CURRENT MISSION

Traveling the world as The Backpacker Intern, helping out agencies, brands and charities for food and a place to sleep.

ABOUT ME

Hi! My name is Mark van der Heijden. Born in the city of light: Eindhoven. I used to live in Amsterdam, working as a Creative Copywriter at Lemz, organizing events such as Creatives, Cocktails & Dreams and giving lessons in advertising at the JUNIOR* Academy in Amsterdam.

In order to break down the borders of my comfort zone, I made a big change in my life. Last January I waved goodbye to my job(s), tossed my home into a backpack, and hit the world as 'The Backpacker Intern. In exchange for food and lodgings, I'm helping agencies, brands and charities by providing new perspectives and creative solutions for communication challenges big and small. So far I've worked for companies such as Amnesty International Thailand, McCann Worldgroup Bangkok, DDB Vietnam, TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles and Red Bull Creative in Austria. I worked with the legendary hitmaker Nile Rodgers and served food to homeless people at Kechara Soup Kitchen in Malaysia. You can check out more about the project on: www.thebackpackerintern.com

Besides jumping out of airplanes I love good stories, tennis, photography, underground techno-party's, documentaries, meditation, running, hiking, snowboarding, skateboarding, meeting new people and learning about life.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe everyday is special, especially today.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Because I'm curious, I have loads of friends who used it, and they all loved it. I'm new here so ready for the adventure and people :)

Interests

Explore the world and learn about life by talking with and meeting people.

• photography
• documentaries
• dining
• cocktails
• running
• meditation
• partying
• traveling
• socializing
• hiking
• backpacking
• snowboarding
• skateboarding
• soccer
• tennis
• world cup

Music, Movies, and Books

Moderat, John Mayer, Paul Kalkbrenner, JayZ, Digitalism, Chet Faker, Xavier Rudd, Justice, The National, Richie Hawtin, Solomun, 2manydjs and many more.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've helped out Street Child World Cup in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro. I gave football training to the little kids to help them get out of the drugtrafficking.

Teach, Learn, Share

I've learned a lot of lessons on the road. One of the most important ones it: 'don't judge'. I believe that there is something positive in every person, so just give everyone a chance to show it. You'll end up in the most memorable adventures and conversations.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Life-lessons, stories and great companionship.
I'm also a marketing professional with +7 years experience, I've worked for brands like KLM, Hallmark, Ikea, Doctors without Borders, Audi, Dance4Life, so I can give you advice about branding, help with creatives ideas and inspire you to think big :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Antarctica, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, China, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Netherlands