My name is Alexandra, but in Russian we shorten it to Sasha. I have completed my BA in Kazakhstan and just started my PhD in Russian Literature at the University of Michigan. I used to work as a radio host and led an exchange program for international volunteers (AIESEC). Now I am adjusting to my life as a PhD students in the US and mostly spend time studying at the libraries and coffee shops, cooking, and taking random road trips whenever I feel homesick.

I am a beginner traveller and have visited the US, France, Czech Republic, and Russia by now. I am planning a whale watching trip in California this summer, hope to join my parents for their vacation in Georgia and save money for Bali surfing school. I would also be happy to take a solo trip one day and maybe to a random country.

Looking forward to seeing different places, learning about new cultures, getting new experiences, and finding new homes!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have a little experience in travelling, and it has made my life more tolerable haha. Seriously, I do not believe in borders and I would cross the world in a van if it wasn’t for my PhD. Since I enjoy meeting new folks and believe that this is the best way to dive into a new culture, I choose couchsurfing from all the ways to stay in the destination.

Interests

• poetry
• coffee
• reading
• hiking
• swimming
• journalism
• languages
• philosophy
• road trips
• food
• feminism
• indie rock
• cognitive science
• 50s

Music, Movies, and Books

I have a son of loving indie rock, so Arctic Monkeys, Kodaline, Death Cab for Cutie, Florence and the Machine, and The 1975 come first in my playlist. I also listen to alternative rock, so if you love RHCP, White Lies, The Smashing Pumpkins or Walking On Cars, you are likely to become my person. Finally, I love visiting acoustic nights, have a secret crush on 50s stuff, and listen to How to Train Your Dragon soundtracks when I’m feeling low.

P.S. I am bad at distinguishing music genres, so I’m sure I have classified some bands in a wrong way.

I love the escapist aspect of going to the movies so I do when I have a chance. I usually choose dramas and biographies, while I can easily be dragged to see a good thriller or a heartwarming animation. I would choose a comedy or a “poetic” slow movie to watch at home.

Favorite movies for 2019: Lost in Translation, In the Mood for Love, the Farewell, the Squid and the Whale, Marriage Story

I am going through my Noah Baumbach and Saoirse Ronan stage now, you know what I mean?

I am majoring in Russian Literature, so I read quite a lot of dark novels and genius poetry. Regarding reading out of the class, I also try to be in touch with the world by reading popular fiction by Bradbury, Remark, Salinger, etc. and contemporary authors like Sally Rooney, Elif Batuman and Andrew Ridker. Speaking of poetry, Walt Whitman, Elizabeth Browning, Robert Hass, John Ashbery, Joy Harjo, Charles Simic, and some Slavic poets are the names I see on my recently built book shelf.

Finally, I consume read bits of psychology, philosophy, and history here and there.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

It sounds small but I have furnished my room this year and discovered that assembling furniture is fun and empowering.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach Russian (I have some teaching experience) introduce you to Kazakhstani culture and share some funny stories from my not so boring life of a PhD student.
I’d love to practice my Spanish or French, but I would also enjoy hanging out and taking nonsense as long as everyone has fun.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories about my country and culture, our special chocolate, my humble opinions about all kinds of stuff, coffee brewing and dog walking skills.

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, France, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Kazakhstan, United States