My only experience in the Middle East had previously been in 2014. I was heading to Europe for a vacation, and had stopped over in Qatar. There, I saw the sun – a flaming ball of red – rising over an endless desert. The locals breezed by in long, flowing robe-like attires that are mostly in hues of white or black. A kaleidoscope of accents greeted me as I entered shops and restaurants, indicating that a huge number of foreigners worked there as well.

• Read more about Finding “Gold” in INSEAD’s Abu Dhabi Campus Exchange

When I joined consulting in January 2016, I was told to 'make My own McKinsey.' Which not only meant that the next months and years to come could be anything I wanted, but also that it was ultimately me, who was responsible for making this 'anything' happen. It was up to me to create the experience I wanted and to enjoy it.

• Read more about Beyond INSEAD

Before the campus exchange to Abu Dhabi, I had little knowledge about the UAE. The impression was limited to desert, oil, shopping mall, hot summer and religion. Although I sometimes saw my friends showing their excited selfies with the exotic backgrounds in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, I never thought about taking two months to explore. However, my curiosity arose rapidly when hearing more and more classmates describing their moments living in this region.

• Read more about More than Oil and Shopping Malls

When you are in the process of learning a new language, some words you encounter actually define a concept or pinpoint feelings very specific to a certain culture or lived experience.

• Read more about December Break Reflections and The Sehnsucht for P1/P2

I find it very hard to believe as soon as September unfolds, we are already entering the ninth month of the 12 months of the brief experience. This month was very unique and I had mixed feelings. The experience was uncanny. One of a true experience that inspires mobility, global diversity – and self reflection. The INSEAD Singapore Campus

• Read more about September 2017: Three Different Worlds

In a little over a week, I’m going to take a plane ride that will change my life. It’s a return trip of course, but the return flight doesn’t happen till six months later. Even though I’ve yet to see the INSEAD Fontainebleau campus with my own eyes, I somehow feel like it’s the end of Period 1 already, what with the relationships I've already forged.

• Read more about Ready for Takeoff…. Almost