My name is Karina. I would describe myself as spontaneous, curious, outgoing, adventurous, talkative, outspoken, and friendly. I am an American born to a Jamaican Chinese mother and a Jamaican, Chinese, Irish father. My immediate family lives in America while the rest of my family lives in Jamaica. I also have close family members currently living in the Bahamas, Germany, and England. Because of my diverse family, I have always been intrigued by traveling, food, culture, and language. I am currently really trying to learn Spanish because of the huge Hispanic population making up Miami makes it very difficult to get a job only knowing English. Now that I am done with school, I would like to take by British passport and move to Spain to teach English as well as learn Spanish.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am planning to get certified in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) in Spain through a program in January 2016. The program certifies me after a 4 week course in Madrid and then sends my resume out to hundreds of schools so I can begin to work and get paid teaching English. I don't know anyone in Spain and I am very interested in meeting people my own age to show me around and possibly couchsurf between the time after I finish my certification to the transition period of finding my own place.

Interests

I'm a big foodie! I LOVE seafood, trying new food, and will never say no to Asian food. I love wine (bring on the sangria), rum, and fruity cocktails. I love music, fashion, and art but I'm not technical or a professional; I simply just enjoy them. I have a few tattoos and piercings. Basically, all spontaneous decisions. I love the warm weather, growing up around the beach. I've never seen snow :( As adventurous as I can be, I enjoy sleeping almost just as much. Although, I don't plan to do much of that while traveling abroad. I am interested in any new experiences I can try. I am a people person and ALL people interest me: weird, unique, different people. I want to hear of people's stories, backgrounds, and experiences.

• arts
• culture
• writing
• fashion
• tattoos
• piercings
• dining
• seafood
• cooking
• wine
• cocktails
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

My love for music ranges from reggae to hip hop to r&b to house to pop and basically anything that has a great beat and catchy lyrics. I would love to go to a music festival of any type as stated above!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Moving to Spain by myself without knowing anyone will definitely be the most amazing thing I'll ever do.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you and help you perfect your English. I can also help you broaden your cooking skills with influences from America, China/Japan, and Jamaica. My parents have these cooking influences that I've picked up on very well :) I would also love to share conversations, experiences, and new adventures.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I will cook for you and help you perfect your English skills whether it is in reading, writing, or speaking.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Scotland

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States