Mabuhay! I'm Franchesca with an h from the Philippines, Frans for short. I'm currently on my Erasmus year in Liepaja University, Latvia where I study European languages and culture. Although I was born and raised in the heart of my Philippines, I grew up in a very multi-cultural environment. My grandmother, who is originally from Barcelona, taught me at an early age to always be curious about other cultures and places. From then on, I had always been eager to meet other people and learn from new encounters and experiences.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm fairly new to this, but we've all got to start somewhere, right? While I'm on Erasmus year, I'd like to explore Europe as much as I can through connecting with different people. I think that no matter what degree I get in University, it can't substitute for the authentic experience of meeting locals, fellow travelers, and hosts.

Interests

• literature
• volunteer work
• painting
• cultural immersion
• research
• languages and cultures
• diplomacy
• drag queens
• cultural heritage
• history of art
• migration
• academia
• figure skating
• model united nations
• migrants

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC:
I listen a lot to Paul Anka and Audrey Hepburn songs, but I also jam out to Lady Gaga, One Direction and Taylor Swift. My favorite musicals are In the Heights, Dear Evan Hansen, and Hamilton

MOVIES:
I've probably watched every Hitchcock movie at least twice. I enjoy horror, thrillers, and classics the most.

BOOKS:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Trilogy) by Stieg Larsson
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
I am Malala and We are Displaced by Malala Yousafzai
Perhaps anything written by Stephen King

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'm very passionate about Migrant studies. Back in my freshman year in college, I presented my research entitled "HANAPBUHAY: Respect, Status, and Domestic Work in Italy," in an International University conference in Rome. My entire trip was crowdfunded and partially subsidized by my University, where I am currently on scholarship. I hope that, in the long term, I'll be able to work with people who want to better conditions for migrants in Europe.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can share all about my hometown, Manila, and all about the Philippines. I can also share about my experience working with migrants, the deaf community, and social work.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My stories and my experiences.

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Latvia, Philippines, South Korea