Hello! Hola! Kaixo! 你好! Bonjour!

I’m Mason and I am traveling to learn all about language, culture, and world perspectives. I studied Linguistics in University and I believe that learning a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th…) language is very important to increase cultural awareness and mutual understanding. Back home in Minnesota, USA, I teach people Spanish and English. In this life, education levels the playing field, and I believe in high-quality education for all. On the side, I like to make smartphone apps and games to help people learn.

On this trip, I would like to improve my Spanish, learn some Basque and maybe Catalán, learn about the history and politics of Spain and Europe first-hand, and of course meet a bunch of people!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I haven’t used Couchsurfing before, but it seems perfect for this trip. I want to connect with local people on this trip and learn YOUR perspectives on the world. I want to know what life is like for people in the communities that I visit, not just stay in hotels or Air BnBs that cater to tourists. I’m considering a big move in the future, too, so there seems to be no better way to experience the day-to-day life of residents in Spain (and wherever I end up).

Interests

• arts
• coffee
• politics
• reading
• hiking
• martial arts
• rock climbing
• languages
• philosophy
• bicycle

Music, Movies, and Books

I love most music, especially kind of old-timey 50’s-60’s-70’s American rock, funk, jazz, and soul, the old Crooners like Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin, 90’s Rap, and lots of random Spanish artists (from Latinamerica and Spain alike), and some Indie stuff. Good music from any language!

Recently, I’ve watched and loved Inception, BlacKkKlansman, Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Perfect Days (amazing Japanese film about a bathroom cleaner). A good movie is good, regardless of genre.

I read mostly nonfiction stuff, like some good philosophy, history, science, and politics, but I will read anything if it’s in a foreign language (I have a Chinese copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid), I absolutely cherish the Lord of the Rings trilogy (amazing books), and some poetry on occasion.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I just recently got my purple belt (5th Kyu) in Shotokan Karate! It was hard fought and I almost fainted cause I was pushing myself as hard as I could. I still have a very, very long way to go with the art, and I train nearly every day. It’s kind of addicting.

Teach, Learn, Share

One of my main goals is to improve my Spanish and learn some of the other languages of Iberia (Basque and Catalán). So, if you speak any of these languages, I hope you are ready to practice with me! I might have many annoying questions for you. I am especially interested in literature, sayings, and music for these languages/cultures.

If you have any martial arts experience, especially in Karate, it would be fun to discuss and practice applications (bunkai), or whatever knowledge you have.

I am actually TEFL certified, so if you are learning English, I’d be happy to teach you! As a linguist and native of the USA, I hope that my language skills and knowledge are helpful for teaching/improving your English.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I’m conscientious of my space and happy to accommodate however possible. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help out around the place!

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States