Maja Begonja, an experienced nurse from Croatia, took on the challenge and has now been working in Saudi Arabia for almost five years. She began as an emergency room nurse and now works as an educator in the Nursing Quality and Development department.
In this interview, she talks about her journey—from the first decision to move, to the cultural shock, and the important lessons she has learned. You’ll find out what surprised her, the challenges she faced, and what her plans are for the future.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Maja Begonja, and I’m a 30-year-old nurse from Croatia. I have been working in Saudi Arabia for almost five years, currently as an educator in the Nursing Quality and Development department.
What made you decide to become a nurse?
To be honest, I don’t have a straightforward answer to this question. I guess it was a combination of my interest in biology and science, blended with my empathy and compassion.
What inspired you to take a big step and move to Saudi Arabia?
It was simply the right opportunity at the right time.
It all started with a suggestion from a friend who had already applied for a job interview. At that point, I wasn’t even looking for a new job. One thing led to another—attending a symposium resulted in an interview, which then led to a job offer, and here I am five years later.
I’d say my never-ending curiosity got the best of me.
How did it feel when you first arrived in Saudi Arabia?
It was an emotional rollercoaster, but mostly in a positive way.
A completely new continent, culture, language, people, workplace—stepping outside my comfort zone without knowing what to expect.
One moment, I felt like it was the worst decision ever, and the next, I knew it was the best.
Was there anything that surprised and challenged you?
Where do I even start? Hahaha.
The biggest surprise was definitely how common misconceptions about this culture and its people didn’t match reality. I felt much safer and more welcomed than I had expected.
As for challenges, I’d say the exposure to multicultural diversity and the differences that come with it—especially in the workplace—and finding ways to overcome them.
Looking back, what was the most challenging moment in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
At one point, while working as an Emergency Department charge nurse, I encountered certain practices that did not align with proper patient safety protocols.
I felt the need to advocate for both my patients and my nursing team, which put me in the spotlight—but not necessarily the kind you want to be in.
Eventually, our concerns were heard, validated, and resolved. Through this experience, I learned one of the greatest lessons: the way you communicate matters. It’s not just what you say, but how you say it.
What do you think are the most important qualities for a nurse to have in order to succeed long-term?
Emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and a desire for continuous education.
What role has support from colleagues, mentors, or family played in your success?
A huge role—each in their own way.
Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in you. Having a support system that stands by you and helps you grow is a privilege. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
For someone considering a similar path—whether moving abroad or advancing in their nursing career—what advice would you give?
If you don’t try, you’ll never know. Life is too short for “what ifs.”
There’s a whole world of opportunities out there, and one of the great things about healthcare is the constant demand for professionals. Sometimes, you just need to take the leap and see what happens.
How do you balance such a demanding career with personal well-being and downtime?
It’s definitely important to recharge and do things that make you happy.
I’ve gone through different phases—sometimes spending months just relaxing at home, reading books, and taking courses; other times, going on frequent weekend trips to different cities or even countries. I believe it’s important to accept your bad days, go with the flow, and find what works for you.
Do you have any personal routines or habits that help you stay focused and motivated?
To stay focused, I need a calm mind—and for me, calmness comes from prayer.
As for motivation, I am driven by challenges, and luckily, my job provides plenty of those. Finding a balance between these two keeps me going.
How do you feel your journey will resonate with people from your country?
Hopefully, it will be encouraging—at the very least, it will raise awareness about the opportunities out there.
Over the years, many people have reached out to me, and I believe hearing firsthand experiences can be really valuable when considering such a big step.
What’s next for you? Do you have any specific goals or dreams for the future?
Right now, my priority is earning a master’s degree in Healthcare Education and obtaining my AHA Instructor certification. Wish me luck! Haha.
I have many other goals and dreams, but one step at a time.
What message would you like to share with readers who may find your story inspiring?
Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems.
Working abroad comes with sacrifices—but even more blessings. Financial stability and career opportunities are just part of it. In the long run, the most rewarding aspect is the social experience—meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and exploring new places.
Passing the BLS Instructor exam under the American Heart Association is no easy feat. How did you prepare for such a challenging certification?
Honestly, it wasn’t that hard. After attending several BLS provider courses and gaining clinical experience in Emergency settings, the only unfamiliar part for me was the teaching aspect. Fortunately, my current job aligns well with that, so everything came together in the best way possible. Next up is the ACLS Instructor certification—that one is going to be much more challenging!
Maja shows that courage leads to new opportunities… Are you ready to start your international career like Maja? QUICK REGISTER HERE
