US-Austrian Journalism Exchange Fellowships

Each year three to six outstanding media professionals from the United States and Austria are awarded an opportunity to report from and travel in each other’s countries as part of the U.S.-Austrian Journalism Exchange Fellowships. The program offers 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 program aims to foster greater understanding and knowledge of both countries among future media leaders and their audiences.

The program is administered jointly by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in Washington, D.C., and the Kuratorium für Journalistenausbildung (KfJ) in Salzburg, Austria. The fellowship program is funded by donations from Austrian government and U.S. government agencies, and private-sector corporations and foundations.

This seven-week program is conducted in three phases:

• Phase I: Orientation Session in Washington, D.C., New York, NY and Vienna, Austria
• Phase II: Individual Fellowships in Austria and the United States
• Phase III: Wrap-Up Debriefing Session in Vienna, Austria

Eligibility

The competitive program is open to U.S. and Austrian journalists between the ages of 21 and 38 who are employed by a newspaper, news magazine, broadcast station, or news agency. Freelance journalists may apply also. Applicants must have demonstrated journalistic talent with at least three years of experience, and a strong interest in U.S.‑European affairs. Foreign language proficiency is not required, but it is strongly preferred and will be taken into consideration during the selection process.

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 may be published by ICFJ and/or KfJ, and may be sent to third parties.

Program Expenses

Fellow receive adequate living stipends during their six-week long Fellowship assignments. The program also pays directly for international and domestic travel expenses, living expenses in the U.S. and Austria, as well as insurance costs and transportation allowances.

Official Link

Deadline: 30th April 2017