Yi-En (Ian)

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

Outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain hutting, trail running. And things that allow me to reconnect and learn more about nature and local culture.

Description

Hello hosts and workawayers! My name is Ian. I did a Workaway in 2021 in Italy for 3 weeks and loved the experience as well as volunteering at The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece for 7 weeks in 2022. These experiences encourage alternative ways of traveling and connecting with people and nature. So I am looking for more of that!

I was raised in Taiwan, the US, and China before coming to the Netherlands. Currently, I'm working in Rotterdam at a circular solar startup, a job that I absolutely love! In this beautiful world, I believe there are endless opportunities to explore and learn about nature, people, and culture; and this motivates me.

Growing up in the countryside for a significant part of my life, I love nature whether it's the mountains or the beaches. Understandably I majored in Earth, Energy, and Sustainability in Leiden University College The Hague. On the other hand, I also grew up with quite a big family and have lived in 400 people building with students from my college so I know what it's like to be around with people as I enjoy hanging out and having fun with others.

I always lend a helping hand and I live by the mentality of hustle and hard work I am also a spontaneous person so sometimes I go for walks, bike rides, beach trips, or even other cities without planning them.

While I am passionate about renewable energy transition, a part of me has always wanted to work with and live around nature. I see myself working in the field of ecosystem restoration later in my life. Living on a farm, being self-sufficient and off-grid are some of my long-term goals, so I'd love to experience and learn some of those during my Workaway. I am also open to learn a new language and a musical instrument.

In my free time, I enjoy doing physical activities. From playing organized team sports such as basketball (I started playing since 5) and working out in the gym to biking in the Dutch dunes and swimming in the North Sea. I have started running (just got a Garmin watch recently so more motivation) and bouldering more. However, I also plan to read and sketch/paint more in my leisure time. Otherwise, I enjoy immersing myself in nature and traveling to different places.

One fun fact about me, I hitchhiked from The Hague to Budapest in 30 hours with a friend.

Interests

Drawing & painting

Art & design

Water sports

Carpentry

Hitchhiking

Languages

Cooking & food

Camping

Culture

Pets

Music

Hiking

Gardening

Plant care

Vegetarian or vegan

Cycling

Books

Yoga / Wellness

Sustainability

Team sports

Technology

Outdoor activities

Mountain

Fitness

Farming

Nature

Beach

Architecture

Animals

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Fluent
Chinese (Others): Intermediate
French: Beginner
Dutch: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I'd love to learn Dutch and French. I can teach English and Mandarin.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

Eco Projects

Charity Work

Art Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

DIY and building projects

General Maintenance

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Life at a Farmstay

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Hospitality/Tourism

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Helping with Computers/ Internet

More details about your skills

As I have been working for a solar startup, if you have any questions related to solar PV, I can probably answer them. So if you're thinking of building an (off-grid) solar system, I might be able to help!

I enjoy discussing anything related to environmental sustainability because it is related to my background, current job and future ambitions. Three themes that compel me the most at the moment are circular economy, ecosystem restoration and renewable energy. My bachelor degree was a mix of environmental science, earth science, and energy science in the Netherlands. Therefore I have some knowledge in subjects such as ecosystem health, climate modeling and renewable energy systems and I am happy to share them to make people

I enjoy most sports I would say, in terms of experience most to least would be: basketball, running, fitness, badminton, table tennis, orienteering, American football, climbing, swimming, and windsurfing.

I also believe that I have quite a healthy lifestyle through following a plant-based diet and being active, so I would love to share and exchange knowledge about lifestyle in general.

I'm fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese and would be down to teach both.

As I grew up on a small farm, I have limited but someexperience in growing plants, raising animals and gardening.

In addition, I enjoy doing physical work preferably out in nature. However, I also have a bit of experience in wall painting and helping with construction.

Age

25

What else ...

I really like to cook and learn different cuisines and I have experience cooking for around 20 people and I worked at a falafel restaurant for a little over a year, so if you want a good recipe lmk!

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  No

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  Special dietary requirements