CURRENT MISSION

To experience and learn about as many cultures as I can

ABOUT ME

I am 22 years old male that is currently studying at the University of NC at Asheville. I am working towards my degree in Spanish and French with a minor in International Studies. I was also raised with Vietnamese, but I find it difficult to speak since I have not kept up with it, but I can understand Vietnamese just fine. I feel that learning a language is just more than vocabulary and grammar points; one must also learn about the culture that the language stems from. That's why I love foreign languages and wish I had enough time/brain power to learn all of them.

At school I am involved in HOLA (hispanic outreach learning awareness). In this organization, we strive to help Latinos in the Asheville, NC area and help the Latino community as much as possible. My committee is in charge of organizing the tutor sessions at Asheville High School. We tutor ESL (English as a Second Language) classes because I understand how hard it was for my parents to come to the United States and have to learn English.

Enough about me, I'm ready to learn from you and your culture, but if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at nqnguyen@unca.edu.

PHILOSOPHY

The Golden Rule: Treat those how you want to be treated. I believe that karma does exist and if you do harm against someone, it will come back to you in another life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I just heard about the CS project a few years ago from a friend, but I've been hesitant to try it. After having my profile for two years, I've finally decided to fill it out and put it to use. Hopefully if my experiences all go well, I can spread the word about the CS project in order to help build the community.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

[Interesting/amazing story coming soon to a profile near you!]

Interests

Foreign languages (especially Romance Languages), learning as much as possible, Surrealist art, dogs, meeting people from all walks of life, procrastinating until the very last minute, sweets and candy, UNC basketball, Pedro Almodóvar films, naps/siestas

• dogs
• arts
• culture
• running
• movies
• socializing
• basketball
• boxing
• teaching
• languages
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: The Black Keys, David Guetta, The Beatles, Gorillaz, Bob Marley, Death cab for Cutie, Janelle Monae, Juanes, Iron and Wine, Matisyahu, Thievery Corporation, Daft Punk, Frank Sinatra, The Arcade Fire, Billie Holiday, Manu Chao, France Gall, Lady Gaga

Books: 1984, Kitchen, The Kite Runner, Me Talk Pretty One Day, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Running with Scissors

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Mt. Pisgah (part of the Appalachian Mountains) that I can see from the steps of my University's library, riding a camel in Morocco, WWOOFing (willing workers on organic farms) in Romagnano, Italia for a month, laying on the beautiful beaches of Réthymno, Greece, living without electricity and running water in Vietnam for 6 weeks when I was 11.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know how to play the Clarinet and played for 7 years in middle school and high school. I recently picked up my Clarinet for the first time in a while, but somehow all the notes and keys are still ingrained into my fingers where I can still play the Clarinet.

Aside from being able to play the Clarinet, I can teach you about my experiences that I've had throughout life. I find it difficult to recall every experience I've had to put onto this small box, but I promise there is something you can learn from me just as there are things I can learn about you. My experiences, both good and bad, have shaped who I am today and wouldn't trade any of them for the world.

•