My name is Ian Powers. In December 2018, I graduated from university with a degree in Business Communications and an emphasis in Environmental Sustainability. I am passionate about protecting the planet - so I am spending 2019 traveling around the thing I am passionate about protecting most! I have also been learning French on my own and through tutors the past 2 years and am looking for authentic experiences and conversations if presented the opportunity to meet a francophone. As for myself, I am a tennis instructor (who loves tennis, especially Roger Federer) in the United States who also loves cycling and hiking. Additionally, I love creative endeavors such as painting, writing, reading, filmmaking, etc. S

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am on couch surfing not as a "budget travel" option, but as a means to have sincere and genuine experiences with a vast diversity of people across the world. I love to engage with new cultures and see the real life of people in places from rural to urban, small to big. I love to share stories and meet new, like-minded people that wish to create meaningful conversation and friendly relationships. I hope to use Couchsurfing as a tool for creating lifelong memories with interesting people. I also hope to provide this same level of interest and bonding with those that generously and graciously allow me to stay in there homes. I hope to be a part of your lifelong fond memories as well!

Interests

I have been a competitive junior level and collegiate tennis player in the United States while also being a certified tennis instructor the past 4 years.
I am deeply passionate about cycling and have competed in two century races (100 mile non-stop bike races). I own a teal Bianchi bike from the 1980s.
I love watching and making films and have directed and written a short film that was accepted into a New York and British film festival.
I love to run.
I love hiking, camping, kayaking, and virtually anything outdoors. Canada has some of the best hiking I have ever done.
I love cooking for myself and creating and trying new dishes (Indian food being my favorite).
I love learning new languages and am currently around an Intermediate-Advanced level of French. After acquiring a comfortable enough level in French I intend to move onto Italian.

• movies
• traveling
• volunteer work
• music
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• tennis
• golf
• teaching
• software
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

No Favorites, But Three Movies that I can Always Watch:
- The Shining
- Ferris Bueller's Day Off
- The Social Network
No Favorites, But Three Series that I can Always Watch:
- The Office (Ok, this is a favorite)
- Breaking Bad
- Dix Pourcent (French series)

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have jumped out of a plane over 10,000 feet in the sky. (skydiving)

Teach, Learn, Share

I would love to learn more about your lifestyle, community, and culture.
I would love to learn about your travels and lessons you've learned along the way.
I can share these same things.
I would also love to learn and speak more French if at all possible.
I can share help with the English language if asked.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share midwest meals and stories. I can help teach quick tutorials on video editing software. I can give a tennis lesson (certified USTA teacher). I can help you take better photos and provide help with photography/cameras. I can provide an easy-going and courteous atmosphere. I can cook for you. I can answer any question you have about American culture. I can talk philosophy, the environment, sports, art, culture, politics, anything.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States