Michelle

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi, I’m Michelle — a Master’s student in Computer Science in Montreal 🇨🇦. I was born and raised in Toronto, but I often work remotely as a programmer and researcher focused on climate and sustainability.

I love meaningful conversations, learning from people, and discovering local culture through food, dance, and nature. My hobbies include salsa and bachata, rock climbing, acroyoga, hiking, and photography — anything that connects nature, movement, art, and community.

At the moment, I’m focusing on learning Portuguese and I’m especially excited about traveling in Brazil — exploring its nature, food, beaches, forró and sertaneja music, and connecting with the rock climbing and acroyoga communities there.

I’ve been lucky to travel widely — from hiking in the Himalayas to backpacking across Europe, visiting family in China, and cat-sitting in Bulgaria. I’ve spent time on exchange in Norway and with my host family in Germany, and have traveled through Morocco, Rwanda, Tanzania, Mexico, and the U.S. A lot of my travel combines research conferences, rock climbing, cultural exchange, and acroyoga festivals — it’s how I learn best about people and places. If you ever visit Montreal or Toronto, I’d be glad to host you back or help you settle in!

I’m a professional pet and house sitter (Rover-certified, with references), and I love caring for animals and shared spaces with the same respect I’d offer my own home. I’ve also hosted travelers in Montreal, so I understand what it takes to make someone feel welcome.

Whether it’s helping out with chores, photography, digital tasks, or cooking a shared meal, or exchanging languages, I love contributing wherever I can and creating genuine connections along the way.

Happy to practice English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and potentially Mandarin / Cantonese and Japanese.

Interests

Beach

Camping

Yoga / Wellness

Outdoor activities

Art & design

Books

DIY & crafts

History

Music

Plant care

Cooking & food

Gardening

Languages

Photography

Writing

Performing arts

Drawing & painting

Animals

Technology

Politics / Social justice

LGBTQ

Events & social

Pets

Sustainability

Van life

Culture

Self development

Movies & TV

Farming

Charity work

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Intermediate
Italian: Beginner
Japanese: Beginner
Portuguese: Beginner
Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner
Chinese (Cantonese): Beginner

More details about my language interests
Enthusiastic about language exchange — can help with English, French, or Spanish, and enjoy practicing other languages (Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese) too.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Being an elderly companion

Life at a Farmstay

Art Projects

Teaching

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Some knowledge of:  

General Maintenance

Eco Projects

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

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Able to teach about:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping around the house

Animal Care

Languages

Helping with Computers/ Internet

House & pet sitting

More details about your skills

Pet & House Sitting: Experienced and Rover-certified with references available. Comfortable caring for dogs, cats, and small animals, as well as keeping a home tidy and secure while owners are away.

Photography: Skilled in portrait, event, and travel photography using both DSLR and mobile setups; especially dynamic acrobatic / sports / action photography and can assist with photos for social media or small projects.

Computer & Digital Work: Programming, data entry, spreadsheets (Excel/Sheets), social media marketing, and light website or digital admin work.

Event Support: Experience helping with event setup, coordination, registration, and hosting — I enjoy community and creative projects.

Hospitality & Food: Former barista, love making coffee, cooking for groups, and helping in the kitchen.

Gardening & Outdoor Work: Enjoy working with plants, light maintenance, and mushroom foraging in the forest.

Language & Culture: Enthusiastic about language exchange — can help with English, French, or Spanish, and enjoy practicing other languages too.

Teaching & Movement: Can share basics of salsa, bachata, yoga, or acroyoga, and love creating a fun, encouraging learning environment.

Age

26

What else ...

I love learning new things and connecting with people through shared activities — especially movement-based or circus (acrobatics, pole, hoop) anything from board games, chess, to a walk outdoors or a cooking night. I enjoy photography, music, saunas, beaches, and exploring local cafés, and I’m always happy to trade recipes, playlists, or travel stories.

I like spending time in nature — whether hiking, swimming, or spotting wild mushrooms — and I’m equally happy with quiet evenings reading or journaling. I appreciate both lively community spaces and peaceful, reflective moments, and I try to bring a curious, and authentic energy wherever I go.

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