For this edition of our “Mongolia Through Foreign Eyes” column, we sat down with Faye Steele, a citizen of the United States. She currently works as an ESG Strategy Specialist at Mobicom Corporation and has been living and working in Mongolia for over a year.
Nationality: United States
Age: 28
Length of stay in Mongolia: 1 year and 2 months
Current position: ESG Strategy Specialist
Q: First of all, please introduce yourself.
My name is Faye Steele. I grew up in New York. Here in Mongolia, when people hear that I’m from NYC, they often get very excited and ask questions like, “Do you live near Times Square?” I usually have to explain that I actually live in the suburbs, about 30 minutes by train, on Long Island.
Long Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound, so there are many beaches and national parks nearby. It also has a rich history, including many Gatsby-era houses. Some of these historic homes are still preserved and open for tours, which I really enjoy visiting with my family during the summer.
Professionally, I am a sustainability specialist. I have worked for over five years in the non-profit sector, researching sustainability issues and collaborating with policy professionals to better understand environmental challenges and opportunities.
I am currently working at Mobicom Corporation. This is my first corporate job, so I am learning a great deal. The technology sector is also very new to me. Previously, my work focused mostly on the finance sector and on U.S. and global sustainability issues rather than Mongolia specifically. As a result, I am learning a lot—both about Mongolia and about the tech industry.
Q: Could you share your first impressions upon arriving in Mongolia for the first time?
It was a year and two months ago. When I first arrived in Mongolia, I came through the new Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The first thing I noticed, as I got into a taxi, was the mountains. I was completely mesmerized by them. Where I come from in New York—Long Island, where my family lives—there are no mountains at all. I remember thinking, Wow, how fun it would be to hike up those mountains or even roll down them with carefree thoughts.
I was also surprised by how modern the city looked, especially the buildings. Even since I moved here, many new buildings have appeared. New York is a very old city, so there isn’t as much new infrastructure being built. Seeing how quickly things are changing in Ulaanbaatar really impressed me.
Q: What motivated you to come to Mongolia to work and live?
I came to Mongolia through the Princeton in Asia Fellowship Program. Each year, the program selects up to ten fellows to work in Mongolia at companies, NGOs, and universities. This year, there are six fellows in total, and I am one of them.
The program also offers placements in other Asian countries, such as Japan and Thailand. However, Mongolia was my top choice because many of the opportunities here are related to sustainability, which aligns perfectly with my career goals.
My first job in Mongolia was at the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association. That role marked the beginning of my work in sustainable finance and sustainability within the Mongolian context.
Q: So, this is your first time working abroad, right?
Yes, this is my first experience as an expat.
Q: How do you adapt to new things in Mongolia?
Many aspects of life here are very different from home. One of the first things I noticed was the high altitude of Ulaanbaatar. The city is much higher than where I lived in New York, and at first this caused fatigue and some difficulty breathing due to the thinner air. It took time to adjust, but now it feels normal.
Air pollution was another major adjustment. Even in New York City, I had never experienced pollution at this level. During winter, I rely on a special filter mask to protect my health. I’m always surprised to see some foreigners walking around without masks, but I’m quite cautious when it comes to my health.
The cold weather was also challenging. While it does snow in New York, it never gets as cold as it does here. In Mongolia, temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius or even lower. Thankfully, Mongolia offers excellent winter clothing. I found warm and high-quality yak, camel, and cashmere items at places like Narantuul Market and Sunday Plaza.
Q: Where do you live, and what kind of transportation do you usually use?
I live very close to my office, near the Amusement Park area. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to work. Even at my previous job, I lived close to the office. I used to live near the Circus and moved across the park this year for my new position.
I usually only use public transportation on weekends. During weekdays, traffic is very heavy, so walking is much more convenient.
Q: How do you usually spend your free time in Mongolia?
My colleagues say I’m very active, though I sometimes feel like I’m still not doing enough because there’s so much to experience in Mongolia.
I’ve joined a badminton club, and last year I was part of the Hatun Badminton Club near the Wrestling Palace. This year, I joined another club near Tengis Cinema, where I play two to three times a week. On weekends, I sometimes attend local basketball or volleyball games with friends.
I also enjoy going to the opera, ballet, and movie theaters. I’m always looking for new activities. I’ve met many interesting people here, and sometimes they host events that I enjoy attending. I try to stay open to new opportunities outside of work.
Q: Which Mongolian dish do you enjoy the most?
My favorite dish is actually bantan, which is often considered a hangover food. People usually react with surprise when I say that and joke that it’s baby food. But I really love its simple and comforting flavors. I often find it when traveling to the countryside, but it’s surprisingly hard to find in Ulaanbaatar.
Q: Have you had the opportunity to travel to the countryside? What impressed you most?
Yes, I’ve traveled to several provinces. Most recently, I visited Uvs aimag for the Naadam Festival and Huvsgul aimag for the Ice Festival. I also joined a countryside retreat with young professionals and went camel riding during a trip with the Brilliant Tree Fund project team.
I visited the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan, which was incredibly meaningful and beautiful. I also traveled to Bulgan aimag. Each trip has shown me a different and fascinating side of Mongolia.
Q: Are you learning the Mongolian language?
Yes. Learning the local language is an important part of the Princeton in Asia Fellowship. I started studying Mongolian one or two months before moving here and continue to take weekly lessons at the American Center for Mongolian Studies. My teacher is wonderful, especially at helping me with pronunciation, which makes learning enjoyable.
Q: How difficult is Mongolian compared to other languages?
I actually find Mongolian easier than Japanese or Mandarin, both of which I’ve tried learning. I speak English and some Spanish, and Mongolian is now my third-strongest language.
I can express myself a little in Mongolian, though I’m still shy about speaking. I’m more comfortable texting, but my coworkers are encouraging me, and I hope to become more confident soon.
Q: What impressed you most about traditional celebrations like Naadam and Tsagaan Sar?
Naadam really stood out to me, especially the three traditional sports—wrestling, archery, and horse racing. At first, I didn’t fully understand how the competitions worked or how winners were determined. But once I understood, I found myself cheering along with everyone else.
I attended the Ulaanbaatar Naadam ceremony last year and later went to the Naadam celebration for Uvs aimag’s 100th anniversary. The celebration in Uvs was my favorite—the food, energy, and performances were incredible.
Q: How would you describe work culture in Mongolian companies?
I find the work culture in Mongolia to be more flexible. There is still a sense of hierarchy, especially at Mobicom due to the Japanese influence from its parent company, KDDI. However, there is generally more flexibility—for example, lunch breaks are often longer than in the U.S.
In the United States, lunch is usually only 30 minutes to an hour before returning straight to work. Here, team members seem more supportive, and I find it easy to communicate with my manager, ask for help, and share ideas. My ideas have been well received, which I really appreciate.
Work social events are also different. In Mongolia, senior leaders tend to stay and actively participate in company events, rather than briefly appearing and leaving. This creates a warmer and more inclusive atmosphere.
Q: What services or technologies would you like to see developed in Mongolia?
One area I’d really like to see improved is the delivery system for mail and packages. Even now, it’s quite difficult to receive packages reliably. I usually have items sent to my office to make sure they arrive.
When I returned to the U.S. for a few months last fall while waiting for my new visa, friends asked me to bring items back with me because it was easier than ordering them online. Given how much delivery services expanded after COVID, I think this is a missed opportunity that could be significantly improved.
Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned since coming to Mongolia?
Patience. Living here has taught me to be patient, both at work and in social situations. Mongolians can sometimes be slower to open up to unfamiliar people, especially foreigners. I’ve learned to be consistent, friendly, and open. Over time, people become more comfortable, and meaningful connections develop.
Q: How many Mongolian friends have you made, apart from your colleagues?
I’ve met quite a lot of people because I stay very active. I’m part of the Global Shapers community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, which brings together young professionals in Ulaanbaatar. There are around 20–30 members, and we often organize social activities.
I’ve also met friends through events like Creative Mornings and through a running club. Even though I don’t run in winter because of the pollution, I still keep in touch with people I met there.
Q: Do you have a boyfriend?
No, I don’t. That’s actually one of the first questions my coworkers usually ask—whether I’m married or have a boyfriend.
Q: Have you ever been asked on a date here?
Yes, I’ve been on a few dates since moving here. They’ve all been interesting and enjoyable. The men have been respectful and kind.
Q: What do you think about Mongolian youth, especially Gen Z?
I’m technically one of the oldest Gen Z members, so sometimes I relate more to millennials. Still, I’m very impressed by Mongolian Gen Z. Many of them are homeowners, pursuing professional certifications, reading extensively, and showing strong ambition.
I admire how passionate they are about their country and its future. Even those who study or work abroad often return because they want to contribute to Mongolia’s development. That sense of responsibility and optimism is truly inspiring.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say through this interview?
Many foreigners—even those who have lived here for decades—see immense potential in Mongolia and are genuinely excited about its future. I think sometimes Mongolians themselves could benefit from seeing their country through fresh eyes and appreciating its opportunities more deeply.
Thank you for your time.
For this edition of our “Mongolia Through Foreign Eyes” column, we sat down with Faye Steele, a citizen of the United States. She currently works as an ESG Strategy Specialist at Mobicom Corporation and has been living and working in Mongolia for over a year.
Nationality: United States
Age: 28
Length of stay in Mongolia: 1 year and 2 months
Current position: ESG Strategy Specialist
Q: First of all, please introduce yourself.
My name is Faye Steele. I grew up in New York. Here in Mongolia, when people hear that I’m from NYC, they often get very excited and ask questions like, “Do you live near Times Square?” I usually have to explain that I actually live in the suburbs, about 30 minutes by train, on Long Island.
Long Island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound, so there are many beaches and national parks nearby. It also has a rich history, including many Gatsby-era houses. Some of these historic homes are still preserved and open for tours, which I really enjoy visiting with my family during the summer.
Professionally, I am a sustainability specialist. I have worked for over five years in the non-profit sector, researching sustainability issues and collaborating with policy professionals to better understand environmental challenges and opportunities.
I am currently working at Mobicom Corporation. This is my first corporate job, so I am learning a great deal. The technology sector is also very new to me. Previously, my work focused mostly on the finance sector and on U.S. and global sustainability issues rather than Mongolia specifically. As a result, I am learning a lot—both about Mongolia and about the tech industry.
Q: Could you share your first impressions upon arriving in Mongolia for the first time?
It was a year and two months ago. When I first arrived in Mongolia, I came through the new Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The first thing I noticed, as I got into a taxi, was the mountains. I was completely mesmerized by them. Where I come from in New York—Long Island, where my family lives—there are no mountains at all. I remember thinking, Wow, how fun it would be to hike up those mountains or even roll down them with carefree thoughts.
I was also surprised by how modern the city looked, especially the buildings. Even since I moved here, many new buildings have appeared. New York is a very old city, so there isn’t as much new infrastructure being built. Seeing how quickly things are changing in Ulaanbaatar really impressed me.
Q: What motivated you to come to Mongolia to work and live?
I came to Mongolia through the Princeton in Asia Fellowship Program. Each year, the program selects up to ten fellows to work in Mongolia at companies, NGOs, and universities. This year, there are six fellows in total, and I am one of them.
The program also offers placements in other Asian countries, such as Japan and Thailand. However, Mongolia was my top choice because many of the opportunities here are related to sustainability, which aligns perfectly with my career goals.
My first job in Mongolia was at the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association. That role marked the beginning of my work in sustainable finance and sustainability within the Mongolian context.
Q: So, this is your first time working abroad, right?
Yes, this is my first experience as an expat.
Q: How do you adapt to new things in Mongolia?
Many aspects of life here are very different from home. One of the first things I noticed was the high altitude of Ulaanbaatar. The city is much higher than where I lived in New York, and at first this caused fatigue and some difficulty breathing due to the thinner air. It took time to adjust, but now it feels normal.
Air pollution was another major adjustment. Even in New York City, I had never experienced pollution at this level. During winter, I rely on a special filter mask to protect my health. I’m always surprised to see some foreigners walking around without masks, but I’m quite cautious when it comes to my health.
The cold weather was also challenging. While it does snow in New York, it never gets as cold as it does here. In Mongolia, temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius or even lower. Thankfully, Mongolia offers excellent winter clothing. I found warm and high-quality yak, camel, and cashmere items at places like Narantuul Market and Sunday Plaza.
Q: Where do you live, and what kind of transportation do you usually use?
I live very close to my office, near the Amusement Park area. It’s less than a 10-minute walk to work. Even at my previous job, I lived close to the office. I used to live near the Circus and moved across the park this year for my new position.
I usually only use public transportation on weekends. During weekdays, traffic is very heavy, so walking is much more convenient.
Q: How do you usually spend your free time in Mongolia?
My colleagues say I’m very active, though I sometimes feel like I’m still not doing enough because there’s so much to experience in Mongolia.
I’ve joined a badminton club, and last year I was part of the Hatun Badminton Club near the Wrestling Palace. This year, I joined another club near Tengis Cinema, where I play two to three times a week. On weekends, I sometimes attend local basketball or volleyball games with friends.
I also enjoy going to the opera, ballet, and movie theaters. I’m always looking for new activities. I’ve met many interesting people here, and sometimes they host events that I enjoy attending. I try to stay open to new opportunities outside of work.
Q: Which Mongolian dish do you enjoy the most?
My favorite dish is actually bantan, which is often considered a hangover food. People usually react with surprise when I say that and joke that it’s baby food. But I really love its simple and comforting flavors. I often find it when traveling to the countryside, but it’s surprisingly hard to find in Ulaanbaatar.
Q: Have you had the opportunity to travel to the countryside? What impressed you most?
Yes, I’ve traveled to several provinces. Most recently, I visited Uvs aimag for the Naadam Festival and Huvsgul aimag for the Ice Festival. I also joined a countryside retreat with young professionals and went camel riding during a trip with the Brilliant Tree Fund project team.
I visited the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan, which was incredibly meaningful and beautiful. I also traveled to Bulgan aimag. Each trip has shown me a different and fascinating side of Mongolia.
Q: Are you learning the Mongolian language?
Yes. Learning the local language is an important part of the Princeton in Asia Fellowship. I started studying Mongolian one or two months before moving here and continue to take weekly lessons at the American Center for Mongolian Studies. My teacher is wonderful, especially at helping me with pronunciation, which makes learning enjoyable.
Q: How difficult is Mongolian compared to other languages?
I actually find Mongolian easier than Japanese or Mandarin, both of which I’ve tried learning. I speak English and some Spanish, and Mongolian is now my third-strongest language.
I can express myself a little in Mongolian, though I’m still shy about speaking. I’m more comfortable texting, but my coworkers are encouraging me, and I hope to become more confident soon.
Q: What impressed you most about traditional celebrations like Naadam and Tsagaan Sar?
Naadam really stood out to me, especially the three traditional sports—wrestling, archery, and horse racing. At first, I didn’t fully understand how the competitions worked or how winners were determined. But once I understood, I found myself cheering along with everyone else.
I attended the Ulaanbaatar Naadam ceremony last year and later went to the Naadam celebration for Uvs aimag’s 100th anniversary. The celebration in Uvs was my favorite—the food, energy, and performances were incredible.
Q: How would you describe work culture in Mongolian companies?
I find the work culture in Mongolia to be more flexible. There is still a sense of hierarchy, especially at Mobicom due to the Japanese influence from its parent company, KDDI. However, there is generally more flexibility—for example, lunch breaks are often longer than in the U.S.
In the United States, lunch is usually only 30 minutes to an hour before returning straight to work. Here, team members seem more supportive, and I find it easy to communicate with my manager, ask for help, and share ideas. My ideas have been well received, which I really appreciate.
Work social events are also different. In Mongolia, senior leaders tend to stay and actively participate in company events, rather than briefly appearing and leaving. This creates a warmer and more inclusive atmosphere.
Q: What services or technologies would you like to see developed in Mongolia?
One area I’d really like to see improved is the delivery system for mail and packages. Even now, it’s quite difficult to receive packages reliably. I usually have items sent to my office to make sure they arrive.
When I returned to the U.S. for a few months last fall while waiting for my new visa, friends asked me to bring items back with me because it was easier than ordering them online. Given how much delivery services expanded after COVID, I think this is a missed opportunity that could be significantly improved.
Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned since coming to Mongolia?
Patience. Living here has taught me to be patient, both at work and in social situations. Mongolians can sometimes be slower to open up to unfamiliar people, especially foreigners. I’ve learned to be consistent, friendly, and open. Over time, people become more comfortable, and meaningful connections develop.
Q: How many Mongolian friends have you made, apart from your colleagues?
I’ve met quite a lot of people because I stay very active. I’m part of the Global Shapers community, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, which brings together young professionals in Ulaanbaatar. There are around 20–30 members, and we often organize social activities.
I’ve also met friends through events like Creative Mornings and through a running club. Even though I don’t run in winter because of the pollution, I still keep in touch with people I met there.
Q: Do you have a boyfriend?
No, I don’t. That’s actually one of the first questions my coworkers usually ask—whether I’m married or have a boyfriend.
Q: Have you ever been asked on a date here?
Yes, I’ve been on a few dates since moving here. They’ve all been interesting and enjoyable. The men have been respectful and kind.
Q: What do you think about Mongolian youth, especially Gen Z?
I’m technically one of the oldest Gen Z members, so sometimes I relate more to millennials. Still, I’m very impressed by Mongolian Gen Z. Many of them are homeowners, pursuing professional certifications, reading extensively, and showing strong ambition.
I admire how passionate they are about their country and its future. Even those who study or work abroad often return because they want to contribute to Mongolia’s development. That sense of responsibility and optimism is truly inspiring.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say through this interview?
Many foreigners—even those who have lived here for decades—see immense potential in Mongolia and are genuinely excited about its future. I think sometimes Mongolians themselves could benefit from seeing their country through fresh eyes and appreciating its opportunities more deeply.
Thank you for your time.