I'm a doctoral student in International and Multicultural Education at the University of San Francisco, passionate about using education and peacebuilding to advance social justice. I'm a student, teacher, writer, and traveler - a blend of tradition and rebellion. My journeys often take me to borderlands and conflict zones, driven by a spirit of learning.

Though born in 1990, I feel like I belong to an earlier era - drawn to the classic sounds and stories of the 1960s–80s.

I love solo travel, reading, writing travel blogs, drawing comics, and lately, capturing candid moments through photography. Cooking is my creative outlet - healthy, frugal, and fun.

I’m an ambivert who values sincere connection. Spiritually, I’m a questioning agnostic with Buddhist roots.

Blog: https://tonnutuongvy.wordpress.com/category/my-thinking/english-writing/

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m all for sharing ways to save money and learning from diverse people along the way.

Interests

Cats, cats, cats, education, culture, traveling, drawing, writing and Harry Potter

• writing
• books
• education
• reading
• traveling
• drawing
• communications
• teaching
• volunteering
• photographing

Music, Movies, and Books

Book: Identity and Violence: "The Illusion of Destiny" (politics, religion, identity), "Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window" (liberal education)
Music: Pop music, folk music, lullabies from countries around the world as a way to learn about cultures by feeling
Movie: "The Sound of Music", "The Three Idiots", "PK" - about education

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I published my first book, Beyond the Boundaries, in Vietnam - a collection of reflections from my travels across several countries, blending personal insights on history, religion, culture, education, and the environment. It also includes fun stories, spooky moments, friendships, and even a few crushes.

Currently, I’m working on my second book, Behind the Conflicts, which explores peace and conflict through experiences I’ve had - both directly and indirectly - during my journeys. It covers stories of refugees, stateless communities, politics, religion, and education.

One unforgettable (and nearly fatal) solo trip took me to an Islamic insurgency area in Mindanao, Philippines. I made it home safely, but lost my voice for two weeks afterward.

As for comics, I’ve been drawing since forever. In high school, a teacher once reported me for doodling everywhere: in notebooks, textbooks, tissues, even on the study desk. She never discovered my best "canvas" though: the wall hidden behind the TV cabinet. A harmless crime, I’d say.

Teach, Learn, Share

I’m open to learning anything the host is willing to share. I’m observant, and if we connect well, any topic can become something worth exploring. I also know how to balance conversation with quiet - sometimes, we don’t need to talk much to feel at ease. Just let me know.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’m happy to share skills in language teaching and peacebuilding, recommend some great educational movies, and swap stories about history and culture.

As a former Vietnamese language instructor at UNC Chapel Hill, I can also teach you a few useful phrases. Perfect if you are planning a trip to Vietnam.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam