Hello there! My name is Zina, but most of the people call me just Zi:) I come from Siberian part of Russian Federation, republic of Buryatia (Бурятия). I am a specialist in Oriental Studies, especially Mongolian and Chinese languages. I got a Bachelor's degree in my home city - Ulan-Ude, which is a capital of my home republic. Since 2016 I have been living in a beautiful city of Saint Petersburg and recently graduated from Saint Petersburg State University.
While living here I was working as an English teacher for children. I love working with kids!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

During my time at university I traveled a lot and visited many interesting places. After this being a usual tourist seems like the most boring thing in the world! Hotels and hostel are fun and comfortable, but what interests me most is always the local people who can tell and show much more. For the last 5 years I have been living in student dormitories and right now I am not a settled person, that's why I can't host other people myself.

Interests

• dancing
• music
• ethnic music
• philosphy
• oriental philosophy

Music, Movies, and Books

I am a big fan of music and like to sing myself. I think that songs is an amazing way to learn and maintain knowledge of languages.
Even though my playlist is literally neverending and you can find pieces of every musical jenre, here are some of my favorite musicians and bands: Florence and the Machine, Bastille, Lana del Rey, Lykke Li, MØ, Haloo Helsinki etc.
As for the books, the last thing I read was Pride and Prejudice and right now I am reading Jane Air. I don't have a favorite writer and a favorite book, but I am actively looking for it.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The coolest thing that I've done is my 10 days trip through Trans Siberian Railway. I took a train from my homecity, Ulan-Ude, and stoped in Novosibirsk, Ekaterinburg, Kazan, for two night in each, and finally reached Moscow!

Teach, Learn, Share

Traveling is an essential part of my education, since I specialise in studying other countries and their cultures. Apart from that, I have been a teacher too. I like to answer questions, so you can ask me things about my education or work experience and I will answer them with pleasure!

What I Can Share with Hosts

The most interesting thing about me is my knowledge and experience.
I can tell you a lot of interesting things about life in Siberia, Mongolia and how much Western way of living differs from Eastern. I can't play a guitar but I sing quite well :)
I can teach you some Russian/Mongolian/Chinese or babysit with your child or a pet:)

Countries I’ve Visited

Estonia, Finland, Mongolia, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mongolia, Russian Federation