During the internship, scholarship holders study both theory and practice
Marion Gräfin Dönhoff Journalism Scholarship
The International Journalisten-Programme (IJP) offers journalists from the CIS, Georgia, and the Baltic states a two-month internship at a German media outlet. The Marion Gräfin Dönhoff Journalism Scholarship (Marion Gräfin Dönhoff Journalistenstipendium) enables young people to improve their professional skills and make new contacts in a professional environment. The knowledge gained is applied by the scholarship holders in their home countries, thus contributing to the development of international journalism.
The program begins in late September or early October with an introductory seminar in one of the European cities. This is followed by a two-month internship at a German media outlet, chosen by the IJP commission. The scholarship amount is 3,800 euros. This sum is paid to participants in a lump sum and covers travel, accommodation, and living expenses in Germany. Upon completion of the program, scholarship holders submit a report on their internship and copies of published materials.
Freelancers and staff members of newspapers, television and radio companies, as well as online publications aged 23 to 35 are eligible for the scholarship. One of the mandatory conditions for participation is a good knowledge of the German language. Applications can be submitted until mid-April.
International Program Journalisten International of the Journalism College at the Free University of Berlin
Berlin is not only the political and cultural center of Germany but also a place where many of the largest German media outlets are concentrated. If you want to learn how capital city reporters work in Germany, welcome to the international program for young journalists Journalisten International (JIL).
The program lasts three months and is divided into two stages. The first six weeks introduce participants to the political and cultural life of Germany as well as the characteristics of German journalism. Invited experts—experienced journalists, politicians, and historians—help to get the scholarship holders up to speed. The training concludes with a study trip through Germany, during which program participants get to know life in the regions.
The second part of the internship is devoted to practice. Scholarship holders are sent to large and small media outlets in Berlin to immerse themselves in editorial routines and study German journalism from the inside.
Students in their final years of German studies and journalism from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia are invited to participate. The scholarship amount is 750 euros per month; in addition, the organizers reimburse participants for travel expenses. The internship takes place from early July to late September. Applications for participation are accepted until November 30.
Scholarship of the German-Russian Forum
The German-Russian Forum (Deutsch-Russisches Forum), in cooperation with the Free Russian-German Institute of Journalism (FRGIJ) at Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, also invites senior students majoring in journalism to undertake a six-week internship at a German media outlet. This program includes not only an internship at a newspaper, radio, or television station but also introductory educational seminars for the scholarship holders, held in Berlin.
The internship lasts from late July to mid-September. Applications with examples of published works are accepted until the end of February. The authors of the most interesting works undergo a competitive selection process in Moscow. Program participants receive a scholarship of 600 euros, as well as reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses. To increase your chances of participation, you will need experience in journalism and a good knowledge of the German language.
Scholarship for Journalists from Central and Eastern Europe: Ostkurs
Young journalists can deepen their professional knowledge by taking part in the three-week seminar Ostkurs, organized by the Munich-based Institute for the Promotion of Young Journalists (Institut zur Förderung publizistischen Nachwuchses e.V.). This educational event is held annually in Munich.
During the program, experienced instructors introduce aspiring journalists to new methods of information gathering, rules for writing articles, and working with photographs. In addition to discussing the role of the media in a democratic society, attention is also paid to covering religious issues in the mass media.
The seminar takes place from mid-July to early August. Applications from those wishing to participate in the Ostkurs program are accepted until the end of February. The organizers cover all accommodation costs, and participants also receive partial reimbursement for travel expenses.
Young journalists aged 19 to 32, staff and freelance employees of newspapers, radio, and television, with a good command of German, can participate in the program.
European Journalism Scholarship of the Free University of Berlin
Not only aspiring journalists but also professionals can receive a scholarship for an internship abroad. The International Journalism College at the Free University of Berlin gives experienced journalists from CIS countries the opportunity to spend 10 months in the German capital. During this time, the scholarship holder will not only attend university classes and journalism seminars but also carry out their research project. The completed project can serve as a basis for writing a book on the chosen topic or preparation for writing a PhD dissertation.
The Europäische Journalisten-Fellowships internship lasts from October to July. The application deadline is February 28. The program is intended for journalists with good knowledge of German. There are no age restrictions. To participate in the selection process, candidates must send the organizers a detailed plan of their future research.
More detailed information about the programs and conditions for receiving scholarships can be found on the organizations' websites:
Website of the Countess Marion Dönhoff Scholarship Program
http://www.ijp.org/stipendien/doenhoff/
Website of the Journalisten International program
http://www.polsoz.fu-berlin.de/kommwiss/institut/journalistenkolleg/jil/
Website of the German-Russian Forum
http://www.deutsch-russisches-forum.de/
Website of the Institute for the Support of Young Journalists program
http://www.ifp-kma.de/ausbildung/ostkurs
Website of the Europaische Journalisten-Fellowships program
http://www.ejf.fu-berlin.dee-mail/
Irina FILIPPOVA,
Deutsche Welle