It has been my dream for as long as I can remember to work abroad and make a real impact on the world. After finishing up my studies, I saw the perfect opportunity - a position as a UN Volunteer with UNESCO in Jakarta, Indonesia. I was over the moon when I got selected for the role. This was my chance to combine my passions for sustainable development and international work.

Moving to Jakarta was definitely a big adjustment at first. As someone who had never lived far from my family, the distance and culture shock were tough to get used to. I went through periods of serious homesickness, missing the familiar sights, sounds and tastes of home. In those moments, I would video call my family or dig out old photos to feel connected to them. But slowly, I started to build a new network of colleagues and local friends who really helped me settle in and feel at home.

One of the biggest misconceptions I ran into about Indonesia was the assumption that it would be hard for me to find halal food and practice my Muslim faith. But I was pleasantly surprised to discover that as the world's largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia made it super easy for me to access mosques, halal restaurants, and all the resources I needed to maintain my religious practices. In fact, a lot of Indonesians were really curious to learn more about my culture and beliefs.

A similar thing happened when I got to talk to foreigners about my home country of Saudi Arabia. I was shocked by how many people I met had completely outdated and incorrect ideas about the place. They pictured this super conservative, restrictive and dangerous country. But from my firsthand experience, Saudi Arabia is actually this beautiful, vibrant and welcoming place with an incredible cultural heritage. I loved being able to share my perspective and bust those myths that Westerners seem to have about my home.

Overall, my time as a UN Volunteer in Indonesia has been unbelievably rewarding, both professionally and personally. I’ve gotten to contribute to so many important sustainable development initiatives, while also broadening my own horizons and learning so much. The highs and lows of living overseas have taught me so much about being adaptable, culturally sensitive, and keeping an open mind. I am so grateful for this opportunity to make a difference, and I can’t wait for all of the adventures still to come.