Catherine

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

I am cat sitting in Alicante, Spain from the 16th to the 23 October and am available for a workaway after that: Cat/house sitting, English teaching, general help.

Description

QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED TEACHER OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE, CAT SITTER AND LOVER OF THE GREAT OUT DOORS AND GARDENING READY TO ASSIST YOU

CURRENTLY AT HOME

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 to 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. Prior to this, I worked for many years in state schools in Brighton.

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, I have I hosted French students preparing for their English exams set by the 'Classes préparatoires aux grandes écoles'; an Italian women needing to improve her English before starting her new job with an NGO, and a German lady who wanted to improve her English to facilitate travelling.

Although I love teaching, I have many other interests, and am seeking the opportunity to work with different people. I would therefore very much welcome work away stays that didn't involve teaching.

I am a friendly, flexible person who works well both with others and independently. I appreciate social contact but am also very happy in my own company. As a nature lover and someone who is interested in nutrition, health and well-being, I would enjoy helping with gardening and light outdoor tasks and cooking.

Finally, I would welcome the opportunity to speak Spanish or French.

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.

As for my interests, I am forever torn between being physically active: hiking, cycling and open water swimming, and reading, language learning, listening to the radio, going to the theatre etc.
I practice both yoga and pilates. Eating gives me enormous pleasure. I avoid ultra processed foods and,where possible, prioritise organic over non-organic foods.

I have a lovely family: siblings, two adult sons and two beautiful grandchildren.


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.

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

Some knowledge of:  

House & pet sitting

Being an elderly companion

Light gardening

Helping around the house

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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.

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
.Are you serious about improving your level of English? If so I can help.

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

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  Special dietary requirements
  no but I avoid processed foods