Join us in a local musical home in Penang, Malaysia

Infos

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  Description

  I’m hosting during Christmas 2025 and Chinese New Year 2026 for volunteers who wish to experience these special festive seasons in Penang.
  
  Hello, I'm Michelle. I am vegetarian. I'm a full-time teacher (Music & Mathematics) teaching age 4 until 16, a full time university student in pure science (Biology & Mathematics). I also rent out rooms and give tours as a side income. Occasionally, my friend stays with me too.
  
  My interests lean strongly toward mathematics,science and music. I enjoy looking at reptiles, insect, and geometric designs in nature. For exercise, I do swimming and static strength practices.
  
  I enjoy structured routines, quiet productivity, and deep conversations particularly about mathematics! I’m especially excited to host volunteers with a background or interest in math, science, engineering, or a native german speaker. Don't worry even if you don’t fit these categories, if you come with a clear intention and a heart eager to learn, you are warmly welcome here.
  
  My home offers a truly local experience in a middle income government housing area in Georgetown, Penang, just 3 km from the UNESCO Heritage Site and near the sea. It’s ideal for independent, respectful volunteers who want to experience real Malaysian life.
  
  As I have injured both of my knees and ankles in the past. My mobility is a little bit limited. I cannot hike, run, jump anymore.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Bénévolat

  Projets artistiques

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Enseignement

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général

  Home sitting
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Bénévolat

  

  Dessin et peinture

  

  Musique

  

  Fitness

  

  Soin des plantes

  

  Sports nautiques

  

  Bricolage / artisanat

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Dev. personnel

  

  Culture

  

  Végétarien ou végan

  

  Langues

  

  Livres

  

  Nature

  

  Activités en plein air
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  Location and Nearby Attractions:
  My place is just a 3 km walk to the city center and the UNESCO Heritage Site, making it very convenient for you to explore the local culture. You can also take Bus 12, which goes directly to the city center. The heritage area is rich in history, and you’ll find numerous museums that are well worth a visit.
  
  Cultural Experience:
  Staying in a local government home offers a unique opportunity to experience the daily life of a community. It’s a great chance to observe and interact with local residents, including the children who come to my place to learn. I highly encourage you to engage with them, as this can provide valuable insights into the local culture and way of life.
  
  Music Lessons:
  - I have 15 years of teaching experience, and my music lessons are professional. I teach a wide variety of ages and music background.
  - Discounted Lessons: Piano, violin and singing lessons are available at a reduced rate. 2 hours lessons a week for each subject.
  - Free Lessons: Piano and singing lessons can be offered free of charge to those who are able to assist with additional tasks.
  
  Planned Activities During Your Stay:
  To make your stay both enriching and enjoyable, I organize various activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the beauty of Penang and beyond. Activities will be planned based on my available time, and workawayers will not be able to choose specific activities. However, I will ensure each activity is engaging and culturally significant.
  
  Some examples of activities I’ve organized in the past include:
  - Mini Food Tour
  - Round-the-Island Tour
  - Camping
  - Nature walk at Penang Botanical Garden
  - Cultural Dance or Music Show
  - Chinese Calligraphy & Chinese Brush Drawing
  - Day trips and overnight trips to nearby states such as Perak and Kedah, which offer their own unique attractions for those who stay for longer period
  
  I will schedule these activities according to my availability, ensuring that they provide you with a meaningful way to experience Penang and Malaysia as a whole.

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  Aide

  You’ll help 15 hours per week per person. Minimum stay is 7 days, maximum stay is 15 days. Longer stays up to 6 week is possible, but extensions can only be discussed after the 10 days of stay for candidate with correct skills and work ethics. I prefer candidates who could stay for at least 10 days. The candidate must be comfortable staying alone.
  
  Details of Help required (Choose 2 categories or above)
  
  House Sitting (Compulsory)
  You will be mostly alone. You will see me on friday, saturday and sunday when I teach at home. I am away most of the times to attend to my school and university commitments.
  
  Housekeeping and house maintenance: (Ongoing)
  Meticulous cleaning of home, appliances, containers. Also includes some plant care. Painting the stools, wall, and ceiling.
  
  Crocheting: Must already know how to crochet granny squares. You will crochet 10 small granny squares. (Ongoing until project completion)
  
  Eco Project ( March 2026)
  Clean glass jars for reuse. Jars will be given to local seller to put food to sell in the market.
  
  German Language Practice (Ongoing)
  Native speakers only. Help me with reading, writing, speaking, listening.
  
  Mathematics Support (Until June 2026)
  Ideal for those with a strong academic background. Mathematics major,Physics major or Engineering Major. Helping me to understand Advance calculus (Multivariable Calculus), Linear Algebra (Matrices, Determinant, Eigenvalue, Eigenvector)
  
  Academic Support (Until April 2026)
  - Search for journals related to my project.
  - Taking pictures / videos for my academic essay
  - Assisting in typing, format for academic journals and notes in docs and PDF.
  - Create powerpoint presentations and videos using Canva.
  
  Content creation (ongoing until project completion)
  - Create posters, adverts, videos and campaign flyers
  - Confident on camera and comfortable appearing in photos and videos when needed.
  - Take photographs and videos creatively.
  - Edit video
  
  Candidate should be:
  - Between ages 18 - 40, with verified ID.
  - Minors age 13 and above are welcome, but parents are fully responsible for their supervision at all times.
  - Honest, reliable, humble, punctual and proactive.
  - Energetic, healthy, and an early riser.
  - Respectful of culture, independent, and okay being alone.
  
  
  As I have listed a range of tasks on my Workaway profile, there may be times when a previous Workawayer has already completed the task you were interested in. I kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility to assist with other tasks if needed. Your openness and positive attitude are always greatly appreciated.
  
  I STRICTLY do not host children under age 13, smokers, drug user, and people who use profanity and also those who do not bother to read my profile.
  
  Depending on the days and tasks, morning work may start as early as 9 AM, and evening tasks can go until 9 PM. You’ll need to follow my schedule, as it needs to align with my university and work commitments. Generally, you will have 3 days or 4 off each week. Help will be required on Saturday and Sunday, and one or two other days.
  
  I do not have Wifi at home. I only use mobile data. If you need to be constantly on the internet, this is not a place for you.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Malay: Courant
  Allemand: Intermédiaire
  Chinois (mandarin): Intermédiaire

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  My language proficiency are as below Malay My national language and I am a native speaker English The 2nd language in Malaysia and my proficiency is C1. Chinese - Mandarin My 3rd language and my proficiecy is B2 German Completed B1. Chinese (Other dialects) Speak Teochew and Hokkien fluently. Could understand and speak some Cantonese. Improving and learning German is my top priority. I am not interested in practicing or learning other languages.
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  Hébergement

  Accommodation & Daily Life
  - Living in local government home
  - Mattress on the floor, pillow, blanket, fan, plants, piano. (Refer photo).
  - No meals provided. Only light cooking allowed.
  - No WiFi at my place. You can use your own mobile data.
  - Morning tasks may start at 9 AM; some evening tasks until 10PM. You’ll have at 3 days off per week.
  - Bucket Shower
  - You must keep your space clean and follow simple housekeeping rules (e.g., vacuum twice a week, clean kitchen after use, modest dress, daily showers).
  - Cultural Note: Malaysia is a muslim country. Please dress modestly and be respectful of religious customs (e.g. No satanic, gothic, punk style, no tattoos on face, no excessive piercing, no excessive tattoos).
  -Time management is very important here
  
  The Neighbourhood : Karpal Singh Drive
  Just outside of home there are
  - Supermarket for groceries and all your daily needs
  - Pharmacy, Doctor, Dentist
  - Park and playground
  - Many shops including vegetarian cafe, coffee, cafe, restaurants, food court, mobile accessories, hair cut, night market.
  
  HOW TO COME TO MY HOME :
  Coming by train is the safest way. Take a train to Butterworth. From Butterworth, walk and take the ferry to go to Penang island.
  Once you reach the island, from the Jetty , take Bus number 12 to Ocean View. You can also walk for 3km if you do not want to take the bus.
  
  If you take bus or flight to Penang International Airport, take any bus that goes to Komtar or Jetty. From jetty or komtar, take bus 12 to Ocean View. I will meet you at this bus stop. My home is right there. I do not provide my home address, therefore, if you are travelling internationally, you have to be responsible for the arrival card.

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  Autres infos...

  I’ve been hosting on Workaway since 2017 and various other hosting platforms. I receive many applications each week. I carefully review every message, so please take time to read my profile and respond to the questions listed. This helps me select the most suitable guest, especially since I can only host one or two person at a time.
  
  Please note that I work and study in shifts, so my availability changes monthly. I will share specific tasks closer to your arrival. You're welcome to message me throughout the year to express interest.
  
  Due to time constraints, I do not conduct video or phone interviews. All communication will happen here, once you’ve sent a detailed and thoughtful message including the required answers.
  
  Important Information for Volunteers
  Please note that I do not provide my home address. You are fully responsible for arranging their own travel and for completing any necessary arrival or immigration cards as these matters are your personal responsibility. The meeting point is opposite my home (details will be given once your stay is confirmed). Thank you for your understanding.
  
  Thank you for taking the time to understand my hosting setup. I look forward to hearing to you.
  
  To make sure we’re a good match and that your stay feels meaningful and comfortable, please answer the questions below in your first message (no copy-paste):
  - What are your exact arrival and departur e dates? How will you be traveling (bus, train, or flight)? Sharing your exact travel dates helps me coordinate my commitments with classmates and colleagues, ensuring I can be present to receive you.
  - Choose 2 task that you would be most interested to help with.
  - Are you independent and comfortable spending time and staying alone? You will be living mostly alone. I won’t be able to provide constant company or supervision. You’ll need to be fully independent during your stay.
  - What is your highest level of education? Elaborate more on your education background and/or career background. If you have a LinkedIn profile related to your work , feel free to share the link as well . This helps me get a sense of your background and capabilities, allowing me to assign tasks that suit your experience and ensure a comfortable, productive exchange.
  - What inspired you to choose Penang, and why are you interested in staying at my home in particular?
  - Are you open to helping with other tasks if something unexpected comes up? Is there any task that you are not willing to do?
  - What is one of your biggest fears or weaknesses, and how are you working to overcome it?
  - What do you hope to gain or learn from this experience?
  - Are you interested in learning or sharing music during your stay? If yes, please tell me about your background in music and your learning goals.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  You have your own table and chair to do your work. I do not have WiFi here so you need to buy your own mobile data. Internet connection here is good.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Deux

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  Mes animaux

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