Rachel

United States
Login to see last activity

Badges (4)

Photos

View all

Give the gift of Workaway

Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
My next destination:
Mongolia
View all
Description
Hello! I’m Rachel. I am a NYC-born, New Jersey-raised 34-year-old American. I left my sales career to embark upon a long dreamed of backpacking trip, which I am in the middle of now.

I have a calm demeanor and inquisitive nature. There are infinite sides to every story, and I want to know them all. I like immersing myself in new hobbies and have cycled through martial arts, taiko (Japanese drums), dance, watercolors, chess, futsal, acting and filmmaking at different times in my life. I am currently building a photography portfolio and would be happy to take photos for you during my stay (either casually or for a project we can establish together).

I've traveled to Italy, Ireland, Germany, the UK, the DR, Bermuda and Korea, but the bulk of my travel was done domestically during the six years I spent living in Japan—first as an English teacher at a middle school in the countryside and then as a business professional (think 'salaryman') in Tokyo. This long-term stay in Japan gave me the opportunity to experience the country on a deeper level and made me realize I want to do all my travel in the same way: lengthy periods of living in-country experiencing daily life amongst 'locals.'

Through my time as a workawayer, I am hoping to see far corners of the world, experience many different lifestyles, pick up new practical skills/knowledge, get to know a diverse range of people, and contribute to others' projects.

Looking forward to meeting you and doing something together!
Interests
Van life
Winter sports
Writing
Photography
History
Pets
Videography
Movies & TV
DIY & crafts
Carpentry
Drawing & painting
Self development
Performing arts
Nature
Farming
Culture
Animals
Art & design
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Intermediate
French: 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 buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Being an elderly companion
Eco Projects
Hospitality/Tourism
Charity Work
Languages
General Maintenance
Some knowledge of:
Animal Care
Art Projects
Teaching
More details about your skills
-photography
-a little experience with acting, filmmaking, and percussion/drumming
-former dog owner and very experienced with guinea pig care (including hand feeding sick pigs)
-I taught English at a Japanese middle school for 3 years.
-can provide consulting on book printing
Age
34
What else ...
I love performing arts, futsal and have more recently gotten into chess.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  penicillin, lidocaine
- Special dietary requirements
  no

Feedback

14 Jun 2023

Left by host (Welcoming imaginative, fun, ...) for Workawayer (Rachel)

Rachel was a brilliant fit for us. She is a really talented artist and a capable, enthusiastic person, who it was our pleasure to host. She was caring and patient with the children who worked with her, she was popular with the group and engaged and motivated at all times. Rachel, we will never forget your fantastic window design! Thank you!

(Excellent )

6 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host (Volunteer at a vocational ...)

I stayed with the school for one month in January for my first ever Workaway experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. I had an amazing time. The Workaway program at the Centre is very well established, so everything- the accommodation, the food, the work, your role at the school - is clear and works very smoothly. Ouided is… read more a really kind person and a great teacher. I learned a lot from watching her work. And the other members of the staff were also very friendly, and I felt very welcomed and looked after.

In terms of work, it was mostly joining the English classes. During class, I sometimes answered questions/chatted with students and sometimes gave a presentation on my country. I enjoyed being in class and interacting with the wide variety of students (ranging in age, field of study, and national origin). Once I was asked to do the very grueling task of joining the English Tea Time, where I had to sit and chat with local British people while the students practiced their English and served us amazing bread and dessert 😉

Speaking of bread and dessert, lunch and dinner at the cafeteria both included pastries baked by the professional students in their classes during the day, which was incredible. You can also go with the other teachers and staff to pick up a bunch of fresh baked bread at the end of the days the bread students have lab (I think once or twice a week). One bread from the more advanced students was so good it put tears in my eyes. Occasionally, there may also be a chance to eat lunch prepared by the students in the restaurant, which is usually a high-quality several-course meal. I asked to do some 'behind-the-scenes' photography during a couple of the lunch services and the staff and students were all really open to it, so I got to do a few photography sessions, which was so fun!

For the accommodation, it's a spacious three-bedroom apartment on campus with a bathroom, kitchen, living room, dining room and a little balcony. The school provides a weekly cleaning and laundry service. I shared the apartment with one (and very briefly two) other Workawayers but had my own room, so it was a fun, social environment but I still had my own privacy. The school/apartment is at the top of a hill, so if you want to go into town prepare for a 30 min walk down and depending on your fitness level a 45 min walk up---or you can ask someone for a ride! Also, I have an international license, so the school also very graciously let me borrow a car over the weekend and I got to do some amazing local sightseeing to places I would not have been able to access otherwise.

So thank you again Ouided, Michel (the school's director) and everyone else for an amazing experience! I very much cherished the time we spent together. I wish you all the best in the future and hope we meet again.

(Excellent )

21 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host (English language exchange in ...)

Makhlouf is a real one. A seriously kind and super hospitable individual. Another review from one of his guests says, 'He embodies kindness, warmth, hospitality, and fellowship,' and I found that to be absolutely true. I stayed with him for 9 days, and he made me feel like his home was my home from the moment I arrived. My ‘work’ was just keeping… read more

(Excellent )

12 Feb 2023

Left by host (English language exchange in ...) for Workawayer (Rachel)

Rachel is good,respectful and quiet girl who loves to work. She worked hard in cooking and cleaning, and she always tries to find a job to do. You don't have to ask her for anything. She alone takes the initiative to work. She also taught me some sentences and grammar in the English language. Full of energy and enthusiasm for all things to do. I… read more

(Excellent )

View all