The World Press Institute Fellowship is offered to 10 journalists from countries around the world. It provides immersion into the governance, politics, business, media, journalistic ethics and culture of the United States for experienced international journalists, through a demanding schedule of study, travel and interviews throughout the country.

The 2011 program will begin in mid August and end in mid-October. The fellows will spend a month in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, and then travel to several U.S. cities, including New York and Washington, D.C., for briefings, interviews and visits. They will returned to Minnesota for the final week of the program. See the 2010 Schedule for information on the 2010 fellowship and example of WPI events.

Journalism — in particular, the role and responsibilities of a free press in a democracy— is the primary focus of the WPI fellowship program. First-hand knowledge of the complexity and diversity of life in the U.S. is an equally important goal. Access is the key. Over the term of the fellowship, WPI fellows gain access to a broad range of individuals and institutions ranging from the world renowned to the ordinary.

Eligibility:

• At least five (5) years full-time employment in print, broadcast, or online journalism.
  Journalists can work for news or editorial departments of newspapers, wire services, radio, television, web sites, online publications or magazines of general public interest.
  Photojournalists, editorial cartoonists, columnists and broadcast producers are also eligible.
  Those who supervise journalists are eligible providing that they also have at least five years as a working journalist.
  Any journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count toward experience. People who work in public relations or at organizations whose primary business is not the media are not eligible.
• Must be currently employed as a non U.S. journalist working outside of the United States.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Potential for leadership

Who is eligible?
Any non U.S. journalist working outside of the United States with at least five years of professional journalistic experience in any medium. The program is open to journalists and photojournalists from newspapers, newsmagazines, wire services, radio, television and online news organizations.

Are there minimum and maximum age limits for WPI Fellows?
No.

Are freelancers eligible for the program?
Yes, as long as they meet the minimal requirement of five years’ experience and are currently working as a journalist.

Are Fellows paid a stipend?
IRP Fellows receive a modest per diem to cover such things as meals. Hotel accommodations and fellowship -related travel are paid for.

Are WPI Fellows required to produce news stories during the fellowship?
Yes. Each WPI Fellow is expected to write for the World Press Institute Reports (blog) and produce up to three news story for WPI’s online partners during the program. It is up to each Fellow and his or her news organization whether they will produce articles for publication back home.

Does the program provide health insurance coverage for Fellows?
Yes. It is basic policy that covers emergency care but not such things as elective surgery or dental care.

Can spouses or families accompany the fellows?
Not during the fellowship program.

All required information, including work samples and letters of recommendation, must be received by the World Press Institute by January 31, 2011, in order for your application to be considered.

Visit http://worldpressinstitute.org/fellowship.htm

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