Projects Abroad in Mongolia

I won't ever forget my time here. The work with children in the Mental Health Hospital was particularly life-changing. Most psychiatrists there went above and beyond educating me on how culture and treatment work at the hospital.

During the countless changes and transformations that living in Ulaanbaatar has brought me, there lies a bittersweet realisation that my time here is finite. Octavia Butler said in her opening of The Parable of the Sower, "All that you touch, you change. All that you change changes you." As I approach the end of my stay and prepare to return to my other world, I reflect on this experience's profound impact on my perspective as a graduate social work student. As Octavia Butler's words suggest, all I have touched and changed has undeniably left its mark on me. The vibrant tapestry of Ulaanbaatar, with its rich culture and resilient people, has instilled in me a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience. As I transition back to my familiar surroundings, I carry with me the knowledge that returning home is not an end but a continuation of the transformative journey I have embarked upon. Armed with newfound insights and a determination to effect meaningful change, I am poised to apply the lessons learned in Ulaanbaatar to my future endeavours as a social worker. Through the lens of change, I stand ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of others, both in my community and beyond. Some final thoughts from this traveller, student and humbled person as I end my 16-week placement. A recent survey released by the World Bank revealed that Mongolian men in their 20s often view women as more ambitious than men, which they may perceive as unattractive. During my time in Mongolia, I have met women who have shared their experiences with abusive relationships. Such experiences have confirmed that if men do not respect women, then what kind of relationship will this be. A complex dynamic exists between men and women in Mongolia, focusing on societal attitudes and the struggles both genders face in forming meaningful and safe relationships. It raises important questions about gender inequality and emphasises the need to address the issues men face and understand the beliefs that drive those issues, which women increasingly encounter. To be clear, this is not something contained or exclusive here in Mongolia. More so now, I am a firm believer in how the reverse gender gap and the difficulties encountered in relationships between men and women illustrate how little attention is paid to the struggles faced by men and the impact this can have on relationships. In observing the social culture here in Ulaanbaatar, it is evident that women face a certain stigma, making relationships much more challenging. They may inevitably face questions about their marital status or are challenged for success and why they want an equal place in society. I know this is challenging to read, especially for men, but it is something that we men need to acknowledge and openly talk about. In the heart of Ulaanbaatar, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere, I have been embedded in a city that felt like my own. Like a burning fire, an endless fury, I felt a deep connection that surpassed mere familiarity. Living and adapting to the capital city of Mongolia, I experienced a sense of belonging that defied expectations. Citing the lyrics of "Tourist in Your Hometown" by Death Cab for Cutie, I had a doubt. A doubt that questioned whether I truly belonged, whether I was just a tourist in this city that was becoming my home. But within that doubt, I found strength. I built my passion and love for this place to be even more significant than the sun. I was letting it grow, allowing it to consume me entirely. And as the fire within my heart burned brighter, I realised that there was nothing to fear. Yes, there were moments when I thought it would burst apart when doubts and uncertainties clouded my mind. Yet, through it all, I remained undeterred. Framing rights into wrongs, I moved along, determined to define my destination. I discovered countless places to call home in this city of contrasts and diverse cultures. And just like a character in my own story, I realised that sometimes our best intentions need redemption. Yet, this only strengthened my resolve to make a difference. Finding yourself as a tourist in the city where you were not born may signify the time to go is near. Not in search of a new home but to redefine your place and purpose in the world. For within the burning of your heart lies the growth potential for transformation. With each flicker of that flame, I become more than a tourist. I am now part of the fabric that weaves this city together. And as this fire grew higher, I embraced the challenges, the doubts, and the moments of redemption, for it is in this journey that I have come alive.