Today, as the 29 members of the third cohort of the Tevel Fellowship program complete their orientation and head out to the villages where they will be working for the next six months on community development and rehabilitation programs, Boaz (USA) and Hikmat (Nepal), reflect on the program orientation and share their excitement about the move to the villages. 

Hikmat: We both have really enjoyed getting to meet the fellows from other countries. For me, this is one of the most valuable aspects of the program.  

Boaz: It’s important to develop both personal and professional relationships with one another. Part of the process of developing these relationships is becoming familiar with cultural similarities and differences. I was actually surprised about how many similarities there  

Hikmat: I was surprised by some of the differences! For example, I’ve noticed that they call everyone by their first names, even older people, which I’m not used to.  

Boaz:  Making breakfast together with the Nepali fellows in Tevel’s “Big House” was a great opportunity to get to know each other, share our goals and passions and develop a personal connection. It was something I have been looking forward to and a truly memorable moment for me.  

Hikmat: A meaningful part of the orientation for me was learning practical skills such as first-aid and disaster management. These tools will help us succeed in our work in the villages.I’m especially excited to meet the villagers. I also come from a village- I really want to learn more about the villages where we will be working and the unique cultures there.  

Boaz: I’m really looking forward to this stage, to living in the village, getting to know what it’s really like there and just “jumping in” to village life.   We wish all of our fellows good luck as they begin this once-in-a-lifetime experience!