Catherine

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

Looking for a new workaway position teaching English or home or cat sitting from September.

Description

QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED ENGLISH TEACHER OFFERS ENGLISH LESSONS

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 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 am very happy in my own company too, so cat sitting would also interest me. I could combine cat sitting with light gardening.

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.

One last thing, please don't be put off by my age! My two sons aged 32 and 29 respectively, tell me that I have more energy, enthusiasm and stamina than most of their peers!
Best wishes,
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 sitting

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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.

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

62

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

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  no

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  Special dietary requirements
  no but I avoid processed foods