Hello, my future friend!
I am originally from Penza, which is a city in Russia near Moscow. Three years ago I moved to Moscow and became a student at Lomonosov Moscow State University. I was always passionate about traveling and learning about different cultures, that is why I decided to apply for a scholarship to study in America (https://www.yearprogram.org/). I was incredibly happy when I have been awarded a scholarship for the year of exchange in the country about which I was passionate and curious!

Currently, I am studying at the University of South Dakota, which places in Vermillion, SD. During my holiday I want to explore different places in America and learn more about people, their lifestyle and culture!

My major is biology and I am interested in learning about plants and animals. I like to play sports and to the gym in my free time. Also, I like crafting and drawing, that helps to relax after the classes.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Well, I have had more opportunities to go abroad since the last couple when I moved to Moscow and became a student. I visited some countries in Europe during that time. This small experience changed me a lot! My trips opened the new word for me: I met incredible people of different cultural backgrounds, and some of them became my friends. I explored how exiting to learning more about the world around. This observation encouraged me to apply to the cultural exchange program for Russians in America. I can describe my feeling when I got an email about my awarding with this scholarship!

I am living in a small town in South Dakota now. But this year is a unique opportunity for me to explore America and go to different places. I believe that Couchsurfing gathers people who are ready to share their culture and learn about the diverse experiences of travelers.

Interests

• cooking
• mountains
• travel
• art
• nature
• hicking
• self-development
• #gym
• community
• explore
• #culture
• diversity
• draw
• #reading
• #fitness
• #biology
• #tennis
• #teaching
• #ecology

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC / Imagine Dragons, Lana del Rey, Twenty one pilots (honestly prefer to listen to audiobooks :)

FILMS / Unbroken, Pursuit of Happiness

SHOWS / TED talks, The Daily Show with Trevor Noach

BOOKS/ 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, Eleven Minutes

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Scuba diving to 30 meters

What I Can Share with Hosts

*Share my culture by conversation, preparing national food, souvenirs
*Like to talk about diversity and always glad to share my point of view about this
*Share time to explore together new places

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, United States