In addition, after the December attack on the American consulate in Jeddah, tensions are especially high.
But to Hallett, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
"I'll be exposed to a culture completely different from mine. It's a land of such extremes," Hallett said, waving her hands to generate emotion in her conviction. "I'm going to take advantage of being in the region and travel as much as I can."
Originally a political science and international affairs major, Hallett also participated in women's club rugby and interned at the White House and Peace Corps.
"I built skills that I look back on all the time," Hallett said. "It wasn't just about building my resume, which I started out thinking it was."
After Hallett graduated from GW, she thought she would attend law school. But after receiving the Bender scholarship to pursue post-graduate study at Cambridge University in England, Hallett reconsidered.
"I'm interested in diplomacy, and the true meaning of that," she said.
For now, as she prepares for her departure to Saudi Arabia, Hallett sees more diplomatic work for herself in the future. She hopes to be stationed in Europe for her next assignment, where friends and family can visit. Her ultimate dream is to become an appointed ambassador.
Her advice to near-grads is simple.
"Things fall into place - you've just got to have a little patience," she said. "You find your niche."
But to Hallett, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
"I'll be exposed to a culture completely different from mine. It's a land of such extremes," Hallett said, waving her hands to generate emotion in her conviction. "I'm going to take advantage of being in the region and travel as much as I can."
Originally a political science and international affairs major, Hallett also participated in women's club rugby and interned at the White House and Peace Corps.
"I built skills that I look back on all the time," Hallett said. "It wasn't just about building my resume, which I started out thinking it was."
After Hallett graduated from GW, she thought she would attend law school. But after receiving the Bender scholarship to pursue post-graduate study at Cambridge University in England, Hallett reconsidered.
"I'm interested in diplomacy, and the true meaning of that," she said.
For now, as she prepares for her departure to Saudi Arabia, Hallett sees more diplomatic work for herself in the future. She hopes to be stationed in Europe for her next assignment, where friends and family can visit. Her ultimate dream is to become an appointed ambassador.
Her advice to near-grads is simple.
"Things fall into place - you've just got to have a little patience," she said. "You find your niche."
