I'm an American student living abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark looking to broaden my cultural horizons. I'm studying communications and international relations, but a few of my specific interests are: news reporting, the science of collaboration, digital media, coding and Middle Eastern cultures. I love meeting new people because I almost always find myself walking away with a new experience, and having learned more about both the world and myself. I'm a very go-with-the-flow type person and I love to try new things. The people who know me best would describe me as outgoing, fun, a little wild and very considerate of others. For example, my boyfriend always tells me that I'm too nice and need to be more assertive, advice that I've been trying hard to take into consideration.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because before I went abroad, one of my best friends told me that I absolutely NEED to travel alone at least once. It was for her, one of her most favorite experiences about studying abroad and I am eager to find out for myself how incredible it can be to meet new people who genuinely want to meet me, and learn their stories.

Interests

• animals
• street art
• festivals
• cooking
• international relations
• cultural immersion
• urban exploration
• performance art
• edm
• meeting new people
• sunsets
• coffee shops

Music, Movies, and Books

For my favorite artist, I would probably have to say Flume, but some of my favorite songs are from bands I had never even heard of until accidentally discovering them playing at an event or some underground gathering. Needless to say, I'm very open when it comes to listening to, and discovering new artists.

My favorite movie, depending on the day, is either Interstellar, Love Actually or Spirited Away. Granted, they are all very different, but all three left me feeling both happy and sad, which I've decided is by far the best emotional combination one can experience.

My favorite author is Haruki Murakami and though I haven't decided which of his works is my favorite, I have a soft spot for "Kafka on the Shore."

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A year ago, I went on a trip with my family to Sofia, Bulgaria where we spent time living with an elder, local couple and getting to know the customs and the culture. One day we ventured farther out of the city to the Boyana park region and stumbled upon a thousand year-old church built solely out of wood and stone, with hand painted murals covering the interior. It was incredible to be able to experience something that was created by human hands so many years in the past, especially coming from the United States where our national history only spans a few hundred years. We then continued up the mountain for a couple of hours until we reached Boyana waterfall, a giant, cliffside waterfall and swimming hole that overlooks the entire city. It was an experience I will never forget.
On the same trip later that week, we took a bus to Istanbul and it remains one of my most favorite cities I've visited thus far. I remember sampling turkish delight in the Grand Bazaar, running through the Spice Market, the scent of cardamum and curry tickling my nose, and visiting the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque while the towers sang the call to prayer and echoed through the courtyard. I have never truly believed in any higher power, but the memory I have of that passionate song resounding through such a magnificent, grand, almost castle-like structure sent warm chills down my spine.

Teach, Learn, Share

What I hope to teach is compassion because that is really all I have to offer. I'm still young so I don't have very many word experiences under my belt, but in terms of my technical knowledge, I'm really good with digital media, technology, communication and critical thinking.

What I hope to learn is anything I can about the world, about people, about life. I want to learn as much as possible and I'm always eager to sit down over a great cup of coffee or a beer, and just talk.

I am a very passionate person and am that way about many topics, so I love to share my views and opinions.

What I Can Share with Hosts

With hosts, I hope to share experiences, memories and friendship. When I choose to stay with a host, I'm doing so because I want to get to know that person. I want to meet someone with whom I can develop a lifelong friendship and connection. And I hope that the friendship can be ongoing. I hope to be someone who my host would want to come visit and hang out with even after my stay is over.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Denmark, United States