Interested in sharing your expertise internationally while supporting Tibetan entrepreneurship and cultural preservation?
Join us to learn about the Ngawang Choephel (NC) Fellows Program, an international entrepreneurship initiative led by the University of Virginia (UVA) and supported by the U.S. federal government. Since 2008, the program has promoted entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in Tibetan communities.
This year, Old Dominion University is partnering with UVA to recruit ODU faculty and administrative/professional (AP) faculty for the program's outbound exchange. Selected ODU participants will travel to Tibetan-populated regions in South Asia in December 2026 for approximately 10 days to deliver entrepreneurship workshops, engage with local educational institutions, and collaborate with Tibetan entrepreneurs.
The program focuses on entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, sustainable development, and long-term collaboration between U.S. and Tibetan participants.
Who should consider applying? Faculty and AP faculty with expertise in areas such as:
· Business and Entrepreneurship Fundamentals
· Design Thinking and Innovation
· Business Model Development & Business Planning
· Marketing, Digital Marketing & Personal Branding
· AI for Business
· Financial Management and Accounting
· Growth and Scaling Strategies
· Pitch Development and Storytelling
· Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
· Social-Emotional Leadership
Program Benefits
Selected participants will:
· Travel to South Asia to facilitate workshops and participate in cultural exchange.
· Work directly with Tibetan entrepreneurs and educational institutions.
· Gain firsthand insight into Tibetan culture and society.
· Build lasting international collaborations while contributing to sustainable economic development.
All program expenses are fully funded. Participants also receive logistical, language, and cultural support throughout the program.
Questions? E-mail Dr. Patricia Schiaffini-Vedani (pschiaff@odu.edu), Director of International Collaborations.
