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FAQ - Fellowships in International Journalism
The International Reporting Project (IRP) is offering two types of individual IRP Fellowships in the fall of 2008.
What are the IRP Fellowships in International Journalism?
The IRP Fellowships in International Journalism are intended to provide U.S. journalists with opportunities to learn about and to cover key international issues, particularly stories that are neglected by the mainstream media. In the fall of 2008, the IRP will offer two types of Fellowships. For a description of the difference in the two types of Fellowships, please see “How to Apply.” All Fellows will begin on September 1 and spend two weeks in Washington in a program designed by the IRP at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of the Johns Hopkins University. All Fellows will leave on September 13 for a five-week reporting trip overseas. All Fellows must return to Washington by October 19 and spend one week in Washington in a program designed by IRP.
Who is eligible?
Any U.S. journalist with at least three years of professional journalistic experience in any medium. The program is open to journalists and photojournalists from newspapers, newsmagazines, wire services, radio, television and on-line news organizations. Freelancers are also eligible. Journalists must be citizens of the United States, or else be working currently in the United States as full-time employees of U.S.-based news organizations.
Do IRP Fellows have to be U.S. citizens?
IRP Fellows must be U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible only if they work full-time in the United States for a U.S. news organization.
Are there minimum and maximum age limits for IRP Fellows?
No.
How are IRP Fellows selected?
An independent selection committee consisting of prominent U.S. journalists and experts in international affairs selects the IRP Fellows from the pool of applicants.
Is priority given to certain international topics?
In the fall of 2008, the IRP is awarding up to four individual IRP/Stanley Foundation Fellowships to applicants whose projects focus on one of the following countries: Japan, South Africa, Russia or any country belonging to the European Union (EU), or on the EU as a whole. (If you are not sure which countries are members of the European Union, please check the “member countries” page on the EU web site: http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/index_en.htm)
In addition, the IRP is awarding up to four individual IRP Fellowships to applicants whose projects focus on any country in the world except for the United States. Fellows are strongly encouraged to keep their travel limited and not to attempt to travel to more than one country. In this group, some priority may be given to stories focusing on international health, environment, conflict and post-conflict resolution, refugees and humanitarian assistance, press freedom, the role of women and children, cultural and religious change, Islamic world issues, economic development and social change and human rights issues.
Any tips or suggestions for submitting a successful proposal?
It is recommended that applicants avoid proposing story projects that are similar to those done by current or recent IRP Fellows. Applicants may wish to review the website to see recent projects undertaken by past Fellows. The program encourages applicants to submit proposals that represent a new direction for the journalist rather than a repetition of stories or experiences the candidate has already had. The IRP encourages journalists to “widen horizons,” try something new, expand their knowledge and learn new things about different parts of the world.
The program discourages proposals in which applicants seek to “return to my family roots,” or that are essentially requests for funding to continue a long-term project such as a book. While we recognize that experience in a country is a valuable tool for a journalist, the program is more likely to choose applicants whose projects represent a new experience in a region where they have not previously had an opportunity to work.
Are freelancers eligible for the program?
Yes, as long as they meet the minimal requirement of three years' experience.
Are Fellows paid a stipend?
IRP Fellows receive a stipend of $1,500 during their initial two weeks in Washington, in addition to having their hotel accommodations paid for. For the five-week overseas period, Fellows receive a free roundtrip air ticket to the country of their choice and a $4,500 travel stipend. On their return to Washington, IRP Fellows receive a final $1,500 stipend and free accommodations. Failure to return to Washington on the date specified will result in forfeiture of the final stipend.
Are IRP Fellows required to come to Washington to participate in the Fellowship?
Yes. The Washington program is an essential part of the program. No one will be allowed to participate in the program without spending the full two weeks in Washington prior to the international reporting trip as well as the full week in Washington after the international travel.
Are IRP Fellows required to produce a news story at the end of the fellowship?
Yes. Each IRP Fellow is expected to produce a news story or stories at the end of the program. It is up to each Fellow and his or her news organization to decide when and how to run the material, and credit should be given to the IRP for making the story possible. The IRP will also run the Fellows’ stories on the IRP web site and in its publications.
Does the program provide health insurance coverage for Fellows?
No. Health insurance coverage is the responsibility of each Fellow. The program encourages IRP Fellows to make sure they have continuing coverage from their current plan.
Does the program cover IRP Fellows' overseas expenses - such as interpreters and local transportation?
In addition to a paid roundtrip ticket to one international destination, a Fellow receives a lump sum of $4,500 to cover all overseas expenses. It is up to each Fellow to decide how to use that amount. In some cases, a Fellow's employer may be willing to pay for additional story-related costs.
May IRP Fellows stay overseas longer than five weeks?
No. All Fellows must return to Washington within five weeks in order to take part in the IRP's continuing program in Washington. Failure to return to Washington on the date specified will result in forfeiture of the final stipend. If an IRP Fellow wishes to travel overseas for less than five weeks, she or he may return to Washington earlier and the program will pay for program-arranged accommodations in Washington.
Are spouses welcome to attend the program?
Spouses may accompany IRP Fellows to Washington and share hotel accommodations. However, because of space limitations at SAIS, spouses are not encouraged to attend the seminars and other program events in Washington. Spouses are discouraged from traveling overseas with Fellows because of the short amount of time available to complete work projects.
Are former IRP Fellows allowed to apply for a second Fellowship?
Unfortunately, no. But former IRP Fellows who are now working fulltime as editors at a news organization and have at least seven years of professional experience may be eligible to apply for the IRP “Gatekeeper Editors” trips.
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