CURRENT MISSION

To travel throughout Spain, Europe, and North Africa from August 2008 to July of 2009

ABOUT ME

From August, 2008 to July, 2009 I will be studying abroad in Granada, Spain. I'm 20 years old and am a student at the University of California, San Diego. I have two majors, political science and film, and I would like to pursue a career in both. If I stay in California after I graduate, its one place where politics and film go hand in hand.

This year is the opportunity of a lifetime as I don't know the next time I'll be on this side of the Atlantic nor the next time I'll be able to travel before having real commitments...like a job. I want to travel and see as many places as possible, but at the same time I want to spend substantial time in each country I visit. Visiting touristy spots is great for conversation and to see places that before I've only seen in pictures, but what I really enjoy is traveling off the beaten path and living with the locals.

My family has always hosted international students at our home. I have worked as an activity leader and event planner at the international center at the university by my house. I've been wanting to study abroad since I was in high school and now that I'm finally doing it, I'm ecstatic for the year.

Check out my blog about my adventures and experiences during the year: http://micahgoesabroad.blogspot.com/

PHILOSOPHY

Giving back. I would not be at the point I am today without the help and support of others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I'm excited to join the community and hope that I'll be able to reciprocate and share in this amazing project. I love meeting new people and I think Couchsurfing is a really cool way to meet people who have similar goals of traveling and exploring the world. ¡Compartir es Vivir!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Haven't officially used Couchsurfing yet, but have done it unofficially by extending my couch to people I've just met. I've crashed on the floor of kind strangers' homes a handful of times as well.

Interests

Film, Politics, Outdoors.

• festivals
• politics
• traveling
• socializing
• blogging
• outdoor activities
• political science
• science
• study abroad

Music, Movies, and Books

Saying "too many to list" is cliche but true. "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller is my favorite book. I'm a DJ for my university radio station and I'm always looking for new music from any genre and from all over the world. Right now, I'm going to say "Wild Strawberries" by Ingmar Bergman for the film as I feel that it fits right for my year abroad.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Most recent: Tomatina festival in Buñol, Spain.

Countries I’ve Visited

France, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Spain, United States