Entrepreneurs from Egypt, Morocco and Algeria work with Vermont organizations

3 Fellows for the Professional Fellows Program spent a month in Vermont as part of this U.S. Department of State (DOS) sponsored exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding and build long-term cultural, professional, and leadership partnerships between emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States.

In addition to intensive 4 week fellowships at Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility , Green Across the World, and Spectrum, participants took part in tailored professional development sessions, including workshops with experts from Launch VT, Vermont Small Business Development Center and Mercy Connections.

Another essential part of the experience is the home hosting portion of the program, where fellows lived in Vermont homes, went on cultural outings and were hosted for dinners to exchange culture and enjoy life in Vermont!

"I felt very fortunate with my fellowship in Vermont for all the warmth I received since I first stepped foot in Vermont. It was a rich experience, full of learnings on personal and professional levels, thanks to the exposure and activities coordinated by Vermont Council on World Affairs, and my fellowship placement at Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.

The biggest takeaway from my fellowship is learning about the unique mindset that is deeply rooted in the community of Vermont, which is full of positivity, caring, openness, and love for sustainability. It was astonishing to see how civil society engages with policymakers and businesses for the benefit of the planet and see collective actions on all levels of society. I am very appreciative to VCWA for the unforgettable experience that has left a lasting footprint on my personal and professional development."

- Diaa (Egypt)

While we said farewell to Maryem, Diaa and Reduoane we look forward to staying in touch and welcoming more fellows this spring as part of this important program!

We are grateful for the host organizations and home hosts who gave their time to support this important program and help fulfill VCWA's mission of bringing Vermont to the world and the world to Vermont.

If you are interested in hosting a fellow in your home or becoming a host organization for a month long fellowship, please reach out to marya@vcwa.org