My name is Sam, I'm 21 and I'm a fifth-year university student from New Zealand. Travelling is one of my greatest passions in life. I have grown up in a family that embraces other cultures, and as such I have fallen in love with learning about and experiencing different cultures, their people, food and landscapes all over the world. I myself am half-Filipina, half-New Zealander, with a Norwegian stepdad, American and Australian cousins, and a Tanzanian sister-in-law! This has shaped me into the fun-loving, open-minded and empathetic person I am today.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

After four and a half years of university study, and still another two years to go, it's time for a much-needed break to see the world! I have booked round-the-world flights from mid-July to late February next year. I will be focussed on Europe from September to mid-February.

As a student from the most expensive university city in my country, I will be on a very tight budget. I am doing my best to work and save before I go, which includes trying to sell most of my clothes and things! I have made some great friends through travels before who I am excited to stay with for some parts of my journey, but for some parts I will be very much alone, and would appreciate a place to stay with friendly people who can teach me a little bit about their beautiful home town!

Interests

My hobbies include singing, song-writing, writing and reading. I love the outdoors, carnivals, kids and dogs. One of my greatest loves of all in this life is food! I believe food is very much intertwined with and representative of culture, and look forward to experiencing the different tastes of the world.

• dogs
• culture
• writing
• singing
• dining
• cooking
• clothing
• reading
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• law

Music, Movies, and Books

I love many genres of music, and enjoy a taste of the classics like Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springsteen, reggae, rock, alternative/indie, EDM and mainstream. A bit of everything really!

I love comedy films, Academy Award-winning films, and awful (but great) romantic comedies.

My favourite books are Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I lived in Costa Rica when I was 16 with a local host family. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, the people were so friendly and I felt like a local by the time I left!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Friendly company, I can cook a meal, and sing a song :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Costa Rica, New Zealand