Hello, fellow travelers!

I'm Steven Lee, a Chinese student currently studying Economics at the University of Sheffield. My passion for travel has taken me to over 50% of the destinations in China, the heart of Japan, Singapore, and more than 10 cities across the UK.

In my past life, I was a goalkeeper, and now I enjoy hiking, running marathons, and dabbling in kendo and yoga. I also have a unique background working in the Japanese whisky industry and hold a WSET Level 2 certification in spirits from Manchester. While I'm not the best drinker, I do have a decent knowledge of the whisky world.

As a huge Marvel Studios fan, I love discussing everything related to superheroes, movies, TV series, and comics. If you share the same interests or just want to chat about travel adventures, I'm your guy!

Looking forward to connecting and sharing stories with you!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I joined Couchsurfing because I love connecting with people from all corners of the globe. During my travels to Lincoln, Norwich, and Cambridge this year, I discovered that chatting with locals is the best way to truly understand the local culture and uncover unique insights. Rather than just being a regular tourist, I want to dive deeper into the places I visit and learn from the diverse voices and experiences of the people I meet. Couchsurfing offers the perfect platform for these enriching interactions and meaningful exchanges., also it's a best way to enhance my English level!

Interests

• chinese food
• japanese food
• yoga
• marathon
• partying
• hiking
• soccer
• travel
• kendo
• swiming
• spirit

Music, Movies, and Books

My favorite singer is Pitbull. I've been grooving to his Latin-style rap since primary school. I also dabble a bit in K-pop, with PSY being one of my favorites. I learned piano for three years just for fun, though I'm still at an entry level and have forgotten most of it!

When it comes to movies and TV series, I'm a huge fan of "The Crown." It even inspired me to pick up a bit of a UK accent! I love science fiction series like "Three-Body Problem," which is always my first choice. Since childhood, I've been crazy about Marvel and DC movies, and I'm also fond of "Attack on Titan," Ultraman, and similar Japanese anime and films.

As an economics student, I read a lot of academic books on microeconomics and macroeconomics. However, science fiction remains my favorite genre. The masterpieces of Jules Verne, in particular, have inspired me to be a brave adventurer and a gentleman.

Looking forward to sharing stories and interests with fellow travelers!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

A Memorable Experience: The University of Vita
When I came to the UK for my master's degree, I encountered significant differences in the education system and experienced cultural shock. The economics courses were quite challenging, particularly due to the heavy math elements, which were especially tough for a non-native speaker like me. Many of my classmates from China, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Peru, Poland, and even local UK students struggled with the exams.

In response, I started a free tutoring program in my dormitory, Vita, from October 2023 to June 2024. I helped almost 30 students from four different countries, particularly during the Christmas and Easter holidays. I taught eight courses, ensuring each class had comprehensive notes and interactive sessions, and it was all completely free.

As a result, some of my classmates achieved higher marks than I did. More importantly, I gained lasting friendships, trust, and invaluable experiences. This teaching endeavor stands out as the most rewarding and joyful part of my study experience in the UK.

Teach, Learn, Share

What I Can Teach:
Economics and Mathematics: With my background in economics, I can help with basic to intermediate concepts in both economics and math.
Chinese Culture and Language: I’d love to share insights into Chinese culture, traditions, and language. If you’re interested in learning Mandarin, I can certainly help with that.
Chinese Cuisine: As a food enthusiast, I can introduce you to authentic Chinese recipes and cooking techniques. Let’s cook some delicious Chinese dishes together!

What I Can Learn:
Local Culture and Language: I’m eager to dive deeper into the local culture and pick up new languages or dialects.
Culinary Skills: I’m always excited to learn new recipes and cooking methods from different cuisines.
Personal Stories and Experiences: Every person has a unique story, and I’m keen to learn from your experiences and perspectives.

What I Can Share with Hosts

When you host me, I promise to make your experience special with these thoughtful gestures and activities:

Personalized Greeting Card: I'll create a beautiful Chinese greeting card for you, featuring messages in your native language, English, and Mandarin. It's a small but heartfelt way to express my gratitude.

Chinese Gift: I'll bring a unique Chinese gift for every host who accepts my request, adding a touch of my culture to your home.

Delicious Chinese Meal: I love cooking and will prepare an authentic Chinese meal for you. It's a great way to share my culture and culinary skills.

Helping Hand: Whether it's cleaning or any other help you need around the house, I'm ready to assist and make your life a bit easier.

Travel Stories and Tips: With my extensive travels in Asia and beyond, I have a treasure trove of stories and tips, especially if you're interested in exploring Asia.

Hobbies and Interests: From discussing Marvel and DC superheroes to sharing insights into the world of whisky, I have plenty of interests to chat about. I also enjoy playing the piano and can share some tunes.

Outdoor Activities: I’m always up for hanging out and joining outdoor events or activities together. Whether it's hiking, exploring the city, or just a casual stroll, count me in!

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom