Hey world!

My name is Zhanat, and I am an international student from Kazakhstan.

I moved to Minnesota for college. Before that I spent in India studying at an international school/movement - UWC.

I like spontaneous adventures as I like the philosophy of living in the moment.

Currently: Chicago
From: Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
UWC Alumni 🌍

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I really like the idea of bringing people together and making this world a more friendly place.
I, personally, like meeting new people. However, I find it difficult with complete strangers. Therefore, this is one of the ways I can seek my discomfort. I would love to become more open to people.

Interests

I am interested in Economics and Computer Science. For now I am planning to double major in both of them.

I am in love with philosophy of BJJ and Grappling. I am currently in my college's wrestling team.

Being raised in Almaty (the most beautiful city in Kazakhstan) - the city surrounded by mountains - I fell in love with anything connected to outdoors; I like hiking, skiing, ice skating, and cycling.

I also like playing basketball. I do not have advanced skills. However, I enjoy it a lot.

I really like meeting new people, especially those who have a different background/perspective than mine.

• hiking
• skiing
• basketball
• wrestling
• economics
• different cultures
• ice skating
• bjj
• being outdoors
• grappling
• computers science

Music, Movies, and Books

TV Series: Suits, White Collar, Black Mirror, The Flash, Limitless.
Currently reading: Freakonomics.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I survived the IB. I would not call this a big achievement. However, it takes some nerves. It is a starting point - better things are waiting for me!

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: about Central Asia, especially my home country; about UWC movement; about being a student at St. Olaf College; I can also teach you what I have learned in my first session in college - Principles of Economics and Computer Science, History of Modern Russian and Religion from material perspectives.

Learn: differences, cultures; languages; food.

Share: stories; experience.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good company, hugs, cuddles! My stories and experience :) Sometimes, I have some Kazakh food to share :p

Countries I’ve Visited

Armenia, Egypt, India, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Armenia, India, Kazakhstan, United States