Neeliya

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

I'm in Bologna until summer, I’d love to meet new people and make genuine connections!

Description

Hi🌞

I’m Neeliya. For the past four years, Workaway has been my way of meeting people and experiencing places in a more real, meaningful way.

I grew up in Italy with Sri Lankan roots and have lived in different places over the years. I’ve never really stayed in one place for long, I’m naturally curious and drawn to new cultures and ways of living.

Three years ago, I spent three months traveling through Southeast Asia, which was a very grounding experience. Volunteering allowed me to connect with local communities in a deeper way.

I really value genuine human connection, listening, sharing stories, and learning from others. One day, I’d love to create a project on my own. I’m also trying to move toward a simpler, more mindful, and sustainable way of living.

I’ll leave you with one of my favourite quotes by Martin Luther King Jr.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

Interests

Outdoor activities

Politics / Social justice

Van life

Self development

Drawing & painting

Sailing / Boating

Events & social

Cooking & food

Plant care

Languages

Hitchhiking

Gardening

Art & design

Yoga / Wellness

Beach

Dancing

Camping

Charity work

Culture

Sustainability

Writing

Videography

Music

Photography

Nature

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Sinhalese: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Portuguese: Intermediate
German: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I'm bilingual in Italian and Sinhala. I'm fluent in Spanish and English, I have C1 level of the IELTS certificate. I'm fluent also in Portuguese level B2. I'm learning French and German.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Being an elderly companion

Animal Care

Art Projects

Gardening

DIY and building projects

House & pet sitting

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Some knowledge of:  

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Eco Projects

Hospitality/Tourism

Charity Work

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Able to teach about:  

Babysitting and creative play

Languages

Helping with Computers/ Internet

Teaching

More details about your skills

I’ve just completed a double Master’s in International Management in Germany, after earning a Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Management in Italy.

I’m passionate about photography and videography, especially capturing people’s stories, and creativity drives everything I do. I also gained experience in digital media working with Facebook and Instagram in Lisbon, supporting small businesses with ads and online presence. My involvement in social and sustainable projects has deepened my motivation to create a positive impact.

I volunteered for a year at the University of Bologna’s Botanic Garden Museum, and I’ve spent years working with children as a babysitter, teacher, and in projects supporting kids with autism and Down syndrome.

I’ve also helped run my family’s guest house in Sri Lanka, so I’m comfortable with hosting and making people feel at home and managing all the bookings! I love cooking authentic Italian and Sri Lankan food and sharing my culture through it.

I’m an easy-going and curious person who loves being around people and building real connections. I enjoy sharing daily life, exchanging stories, and learning from others’ experiences. I feel most at home in environments where people come together, support each other, and create a sense of community.

Age

25

What else ...

I’m passionate about photography, especially film photography and enjoy singing whenever I get the chance.

I’ve been learning to play the ukulele, which has been a fun and rewarding challenge. Recently I’ve started experimenting with DJing, something completely new and exciting for me.

I’m also making space to explore creativity through sketching, painting, and journaling, enjoying the process of learning and expressing myself in different ways.

I practise yoga and meditation, which help me slow down and reconnect with myself. I’m also excited to learn new skills like surfing, slacklining, and skateboarding.

Spending time in nature, gardening, and caring for plants brings me a sense of calm and peace. I’m drawn to the idea of living in a community where people support and share with each other.

I love living by the ocean. Growing up in Sri Lanka, the sea was a big part of my life, and I’m always drawn to it. I could spend every day watching sunsets on the beach.

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