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The Benefits of Being a Fellow

“The impact that my fellowship has had on my professional and personal growth is invaluable. In just 10 months, I have learned so much through the many challenges I have faced. I am a stronger, more flexible person ready to adapt to any situation.

Personally, I have made friendships, with both locals and other foreigners, which I will cherish for a lifetime. My experience would have been completely different if I hadn’t lived with my roommate, worked with my co-workers, and spent my free time with my specific group of friends. My fellowship has brought me more love and friendship than I ever imagined possible. Even the other Fellows whom I only met briefly at the pre-departure orientation and mid-year conference will surely be lifelong friends. The connections that I have made, personally and professionally, will help me in various ways in the future. The wealth of knowledge that exists among the Fellows from just the 2013-14 cycle is priceless! I know that I will always have the support and understanding of any past or future Fellow. I am so pleased to become a part of the alumni network.

Professionally, I have become a more confident, skilled teacher and teacher trainer. I joined the Fellow program fresh out of my master’s program. Having just completed my own education, I was intimidated to train other teachers. However, after doing so numerous times at workshops and conferences, I now have faith in my ability to do so effectively. I do not know whether my future career will allow me to continue to do teacher training, but I am grateful for the experience that I gained here in that specific area.”

-Rebekah Gordon
Haramaya, Ethiopia

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This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by Georgetown University, Center for Intercultural Education and Development.

All decisions related to participant terms (including candidate review, selection, funding, suspension, revocation, and termination) and all criteria related thereto are made and established by the U.S. Department of State.