CURRENT MISSION

Continue learning and perfecting Russian while not entirely loosing my English. Learning more about Russian culture by exploring Russia as much as possible while interacting with Russians of all sorts and sizes.

ABOUT ME

I'm originally from a small town in Central Illinois called Washington. Every since I was 12 years old, I've had a fascination with Russia. It started first with an interest in the Stalin/World War II-era and overtime grew to include anything Russian/Soviet. When I graduated high school, I decided I wanted to go even further with my interests and I started studying the Russian language as well as Imperial, Soviet, and contemporary Russian history. I've loved it since the day I've started.

Now, after having lived in St. Petersburg for a year, I know that I really do have the "Russia Bug". The travel bug also came along with it and I've traveled quite a bit around Russia with a few jaunts to Europe as well.

As I was preparing for my journey (my first venture outside of North America and over an ocean), I fell in love with Matador Network. As I read article after article of people exploring this vast world of ours and enjoying every second of it, I decided I wanted to become a traveler/explorer myself. Since Russia, the flood gates have been opened! The travel bug has been with me even more. I don't have a lot of chances to travel far as a student, but I try to do short trips when I can.

I recently graduated form Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN with a degree in Russian Studies and Political Science. I'm now preparing for my third trip to Russia, this time as a Fulbright ETA. I will be teaching English in Kyzyl (near the Russian-Mongolian border). I enjoying dancing (especially swing!), having deep discussions, reading, writing, speaking Russian, and exploring new places. I enjoy deep conversations, but especially enjoy having fun and laughing. And if I can combine deepness and fun together, oh yeah!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Right now, I'm primarily surfing because I don't have any space to offer anyone. But I am always able to offer help of any kind to anyone that happens to be in the area where I am.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

My first coach surfing experiences came during my trip across Siberia. I stayed with two hosts during that time, something which made the trip one-hundred times more enriching. I explored cities and cultures with my hosts. It was also a further demonstration for me of Russian hospitality.

Then in June of 2012, I visited Vilnius, Lithuania, where I also stayed with local hosts. Again, my experience in the city was only bettered through my hosts.

Interests

Fun, Russian (everything), traveling, discussion (politics, religion, life), swing dancing, learning (especially new languages)

• culture
• writing
• dancing
• swing dancing
• coach
• politics
• reading
• traveling
• music
• surfing
• history
• languages
• political science
• religion
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Star Wars (books and movies), Lord of the Rings, science-fiction/fantasy.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Every sunset I've seen is just beautiful and peaceful and always gives me reason to pause. Going to the Russian banya on Lake Baikal and then jumping into the lake after the banya. Wonderful!

Teach, Learn, Share

When in a new place, let it change you and don't be afraid of that. But with that in mind, I always remember what one of my best friends told me: "Don't turn your music down for anybody." When he told me that, it was literally referring to the music I was playing in the car, but I've taken it to mean who I am (and who you are too!). I'm not going to disguise who I am or be two-faced, I'm Joey and that ain't gonna change.

I am experienced in teaching Russian and English, so let me know what you want to learn!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Finland, France, Lithuania, Russian Federation

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, United States