This is Gustav, born and grew up in Taiwan until turning 18, and moved around different countries for 9.5 years.

I plan to keep relocating to another country every few months for entire life, but I am also open to staying in the same country for a bit longer if suitable opportunity pops up. I intend to spend entire life proving that there are no so-called “developed/advanced” and “developing/underdeveloped” countries.

I am extremely open-minded, spontaneous, adventurous. I maintain healthy diet and do not drink or smoke. As a Virgo, I am crazily attentive to detail, and I am a clean freak.

My ultimate goal in life is to live and work in Pyongyang, North Korea for a few years.

My Blog - https://medium.com/@gustavthelifelongnomad

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

*September 2025 Update*
I have been residing in Taiwan for nearly 1 year, and am hoping to leave as soon as possible. That being said, I do hope to come across like-minded souls while I am still here.

*Previous Version*
I am currently taking a gap year, and frankly speaking I do not know how long it will last. I used to live in East Asia, North America, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Africa, and now I am looking for my new home for the next 2 to 3 years, and this is what this gap year is for.

My expectation from Couchsurfing is to connect with like-minded individuals. Please refer to "Teach, Learn, Share" section for further elaboration on what I expect to gain out of this experience.

Interests

• writing
• performing arts
• dancing
• vegetarian
• running
• walking
• politics
• technology
• movies
• blogging
• minimalism
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• backpacking
• sports
• badminton
• entrepreneurship
• history
• languages
• road trips
• food

Music, Movies, and Books

• Music - I am more into either sad songs or songs with strong beats (I know this is a stark contrast); I would love to listen to the popular songs in your country, it doesn't matter whether I can understand the lyrics

• Movies - I have a strong preference for movies that depict the true dark side of the society, e.g. poverty, gangs, drugs, power abuse and social injustice, etc., i.e. the kind of movies that will make audience feel depressed after watching them

• Books - My favorite book in my life in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; it sort of shaped my perspective regarding life

Teach, Learn, Share

• Teach & Share - Please refer to the next section

• Learn - I would love to spend time with you (as long as it does not disturb you) and learn more about how you think about the life in your city. I am not a touristy person (if you are willing to show me around tourist spots I would always appreciate it); I am much more curious about how people go to work, how people buy things, where people go for recreation, etc., like really simple details of day-to-day life in your city. After all, the purpose of this gap year is to find my home for the next 2 to 3 years

What I Can Share with Hosts

*General*
• My previous experience of living and working in / traveling to various countries

*Languages*
• I can teach English (grew up speaking English at home - it is de facto my first language)

*Professional Background*
My LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavpan/

Countries I’ve Visited

Hong Kong, India, Laos, Rwanda, Singapore, Tajikistan, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Cambodia, Canada, China, Kenya, Nepal, Taiwan, Uzbekistan