Hello and thank you for reading this!

My name is Dmitrii, and I'm an exchange student in the US. I've won a merit-based scholarship to study here for one year and conduct my research into teaching English as a second language from the English-speaking country perspective. For now I'm a Russian ambassador on campus, and I help people learn more about my country

I've been teaching English and Russian as foreign languages for more than a year so far (I started at the age of eighteen), and it has always sparkled my eyes and been one of my greatest interest! I've been working with youngsters, kindergarteners, adults and teens, and I've found each of them truly peculiar and magnificent

I also worked in the international organisation called AISESC for two years. That's how I immersed myself into a judgement-free space with people all over the world (It's hard to tell for sure, but I've talked to more than 150 foreigners while being in Russia)

I really can talk about almost any topic, but what I'm really interested in is a cultural exchange. I've talked to more than 40 nationalities so far, and it was spectacular to exchange different traditions, habits and worldviews. I'm really hoping to enrich my cultural background even more!

In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym to rock climb or hit the treadmill. It helps me zone in on what I'm doing, forgetting about all the troubles and becoming serene. I'm a huge fan of Just Dance. Moreover, I was a professional player in the past, so we can compete ;)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've come to think that couchsurfing is more than just free accommodation, which is generally a reason most of people are here. When I don't stay at hosts, I feel like I've missed an invaluable part of my trip.

It's even more than just a perspective from a resident, it's a humongous number of insights I've lost from a like-minded person, it's a communication with an individual with a completely different world. That's the most memorable thing for people I talked to when I was in Russia, and I'm sure it will be even more meaningful for me, as I am truly interested in the world of different cultures.

I also like to challenge myself. It's always easy to never leave your bubble, thinking that every person is the same. But I LOVE broading my horizons. The more interesting and unique people around me, the more I'm thrilled to know their spin on life. Is there a better way to do so than couchsurfing, where I can meet endless number of possibilities? I doubt it

I don't want to miss the huge yet vital part of my trip, so I would be more than happy to just even talk to you, let alone staying at your place (I would be thrilled to do so)!

Interests

• dancing
• education
• languages
• english
• videogames
• kids
• french
• russian
• spanish
• communicating
• international exchange

Music, Movies, and Books

My top-3 musicians: Daughter, DeathByRomy, Au/Ra (all of them are niche, so it's even better if we match)
My top-3 books: Lolita (Nabokov), Tsvetaeva poetry, The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas (John Boyne)
My top-3 films: Me Before You, Hunger Games, Divergent

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've won a scholarship! It was one person out of ten, and I'd never thought I'd make it!

But for more interesting stuff: I've tried bungee jumping! Yup, I'm an adrenaline seeker indeed

Teach, Learn, Share

I can:
🐤 Talk about the languages I know (Russian, English) and practise the languages I'm learning (Spanish, French)
🐤 Hang out with you and with your kids (even teach them arithmetic and basic words in different language (I've worked with kids for a year so far)
🐤 Bring my experience of an HR/Teacher to the table and help you understand these jobs better
🐤 Cook Russian dishes (I LOVE cooking)
🐤 Bring some Russian souvenirs to you (I've brought famous Russian tea and candies from my country)
🐤 Beat you at Just Dance (there is no way you can win me)

I'm very interested in:
💫 International exchange - if you've encountered different people a lot, you rock!
💫 Sightseeing - sometimes I need help with navigating in the city
💫 Versatility - I love it when my plans change! If you're the same person, I'm more than happy to accept these changes with you, let it be going kayaking or watching horror movies together. That being said, I'm more than thrilled to have you help me follow my lead

What I Can Share with Hosts

1) I can bring many sweets, teapots, and postcards from Russia, if you are a fan of these
2) I can talk ceasingly about dancing, education, and languages (about any of them honestly)
3) I'm a really huge fun of outdoors activities, so if you're planning to do something, count me in!
4) I can accompany you to any event! I'm good at being with children, so if there is a family gathering, I'd be happy to join

Countries I’ve Visited

Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Egypt, Russian Federation, Turkey, Ukraine

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, United States