years ago, my family and I would go skiing every winter. Balancing studying and sports can be challenging, but staying active is an important part of life. That's why I want to continue doing sports regularly.
I greatly enjoy spending time with and taking care of animals. Our small dog has been a part of our family since the day he arrived.
I also take great pleasure in reading and literature. In high school, we had a group where we discussed the books we read and the movies we watched each week.
Zeynep:
When I’m not buried under legal texts, I’m usually holding a musical instrument or at least singing very loudly in the kitchen. Music is my therapy. I started with the violin and later added the ukulele to my collection. I grew up in a household where making music was as natural as brushing our teeth -especially with my brother, who is my partner in crime for spontaneous living room concerts.
Another part of me has always been deeply moved by the elderly. Since childhood, I’ve felt a strong desire to spend time with older people, especially those in need of companionship. I believe the stories they hold are treasures, and I always leave those moments a little wiser.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
Special dietary requirements
