williamjdonaldson

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi! I'm Will and I'm a 22 year-old student from Newcastle, UK. I've been learning French for over 9 years and I've travelled to and around France for many years also.

After finishing my first workaway back in summer of 2022, I've wanted to continue meeting new people and exchange stories, skills and anything else! I am hoping to help out in whatever way I can from mid/late June until end of August.

Some things you may want to know about me:

- I spent my summer in 2022 doing a workaway with a lovely family near the Pyrenees. I helped out with all kinds of tasks, looking after the orchard, preparing land and space for building work, cooking and so on. I also spent the evenings playing music with others, sharing experiences and making new friends that I contact to this day. It was a wonderful experience and has left me feeling excited to meet new people around the world!

- I have spent my previous summers solo-travelling around France, as well as visiting friends and family in Carcasonne. These experiences have left me with a love for the French language and countryside...

- I recently completed a week-long charity hitchike from Sheffield to Porto, with two of my university friends. I met a incredibly diverse range of people, and felt inspired to reflect their values of hosipitality, kindness and generosity to other people. I also managed to practice my French with lots of families!

- I love to spend time in the outdoors, and I often go camping in my spare time with friends, cooking food and playing music.

- I have experience working in co-operatives, such as a charity bike workshop called Recyke'y'Bike, where I refurbished old donated bikes to give to refugees, citizens on low income etc. I learnt a lot about the importance of working together in a team and looking out for those around you.

Interests

Sustainability

Photography

Music

Mountain

Languages

Nature

Outdoor activities

Sailing / Boating

Water sports

Videography

Van life

Culture

Hiking

Events & social

Cooking & food

Charity work

Carpentry

Camping

DIY & crafts

Cycling

Hitchhiking

Architecture

Art & design

Adventure sports

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
German: Intermediate

More details about my language interests
I am trying to achieve conversational fluency in French - I am able to hold and make conversation, but would love to practice my speaking more. I have teaching experience and would also be willing to teach English!

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Charity Work

Eco Projects

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Art Projects

Animal Care

Helping around the house

General Maintenance

House sitting

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Babysitting and creative play

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Some knowledge of:  

Teaching

Hospitality/Tourism

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Able to teach about:  

Languages

More details about your skills

1. I have spent over four years volunteering as a charity bike mechanic. In 2021, I earned my Velotech Gold award, which allows me to be a qualified bike mechanic. This experience means I am qualified at restoring old and often damaged bikes to full working order.

- We also go out to the local community to teach young children how to look after their bikes.
- It is a lively demanding environment, where I have learnt a lot about bikes and what is involved in running a community project.
- It has taught me to approach technical problems with an open mind, and the importance of listening to those around me!

2. From my previous workaway, I spent time constructing appparatus for the farm and orchard. This involved using the supplies we had with us to create structures for plants to grow, with the help of some power tools. I enjoyed this, and so I am happy to get involved with building work and whatever else you may need doing!

3. I am almost fluent in French, and I would love to use this exchange opportunity to also practice my French and perhaps help you or others practice your English! I am always comitted to making an effort with others by speaking in their language, which I did a lot during my charity hitchike through Europe.

4. I also absolutely LOVE to cook! I prepare and cook my own meals every night, and I really enjoy seeing how different people cook and sharing their favourite meals. It's great to try out new recipes and ingredients inspired by different cultures.

Age

21

What else ...

I have been playing guitar for over 13 years! I love to play with others and enjoy spending evenings in summer listening to or playing music.

I enjoy photography - I take photos using my dad's old film camera, and I develop my own photos using the facilities at my university. I find the whole process very rewarding, and it helps me to document the places I go to and the people I meet.

I am also into climbing, running and hiking. At university I often go out into the local hills to go on walks, or to climb with friends.

At university, I spend a lot of my time cooking meals for myself each night. I find cooking a very gratifying process, so I am always happy to take part in helping cook.

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