I'm Mark, an undergraduate student in Vancouver, Canada. I study communication, which is basically a catch-all for how we share meaning with each other across time and space. There's a lot of media studies, for instance.

Anyway, maybe that's a good segue into why I'm into couch surfing. When I'm travelling I think I'm most interested in seeing how other people are. I like to be immersed in culture, to share the things that make us who we are. Ultimately, it's nice to spend time with regular people and I guess that's why I'm here.

If there's one thing I've found from my limited travel so far it's that no matter where we're from or what languages we speak, we're all pretty similar at the end of the day.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

It's hard to really know a city, or an area, in a short amount of time. Especially when you have a limited amount of time and money, and a bunch of clothing in a backpack. I like couch surfing because it's more than just visiting somewhere as a tourist. It makes travelling a more immersive practice, something to share instead of just something to do.

I think couch surfing adds a layer of meaning onto travel. Maybe that makes sense.

Interests

• arts
• communications
• history
• travel
• ice hockey
• reading and writing

Music, Movies, and Books

I've been told before that I have bad taste, but I here are some of the things that I like.

My all time favourite bands are the Strokes, the Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala, but I'm into a lot of different stuff. I read a lot of science fiction, but my favourite book is probably Catch-22. Movie-wise I have bad taste, but I really like anything with Owen Wilson, and I'm crazy about Wes Anderson movies.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'd say the most amazing thing I've done was travelling to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) earlier this year. I got an incredible opportunity to visit the country and play hockey and it's a trip I'll never forget. Pyongyang isn't like anything I've ever seen, and the whole experience was very odd.

Teach, Learn, Share

Since I have a pretty strong grasp of English and a less-strong grasp of French, I can help with practising those languages, if that's something you're into.

I love the idea of sharing experiences. I've lived in Canada and Australia, and travelled a little (so far), and I'm just really interested in learning about you and your country.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Hosting me is such an incredibly kind gesture. I'd love to thank you in anyway I can. I'd love to cook a meal for you, or simply help tidy up around the house. Maybe you're working on a project and need an extra set of hands?

Let's talk!

Countries I’ve Visited

China, North Korea, Slovakia, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Canada