My name is Mike Hendricks. I am originally from West Long Branch, New Jersey, USA. I live with my wife Carly and my dog Leo in Columbia, MO, USA. I am pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the University of Missouri. My wife is a third grade teacher in Columbia and is also pursuing her MA in Public Affairs at the University of Missouri. Both my wife and I love to travel. We actually met in Nicaragua during our Peace Corps service (2011-2013). I was a TEFL volunteer in San Marcos, Carazo and my wife was an Environmental Education volunteer in Chichigalpa, Chinandega. We both have extensive travel experience and experience living abroad. I have lived in Ecuador, Spain, Nicaragua, and China. My wife has lived in Mexico and Nicaragua. Between the two of us we have traveled to over thirty countries and forty states. We are always seeking out new places and new experiences through travel.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

When my wife and I travel we usually stay at hostels that are within our budget. We still plan to stay at hostels because we love the atmosphere of hostels and getting to know people from our country and from different countries. However, we think that Couchsurfing is a great economical mode for travel and it is also a great way to meet new people and experience a place that you are visiting firsthand with people that live in the actual place.

Interests

-Travel
-Concerts
-Trying new foods
-Experiencing new cultures
-Good books
-Good movies

• dogs
• books
• concerts
• education
• movies
• traveling
• cycling
• teaching
• political science
• science
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

For all three categories, I am pretty open to anything. I do not like to pigeon hole myself into one category or genre. If it interests me or provides me with satisfaction, I will look into it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Volcano boarding in Nicaragua.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach and share things that I have learned throughout my travels, and I want to continue to learn things as I travel so that I can continue teaching and sharing what I find throughout my experiences.

What I Can Share with Hosts

We rent a house in Columbia, MO. Currently, we have two spare bedrooms, three couches, and an air mattress. We have one full bathroom. We have one bike and one car (that we need but can use to drop guests off at places). We have a kitchen with all appliances. We have a washer and dryer as well.

Countries I’ve Visited

Aruba, Austria, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Jamaica, Morocco, Nicaragua, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Spain