CURRENT MISSION

To come to know the Middle East!

ABOUT ME

I consider myself a study in contrasts. I live for the moment and listen to what my heart and common sense tell me to do. My personality has been sculpted by various events that have happened over the years, and by unique interests that my mind has taken upon itself.

Life is an unique opportunity to take advantage of and to break down the invisible walls that society puts in your way. Introducing myself to things that scare the senses and experiences that are unique to few are what I enjoy.

According to my birth right, my name is Jesse. I grew up in Marquette, Michigan which is situated in the middle of rural majesty in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I went to Northern Michigan University where I earned my B.A. in Spanish Language and Latin American Studies. During this time I also took the life changing opportunity of studying one year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Upon returning from this dream life, I finished school and sought more adventures in the Far East! Hence, my shoes landed in Korea, where for the last year I have taught English to elementary and middle school students in the port city of Busan.

In September of 2008 I shook the dust off of my boots and moved north to the rural county of Uljin. I taught English at 4 public schools in the towns of Hupo, Pyeonghae and Onjeong. I enjoyed my job and found this experience away from all western comforts to be very intriguing and rewarding.

I left Korea to earn my MA TESL at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I also taught Spanish undergraduate courses. It was a great feeling to be back in school, but I quickly longed for the international life again.

After graduating, I took up work at King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia which was the most interesting experience I've ever had. Having completed my contract there, I decided to be even crazier and move to Kabul, Afghanistan to teach ESL courses at the American University of Afghanistan. It's a great feeling being here and debunking everything people see in the news. It's a great place with a humbling people and I urge people to safely see it with their own eyes.

PHILOSOPHY

Live and learn through trial and error. Always get back up when your down. Consider your glass half full.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I was the City Ambassador for Uljin which is in Northern Gyeongang province. I regularly attend events by CS and help out in my interest groups that I am part of. I also make my couch available for anyone who may wander through my part of Korea!

In the past I hosted the Busan Rock Festival Meetup in which 5 surferes stayed with me. I attended the Donghae 3M Meetup and have couchsurfed on several couches in Korea as well as hosting many people from all walks of life!

It is a pleasure for me to increase my participation with CS and I look forward to many years of changing the world one couch at a time!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

South Korea - Daegu, Gangneung, Donghae, Inje, Sinnam

Bahrain - Manama

Saudi Arabia - Al-Ahsa

Interests

I enjoy traveling first and foremost. I find myself wandering in my mind back on the streets of Buenos Aires in the barrios of Belgrano and Palermo. I enjoy talking aimlessly about South America and why it's the best place on earth.

I enjoy quiet nights at home listening to Baroque and days listening to Salsa, Bachata and the like. I read about other peoples adventures and I try to teach myself some Korean.

These days I'm fascinated in learning more about Asian cultures. From Afghanistan, to Laos and Vietnam. I'm finding new surprises at every turn in every nook and cranny.

• festivals
• tango
• bachata
• news
• traveling

Music, Movies, and Books

Music-
Salsa, Tango!, Tropical, Merengue, Bachata, Samba, Foklorico, Mariachi, Classical

Books-
The Bible, El Naranjo, Don Quixote, The writings of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Jose Fuentes

Movies-
Star Wars Trilogy, Evita, Diarios Motocicleta, Globe Trekker TV series

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

- Lived in Buenos Aires
- Ate cow brains (Belgrano German Restaurant!)
- Danced Tango in a Milonga
- Marveled at the landscapes of Ischigualasto
- Lived and got robbed at gunpoint in a youth hostel for over seven months! (I got pics!)
- Earned my MA TESL degree from Minnesota State - Mankato
- Taught ESL in Busan, South Korea

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Teach, Learn, Share

If there's anything I've learned from life on this planet of ours so far, it's to take hold of every opportunity that is presented to you. Because you never know when something will lend itself to you again.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Oman, Philippines, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Afghanistan, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United States

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