My name is Emily, and I'm from Illinois in the US. I study Deutsch als Fremdsprache at Universität Heidelberg this year, but originally I study at Illinois College, where I also study Environmental Biology.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to meet new people from around the world, hear their stories, and enjoy my time abroad by experiencing cultures first-hand. Someday I will hopefully be able to give back to the couchsurfing community by hosting travelers in my own country.

Interests

I love to run, hike, travel (of course!), dance, sing, read, meet new people, learn about cities, and learn different languages. I also love animals and nature so much, that I'm pursuing a bachelor's in environmental biology.

• animals
• culture
• singing
• dancing
• cooking
• running
• politics
• news
• traveling
• hiking
• biology
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to mostly alternative/indie rock, but for some reason I love electro swing (it's easy to dance to, I guess). I read mostly fictional books, but I have found myself reading more and more nonfiction, such as books about politics and nature. My favorite movies are comedies (Juno, Superbad, etc.), but I like documentaries too.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've been to the Colosseum, and probably been inside over 50 cathedrals in Europe. My favorite, which I haven't actually been inside, is the cathedral in Milan.

Teach, Learn, Share

I hope that when I stay with someone, I can show them a side of American culture that they might not hear about on the news. We aren't all obnoxious! :) I like talking about politics--even though I'm not always totally informed--because I like hearing others' views on certain topics. I like to hear stories of people's experiences of traveling, and life in general. I'd like to learn more about cuisine from around the world as well. :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm always willing to help around the house, help cook, and lend a listening ear if necessary. :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States