Valentina Yui

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hello, nice to meet you! I'm Valentina, 22, a recent graduate from University College London in Language and Culture. I’m currently on a gap year and hoping to fill it with meaningful experiences.

I grew up in Hong Kong, moved to the UK at 16, and also spent a year living in Bologna, Italy, so I’m comfortable adapting to new environments and living with people from different backgrounds. I speak fluent English, Cantonese and Mandarin alongside a bit of Italian and French. I'd love to learn more languages - or at least some phrases as I think there’s no better way to instantly connect with others. I think cultural exchange is truly the key to human connection!

As for who I am day to day: I'm respectful and friendly. I'm naturally curious and I love learning, whether that be in a classroom setting or beyond those four walls. I like reading, staying active and going for walks with friends and family. Living in London, I've also spent a lot of my free time in museums and at events. I grew up with two younger siblings, so I'm very comfortable around kids and used to helping out without being asked twice. I’m a fast learner and happy to get stuck in with whatever needs doing. I understand that a Workaway experience is a two-way exchange and I’m keen to contribute rather than simply be a guest :)

Looking forward to whatever this next journey brings!

Interests

Nature

Dancing

Beach

Outdoor activities

Team sports

DIY & crafts

Animals

Books

Cooking & food

Languages

Photography

Videography

Events & social

Culture

Fashion or beauty

Movies & TV

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Fluent
Chinese (Cantonese): Fluent
French: Beginner
Italian: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I would love to improve my Italian and French. I can understand a fair bit of it but I get shy when it comes to speaking it so any opportunity to practise without judgement would be great! I have a TEFL certificate and would love to teach English. I am also more than happy to speak Cantonese or Mandarin with anyone interested!

Find a language partner

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

Being an elderly companion

Light gardening

Animal Care

Life at a Farmstay

Hospitality/Tourism

Light maintenance

Eco Projects

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Some knowledge of:  

Art Projects

Creative DIY projects

Babysitting and creative play

Helping around the house

House & pet sitting

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

Teaching

Creating/ Cooking family meals

More details about your skills

I hold a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate and have practical experience supporting English learners through my work with Angloville. I spent one week in Poland and two weeks in Malta working with children aged 10–18. My role involved having English-only conversations with non-native students and encouraged them to communicate confidently. I took part in games and activities and learned to adapt my communication style to each individual.

It was very rewarding to see the children's confidence in English grow. I learned how to create a relaxed environment where they felt comfortable making mistakes and how to be encouraging as well as patient. My TEFL training has also given me a foundation in English language teaching and practical teaching techniques.

I also have experience volunteering in a range of settings. During a school volunteering trip to South Africa, I helped paint and improve a local school which gave me some experience with practical, hands-on work. I have also volunteered at a dog rescue centre and at a vaccination centre during the pandemic both of which were supporting my local communities.

I grew up with two younger siblings, so I’m comfortable around children and used to helping with day-to-day tasks. I also enjoy cooking and am happy to help with household jobs. I’m happy working independently once I’ve been shown what to do but I also enjoy working as part of a team. I don’t have much hands-on farming experience yet, but I’m keen to learn and not afraid of physical work.

Age

22

What else ...

I love thrifting and shopping second hand.
I keep a journal with me and try to write down anything memorable. It is also a scrapbook so occasionally, I collect random bits and pieces to glue in it.
I love taking pictures and videos. I enjoy capturing the moment and being able to look back on it in the future.
I like card games. I don't know too many but I'd love to learn some new ones to teach my family so we are not stuck playing the same three games!
I've recently been playing padel during my free time.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  no

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  Special dietary requirements
  no