Monique

United Kingdom
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Profile information

Travel information
I am currently
At home
Description
Hello everyone :)

I left the UK a couple of years ago to fulfil my dream of travelling the world and have never looked back!

The aim is to enrich my life by doing things that bring myself and others joy. Being kind, honest and having a good work ethic have seemed to work out for me so far and I pride myself on these qualities. I love connecting with people, having unique experiences and learning about different cultures, histories and nature. My biggest goal is to become fluent in Spanish and I strive to immerse myself in the Spanish language as much as possible.

My favorite thing about volunteering as I travel is that I get to expand my knowledge and skills while supporting others in whatever their needs may be, it's a win-win! I have a range of volunteering experience that includes: animal care, teaching, mural painting, hotel hospitality/reception and gardening. I'm super interested in learning more about organic farming and innovative forms of food security.

All of these experiences have helped me evolve and grow on a personal and spiritual level, creating a foundation that I continue to build on. My style of travel is slow and steady so that I can take the time to settle into each place I encounter and form deeper connections with those around me.

My educational background in Human Geography means that I love learning about humans and the world, and the relationship between the two. Currently, I'm studying Traditional Chinese Medicine online to learn more about the inner world of our bodies and ancient practices that have been lost in an era of "modernity". Equality and education are a longstanding passion for me and I have been a teacher for 5 years. Since leaving the UK I have been teaching online part time, therefore I often look to volunteer at places with stable internet and a private space where I can teach early mornings as my only requirement.

Thanks for taking the time to read this lengthy intro, look forward to working together soon ❤️
Interests
Yoga / Wellness
Politics / Social justice
Nature
LGBTQ
Languages
Music
Hiking
Events & social
Drawing & painting
Culture
Books
Camping
Beach
Art & design
Animals
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
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
Life at a Farmstay
Eco Projects
Charity Work
Art Projects
Some knowledge of:
Babysitting and creative play
Animal Care
Languages
Helping around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Able to teach about:
Teaching
More details about your skills
Teaching
I have 5 years experience teaching English as a foreign language, this has been both online and in-person. I love finding new and creative ways to help people remember the language and enjoy the learning process. My teaching style is very supportive and friendly, combining different learning styles to get the best outcome. I have taught ages 5-60 years old and all levels (from pre-beginner to advanced).

Support Work
While living in the UK, I worked with young people with special needs and/or challenging behavioral issues. I would deliver art therapy sessions, cooking classes and workshops on a range of topics such as: mental health awareness, sexual health awareness, employability, safeguarding, and LGBT+ rights.

Art
Alongside teaching, I have completed commission work using paint, inks and pencil mostly in the style of realism. Most of my clients request portraiture but I love to experiment in a variety of styles. Recently, I have completed large murals while in Mexico which was a great way to expand my skill set. Some examples are available in my photos section.

Customer Service
My experience includes reception work, taking orders in a food outlet and providing first aid during my life-guarding days when I was younger. I'm a people-person so being approachable and friendly in customer service roles comes very easily to me.

Research & Education
I have experience in various research projects, the most prominent being the decolonization of pedagogical discourse for an NGO in Leeds, UK. This involved researching, editing and submitting reports for the charity to assist its liaison with Leeds University. I also have experience giving black history walking tours to the public for the same NGO.
Age
28
What else ...
Interests & Hobbies

- Drawing/ painting
- Learning Spanish
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Reading (e.g. historical fiction, decolonisation and history)
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
- Special dietary requirements

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2 Aug 2024

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Monique was helping us at the hotel reception and with some translations for some flyers…..!!! She learns her responsibilities very quickly, she is very good at everything she does and has a nice character. Excellent at socializing with guests. We miss her very much. She is a hard worker. Monica-Monika this is your home, you will always be welcome.

(Excellent )

30 Jul 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Enthusiastic and social ...)

I would highly recommend this workaway. The hostel is located on a beautiful waterfront and the place provides a scenic and chill atmosphere. The work required is clear and very enjoyable, I really enjoyed chatting with the guests and helping out with check ins and tours. As a volunteer, you get to enjoy some tours in the local area for free so… read more

(Excellent )

16 Apr 2024

Left by host (Share with us the experience ...) for Workawayer ()

ENGLISH
Monique was an incredible volunteer, very helpful with us, since she arrived she showed great interest in getting to know the space and all the staff with whom she connected immediately. In addition to being neat and clean, communication with her was always clear and friendly. The kitchen smelled delicious every time she cooked :') We… read more

(Excellent )

14 Apr 2024

Left by Workawayer () for host (Share with us the experience ...)

I began volunteering here in November 2023 and planned to stay for 2 months... in the end I stayed for 4 and a half!

This is such a lovely workaway I don't even know where to start. The staff are incredible, everyone is super friendly and approachable, or as I like to call them, "absolute babes". Everyone makes you feel welcome from the very… read more beginning. We shared so many special moments... deep chats, lot's of laughs, Oaxacan festivities/traditions, sharing food and movie nights. I genuinely feel like I've formed really meaningful friendships here that will last a lifetime. This is a very conscious space that values community and the planet above all else. Everyone really cares about how to make the world a better place and you'll find that kindness comes so naturally to the people you'll be surrounded by here.

Now about the actual work... the reception shift is usually at night between 5pm - 10pm which gives you the whole day to enjoy the city or the nightlife after 10pm. As I was leaving, this shift pattern was changing so you might do one or two morning shifts too. The shifts themselves are not demanding or challenging, it's extremely chill and clear what you have to do. Shout out to Ara who organises everything and runs a great ship! There's a checklist of duties and you simply work your way through them, along with helping guests with anything they may need. It's also possible to earn a little extra money through commissions from booking airport taxis for guests and selling tours, which is a great! After working on reception, I was granted the opportunity to paint a mural on the terrace to give the space some added ambiance. I was extremely honoured that they trusted me with such a job and provided everything I needed accordingly. They are very open and accommodating to any creative ideas you may have for the guesthouse!

The guesthouse is a very tranquil and peaceful place which makes a nice contrast to the city it sits in. Getting a private room is awesome and all kitchen amenities are provided. It's worth noting that the bedrooms are next to reception, this wasn't an issue for me or the other volunteers but it's good to be aware of in case you're a light sleeper, nothing a good pair of ear plugs can't fix! It's not a 24hr reception anyway so noise was never a huge issue.

Overall the place is beautiful, wholesome and carries a really great energy. I couldn't recommend this workaway enough! I'll miss everyone so much and can't wait until our paths cross again xox

(Excellent )

1 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer () for host (Join us to improve our ...)

I loved my 4 weeks at Awesome Villiage! Everyone in the family is super friendly, caring and funny. We had a lot of fun together and there was always someone to talk with and practice your Spanish. Breakfast is provided every morning and it's always varied, filling and very tasty - even on weekends/non work days which is great! Some mornings we… read more

(Excellent )

30 Sep 2023

Left by host (Join us to improve our ...) for Workawayer ()

Monique, tiene mucha experiencia enseñando y lo hace muy bien, aprendimos mucho de ella y otros voluntarios tambien, es creativa, encantadora, muy buen trabajo en equipo, se llevó muy bien con otros voluntarios por supuesto con la familia tambien, solo cosas positivas para decir de ella.

(Excellent )

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