Tunisia Outbound Program 2024: History and Hospitality
“Tunisia truly exceeded all my expectations.” — Anita Roberts
The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a U.S. State Department-funded initiative that brings professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 to U.S. cities for hands-on professional experiences at a variety of host organizations. After the program ends, Americans that hosted the Fellows at their places of work are selected for the opportunity to travel to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, visiting the home countries of the Fellows they once hosted.
In Tunisia, PFP connected these hosts with entrepreneurial communities that shared their aspirations for growth, innovation, and global impact. The three Fellows were Anita Roberts from Silicon Hills Capital, R.C. Rondero de Mosier from Tech Ranch, and Christina Moore from the D.C. Department of Employment Services. Together they embarked on a journey around the country to deepen their understanding of Tunisia’s evolving business landscape and rich cultural heritage.
Back in the U.S., Anita hosted Atef El Khammar, R.C. hosted Ghazi Saddem, and Christina hosted Yosr Nour Oueslati. In Tunisia, some of the U.S. Fellows met with the MENA Fellows they had hosted along with other Tunisian PFP alumni. Anita appreciated the opportunity for this continued connection, as all the hosts were “passionate about sharing their culture and professional worlds, creating an environment where learning was constant.” With each Tunisian bringing their own perspective, this learning stretched across diverse fields.
The U.S. Fellows participated in a Tunisian radio interview in Kairouan.
One such example was their meeting with Ghazi, who introduced them to Tunisia’s growing venture capital and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Ghazi offered valuable insights into the startup culture in Tunisia. The Fellows also met with Nour, who worked in broadcasting media. “Nour’s work with young people, including a college-focused agenda and a Tunisian radio interview, offered a deeper look into the social and cultural pulse of the nation,” Anita explained.
Beyond connecting with their original Fellows, they also were given the opportunity to connect MENA Fellows from different cohorts. In particular, they met with Muhammed Hammami, from the Spring 2024 cohort. “Muhammed took us on a journey through both entrepreneurial spaces and historical sites, blending the modern with the ancient, which allowed us to see the country through a multifaceted lens.” These connections allowed the U.S. Fellows to not only maintain their connections made in the U.S. but further expand their network abroad. Throughout their travels, Anita found that these connections made a lasting impression, but everyone they met contributed to their positive experience. “Personally, I was touched by the warmth and hospitality of everyone we met. The people of Tunisia went out of their way to make us feel comfortable, and I developed a strong appreciation for their generosity and spirit.”
In Sousse, the U.S. Fellows hosted a workshop on the US economic ecosystem.
In addition to personal connections, the Fellows engaged in meaningful dialogues with local entrepreneurs. Through open dialogue, the Fellows learned from other local entrepreneurs about the Tunisian business ecosystem, and in turn, shared their insights into the United States’ own. R.C. described it as “an incredible bridge connecting me with entrepreneurial communities in Tunisia that shared aspirations for growth, innovation, and global impact.” He also took away valuable lessons about the rapidly evolving Tunisian market. From this, he gained a newfound appreciation of the Tunisian entrepreneurs, whose unwavering determination allowed them to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities within the market. R.C. saw that the Tunisians’ “creativity, resilience, and adaptability highlighted the potential for cross-pollination of ideas.”
Reciprocally, U.S. Fellows advised Tunisian entrepreneurs on the U.S. market. They discussed strategies for U.S. market entry, tailored to unique products and services, and delved into the nuances of American business culture. For R.C., the program “exemplified the essence of collaboration: mutual growth fueled by shared experiences and knowledge.”
Alongside Tunisian’s business culture, cuisine was an inseparable part of their experience. Whether indulging in baked brik, rich couscous, or delicious tuna, each dish told a story of community, creativity, and pride. R.C. found connections between the food, with its bold flavors and deep-rooted traditions, and interpersonal connection. “Sharing meals with my hosts and fellow participants wasn’t just about nourishment—it was a way of fostering connection and understanding,” R.C. explained. “Food became a universal language that transcended barriers and reinforced the sense of belonging within this global Fellowship.”
The U.S. Fellows and their hosts share a meal on their final day in Tunisia.
Other aspects of cultural immersion provided learning opportunities. Christina’s preconceptions of the Muslim-majority country were challenged by what she saw in real life. She was surprised to see how women dressed day-to-day. Rather than all of them wearing a hijab, many wore non-religious clothes. Some even had on red nail polish. During the program, Christina and the other Fellows met women who held professional leadership positions or even led an entire business. “I thought women didn’t have a say,” Christina remembered, “but all we did was speak to women in high positions.”
Together, Fellows experienced the intersection of culture and commerce in Tunisia, each aspect informing the other. As Anita put it, “The time of year was perfect, the people were exceptional, and the lessons learned—both professionally and personally—will stay with me for a long time.“
About the Author: Elise Bourmatnov is the Spring 2025 International Program Development and Communications Intern for the PFP, a U.S. Department of State initiative administered by Legacy International.