Karen

Travel information

I am currently

Description

I grew up in China, and life has since carried me to Canada — home for the past 10 years — and to the Netherlands, where I lived and worked for 3 years. New cultures feel like home to me: I'm happiest when I'm learning how other people live, eat, celebrate, and make a place their own.

By profession I'm a global HR manager — I spent years at Tencent, the big Chinese internet company, building teams across North America and EMEA. That work taught me how to listen to people, bring very different people together, and get things done in a timely and efficient manner. I genuinely enjoy living and working with people from all sorts of backgrounds. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-yang-38239a13/)

Outside of work, I'm an avid traveller — 47 countries and counting. What pulls me in is the local life: the history, the folk traditions, the food, the way people actually live. Before I go anywhere I read the history first, so I arrive with questions in my head. And back home, I'm the one with a paintbrush in hand — I love DIY and redoing a room myself, one wall at a time.

Giving back matters to me. Every week I volunteer at my local food bank, and I've also volunteered in Africa. I make small monthly donations through Chinese online platforms. I care a lot about fairness — about who gets what in this world — and I try to do my bit, in whatever way I can.

I've been an Airbnb host for 10 years now, with an average rating of 4.95 out of 5. What I love most is the people — guests from all over the world, sharing a kitchen, a story, a morning coffee. (https://zh.airbnb.com/rooms/969551417897120686?adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=efe44fc5-e09c-4aae-be25-0457ad2d9cee)

We've always had cats and dogs at home — 2 of them rescued from the streets. There's nothing quite like an animal curling up beside you after a long day. Being around them heals me.

My first Workaway was 10 days in New Orleans, helping to restore a historic house by painting walls, fixing windows and helping with social media. And I am heading for my second workaway in Italy for 3 months. I received great reviews from my first workaway (and from all my employers overall). I'm happiest with my hands busy — daily chores, looking after a house and its pets, gardening, painting, cooking, welcoming guests — and I love picking up new skills and sinking into local life, its traditions and its food.

Please note: I will be in Italy from December 2026 to March 2027 and won't be available for other volunteering during that time.

Interests

Sustainability

Technology

Politics / Social justice

Pets

Movies & TV

Charity work

Farming

Culture

Plant care

Music

Photography

Languages

Gardening

History

DIY & crafts

Cooking & food

Carpentry

Blogging

Books

Art & design

Architecture

Outdoor activities

Animals

Sailing / Boating

Nature

Mountain

Hiking

Cycling

Dancing

Beach

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Fluent
Chinese (Cantonese): Fluent

More details about my language interests
learning local language

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Creative DIY projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Charity Work

Light gardening

Animal Care

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping with Computers/ Internet

House & pet sitting

Eco Projects

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Able to teach about:  

Art Projects

Languages

Hospitality/Tourism

Helping around the house

More details about your skills

I’m proactive, good at planning ahead, and always get things done quickly and efficiently. I’m totally comfortable with all kinds of housework: cleaning, wall painting, gardening, pet care, moving heavy items, and hosting guests.

I’m also an avid reader and grew up in China. If you’re curious about Eastern culture, art, healthcare, investment, politics or history, we’ll definitely have tons to talk about and share with each other:)

Age

47

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