🌍 About Me
Hi, I’m Orkhan, 32, from Azerbaijan.
I have a background in Computer Science from Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey) and a Master’s in Human Development & Education Policy from George Washington University (Washington, DC, USA). Currently, I work as a Project Delivery Manager at British Council, combining structured thinking with people-focused work.

I speak English, Russian, Turkish, Azerbaijani, and basic Dutch (A2 - still learning, so patience appreciated 🙂).
I’m also a cat dad. Lucy is a big part of my life.

🇳🇱 Why I’m Traveling
In December, I received my Zoekjaar visa (a one-year residence and work permit for the Netherlands). Before relocating fully, I want to spend about 3 weeks exploring the country and getting a real sense of daily life.
My plan is to visit:
Amsterdam
Rotterdam
Eindhoven
Den Haag
Rather than just seeing places as a tourist, I want to understand how people actually live, think, and experience life in the Netherlands.

🧩 What I’m Like
I’m respectful, calm, and adaptable. I can easily match the energy of the home, whether that means having long conversations or giving space. I enjoy meaningful discussions, especially about culture, personal growth, and how different systems (education, work, society) function.

🛏️ As a Guest
Clean and organized
Respectful of house rules and boundaries
Independent, but open to spending time together
Genuinely interested in learning from your perspective

Warum ich bei Couchsurfing bin

This will be my first Couchsurfing experience.
The main reason I chose Couchsurfing is to connect with locals and learn directly from them, not just about the cities, but about culture, routines, and mindset. Since I’ll likely start my professional life in the Netherlands this summer, this trip is also a way for me to transition more consciously into that next chapter.

Interessen

• cats
• arts
• cooking
• technology
• traveling
• food
• museums
• turkish food
• russian literature
• educational technology
• dutch culture
• soft rock
• british culture
• remote work
• educational psychology

Musik, Filme und Bücher

Books: Call Me By Your Name, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Tales of the City
Movies: A Single Man, Interstellar, Intern, God's Own Country
Music: Turkish, English, various genres

Eine tolle Erfahrung, die ich gemacht habe

Decided to reset my life and move to a new country alone: I got my Zoekjaar visa and am now intentionally exploring the Netherlands before fully relocating, to build a life with purpose rather than by chance.

Lehren, lernen, teilen

Teach:
Basics of cloud, IT, and how technology actually works in real life (in a simple way)
How to structure projects and think more analytically
Languages: English, Turkish, Russian, Azerbaijani
Tips on international education and career paths

Learn:
Everyday life in the Netherlands — habits, mindset, and culture beyond tourism
Dutch language (still A2, so I need practice!)
Different perspectives on work-life balance and social life
Local routines — what a “normal day” really looks like

Share:
Conversations about life, culture, and personal growth
My experience of moving countries and starting a new chapter
Azerbaijani/Turkish food or a simple homemade meal
Travel stories and honest perspectives about different countries
A calm, respectful, and open-minded presence

Was ich mit Gastgebern teilen kann

Genuine conversations - I’m someone who enjoys going beyond small talk and talking about culture, life decisions, and different perspectives
A mix of structure and curiosity - from my work in international projects to my personal journey of relocating and starting fresh in a new country
Language exchange - I can help with English, Turkish, Russian, or Azerbaijani, and I’d be happy to practice Dutch with you
Cultural exchange - stories and perspectives from Azerbaijan, Turkey
A relaxed and respectful presence - I’m good at adapting to your home’s energy, whether that’s social or more quiet

Länder, die ich besucht habe

Georgia, Germany, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom

Länder, in denen ich gelebt habe

Turkey, United States