Sylvie

Travel information

I am currently

Activities i am interested in:

I'm currently in Australia and am seeking hostel work.

Description

Hi, I’m Sylvie! I’m in Australia on a working holiday visa until mid-December and am currently seeking hostel work. I love travelling and my favourite way to do it is by work exchanges, which allow me to really get to know a place and feel part of a community.

Experience
I have worked in three hostels: one in Slovakia, one in Costa Rica, and one in Edinburgh. In all roles I was an all-rounder, taking responsibility for housekeeping (bed changeovers, laundry, cleaning bathrooms and the kitchen), reception (checking guests in and out, managing bookings, and helping guests with any queries), and guest engagement (organising and leading social outings). In Slovakia I was also occasionally responsible for preparing a vegan meal for about 40 guests and members of staff, I task which I greatly enjoyed. I particularly enjoyed my time in Edinburgh, where I extended my original one-month stay to two-and-a-half months. Here I felt like an integral part of the hostel’s community and enjoyed greater responsibilities, such as co-managing the hostel while the manager was quarantined for two weeks with COVID 19. Thanks to my considerable experience in hostel roles, I feel confident handling housekeeping, reception and guest engagement both with a team and on my own.
In time between travelling I have occupied a variety of customer service and hospitality positions. These have included bartended/waitress, barista, live events steward and catering assistant. In all these roles my favourite aspect has been interacting with customers. I feel that making friendly conversation and forming a connection with others, however brief, brings meaning and enjoyment to any role.

Education
I have a distinction-level masters degree in Clinical Psychology and a 1st level undergraduate degree in Psychology. This field is my passion in life and I view my experiences travelling as highly relevant to my ultimate goal of developing a career in psychology research.

Interests
I enjoy cross-stitching, vegetarian cooking, and roller derby (a contact sport played on roller skates). I love socialising and enjoy late nights chatting and playing card games, preferably outdoors.

I hold a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate and am vaccinated against COVID 19.

Interests

Team sports

Languages

Fitness

Hiking

Dancing

DIY & crafts

Books

Animals

Writing

Vegetarian or vegan

Sustainability

Politics / Social justice

Pets

Nature

Music

Movies & TV

LGBTQ

Events & social

Culture

Charity work

Beach

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner

More details about my language interests
Wherever I visit, I'd like to learn some of the local language! I'm trying to learn Spanish in particular at the moment.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Eco Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Charity Work

Animal Care

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

More details about your skills

I have volunteered at a hostel in Bratislava, Slovakia for two and a half weeks. This has given me plenty of experience with reception work, cleaning (kitchens, bathrooms, floors), laundry (I changed up to 60 beds a day!), night shifts, socialising with guests and cooking for large groups. I also gained some valuable experience in de-escalating tense situations and thinking on my feet.

I have also worked as a part-time catering assistant at a pizza takeaway for six years, so I'm experienced in the kitchen. My work in a busy takeaway has also taught me how to organise spaces and time efficiently. As a uni student I learned a variety of recipes for cheap but tasty vegetarian meals. I make a killer daal bhat!

As a Psychology graduate and a mental health helpline operator, I have some knowledge and experience with mental health. As part of my training for volunteering as a helpline operator I was taught the practice of active listening, a method of communication that promotes sharing by emphasising safety and a lack of judgement. I have found this skill immensely useful in many areas of my life. Volunteering also gave me experience working in antisocial hours (1-5am were our peak times!).

I'm well-versed in computer skills such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint if this is something you need help with.

I have plenty of experience looking after pets and I know how to be gentle and non-intimidating with timid animals.

English is my mother tongue and I'm happy to teach it to any willing learners! I'm also happy to teach cross-stitching, my favourite hobby.

I'm a quick learner! If I don't have experience with a skill you need, show me the way and I'll be happy to learn it.

Age

25

What else ...

I love live music and festivals!

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
  Vegetarian