Denise

Austria
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Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Description
Hey everyone, :)

My name is Denise, and I want to spend this year abroad, working and connecting with new people, get to know other cultures and helping out wherever I can.

A little about me: I'm 20 and graduated from school in June 2023. Currently I am doing a gap year before I am starting university next year. I adore people, animals, sports, music and of course being outside in nature. Whenever I can, I go for a walk in the forest or trips to the mountains with my father. I would describe myself as a very open minded person who gets along with all types of people easily. Besides, travelling is nothing new for me. I've been travelling to many different countries since I was little and I also did a 4-month internship in Spain, which taught me what it's like to live alone and become more independent. The last two months I spent in alone in Kenya volunteering as a teacher which opened up my eyes and let me see the world from a different point of view. Now, I am much more grateful for all the little things and really appreciate the life I have. At the moment I am in Hawaii with a good friend of mine.

I'm genuinely simply trying to be of assistance and hoping to spread some love wherever I go.
Interests
Camping
Dancing
History
Yoga / Wellness
Hitchhiking
Farming
Cycling
Plant care
Outdoor activities
Pets
Water sports
Languages
Self development
Sustainability
Vegetarian or vegan
Politics / Social justice
Nature
Fitness
Gardening
Mountain

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Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Spanish: Beginner
More details about my language interests
This workawayer has indicated that they would be interested in sharing their language(s) or learning a new language. You can contact them directly to discuss this.
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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Charity Work
Teaching
General Maintenance
DIY and building projects
Some knowledge of:
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Helping around the house
Helping with Computers/ Internet
Able to teach about:
Hospitality/Tourism
Languages
More details about your skills
Since, I've already worked several times with children I know how to look after them and play with them. Furthermore, I am a good cooker and love to take care of animals. I am also interested in gardening. Due to my education in school I am trained in tourism, accounting, and business. In addition, we have subjects such as computer science, nutrition, politics, law and 4 languages (German - mother tongue, English C1, French B1+, Spanish A2). I've also spent nearly 4 months in Spain, working for a hotel. This experience has taught me a lot about what it's like to live alone, take responsibility and being self confident.

I would love to work on a farm and taking care of animals and plants while exploring the island but I also adore children and wouldn't mind to teach them various languages and other subjects. Of course I am open to all kind of work - I will help wherever I can.

Last but not least: I am capable to work long hours without loosing my motivation or my smile. :)
Age
20
What else ...
I really appreciate the strong bond with my friends and family, but fortunately I never feel homesick. Exercise and sports have a great importance in my life. I've been doing judo since I was little, but I love any kind of sport - currently also especially the gym. I have an international drivers license and I know how to cook!

I also enjoy talking to new people about a wide variety of topics: What's going on in the world, how we can improve ourselves and the world, sustainability, and so on. I am crazy about animals (cows and cats are my favorite animals), which is also the reason why I am a Vegetarian.
I am flexible, very willing to learn and actually happy when I am taught new things, which I then immediately try to implement in the best possible way.

Hope to get to know you soon! :)

Best,
DENISE
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No
- Special dietary requirements
  Vegetarian

Feedback

13 Dec 2023

Left by host (Help at a primary school for ...) for Workawayer (Denise)

Denise volunteered at our school, Academy, during September 2023. Denise immediately made a very good impression with staff and pupils alike. She is very friendly, patient and respectful of our culture. She was keen to help where it was needed most and proved invaluable as she assisted our Manager with administrative issues. We were so pleased… read more

(Excellent )

1 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host (Help at a primary school for ...)

Dear Job, dear future volunteers

If you're considering volunteering in a Kenyan school, then THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!
I couldn't imagine a better place to have such an experience. I had previously been in another school where many things didn't go well, so I am overjoyed that I experienced the opposite in this school. I‘ve spent two weeks at… read more

(Excellent )

28 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host (Help at our non-profit, ...)

Dear Deborah, Henry and Justin,

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful two weeks on your enchanting farm. Your warm hospitality made us feel welcome since the moment when we first came into your living room, and the tasks on the farm was more a pleasure than a duty – a genuine joy.

We especially appreciate how you treated… read more

(Excellent )

21 Nov 2023

Left by host (Help at our non-profit, ...) for Workawayer (Denise)

Serendipity brought Denise to us and it was the most amazing experience. Denise sent me this urgent request: "The reason for our last-minute application is that our host canceled on us at the last minute, and we've already made our way to Hawaii - now with no work or accommodation". Note to hosts - do not cancel on volunteers. Note to volunteers,… read more

(Excellent )

22 Nov 2023

Left by host (Volunteer in a school where ...) for Workawayer (Denise)

I would like to take this great opportunity to thank Denise for her dedicated work and her interest in helping children. I would also like to thank her for a good job she did to fundraise money for the school which enabled us finish the started classrooms for high school and connecting a water Pipeline to the school. We would not be having water… read more

(Very good )

4 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host (Volunteer in a school where ...)

Dear Cosmus,

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude for the past four weeks. I am thankful for welcoming me into your community. It has been an experience like no other. However, there are some things I'd like to share with future volunteers. We find ourselves in a very impoverished area in Kenya, and the living conditions… read more reflect that reality, which is well-known to anyone coming here. One quickly adapts to showering using a bucket and a measuring cup. Getting used to the numerous creatures like cockroaches, lizards, praying mantises, and even scorpions is also necessary. Unfortunately, I had bedbugs in my bed, which made sleep rather uncomfortable. However, that's not the reason why I'm giving this experience only 3 stars. It's more about the situation at the school, the teachers, and the new head teacher.

The school lacks any structure, and there's a significant shortage of trained teachers. I am still a student myself and had no prior teaching experience. Nevertheless, on my first day, I was placed in a classroom without any support and told, "Now you can start teaching." I was completely overwhelmed. There was no timetable or guidance on what to teach the children. At times, I had to combine two or even three classes because of the lack of teachers or their unwillingness to teach. They also rarely interacted with you, except for the head teacher. However, he often asked very uncomfortable questions like "if he could marry me to gain entry to Europe." It made me feel very uncomfortable. Fortunately, I was not alone during this time; otherwise, I might have had to leave even sooner. Originally, I had planned to stay for 7 weeks, but after the fourth week, I decided to switch to another school and now realize that a Kenyan school can be quite different.

Cosmus himself tries to do a lot for the children, but he is rarely present at the school, so he might miss many things. On a positive note, the children were wonderful. They gave back so much, and it was always a joy to play with them and see their shining eyes when you entered their classrooms. Cosmus' children also warmly welcomed us into their home, and we did many things together: playing billiards, herding cows, countless game nights, and sharing many stories.

All in all, it was definitely an experience worth having, and I am grateful for this time during which I learned a great deal.

If you have any further questions feel free to contact me anytime.

Asante sana
Denise

(Good )

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13 Dec 2023

Left by host (Help at a primary school for ...) for Workawayer (Denise)

(Excellent )

1 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host (Help at a primary school for ...)

(Excellent )

28 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host (Help at our non-profit, ...)

(Excellent )

21 Nov 2023

Left by host (Help at our non-profit, ...) for Workawayer (Denise)

(Excellent )

22 Nov 2023

Left by host (Volunteer in a school where ...) for Workawayer (Denise)

(Very good )

4 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host (Volunteer in a school where ...)

(Good )

8 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host (Vibrant hostel welcomes your ...)

Dear Mark, dear future volunteers

The Backpacker is the best place for travelers that I can possibly imagine!

Incredibly wonderful people you‘ll grow close to right away - You truly form friendships from all around the world. The hostel has everything one could wish for, including two amazing private chefs and unforgettable parties every… read more

(Excellent )

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