Hello there! I'm Teru, and I'm delighted to meet you! I'm a 26-year-old graduate student pursuing my passion in Neuroscience. One of my favorite things in life is connecting with people from all walks of life – I find it absolutely fascinating to learn about different cultures and perspectives.

My love for international friendships actually started with a bit of a challenge. When I was 13, I visited Australia and, despite being top of my English class, I struggled to communicate effectively. It was quite frustrating at first, but that experience lit a fire in me to really master English and explore the world.

Since then, I've been fortunate enough to visit some amazing places – from the canals of Amsterdam to the bustling streets of Hanoi. I've explored the US, wandered through Paris, experienced the vibrant culture of Indonesia, and so much more. Each trip has been an adventure, filled with wonderful conversations and new friendships.

I won't pretend it's always been smooth sailing – there have been moments when language barriers made things a bit awkward. But those challenges have only made the connections I've formed even more meaningful. I'm always eager to learn and grow from these experiences.

I'd love to hear about your experiences and perspectives!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

1. Cultural Exchange Enthusiast:
I'm all about connecting with people from around the world! As a Japanese native, I'm super excited to chat with folks from different cultures. It's like traveling without leaving your living room - I get to learn about diverse lifestyles, traditions, and perspectives just by hanging out and talking.

2. Experiences Over Luxury:
Being a student means I'm on a budget, but that's actually a blessing in disguise. Instead of blowing my money on fancy hotels, I'd much rather crash on a couch and spend quality time with awesome hosts. It's not just about saving cash - it's about creating memories and friendships that last way longer than any hotel stay.

3. English Language Ninja-in-Training:
While I can hold my own in English on most topics, I'm always looking to level up my skills. There's nothing like real-world practice to really polish your language abilities. Plus, picking up some slang and local expressions is way more fun than studying from a textbook!

So, if you're up for some cultural exchange, laid-back hangouts, and maybe helping me fine-tune my English, let's connect!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Interests

• fitness
• running
• skiing
• badminton
• neuroscience
• chinese
• gym
• london
• game of thrones
• ski
• swiming
• neuropsychology
• suits
• downton abbey

Music, Movies, and Books

FAVORITE ARTISTS
Ed Sheeran, Avicii, Coldplay, Maroon 5

FAVORITE SONGS
'Dreaming' by Smallpools,
'Daft Punk' by Pentatonix
'Shut Up and Dance' by WALK THE MOON
'One Call Away' by Charlie Puth
and other songs sung by the artists stated above

FAVORITE DRAMA SERIES & MOVIES
Mission Impossible, Harry Potter, The Load of the Rings, Hobbit, 3 Idiots, 007, Men in Black; Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Fargo, Revenge, The Boys, The Big Bang Theory

FAVORITE (GENRES OF) BOOKS
Books related to psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, philosophy, English, … etc.
Harry Potter

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2018, I embarked on a transformative solo expedition along Australia's East Coast, stretching from Sydney's iconic harbor to the tropical paradise of Cairns. This three-week journey pushed me to my limits and unveiled the raw beauty of the Land Down Under.

Picture plummeting 14,000 feet through the sky, the coastline a patchwork of blues and greens far below. That was just the beginning. In Byron Bay, I battled the waves alongside surfers from around the globe, each wipeout teaching me resilience and patience.

A highlight of the trip was exploring the World Heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Here, I found myself behind the wheel of a rugged 4x4, navigating the world's largest sand island. We roared along the beach, waves crashing on one side and towering dunes on the other. The thrill of driving on this natural highway, with the salty wind in my hair, was unmatched. We paused to marvel at pristine freshwater lakes and ancient rainforests growing improbably from the sand.

The journey's pinnacle came underwater in the Great Barrier Reef. Diving into this underwater metropolis, I entered a world of vibrant corals and darting fish, each breath through my regulator a reminder of how far I'd come since my first awkward attempts at communication in Australia years ago.

But this trip wasn't without its challenges. Language barriers still cropped up, leading to moments of confusion and sometimes hilarity. Yet these stumbling blocks became stepping stones, each misunderstanding an opportunity to forge deeper connections with fellow travelers and locals alike.

From deciphering Aussie slang to learning the subtleties of reef ecology from passionate guides, every day brought new lessons. I found myself growing not just in skills like surfing or diving, but in my ability to connect across cultures and embrace the unexpected.

This Australian odyssey was more than a vacation; it was a journey of personal growth set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. It taught me that the most meaningful adventures often lie just beyond our comfort zones, waiting for us to take that first, daring step.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a FITNESS ENTHUSIAST with a passion for strength training and running. Over the course of 4+ years, I've picked up a ton of knowledge about effective workouts, nutrition, recovery, and how to reach various fitness goals. Whether you're looking to perfect your form, build muscle, shed some weight, or boost your running performance, I can share some solid tips and tricks.

But my interests go way beyond just the physical. I'm fascinated by the HUMAN MIND and BEHAVIOR, so I've dived deep into psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and philosophy. This combo of physical and mental knowledge has given me some unique insights into well-being. I even put it into practice as a coach during my college days, which taught me a lot about reading people and tailoring advice to individual needs.

On the language front, I'm fairly fluent in English and have been studying Chinese and Spanish. I find that learning languages opens up whole new ways of thinking and connecting with people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

If you host me, here's a taste of what I can bring to your home:

• A touch of Japanese culture: I'd love to show you the basics of calligraphy or teach you to fold an origami crane. It's a great way to unwind after a long day!

• Fitness tips and tricks: Whether you're looking to boost your workouts or improve your sleep, I've got some practical advice to share. Let's get healthy together!

• Mind-expanding chats: Fascinated by how our brains work or the big questions of life? My background in neuroscience, anthropology, and philosophy means we can dive into some truly captivating conversations.

• AI enthusiasm: If you're curious about the latest in AI and language models, I'm your guy. I can even share some killer tips for learning new languages.

• A listening ear: With my coaching experience, I'm always ready to lend an ear or offer a fresh perspective if you're facing any challenges.

But most importantly, I'm excited to learn about you and your world. Every host has a unique story, and I can't wait to hear yours!

P.S. I'm a respectful guest who'll treat your space with care. Looking forward to potentially sharing your home and creating some great memories!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belgium, China, France, Indonesia, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan