I don’t care about which operating system, but my hobby projects have always included things that help myself. E.g.

• Software to collect/archive/analyse real life data (e.g. real estate data from various sources).
• Scripts to parse and structure data that I need e.g. for learning other things.
• Firmware for small embedded electronics.
• Home automation.

So my suggestion is to think of something that you need, but there isn’t a perfect solution yet. Although this advice comes from someone who has been working in software development for two decades now.

If you haven’t programmed before, think something very very small first.

I participated in multiple homestays in different countries as part of my studies. The shortest was one night, the longest one month. But to be clear, no working, just an opportunity to live with a local family when studying abroad.

I guess those were the best ways to actually see how regular people live in those countries. What are the apartments like, what kind of habits they have. Everyday stuff that you won’t see as a regular tourist.

Those would have also been golden opportunities to improve my language skills more, if I wasn’t so shy.

But regardless, now almost 20 years later, those are one of the very memorable and distinct experiences from my youth.

I would definitely recommend it. Assuming the culture/country is something that interests you.