Hello! My name is Robert Pannell, typically go by RJ though. I am an exchange student from Detroit, MI, USA living in Munich, Germany for the next year. I am studying to become a language teacher and hope to be a polyglot one day. Currently, I only speak English and am learning German while here in Munich. The next languages I plan to learn are Spanish or French. I have done some beginner courses in both, however I am putting all of my focus into German while in Munich.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I heard about it through comments on my favorite YouTube page, Yes Theory. (Check them out, they're absolutely incredible and have a great philosophy). As a kid, I wasn't very exploratory or very social. I have always kept more to myself and not been very outgoing. However, I realized that is not going to get me very far in life and will make for a less enjoyable and more lonely life. So, I have started to become more open and want to gain as many experiences and friends around the world as possible. I think Couchsurfing offers a unique and insider experience in places that you simply couldn't get from staying at a hotel. It's also a great opportunity to meet new people and experience their lifestyle and culture. I'm looking forward to making lifetime friends, unforgettable experiences and lasting memories with people involved in such an accepting and wonderful community.

Interests

• cats
• photography
• travel
• learning languages
• biking

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I woudn't consider much I've done so far to be too amazing. However, the thing that I take the most pride in is my volunteer work coaching soccer and tutoring kids. I feel that we will never improve as a whole society unless the generation below us isn't better than we ever could be. I find great joy in helping others, especially the youth and love hearing from kids I've coached/tutored, as well as keep updated with how they're doing!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Unfortunately, I am absolutely terrible at cooking. So, you wouldn't want any meal I could really cook. But I am down to do just about anything and if I'm traveling my goal is to push my comfort zone as far as I possibly can. So, if you have anything you want someone to do with you that you've been scared or unwilling to do before I'm definitely interested. I'm also working on photography and plan to start a photography business (specifically in portraits/family photos/engagement photos) when I return to the US, so I would love to take headshots or other pictures for any host willing to accommodate me! Unfortunately, at the moment I can't host for anyone in return while in my dorm in Germany, but when I return to the US, I would be more than willing to return the favor and accommodate anyone that wants to come and visit! Of course I will also make sure to leave and review and write a reference for anyone that hosts me. I'd also love more people to keep up with and send postcards along my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States