Are you interested in learning more about political leadership that fosters connection?

If so, I would love to teach and discuss this subject with you. My name is Niels, and I am currently writing a book about compassionate politics—a simple handbook for new political leaders on how to achieve political results in a collaborative manner. With my background and experience as a political scientist, local politician, and former Dutch as a Second Language teacher, I hope to contribute to reducing polarization in our society and to help future leaders act with integrity in both word and deed.

Starting July 23, I will be traveling through the US for six weeks to write and research American political history and its great unifying leaders. Additionally, I will be observing how this approach is applied in the political practice of presidential elections. I look forward to sharing my knowledge on this subject with you and your friends.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I think it would be wonderful to truly get to know a country. For me, this means making genuine connections with real people, often those who are deeply rooted in the places you visit. It's also about a sense of adventure and spontaneity—meeting new people and discovering lives you would otherwise never encounter. Ultimately, it's about helping Americans understand how they experience politics, what they believe is not going well, and how things could be improved.

Interests

• dancing
• nature
• reading and writing
• sports and travelling
• history and culture

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Morocco, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands