I am a graduate of the Universiy of Central Florida with degrees in Marketing and International Relations Theory. I also studied sociology as a minor. For the past three summers I have been employed at a backcountry summer camp in Durango, Colorado. My passions are the environment and the positive development of children. During my time in college I worked for a non-profit called Clean The World based out of Orlando, Florida.

I have a wide range of interests though I´m happiest when outside. Previously I have hiked sections of the Appalachian Trail, longboarded the Florida Keys, thru-hiked the Colorado Trail and most recently fund-raised over $5,000 for two non-profits on a bicycle tour . I enjoy conversations on the topic of human behavior, psychology, environment, children, and consider myself very open-minded and thirsty to hear the opinions of others in order to make my own views more wholesome.

Frequent self-relfection makes me appreciate the friends, family, and opportunities I have in life. My objective is to become the very best version of myself which requires being a very good listener and learner of others. I see couchsurfing as a tremendous opportunity to do just that. Please feel free to get to know me more (find me on facebook at Erik Ruben). I would love to have a conversation with fellow couchsurfers.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Convenient for meeting people, traveling on a budget, exchanging thoughts, learning from others, connecting, promotes interdependence / compassion

Interests

Positive Development of Children
Cooking
Previously a NCAA soccer player - the sport is my first love
Sociology
Human Behavior...especially in groups
Music
World Politics
Social Issues

• environment
• cooking
• politics
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• cycling
• camping
• skiing
• sports
• soccer
• international relations
• psychology
• sociology

Music, Movies, and Books

Wide variety of music:
classical (Debussy, Beethoven), classic rock (Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin), hip hop (Tribe Called Quest, MF Doom, The Roots), Jazz (BBNG,Freddie Hubbard), Alternative (Modest Mouse, MuteMath)The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, the Strokes...much much more

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Trekking Colorado

Cycling the Northwest U.S.

Leading trips in the Everglades

What I Can Share with Hosts

Friendship

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Venezuela

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, United States