Hi everyone! I'm traveling the world on a Watson Fellowship researching and working with different children's theater companies! The fellowship requires me to visit countries I've never seen before, and so I'm excited to make some new friends and meet many remarkable places.

I'm traveling with only a backpack and small handbag, I love pets, and I'm happy to help around the house (I love cooking). I'm new here, so I regretfully don't have any CS references yet (but I am happy to share contacts of prior hosts on other platforms).

While I'm traveling alone, I love making new friends! So, I'm hoping you are happy to chat/spend some time getting to know each other. However, I'm also comfortable being independent if you'd like more personal space (I'm grateful for the hospitality regardless).

I go by Jack, but legally I'm John, so I apologize for any confusion that causes in my profile.

I'm looking forward to meeting more of the world through CS!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As I travel for the year, I'm excited about the opportunity to connect with all kinds of different people. While my grant provides decent funding that would allow me to find housing in a hostel, I would much rather use my lodging as an opportunity to further connect with my host country and meet locals.

So, while my proposed trips may be longer than you can accommodate, please feel encouraged to connect with me if you're interested/able to host for even just a small window.

Interests

I love to meet a new country through my stomach! If you want an excuse to see your favorite restaurant or food stand, drag me along with you and I will happily explore! I enjoy walkable cities, riding bikes, and hiking.

• concerts
• dancing
• hiking
• foodie
• bars and restaurants

Music, Movies, and Books

I relax with lofi and R&B, I listen to electroswing to warm up, and I love funk for dancing. Some favorite recent artists include L'Imperatrice, Laufey, Sure Sure, SB Postmodern Jukebox, and Teddy Adhitya

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once directed a musical about tap dancing Zombies with children ages 7-12, and watching them come together on the last day was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had as a director/educator. It was many of their first shows after covid (for some of them, their first play ever), and nothing to me can beat the joy of watching someone discover a passion.

I also learned to scuba dive in komodo park and swam with 15 manta ray in one dive!

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm currently starting my year in Indonesia, and the hope is to venture to Singapore, South Africa, The Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, and Cuba! However, many of these locations were inspired by people I met along the way. So, I'm also excited about meeting people with an international eye so that I can learn more about places that aren't on my itinerary.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can be a morning person or a night owl. I can keep conversation or provide personal space. I like to cook and clean up the dishes (so I'll take the job you like the least). I like saying "yes" to life. Need someone to hang out with the dogs for a bit? Absolutely I will!

I recognize that the hospitality is a huge gesture, and so I will work to be a gracious guest and (hopefully) leave your stay better than I found it (if not developing a friendship, than at least I'll make sure to leave it tidier than I found it 😄).

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, France, Taiwan, United States