Jack

United Kingdom
Login to see last activity

Badges (3)

Photos

View all

Give the gift of Workaway

Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
Travelling
Activities i am interested in:
I am currently teaching English at a summer camp in Galicia, Spain. I love to surf, to climb and to speak Spanish, so I am using the next month to practice these.
My next destination:
Spain - from Apr 2024 until May 2024
View all
Description
I have lived in the UK for my whole life, so a big passion of mine is to live in interesting places and meet new people whilst there. During my time away, I hope to improve my Spanish and pick up new practical skills. I enjoy being in nature, especially in the mountains or by the sea.
Interests
Yoga / Wellness
Winter sports
Water sports
Van life
Team sports
Nature
Outdoor activities
Music
Mountain
Languages
Hitchhiking
Farming
Fitness
Gardening
Hiking
Events & social
Drawing & painting
Dancing
DIY & crafts
Culture

show more
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
More details about my language interests
I am a native English speaker and have had 3 years experience as a teacher. I also have a TEFL Level 3 qualification so would be confident to teach people English. I am currently learning Spanish so am very keen to develop that whilst working abroad. I am also interested in learning any other language that is offered.
Find a language buddy
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Charity Work
Art Projects
Eco Projects
Animal Care
Life at a Farmstay
Some knowledge of:
Languages
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Able to teach about:
Teaching
More details about your skills
Since finishing my bachelors degree in chemistry, I have spent the last 3 years as a high school science teacher in Leeds. Not only has this helped me develop my communication skills, but now I am also much more confident working as a team and managing large groups of people.

During school holidays, I have spent time volunteering at a yoga retreat in the south of Spain. The retreat is completely off grid, with its own private water system and electricity supply (generators and solar panels). Whilst working there, my job was head of maintenance. This mainly involved: managing water and electricity systems, servicing generators, cleaning pool, gardening, making campfires, cooking, cleaning, etc.

Since being in Latin America, I have worked at a hostel in Bogota (Colombia) as a receptionist / cleaner. I have also worked on a farm in Antioquia (Colombia). I worked behind the bar at a hostel in Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) and at another hostel in Montañita (Ecuador). I taught English in the Ecuadorean Amazon near Puyo.

In Spain I taught English in Galicia.
Age
24
What else ...
- I love hiking and camping
- I enjoy excercising, especially strength sports.
- I do yoga.
- I like card games and chess.
- I like surfing.
- I like rock climbing.
- I play football.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  no
- Special dietary requirements
  no

Feedback

14 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host (Support indigenous Achuar ...)

My time in Anank was wonderful. I spent 3 weeks in anank living with Diego and his family. They were so kind and welcoming. They always looked after me, fed me well and treated me like family. I managed to spend time with other members of the community too. Diego’s brothers are always up for a laugh and joke, their wives are very kind and offer… read more food / chicha, and the kids are all very curious and interesting characters.

Diego was conscious that they had received some bad feedback from their last volunteers and he has made improvements to the volunteer program as a result.

Arrival: Despite the lack of internet connection in their community, Diego communicated very well in the days before my arrival and made me feel very safe and excited to embark on this adventure. The $30 fee is to cover travel expenses for Diego to and from puyo. It also goes towards food during your stay (as the family buys pasta / rice / tuna etc) so is very appreciated by the family.

Food: I was very well fed throughout my time in Anank. I was always prioritised and given big portions / offered seconds when it was available which I really appreciated. On occasions there was not much food so we would have simple / small meals. This is why it’s important for them to receive $30 per person and for you to bring a good amount of dry food to help with meal times. Most of the time I would eat with Diego and his family, sometimes with others in the community. But this was communicated very well and I was always welcome with the new families.

Teaching: there’s 3 whiteboards in the classroom and not much else. You need to get creative! It’s a fun challenge and very different from other settings teaching English. They are very appreciative of any English you can teach them. Class size ranges from 3-10 kids all under 12 years old. Come prepared with pens, books for kids, whiteboard pens. Also plan some games / songs / engaging activities. When I was there I covered the basics (which will need reviewing by the next volunteer): introductions, family, body parts, clothes, Hokey Cokey song.

Free time: people in this area work hard and appreciate any help you can give. I found the best experiences I had was when I just asked around if people needed help with whatever work they were doing. Definitely bring a hammock to chill and read in but also help where you can during the day - it goes a long way.

Important things to bring:
Wellies, a bit of cash, hammock, books (or download a few on e reader), bug spray, long trousers, soap, school resources, dry food (pasta, rice, lentils, curry spices, pasta sauce, sugar, salt, tea /coffee/ hot chocolate, oats, any sweet treats or home comforts you might crave). Look at other reviews or ask diego for other stuff to bring. Also Bring some gifts for the community for when you leave. They really appreciate clothes or items that represent where you are from. Or anything useful that would be hard to acquire in the jungle.

This experience was very special for me. I got to hunt and fish. I learned from a culture massively different to what I’m used to. I helped teach some lovely kids something very important for their futures. Expect things to be rustic and a little dirty. White T-shirts won’t stay white for long. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable with the insect bites and you will have some alone time. It can be tricky with a lack of connection to the outside world (but there is wifi 30 min walk away). But appreciate this very real and unique experience. As I said, diego has worked very hard to improve the volunteer experience following one bad review and I couldn’t recommend this any more. Also you definitely need to able to speak some Spanish !!

If you have any questions contact me on here, il be happy to help :)

Gracias amikuir diego!!

(Excellent )

22 Jan 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Jack)

We were super lucky to have Jack with us. He join us last minute when we were short of hand to help. He kindly came right away. He is a smart responsable young traveller. Guests ans other volunteers loved having him around. Highly recommended. Great social skills, quick leaner, and always happy to help

(Excellent )

12 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host (Volunteer while enjoying the ...)

i spent two weeks here and really enjoyed it. lots of parties, lots of surfing and the work was nice and easy - mainly serving drinks / food and entertaining guests. the manager David is very kind and accommodating . I would definitely recommend!

(Excellent )

3 Dec 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host (Come and be part of the ...)

I had a fantastic time here. Planned to stay one week, stayed for 3, could've stayed for way longer. All the staff are lovely and welcoming. A range of guests come in so it's a good place to meet lots of different people. Theres a party on every night if you want it, equally if you want to chill you can do. They have Netflix and lots of other… read more

(Excellent )

View all

Friends

Photos

Feedback

14 Feb 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host (Support indigenous Achuar ...)

(Excellent )

22 Jan 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Jack)

(Excellent )

12 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host (Volunteer while enjoying the ...)

(Excellent )

3 Dec 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host (Come and be part of the ...)

(Excellent )

7 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Jack) for host (Organic farm, Eco-Lodge & ...)

I was at jesses place a few weeks ago. I had a great time! the work was fun and varied, and the place is beautiful so in your free time you can enjoy the rivers and chill out. the food was very tasty but the portions were a bit small, especially when you are doing lots of physical work in the morning (so bring snacks). but that's the only fault… read more

(Excellent )

To leave feedback make sure you are logged in & your account is online