Ellie

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hello! 🌻

I’m Ellie, originally from Chicago, Illinois, USA. I’ve been living in different parts of Europe during the past decade. For the past three years, I've been living in Spain working as an English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher. I’m looking forward to using Workaway as a way to pick up new skills, meet new people, learn about different cultures, and connect with nature and animals. Although I’ve spent most of my life living in cities, I’ve always been drawn to the mountains, countryside, and beaches, and I hope to explore a new, simple and conscious way of living through learning more about gardening, permaculture, animal care, sustainable development, and creative projects. 🌿

I’m an adventurous person who loves to follow an active and healthy lifestyle. I’m always up for a hike or day trip, and I also enjoy organizing events that bring people together. I value great conversations and strive to make meaningful relationships by keeping an open mind and relating with others by exchanging experiences, ideas, and lifestyles. People I know characterize me as a passionate, empathetic, outgoing, reliable, and hard-working person. I’m very social and like being around people, but I also greatly appreciate my alone time to recharge and enjoy some quiet.🙂

Over the past ten years, I’ve been lucky enough to travel and work in places like South Korea, the Netherlands, Hawaii, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Through jobs like childcare and youth camps, project coordination, and management, I’ve connected with people from different backgrounds and thus have become more adaptable, communicative, and patient.

In my free time, I like to hike, bike, travel, read, play board games, journal, and meet new people. I’ve recently picked up painting as a new hobby. As a person who cannot eat gluten or cow milk protein, I’ve experimented with many recipes and have developed a love for cooking and baking, especially when it's with other people. I am well known among my friends for my special guacamole recipe, which they have named “Guacamellie”. 😉 I’ve also had experience cooking for vegan/vegetarian friends and have even created some recipes for the dogs I have cared for! 🐕

Interests

LGBTQ

Technology

Politics / Social justice

Pets

Sustainability

Self development

Farming

Charity work

Culture

Events & social

Writing

Plant care

Languages

Gardening

Drawing & painting

Cooking & food

Books

Animals

Yoga / Wellness

Sailing / Boating

Outdoor activities

Nature

Mountain

Hiking

Cycling

Fitness

Beach

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
German: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I've been teaching English for 7 years and am willing to teach others. I would also like to practice Spanish, as my goal is to become fluent. I would also be interested in refining my German skills since I have not practiced in a few years.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Charity Work

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Animal Care

Hospitality/Tourism

Art Projects

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Being an elderly companion

Helping around the house

Languages

Teaching

More details about your skills

I’m a very motivated person who is always willing to learn something new and adapt to a situation as needed. Here is an idea of the skills I can offer:

• I grew up with at least one dog living in the house at all times. In addition to our own, my family fostered dogs and puppies. I love animals and I’m a well-respected dog and cat-sitter in the communities I’ve lived in in the USA, Germany, and Spain.
• We had a small garden in my backyard growing tomatoes, zucchini, and herbs, so I have basic gardening skills.
• I enjoy cooking (it’s always more fun cooking with others, of course! 😊) and can also help out with basic household tasks like organizing, cleaning, and painting.
• I’ve done basic repair work and repainted houses affected by hurricanes in the USA. The carpentry was left to the professionals, but I would be willing to learn some carpentry skills!
• I’ve had the chance to work with kids, teens, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities, which has made me feel at ease working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• I easily connect and communicate with people and can speak English and Spanish. I also know a bit of German. I would like to continue to improve my Spanish and wouldn’t mind brushing up on my German.
• I’ve spent quite a bit of time on the computer working as an online ESL teacher and can provide basic content development and computer skills.

Age

34

What else ...

I usually say yes to new experiences, and I like finding small joys in everyday life. I left my hometown over a decade ago thinking I’d go back after a short adventure in South Korea, but one experience led to another, and I never returned, which has been one of the most rewarding choices I’ve made. I am excited to see where my life will lead me next!

A few other interesting facts:

-Outside of work and volunteering, I love to keep active. I used to run marathons and also practiced Irish dance for 10 years when I was younger…I still teach the Irish jig to people in the countries I visit!

-I grew up in a big family with many siblings and more than 50 cousins. The majority of my family grew up in the same area, and we spent a lot of time together, so I’m used to busy households and definitely value a sense of community because of this.

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
  I can’t eat gluten or cow’s milk products (goat and sheep dairy are fine) as they make me quite sick. I’m comfortable sharing a kitchen with people who do eat these things as long as the surfaces and utensils are cleaned beforehand.