MinerAlert
MinerAlert
August 2025
By Alexandra Sanchez '17
When Omar Khalik graduated from UTEP in 2017 with a degree in computer science, he never imagined his career would eventually take him to over 41 different countries in just over a year. But today, Omar proudly calls himself a “digital nomad,” working remotely as a systems integration architect while exploring different cities and cultures.
His journey began with a combination of personal reflection, a flexible remote job, and an opportunity. Omar decided not to renew his apartment lease after switching to remote work and experiencing a high cost of living. Instead, he packed his belongings into a storage unit and bought a flight to Germany, where he stayed with family, and began his adventure.
When asked how long ago he began his journey, he said: “That was over a year ago. Since then, I’ve traveled from country to country, sometimes staying in one place for just a few days, other times returning to familiar cities when I need a reset.”
Omar is currently in Budva, Montenegro, which he described as a “scenic beach resort town,” enjoying the perks of affordable living and experiencing many cultures. “The Balkans are stunning,” he said. “You can live like a king here on a modest salary. The water is crystal blue; the mountains are right behind you — it’s surreal.”
Despite the excitement of traveling, life as a digital nomad also comes with a few challenges. From language barriers and navigating public transit in unfamiliar places to ensuring a stable internet connection for U.S.-based work hours, Omar said he has learned to adapt quickly. “There are definitely lonely days too,” he admitted, “but they’re rare. Traveling solo forces you to connect with locals, with other travelers, and most importantly, with yourself.”
His experience at UTEP turned out to be an unexpected foundation for his confidence. “UTEP exposed me to people from all over the world. I made friends with Bhutanese and Brazilian students, and it sparked this curiosity in me—there’s so much more to the world than what we’re used to.”
For Omar, the greatest reward of the digital nomad lifestyle is not just the breathtaking cities, scenery, or historical landmarks, it’s the human connection. “Talking to locals and seeing how similar we all are at our core has been so reassuring. Everyone wants to take care of their family, laugh, and enjoy life.”
Though he has a return ticket to El Paso upcoming, Omar says it’s only a pit stop. His tentative plans include more adventures, potentially in Asia, Africa, or South America. “There’s still so much of the world left to see,” he said.
His advice to fellow UTEP alumni who dream of traveling or working remotely? Just go for it.
“There’s this idea that you have to work really hard first before you earn the right to travel. But if the opportunity is there, take it now. It was a leap of faith for me, but I don’t regret it at all. In fact, it’s been the most empowering thing I’ve ever done. I’ve learned that no matter what comes up, I’ll figure it out, and that’s changed how I see myself.”
Omar is living proof that adventure can be a path to self-discovery, and he is fully embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and showing that sometimes all one needs is to step outside of their comfort zone to truly find oneself.