Journalism fellowships to Germany: Application deadline for Arthur F. Burns Fellowships: March 1, 2005 Program Dates: Group Orientation, July 26-31, 2005. Washington, DC. Fellowship in Germany, August-September, 2005. Each year 20 outstanding media professionals from the United States and Germany are awarded an opportunity to report from and travel in each other's countries as part of The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship Program. The program offers 10 young print and broadcast journalists from each country the opportunity to share professional expertise with their colleagues across the Atlantic while working as 'foreign correspondents' for their hometown news organizations. The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship Program was established in 1988 in Germany by the Internationale Journalisten-Programme (formerly the Initiative Jugendpresse) and was originally designed for young German journalists. In 1990 the fellowship expanded to include American journalists, making it a truly two-way exchange. Named in honor of the late former U.S. ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and former Federal Reserve Board chairman, the program fosters greater understanding of German-U.S. relations among future leaders of the news media. The program is administered jointly by the International Center for Journalists in Washington, D.C., and the Internationale Journalisten-Programme in Konigstein, Germany. The U.S. portion of The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship Program is funded exclusively by donations from individuals and private-sector corporations and foundations. Costs for the German participants are paid for by grants from German corporations, government agencies and international foundations. This nine-week program is administered in two phases. Phase I: Orientation Session in Washington, D.C. Before individual fellowships begin, U.S. and German participants are invited to a one-week orientation in Washington, D.C., during the last week of July. Fellows attend meetings with prominent media and government representatives, discuss professional issues and visit places of interest in the U.S. capital. In addition to giving Fellows a thorough understanding of the Burns Fellowship Program, the orientation fosters a spirit of community among the participants. Phase II: Individual Fellowships in Germany and the United States In August and September, Fellows work at host newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations under the supervision of an editor. In addition to covering local news, Fellows report on events for their employers back home, while learning more about their host country and its media. In most cases, participants also have the opportunity to travel. Host news organizations in Germany are chosen by IJP; ICFJ finds hosts for German fellows in the United States. Host organizations are selected on the basis of compatibility with a Fellow's professional interests. Eligibility: The competitive program is open to U.S. and German journalists between the ages of 21 and 37 who are employed by a newspaper, news magazine, broadcast station or news agency. Freelance journalists may apply. Applicants must have demonstrated journalistic talent and a strong interest in U.S.-European affairs. German language proficiency is not required, but it is strongly preferred. Participant Responsibilities: Each participant is required to sign the 'Agreement to Program Conditions' indicating that he/she understands and will comply with the general conditions of the program. At the conclusion of the fellowship, each participant is required to prepare a summary report and provide recommendations for future programs. Excerpts of these reports are published in the program newsletter, which is sent to program alumni, sponsors and friends. Participants' reports are also available online at www.icfj.org/burns.html. Program Expenses: Each Fellow receives a $4,000 stipend and $1,000 travel allowance to cover basic travel and living expenses during the two-month fellowship. The program also pays living expenses during the orientation in Washington, D.C. In addition, American participants are eligible to apply for reimbursement up to $500 for the cost of German-language classes in advance of departure overseas. Limited financial aid is available, and determined based on need, on a case-by-case basis. The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) has shared professional knowledge and information with journalists and their news organizations around the world since 1984. A nonprofit, independent institute in Washington, D.C., ICFJ is dedicated to working with overseas journalists and media managers, providing technical expertise, information and support services to strengthen local news gathering and publishing. The Center has designed and conducted more than 500 workshops and seminars on reporting, news writing, editing, media ethics, new technology, business management and advertising. For more information contact: International Center for Journalists, 1616 H Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20006, USA, Tel: 202/737-3700, Fax: 202/737-0530, burns@icfj.org, http://www.icfj.org. The Internationale Journalisten-Programme (IJP), founded in 1982, is an association of nearly 1,600 young German journalists working in print and broadcast media. The IJP brings promising young professionals together with German opinion leaders, organizes national conferences, and hosts study tours in several countries. In addition, IJP organizes fellowships, similar to The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship program, in Great Britain, the Netherlands and the Asia-Pacific region. For more information contact: Internationale Journalisten-Programme, Postfach 1565, 61455 Konigstein/Ts., Germany, Tel: 06174/7707, Fax: 06174/4123, http://www.ijp.org/afburns. To submit your application or for more information, please contact: The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship, c/o International Center for Journalists; 1616 H Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006; Tel: 202/737-3700; Fax: 202/737-0530; E-mail: burns@icfj.org; www.icfj.org; OR www.ijp.org
(Posted 1/12/05)
