Gå til indhold

Q&A fra tidligere praktikanter

Testimonials from previous interns

This page is dedicated to our previous interns at the Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh. On this page you will find statements about their work experiences as interns,  but also their personal impressions of the people, culture, and life in Saudi Arabia.

Anne Sofie 

Name: Anne-Sofie Hagemann
Education: MA in law
Internship period: February 2022 – July 2022
Role: Political Intern
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

I was monitoring the regional and international news on a daily basis. I also attended meetings and wrote reports on various political topics such as human rights, domestic and foreign political affairs as well as economic and financial affairs. 

What did you learn?

I learned about how diplomacy works and how some things changes rapidly while others happen over time. I also learned about Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Bahrain and Oman and their differences and similarities. I gained a lot of academic skills while working as an intern and this has been very useful ever since.

What was your best experience?

To me, the most valuable thing was the many interesting conversations I shared with the friends I met in Riyadh. One of my best experiences was playing soccer at Al Yamanah FC and hiking in the desert. I also really enjoyed working at the embassy.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

The Saudi people are very welcoming – and with a good sense of humor. People live by “Arab timing” which means no one is in a rush. I felt safe the whole time – also when I was on my own.

What is your best advice to future interns?

Do things that makes you happy and enjoy all the funny and wonderful moments. Be open-minded and go on as many adventures as you can.

Freja Rimmen

Name: Freja Rimmen Noe                
Education: Political Science, University of Copenhagen
Internship period: 01.08.2021-01.02.2022
Role: Political Intern
Placement: Royal Danish Embassy Riyadh 

What were your main assignments?

My main assignment was to attend political meetings and help produce political reports that were send back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Denmark. Furthermore, I took care of the daily media coverage and assisted with different ad hoc assignments in the political team.

What did you learn?

I learned a lot about how the Danish MFA operates abroad and what the day-to-day work on an embassy is like. Moreover, I learned a lot about the countries that we cover from the embassy in Riyadh, which was very interesting and motivating compared to learning about the region from a distance.

What was your best experience?

I had many great experiences during my stay in Saudi Arabia but one that comes to mind very quickly was my participation in the Global Goals World Cup, which was the first football tournament for women ever held in Saudi Arabia. It was a manifestation of the rapid progress in the country, which was just amazing to be a part of. Besides from that, I had a great road trip around the country where I explored many of the beautiful and historic places that the country has to offer. Moreover, I also had some great trips to Bahrain and Oman and just a lot of good times with the friends that I made during my stay.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

Living in Saudi Arabia is a very special experience. You can easily feel that the country has undergone a rapid progress and growth while still holding on to their solid cultural and religious foundation which is a combination that is very interesting to experience on first hand. Living on the embassy was very nice and Riyadh has a lot of great things to offer in terms of restaurants, events and so on while also having a lot of unique travel destinations close by which makes it an attractive place to spend half a year. Last, but not least, the embassy is a very nice working place with great colleagues.

What is your best advice to future interns?

My best advice would be to be curious and aware of your own bias when you discover the Saudi culture. If you approach the local way of living and discover the country with a curious mind, a lot of things can be learned and you will return back to Denmark with a different perspective on many things which might be the most precious souvenir of all. This will also take you the furthest in terms of making local friends which I would also highly recommend future interns to do a pro-active effort to get. 

 

THILDE

Name: Thilde Asmussen
Education: BA in Middle Eastern studies, MA in Journalism
Internship period: February 2021 – July 2021
Role: Political Intern
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

 

What were your main assignments?

As the political intern, I had to monitor the daily news – international and local – in order to follow the development within the Gulf region. I also reported on different political topics, analyzed political strategies implemented in Saudi Arabia and monitored the COVID-19 situation. Another assignment as an intern is to prepare and participate in meetings.

 

What did you learn?

The internship gave me a chance to experience the rapid changes the region is facing firsthand. Throughout my studies I have read a lot about Saudi Arabia, but to work in the country gave me a great deal of insight on the political affairs. Furthermore, I also got to learn how an embassy works on a daily basis and the options (and limitations), when you are working within diplomacy.

 

What was your best experience?

A Saudi friend invited me to spend the Eid holiday in the Southern part of the country with her and her family, which was a great experience and a good example of the Saudi hospitality. However, my best experience has been the nights in Riyadh with my friends at random coffeeshops and shady restaurants. I also didn’t have to cook for six months which was great.

 

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

On my first night out in Riyadh, I saw a fully covered woman who was riding a skateboard. To me, this is a perfect picture of the Saudi life – a great mix between modernity and tradition. The only problem I faced while living in Saudi was the lack of sleep, since me and my friends often had discussions that lasted throughout the night.

 

What is your best advice to future interns?

Remember that time flies when you are having fun and Saudi is definitely a lot fun – especially if you stay openminded and positive towards the different people you meet.

Mads 

Name: Mads Peter Bendrup Faurholt
Education:
 
MA in International Security and Law
Internship period: 
February 2021-July 2021
Role:
Trade Intern
Placement: 
The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

My assignments varied a lot. I supported Danish export in the region, which included setting up meetings with local authorities, doing market research for Danish companies, attend meetings with other EU commercial counsellors, organizing events for the Embassy’s Business Club Denmark, writing a report on the Danish export market to Saudi Arabia, finding promising commercial opportunities in the market for Danish companies, and much more. 

What did you learn?

During my internship, I learned a lot about how a Danish representation is organized and works and what companies take into consideration when approaching a market like Saudi Arabia. I worked with five highly competent colleagues in the trade department, who taught me a great deal about teamwork and collaboration. I also learned how to structure a project, set deadlines and how to better achieve the goals I set for myself.

What was your best experience?

My best experience in Saudi Arabia was without a doubt the welcoming and hospitable atmosphere. ‘The more the merrier’ lies at the heart of Saudi social life, which made it so much easier for me to move to the country and feel at home instantly. You are always welcome to join a social gathering and wherever you go people are genuinely excited to get to know you and make new friends. 

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

Coming from Denmark, living in Saudi Arabia was a lot of things, but above all else it was easy. Of course you have to be aware of certain things that are different from other places, but I never felt unwelcome or like a stranger in Saudi Arabia. Contrarily, I felt completely safe no matter where I went in the country and relied on the impression that everyone truly wants the best for each other.

What is your best advice to future interns?

I would advise future interns to meet Saudi Arabia with an open mind. Leave your prejudices in Denmark and form your own personal experience and impression of the great desert kingdom.

 


Name: 
Samer Shaker

Education: MA in Political Science
Internship period: September 2020-January 2021
Role: Political intern
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What where your main assignments?

My main assignments were to monitor the news in the region and report on various political topics, which includes domestic and foreign political affairs in the region, policy developments, G20, human rights, and the issues related to the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, I prepared and participated in several external meetings.

What did you learn?

The biggest take away from the internship was definitely the first hand experience of diplomacy and specially how it has been affected by the pandemic. You get deep insight into the functions of and the daily work at an embassy. I also had the chance to use and improve my skills and tools within the frame of political analysis, which I have found incredibly useful.

What was your best experience?

Riyadh is developing extremely quickly, and it can sometimes seem difficult to escape the various malls and fancy restaurants. However, there is a lot of traditional things to do in Riyadh, and my best experiences was definitely within that realm. I cannot narrow it down to one single experience, but I really appreciated the traditional and cultural experiences that Riyadh has to offer. Sitting around the bonfire at night in the middle of the desert, eating traditional food on the ground, or walking around in the traditional Saudi Arabia were all experiences that I thoroughly enjoyed.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

I was surprised about how relatively easy I found life in Saudi Arabia. People are extremely friendly and generous, and it is easy to make friends. Despite the COVID-19 situation, Saudi Arabia had a lot to offer and I actually did not experience a huge difference between my life in Riyadh and my daily life in Copenhagen.

What is your best advice to future interns?

My best advice would be to try to get outside of the Diplomatic Quarter and talk with locals. Riyadh and Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer, and speaking with and getting to know locals are incredible gateways to the different experiences Saudi has to offer. Apart from being positive and open to new experiences I would also advice people to actively seek new and different experiences.

Alexander
Name: 
Alexander Benjamin Brüssow

Education: Bc.s in Economics and Business Administration 
Internship period: September 2020-January 2021
Role: Commercial intern
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

My main assignments were to assist in doing research for Danish companies, organizing webinars with Danish companies and Saudi stakeholders, and creating a situation report on the Saudi market under the COVID-19 pandemic. Your work week and assignments are very hard to narrow down as a commercial intern in Saudi Arabia, because of the continuous flow of new opportunities coming from all sorts of different Danish companies, that you must assist. 

What did you learn? 

I learned to translate some of my theoretical knowledge of exporting into practical terms and how an embassy assists Danish companies on an every-day basis. I also learned some of the strategic moves that companies consider and what they need to take into consideration, when establishing and/or developing their market-position or market-entry on an international market.

What was your best experience?

It is hard to narrow all the experiences down to one single thing – There was a lot of experiences that I will cherish for a long time. However, when I think back upon my internship in Saudi Arabia, I always think of our trip to Nofa Golf resort, playing a round of golf while enjoying the same amazing weather during the fall-period Saudi Arabia, and the luxurious surroundings on the golf course – There is something terrifying, yet fascinating, hitting a driver-shot and then driving 20 meters and seeing an “alligator-pool” to your left, while playing golf.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is a special country to live in. Living in the Diplomatic Quarter gives you the possibility of creating relationships with a lot of different nationalities, who you will end up spending a lot of time with. Furthermore, the Saudi people are very warm and welcoming, that introduces you to a lot of the “authentic” experiences, that Saudi Arabia has to offer. 

What is your best advice to future interns?

First, learn what “Arab time” means. Secondly, stay open-minded and be a yes-person in the first couple of months. Saudi Arabia is amazing when you know people, whether they are Saudi or non-Saudis. Do as much as you can in the short amount of time you have because the internship will go by very fast.   

Ellen og Line
Name: 
Line Victoria Blirup Jensen

Education: BA in Political Science, MA in Political Science
Internship period: February 2020 – July 2020
Role: Intern in the Political Section
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

As the political intern, I was responsible for monitoring international and regional news media and the daily news coverage, as well as preparing and participating in external meetings and conferences. I was primarily engaged in pertaining foreign and domestic political affairs, G20, human rights, economic and financial affairs and sector political developments. I also assisted the Embassy during the COVID-19 crisis.

What did you learn?

The internship gave a comprehensive insight to the political and economic affairs in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Yemen and the Middle East in general. I was able to learn first-hand about the more practical aspects of diplomacy and the daily work at an Embassy. As an intern, I quickly learned how to adjust to the rapid changes, which is an essential part of working in an unpredictable work environment.

What was your best experience?

I have had numerous experiences both personally and professionally, such as driving up the west coast, sleeping in a Bedouin tent in the desert, attending a horse race with the Ambassador or covering a G20 conference at the Ritz. Although I would say, the most memorable experience was witnessing the changes Saudi Arabia is undergoing and the progress the country is moving towards.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

It is hard to describe Saudi Arabia to anyone who has not been there because just in the short amount of time I was able to live there so many changes were taking place on a daily basis. You really only hear about a fraction of it in the media or in the studies, so having the opportunity to live there and be a part of it was amazing. Although it is different both socially and culturally, I was able to meet so many wonderful people during my stay, which has given me lifelong friendships all over the world.

What is your best advice for future interns?

Stay open-minded, adventurous and curious. There is so much to experience in Saudi Arabia both culturally and socially. Do not hesitate to try new things and share it with other people you do not necessarily know beforehand. The most memorable experiences will be the unexpected and unplanned events that occurs when you deviate from the original plan. Somehow, everything always works out in Saudi Arabia. And last but not least – learn the meaning of “inshallah”.

Ellen og Line
Name: 
Ellen Haahr Rittenhofer

Education: BA in Arabic and Islamic Studies, MA in International Security and Law
Internship period: February 2020 – July 2020
Role: Intern in the Commercial Section
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

My main assignments were to create content for the Business Club Denmark newsletters, website editing, attending EU commercial meetings, write cables from the meetings, and to communicate with Danish companies.

What did you learn?

I learned a lot about economic diplomacy and the important tasks that an embassy executes every day. I also gained some great marketing and research skills. 

What was your best experience?

I have had many great experiences in Saudi Arabia. It has been amazing to experience how kind and friendly the locals are and to get to make new friendships. Travelling around Saudi Arabia in a rented car with my co-intern Line was also an unforgettable adventure. I would recommend to everyone going to Saudi Arabia to do the same. 

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

Much easier than you think. As a woman, I could easily walk and drive around alone to visit some of Riyadh's many wonderful restaurants, malls, attractions, etc. Living in Saudi Arabia was quite easy and offered many interesting encounters despite the COVID-19 situation.

What is your best advice to future interns?

Try to get out of the Diplomatic Quarter and make friends with the locals. This is the best way to get to know the many different aspects of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, of course just remember to enjoy your time here and make sure you see as much of the region as possible. 


Name:
Victor Simon Lindegaard Jacobsen

Education: MA in Contemporary Middle East Studies
Internship period: February 2019 – July 2019
Role: Intern in the Political Section
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

During my time as Political Intern, I had quite a varied portfolio of assignments. I engaged in assignments pertaining to foreign- and domestic affairs, security policy, economic and financial affairs as well as tourism. In simpler terms, I had daily assignments concerning monitoring and analysing the developments in the countries that the embassy covers, which is done with open-source information as well as meeting diplomats and other contacts. I also had larger assignments, such as preparing and implementing the Danish contribution to the Nordic booth at Riyadh Travel Fair, analysing the renewable energy market in Saudi Arabia and the presentation of the economic section of the Middle East Peace Process plan.

What did you learn?

Arriving as a university student, you essentially learn how to turn all of your knowledge from your academic studies into tangible results, which is both fun and challenging. At the same time, you get this incredible experience of Danish diplomacy in action, which is something no amount of studying will provide you. I would also say that I learned a lot about myself, for example how I handled myself under pressure, which you will face often with the region’s unpredictability.

What was your best experience?

Aside from the exciting challenges you experience at work, it is hard to simply name a few. Nevertheless, on a personal note, I will always remember all the people that I met whilst I was there and the experience of visiting a country that is unbeknownst to most back home.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

Way easier than I imagined before arriving in the country. Once you get over the traffic and being awoken in the morning by the call to prayer, it is quite easy to settle into life in Riyadh. Another difference is also how quickly a trip can be set up; you might meet a friend of a friend on a Tuesday evening and then get invited on a camping trip to the desert on Thursday. On a side note, I think that it should be mentioned that the general hospitality and friendliness of people in Saudi Arabia is something that I consider an untold story.    

What is your best advice to future interns?

I would give the same advice as I was given when I arrived: go out, meet people and try as many things as you can while you are there. 

 

Name: Julie Andersen
Education: Arabic and Islamic Studies/International Communication
Internship period: February 2019 – August 2019
Role: Commercial Trainee
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh


What were your main assignments?

I had a big variety of assignments as an intern in the Commercial Section. I would attend EU commercial meetings, business meetings with Danish and Saudi Arabian companies and sector specific events hosted by the Embassy. During the meetings and events, I would take notes and photos for articles and/or reports. I have been highly involved in creating/maintaining the Embassy’s social media platforms. My main focus in this area was to build and develop the Trade Council Riyadh’s LinkedIn profile. Furthermore, I have assisted in creating content for our Business Club Denmark (BCD) reports as well as arranging and conducting events for the Embassy and the BCD.

What did you learn?

Being an intern at the Royal Danish Embassy has been extremely educating in many ways. You work with diplomacy on a daily basis, and you learn how to operate effectively as part of a team in a busy and somewhat unpredictable work environment, where schedules and priorities often need to be rearranged. You also get to experience a unique country that has been closed for tourism until recently, and a country that is going through major changes. You witness these changes firsthand, and you get to be part of this transition, which is an incredible experience in itself.

What was your best experience?

It is impossible to name just one. The internship itself has offered many great experiences both professionally and personally. I got to challenge and develop myself every day at work. At the same time, I built strong friendships and relations and went on beautiful trips and visits around the region.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

It is an interesting place to live in. As mentioned, you witness the changes happening from day to day, making Saudi Arabia more and more open and with increasing opportunities to have fun or activities to engage in in your private time. “Now is the time to be here” we often say to each other - and it really is!

What is your best advice to future interns?

Just do it! Be socially active, challenge yourself at work and grasp the opportunity to explore a huge and diverse country.


Name: Jonas Stengaard Jensen
Education:
BA in History, currently studying for an MA in Analytical Journalism
Internship period: August 2019 – January 2020
Role: Intern in the Political Section
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

As responsible for compiling the daily news overview at the Embassy, my main function was to monitor developments in the Saudi Arabian society and the Gulf region in general. As part of the political team, I got the opportunity to attend diplomatic meetings, conferences and other events and assist in writing reports. As an intern, I also had the pleasure of making sure that the Embassy was running smoothly on a more practical level by keeping the Embassy website up to date, preparing materials and organizing entertainment for internal Embassy events.

What did you learn?

Getting a break from academic university studies and getting to do a job that benefits my country has been both a rewarding and enlightening experience. I learned how to function efficiently as part of a team and make independent analysis of events in a wide range of topics from international security issues to sports and entertainment. This internship really sharpened my ability to quickly establish an overview of recent events and write concise and thorough reports.

What was your best experience?

I was swept away by the warm welcome of the Saudi Arabian people on their National Day. The Saudis cheered and asked for selfies, as I walked down the street in my traditional Saudi shemagh. This kind of friendliness is something I will always treasure. My best experience as an intern was also writing creatively, when I collaborated with colleagues from the Trade Department on the quarterly Business Club Denmark report. Making something both interesting and informative to read is a skill that is as much appreciated at the Embassy as anywhere else.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

Living in Saudi Arabia is not quite the culture shock, one might expect. Riyadh offers most of the opportunities of any European city when it comes to restaurants, entertainment and everyday recreation in the charming Diplomatic Quarter. Most people speak decent English, and I was able to maintain most of my habits from back home without any difficulty. 42 degrees Celsius can sound frightening but in the desert, it is a much drier and more bearable heat than in coastal regions such as Denmark. I never felt any intense discomfort as air conditioners make all living and working areas nice and cool.

What is your best advice to future interns?

Being away from home and loved ones for months can be tough at times, but the experience is really worth it. You get to meet so many great people and experience a unique country just as it undergoes major changes.


Name
: Alan Custovic

Education: MA in Business, Language and Culture with the focus on Global Marketing Management

Internship period: August 2018 – January 2019
Role: Intern in the commercial section
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

 Interns at the Trade Council in Riyadh have the opportunity to take on a lot of responsibility. One of my main tasks was to contribute to the monthly market report for the members of our Business Club Denmark. Furthermore, I have assisted the Trade Council on assignments such as arranging and conducting events, preparation and participation in meetings and exhibitions, market research and sector analyses. In addition, the internship also included creating and editing content for our website and social media platforms.

What did you learn?

 I find it hard to give a short answer to this. I faced many new challenges during my internship in Riyadh and I have learned a lot through the busy and active work environment at the embassy. By being a commercial intern in Riyadh, I have gained insight into the Middle Eastern culture and firsthand experience in how crucial cultural understanding can be, particularly in a business perspective. I learned how important diplomacy is to Danish companies in this region and that we can help them open doors and achieve results.

What was your best experience?

 I have had several good experiences during my six months in Riyadh. Work-wise, participating in high-profile meetings and attending the different business events and exhibitions was exciting. It is hard to single out one specific event. Personally, the very best thing for me was all the people that I met along the road and all the different road trips, desert trips, cultural festivals or national days. I came home with a lot of new friends and good memories. 

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

 Saudi Arabia is a special place to experience, especially due to the rapid changes it has been undergoing in the last few years. There are 105 embassies in Riyadh and most of them are located in the diplomatic quarter. Living there gives you plenty of opportunities to meet with people from all over the world and develop an international network. One day you might be at the Spanish national day and the next day you might be camping in the Desert with some locals. The “real” Saudi Arabia is found outside of the diplomatic bubble and by going out and experiencing the culture and interacting with the locals, it made me dismiss some of the prejudices, which I had before entering the country.

What is your best advice to future interns?

Grasp the opportunities that presents themselves to ensure the most memorable and educative experiences. Even though the Middle Eastern hospitality is wonderful, the environment in Saudi Arabia is also very network-based. Having empathy, being open-minded and friendly goes a long way and you might just get you invited to a lot more events and gatherings. You get the chance to experience a interesting culture in a country that not many people have access to – get the most out of it!

 


Name
: Birgitte Finnemann

Education: Middle Eastern Society and Language - Arabic
Internship period: February 2018 – August 2018
Role: Political Intern
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

During my internship, I was engaged in assignments pertaining foreign and domestic affairs, cultural and economic issues. I frequently wrote ad hoc reports on the complex political and humanitarian developments in Yemen and women’s status within Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries. My main assignment was dedicated to analyses of gender relations and human rights. I participated in a vast amount of likeminded, EU- and UN meetings and prepared drafts for the Ambassador’s internal and external presentations with influential stakeholder and Saudi Arabian authorities.

What did you learn?

I not only gained a lot of knowledge about the Islamic legal system, applied customary law and the regional policies and economies of rentier states. Following the embassy’s staff’s daily tasks – it be in the political and trade section – I realized the importance of cultural appropriation and political collaboration with other countries and its correlates with trade opportunities for Danish companies. Before coming to Riyadh I had never expected ‘networking’ to be a core part of diplomacy. Thus, I understood the importance of continuous collaboration across governmental and non-governmental players when addressing contentious human rights issues, trade deals etc.

What was your best experience?

All in all, the stimulating work must have been the best experience. Aside from work, I recall my Saudi female friend driving the car on June 23 2018 as one of my happiest days in Riyadh (KSA’s women’s driving ban was lifted at that date).

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

Living in Saudi Arabia is rather easy as long as you adjust to some of the customs that apply in the country, it can be wearing the so-called ‘abaya’. Being a woman in Saudi Arabia you are more restricted than men in societal behavior. However, despite the notorious gender segregation and lacking infrastructure, I was perfectly able to commute by myself in Riyadh and travel around the country alone.

What is your best advice to future interns?

Don’t miss out on the cultural encounters with the Saudi people and the beautiful nature that it has to offer. Enjoy it while you can and expose yourself to a once in a lifetime experience!


Name
:  Jonas Yazo Srouji

Education: BA in History, currently studying for an MA in Middle East Studies
Internship period: August 2018 – January 2019
Role: Intern in the Political Section
Placement: The Royal Danish Embassy in Riyadh

What were your main assignments?

Just about everything. The Political Section at the Embassy is rather small, so thematically I worked on everything from human rights, the war and humanitarian crisis in Yemen, to Saudi educational and economic policy. In more practical terms, the mainstay of my work were to monitor and analyze developments in the countries that we cover, both through online sources, as well as by meetings with other diplomats and contacts.

What did you learn?

What did I not learn? I got to see and be a part of diplomacy in action, I got access to one of the most closed off countries in the world, during a time of massive change, and I got to work on some of the most talked about events in the world, as they were developing. A university degree might prepare you in some ways, but none of this is easily done, and the only real way to learn it is to engage with it professionally every day.

What was your best experience?

Professionally one of the most interesting experiences was to prepare and join a trip to Kuwait with the Ambassador. Not only did I participate in the preparation but I was also with the Ambassador in meetings with ministers and partners in Kuwait.

Privately, I think taking part in the celebrations of the Saudi National Day was something I will never forget. The thousands of happy people singing and dancing in the streets of Riyadh – where all public gatherings, not to speak of dancing, were prohibited just a short while ago – was both unexpected and an incredible experience.

How is it to live in Saudi Arabia?

Surprisingly fun! What we hear in Denmark is usually only the worst stories. We don’t hear about the friendly and hospitable people populating this country, and it is impossible to describe the euphoria of the locals when faced with the new entertainment possibilities opening while I was here.

What is your best advice to future interns?

Just say yes. To everything. Especially the first month or two. It is important to have good friends and a good network, and you get that by accepting invitations. If you decline the first time, you might not get invited the second – but if you show up three times and make friends, they will not forget you. In addition, you will probably remember the friends you made for the rest of your life. So don’t be afraid, you will enjoy both the Kingdom and the expat community here.