I've always had an adventurous spirit, and am half way through a year of volunteering in Cambodia. I want to travel as much as possible, make connections and memories, and not break the bank while doing it!

My goal was to see 20 countries before turning 20 years old (check!) and now I'm up to 26 and counting. I've got my own travel hashtag, #chasingchelsey, to catalogue my adventures – and would love for you to join my journey!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I spent a semester abroad in Estonia and Couchsurfed for a month through Europe. Learning about a place from a local's perspective and connecting to an international network of amazing people with incredible lives was an invaluable experience. There's so much to be gained in sharing with people from around the world--and I want to be part of that. I can't imagine traveling without CS.

Interests

I love to travel, meet new people, shop at thrift stores, read, cook, listen to music, watch sunsets, laugh, and create memories that are stories worth telling.

When in a city, I am up for any adventure: relaxing at a coffee shop, checking out a museum, or just walking around and taking in the city scape.

Talking to others, having meaningful or heartfelt conversations, and making real human connections is always worth my time.

• culture
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• coffee
• walking
• traveling
• music
• backpacking
• chemistry
• international relations
• political science
• vintage
• ngos
• fleamarkets
• international politics
• politcs

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Avett Brothers, HIAM

Movies: Sixteen Candles, Pan's Labyrinth, Mean Girls (will not be able to watch without quoting, sorry)

Books: Pride and Prejudice, Tuesdays with Morrie, 1984, PIGS, Harry Potter, Of Mice and Men

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Climbed an abandoned concrete apartment complex in Lithuania to get a better view of castle on an island.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know a little of everything, but not much of anything – so teaching and learning go hand-in-hand for me.

I've taught chemistry and English in formal classrooms, but know a thing or two about Khmer cooking, horseback riding, and avoiding adulthood.

Learn: I'm willing to learn just about anything! Language, music, food. I get excited learning about people's passions – so tell me about yours! You collect vinyl albums? Awesome. You're into environmental management? That's so important. You wanna teach me about knitting? Yes please!

Share: I'm a pretty open book. I'll share life experiences and lessons, and just about anything in my backpack.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My favorite things to share? A pot of coffee or a bottle of wine.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Jamaica, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Cambodia, Estonia, United States