Hello! My name is Rupert, I am 23 years old and originally from Cologne, Germany. Throughout the past years, I have been studying International Management in Prague, Czech Republic, and I am now making the most of the months before my first job to explore the world and meet as many locals as possible! I am a big supporter of my local football club 1. FC Köln, and also enjoy going to the stadium in other countries to get to know the local fan culture. Moreover, I love to learn new languages, practice new instruments and try new activities in nature, such as surfing, snowboarding or even skydiving!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Although I am lucky to have already visited nearly 50 countries, I have realized that the only cultures which I really got to know in depth, were those which I got to know through locals. Inspired through friends who have made told me amazing stories which were initiated through this platform, I have recently joined Couchsurfing and am very much looking forward to unique experiences on my trip, as well as hosting travellers myself once returning home.

Interests

• pub crawls
• piano
• skiing
• football
• boardgames

Music, Movies, and Books

As we have a special carnival culture in my hometown, the most emotional music to me is the traditional carnival music by local "Kölsch" bands such as Querbeat, Brings or Bläck Fööss. However, I have also always enjoyed listening to calm rap music and pop. In terms of books and films, I enjoy crime and drama, my recent favourites being "Shantaram" and "The Gentlemen".

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Last year, I took a break from my studies to volunteer in a childcare home in Ibarra, Ecuador for a period of six months. To build an emotional relationship with 12 individual children, and nurture it every day, before suddenly needing to say goodbye, was a much harder challenge than I could ever have imagined. At the same time, it taught me so many wonderful things on both a conscious and subconscious level, which made me grow tremendously as a person. Moreover, living in Latin America was simply loads of fun, and I can only recommend anybody to visit it in depth.

What I Can Share with Hosts

We can practice a few languages together, and exchange stories of our travels and experiences! Moreover, I love talking about all sorts of topics, and might even be able to give some helpful advice on business-related problems. And all else equal, I'm always down for a match of football on a local court or trying any new sport together ;)

Countries I’ve Lived In

Belgium, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Thailand