Hi there! Reading this will be the first step for you and me to get to know each other. I will be brief about the facts - and talk a bit more about my personality.

My name is Dico van Dissel - a Dutch guy living in Amsterdam. Throughout my life I have attached great value to education. I have always been really eager to learn new stuff in the broadest range of disciplines. I am interested in economics, sociology, politics, law, religion, culture, physics, mathematics, human body, and the environment. Yet, I am most interested in conversations, especially those in which everything comes together!

I studied economics and environmental science at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, after which I pursued a degree in Environmental Change & Management at the University of Oxford in England. One could say that my main interest is to study how we can deal with our fellow global citizens and the environment in such a way that is sustainable.

Other than that, I am highly fascinated by meeting new people - especially from all sorts of countries in the world. I love to explore how we think and feel differently about some things and totally the same about others.

I am an absolute coffee lover, I like to go party and playing sports is one of the ways in which I can free my mind. So..

What about you? ;)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on Couchsurfing to meet people like you! To exchange experiences, to make new ones together and to get to know the world.

Interests

See above - 'About Me'

• culture
• education
• environment
• coffee
• partying
• politics
• reading
• socializing
• sports
• economics
• teaching
• history
• law
• mathematics
• physics
• religion
• science
• sociology

Music, Movies, and Books

I have to talk in general terms in here, since limiting my favourite music to one song, or favourite books to one book would discredit to many other beautiful works of art.

My favourite music gives me energy (dance), makes me feel cosy (jazz) or sentimental about life (classic).

I must say that I am very open-minded about works of art, and I like to hear/see/read the recommendations of others.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Ouch, that's a lot of pressure for a Dutch person. Dutch people are not that prone to talk about themselves in terms of 'amazing things' that we have done.

One amazing thing I'd like to share though, is that I convinced my grandparents in 2014 - about 80 years old and who have not often been outside of the Netherlands - to come with me to a trip to Rome. They are really interested in Christian history, for which Rome is obviously the place to be.

Although they are quite vital for their age, this trip was rather intensive for them. There were times they got home at the end of the day and were really exhausted, but their smiles throughout this week in Rome were unprecedented in terms of happiness. I am really happy I pushed them to go on this experience. And I little proud of myself that I managed to leave Rome with them without getting pick-pocketed.

Teach, Learn, Share

I wholeheartedly believe in learning throughout your entire life, while sharing what you have learned with others, and teaching others later on in your life.

I think learning, sharing and teaching is one of the things that couchsurfing is about.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I think most importantly I can share with hosts my endless curiosity, a positive attitude and an open mind for all sorts of things.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, China, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Viet Nam, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Netherlands