Halo! My name is Maria Osman, I am 24 years old, and I come from Iowa, a state in the Midwest known for its vast cornfields. While Iowa is famous for its farming, I grew up in a neighborhood filled with people from all over the world—Sudan, Mexico, Korea, and beyond. This unique community is where my love for learning about different cultures and languages began.
At the University of Iowa, I studied International Studies and Human Rights, and my curiosity about Indonesia grew from its rich cultural diversity and unique history. As a Muslim, I’ve been exposed mostly to how Islam is practiced in the Middle East, so I was eager to experience how it is practiced in Indonesia—a country with the world’s largest Muslim population in the world!
Today, I live in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, where I’m teaching English to high school students as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. Indonesia is an incredibly diverse country made up of thousands of islands, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and landscapes. There are beautiful beaches, rainforests full of colorful wildlife, and a warm, tropical climate.
This journey has been an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with my students and community. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you as I explore life in Indonesia and immerse myself in its vibrant culture. Let’s embark on this adventure together!
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by clicking here!
