Hey there! My name is Mike.
I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. I studied abroad in the USA for 7 years, from a 15-year-old high school exchange student to a college graduate, I also studied abroad in Japan for a year and volunteered at the Dominican Republic, so I have lots of crazy adventures to tell you for sure.

And now that I just graduated... Time to start realizing my bucket list:
1. Visit Russia and become fluent in Russian
2. Hitch-hike my way through China, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, and take Trans-Siberian Railway travel across Russia
3. Traveling and teaching less fortunate children languages and cultures

Growing up in a multicultured background, I have learned to appreciate the beauty of our similarities and differences. Thus I love to travel and meet different people, experience diverse cultures, or try all kinds of amazing cuisines! I look forward to every memorable connection and memories to come.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

CS gives me opportunities to meet friends around the world!

When I travel I always try to immerse myself in the lives of the locals, as I love hearing about people's stories and learn about their lifestyles.

Interests

• cats
• culture
• singing
• documentaries
• music festivals
• education
• meditation
• drinking
• technology
• video games
• traveling
• karaoke
• sports
• business
• history
• languages
• social science
• volunteering
• food
• playing guitar
• innovation
• startups
• breakdance
• social entrepreneurship
• cryptocurrency
• dank memes

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to almost everything! The environments I lived in have influenced my music tastes from time to time. When I lived in the countryside, I was a fan of country and gospel music, and even played at a church band in high school!
Now I listen to mainly Western Music (the 80s, 90s rock, hip-hop, Jazz, Reggae, Electro, Indie, folk, Lo-fi) I especially love chill beats with beautiful melodies. I also listen to Latin Music, Japanese Music, Mandarin Music, and Russian Music.
Favorite Artists: Nujabes, Queen, Pink Floyd, Eminem, J Cole, Logic, Bob Marley, Gorillaz, Daft Punk, Portugal. the man, Noize MC, Big Gigantic, Монеточка

I love non-fiction books. My favorite books are The Power of Now, Outliers, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Innovator's Dilemma. Additionally, I enjoy reading genres such as historic, psychology, and social science. I also enjoy reading foreign literature, especially on Japanese culture or Slavic Culture.
Favorite Foreign Authors: Alexander Pushkin; Fyodor Dostoyevsky; Tolstoy; Turgenev; Haruki Murakami, Kawabata Yasunari

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Becoming a University Innovation Fellow at the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University.

Stayed at the oldest start-up hacker house in Silicon Valley for a week after winning in a pitch competition, met entrepreneurs from all across the world. I also got to check out Google and Microsoft, best week of my life.

Ran into Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, and had a nice chat with him.

I can play guitar songs to you in 6 languages.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a good talker and listener, we can share about pretty much everything from hobbies to occurring social issues..or even perspectives on life, haha
Small talks aside, I love to discuss global affairs, politics, history, tech, education, and the economy. I am a global citizen and crypto, blockchain enthusiast. I always look for fresh new ideas and opportunities for innovation, thus I don't shy away from deep conversations with people. I love to sing, play guitar, and breakdance. I am also a sports fan, especially in ball sports (baseball, basketball, football/soccer)
I love language exchanges. Learning a new language not only gives you a brand new perspective but also makes you smarter!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Always down to have a good time!

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Japan, Russian Federation, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States