I am a life-long learner with degrees in Business, International Studies and Education. I have been living and teaching abroad for the past 7 years. I enjoy traveling and meeting people of different cultures. I travel to learn and live to teach.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am couch surfing to host international visitors to my adopted city of Istanbul. I have a great deal of experience assisting people who speak English as a second language, or don't speak English at all...the most important language is always courtesy. With a degree in International Studies, I am interested in all aspects of cultures of the world, especially personal struggles for human dignity, human rights, immigration stories and proverbs and stereo-types from around the world.

Interests

My work is not a job, it's not a career, it's a calling. I am a teacher and a student of the world. I am interested in YOU! Your interests, philosophy, purpose, morals, culture and the struggles therein are interesting to me! Will you share your story with me?

• arts
• culture
• coloring
• education
• human rights
• cooking
• traveling
• socializing
• surfing
• business
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

I am an avid reader and movie watcher. I read and watch movies about women's struggles and the injustice of humanity throughout the world/history. The places I visit in my travels are related to the human struggle: churches, castles, mosques, concentration camps, Native American reservations, monasteries, pow-wows, temples, etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was accepted to a highly competitive private US University at the age of 15 years and have been a life-long learner since then. I began teaching at the age of 8 years when I taught my little sister (then 4 yrs old) to read. I have been teaching ever since.

Teach, Learn, Share

More than a professional teacher, I am artistic. In the past 3 years I have built Ephesus in ancient Turkey for a vacation bible school, Ancient Greek columns, a replica of Notre Dame Cathedral and Roman soldiers for Europe Day at my school. I believe in the power of coloring mandalas to encourage skills of concentration and relaxation in students.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Native English language lessons (if the host so desires.) Experience exchange and comparison. Extensive conversation in many subjects. Homework help for students. Cooking lessons and/or participation. I will also: take out the trash, drive, make costumes, give art lessons, write speeches in English, pose for pictures and record stories in my journal.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Belize, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, France, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan

Countries I’ve Lived In

South Korea, Turkey, United States