In the world of foreign service and the military, there’s one phrase that gets everyone excited – TDYs (Temporary Duty Assignments). Why the enthusiasm? Well, picture this: it’s a paid work trip, where you receive per-diem on a daily basis and have the opportunity to explore a brand-new city! Sounds like a dream come true, right?

A Stroke of Luck: TDY Opportunities in Laos

During my time in Laos, I had the incredible fortune of embarking on not one but two TDYs! Why? Well, the aftermath of COVID-19 left many large embassies worldwide grappling with years of visa backlogs while being short-staffed. In response, the State Department reached out to diplomats in smaller to medium-sized embassies to lend a helping hand to their bigger counterparts. Historically, entry-level officers don’t get to participate in TDYs; however because of the pandemic and the backlog that DOS had, I was able to go on TDYs.

Abu Dhabi Adventure: From Midnight Emails to Humanitarian Missions

My first TDY took me to the dazzling city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in January 2022. I had never been to the UAE before, making this trip a golden opportunity – and, more importantly, a meaningful one. The catch? I received my assignment four days before my flight! With a 12-hour time difference from Washington, D.C., I found myself working until midnight to coordinate all the logistics. It’s the government, so you need to send 20 emails to get 10 approvals. Hahaha

My primary task was to assist with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) – A program that provides resettlement in the United States for Afghan and Iraqi allies who served the U.S. government – for Afghan evacuees residing in humanitarian cities in Abu Dhabi. They had over 10K Afghans living there, awaiting further processing decisions on their status! My encounter with Afghan refugees while working as a visa adjudicator proved to be rewarding — despite some challenges, because I knew that I was literally changing the trajectories of some of these Afghan refugees’ lives. My TDY lasted only four weeks, but the impact lingered far beyond!

Dubai Delight: Mixing Work and Celebration

On a personal note, my work trip to the UAE happened to coincide perfectly with my 30th birthday! I decided to extend my stay and celebrate in Dubai. It turned out to be an unforgettable week filled with joy, laughter, and precious memories. I reconnected with old friends from college, met fellow diplomat friends who were also visiting, and received a surprise visit from my boyfriend. What a coincidence?!

Islamabad: Life on the Compound

My second TDY adventure took me to Islamabad, Pakistan, in December 2022. This assignment was markedly different, as I got a taste of living on the embassy compound. Picture it as a college campus for adults who are also your colleagues – you see them every day, whether you want to or not. The compound has a bar, a spacious gym, a pool, restaurants, duty-free shops, apartment buildings, and office spaces.

Living on the compound had its ups and downs. While it could be overwhelming and isolating for some, it also offered unique opportunities. The embassy organized numerous events to keep diplomats entertained, tailored specifically for adults (since this is a post that doesn’t allow children) – a welcome change from embassies catering primarily to children. During my brief stay, I discovered a strong sense of community among the more junior diplomats, a comforting and supportive environment I truly appreciated. I also love that you get to interact with diplomats of other missions very often, since they are also living inside the diplomatic enclave. Plenty networking opportunities!

Discovering Islamabad, One Rug at a Time

Though I didn’t have much time to explore Islamabad, I savored every moment I spent there. I went to some local restaurants, malls, and shops. And, of course, I couldn’t resist attending a rug party – yes, they’re a real thing! I ended up purchasing Persian rugs. I also received valuable lessons about carpets and the characteristics of high-quality rugs.

Looking Forward to More TDY Adventures

My first two TDY experiences left me yearning for more! The blend of work, travel, and unexpected surprises made them unforgettable. I’m eager to see where the next TDY adventure takes me, both personally and professionally. Until then, I’ll cherish the memories of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Islamabad, and the beautiful rugs that adorn my home as souvenirs of these remarkable journeys. Here’s to many more TDY adventures in the future! 🌍✈️