Catherine

United Kingdom
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Profile information

Reply rate
100.0 %
Travel information
I am currently
At home
Activities i am interested in:
Looking for a new workaway position: teaching English, helping with daily tasks, home or cat sitting,
My next destination:
Spain
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Description
QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED TEACHER OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE OFFERS ENGLISH LESSONS AS PART OF A WORKAWAY EXCHANGE

CURRENTLY IN COLOMBIA

Hello! My name is Catherine. I am Irish but have lived in Brighton, England for many years. I have a B2 level in French and am now learning Spanish.

As a qualified and experienced teacher of English as an additional language, I have helped many learners improve their competencies in English. I have taught both in England, offering an 'Immersive English Language and Cultural Homestay' in my own home, and in Paris where I worked for the The British Council teaching English on a range of courses ranging from A1 to B2.

I offer hosts the opportunity to make real progress in their English journey using a range of teaching methods, including formal lessons, and authentic resource materials. I will be guided by you, but my priority is to give hosts the opportunity to speak English whenever possible during everyday interactions and activities: cooking, sharing meal times etc.

For those of you who have language targets that you need to reach, either for work or study, I can help with that too as this is something I do as a self-employed teacher. For example, during the summer of 2024, I hosted French students who were preparing for their English exams set by the 'Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles'. Another example is when I welcomed an Italian women who needed to improve her English before starting her new job with an NGO.

I love teaching English because I feel I am helping people to access new opportunities, but also because it enables me to meet new people, to learn from them and to appreciate their culture.

Finally, I would welcome the opportunity to speak Spanish or French which I hope could form part of a host-workaway agreement.

As a guest in someone's home, I expect to participate in domestic tasks: keeping the home tidy, cleaning, light gardening etc: I love deadheading flowers! If I can make the daily life of busy people a little less demanding, it would be a pleasure.

Although I love teaching, I would also be interested in a work away experience that didn't involve teaching as I enjoy meeting new people and exploring new cultures. I am a friendly, kind person who can work well with others, so I think I would enjoy working in a hostel, refuge or guest house that welcomes hikers and nature lovers. I am a long distance walker and have walked extensively in France along some of the Grandes Randonnées trails. I loved staying in the gîtes where one gets to meet fellow walkers from different countries. If you are a host with a hostel or refuge, don't hesitate to consider me

I have spoken a lot about France due to the fact that I speak the language and have lived in Paris. However, I am also interested in exploring other countries and meeting people from a range of different cultures and faiths.

Catherine
Interests
Plant care
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Outdoor activities
Mountain
History
Cooking & food
Self development
Nature
Languages
Hiking
Charity work
Politics / Social justice
Performing arts
Movies & TV
Fitness
Culture
Camping
Yoga / Wellness
Languages
Languages spoken
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:
House & pet sitting
Able to teach about:
Languages
Teaching
More details about your skills
As a teacher primary school teacher I have lots of experience in Education, as well as in developing relationships with both adults and children.

Are you serious about improving your level of English? If so I can help you.
As a teacher of English as a foreign language, I have an in-depth knowledge of the English language and can help learners to develop skills in : listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Age
63
What else ...
Like most people, I enjoy doing many things but there are some things that are important to me: connecting with people, eating decent food (simple dishes are often the nicest), being active outdoors and spending time alone. So, even if I am studying or reading a great book, or just hanging out indoors, I will take the time to cook something fresh to eat and to go for a walk or a ride on my bike. I have chosen a place to live where I can easily access the beach, the countryside and the town centre. And, when the mood takes me, I will invite family and friends to join me at home for a coffee and a slice of homemade cake.

I do yoga, pilates and resistance training weekly.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  no
- Special dietary requirements
  no but I avoid processed foods

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Feedback

28 Apr 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Cultural and language ...)

I cannot praise this place highly enough. I recently participated in the programme held in Villajoyosa, a beautiful coastal village near Alicante, Spain. The experience was both highly enjoyable and professionally rewarding.

There are many different aspects to the programme which offers Spanish speakers the opportunity to immerse themselves in… read more the English language: one to one conversations, creative group activities, debates, meal-time conversations, after dinner games and quizzes and more. Your role as a volunteer is to be that ever present authentic English voice: engage enthusiastically in the programme, talk to and listen to your Spanish speakers and enjoy the experience. It is worth noting that you are in a hotel and not a language school. While the Spanish speakers I encountered were clearly very motivated, they were also on holiday so the atmosphere was really upbeat and joyful.

The programme is very well organised with a daily briefing so that you know what to expect. During my week, the programme coordinator, Alex, managed everything beautifully and his genuine concern for everyone's well-being really stood out. The other 'workaways', many of whom had volunteered previously were also very supportive.

A big part of the programme is the cultural exchange and this was one of the highlights of the experience for me. Thanks to the one-to-one conversations, shared activities, quizzes, the dishes served at meal-times, and even the karaoke evening I felt I too had had an immersive experience, a Spanish one. The Spanish participants in the programme were great. They were really enthusiastic about everything, fun to be with and very appreciative of the volunteers.

To say something of the hotel and location, both were spectacular. I really appreciated my large bedroom with a wonderful balcony overlooking the beach. The hotel food was delicious and varied with lots of fresh fruit as well as mouth watering deserts- which I gave into by day three! I was able to sample Spanish cuisine which was a delight.

I highly recommend this workaway experience. As previously stated by other volunteers, the days are long and can be tiring. However, In Villajoyosa we had a good break after lunch so I was able to either rest in my room, profit from the lovely beach walks or swim in the sea. Also, since breakfast was quite late, I was able to go for an early morning walk, or do pilates on the beach. In other words, there are times in the day when you can recharge your batteries, and take some time for yourself. Add this to the fact that you have a beautiful private room and are served delicious food three times a day I think the exchange is a great one that works well for all concerned.

A huge, heart felt, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a great programme. I sincerely hope I can repeat the experience.

(Excellent )

12 Aug 2025

Left by host (Come and look after our home ...) for Workawayer ()

Catherine est une personne incroyable : gentille, très facile à vivre, souriante. Elle s'est très bien occupée de nos deux chats, nous a donné des nouvelles régulièrement. Nous avons hâte de la revoir !

(Excellent )

28 Jul 2025

Left by Workawayer () for host (Come and look after our home ...)

Une expérience exceptionnelle !

Pierre et Florence sont un couple adorable : Chaleureux; accueillant, sympathique et généreux. Ils m'ont mettre à l'aise tout de suite. Les deux chats, Twista et Pinkie sont également adorable: gentils, doux et facile de s'occuper.

Le maison se trouve dans un quartier résidentiel, pas loin du centre du village.… read more

(Excellent )

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