German-Middle Eastern Fellowship for Young Journalists

IJP is doing this in cooperation with governmental institutions, foundations and sponsors in Germany and the Middle East. At the same time, the fellowship is being offered to journalists in Germany, who can apply to spend a two-month period in the Middle East.

Within the Middle East Programme, founded in 2005, the IJP contributes to an intensive dialogue between media outlets in a region particularly affected by conflict and at the same time invites journalists from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt to take part in an exchange with their German colleagues.

Up to five journalists from the Middle East (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian Territories and Israel) will be given the opportunity to receive a two-month travel and work scholarship for Germany. This is done in cooperation with governmental institutions, foundations and sponsors in Germany and the Middle East. At the same time, this scholarship is open to journalists from Germany who can apply for a two-month stay in the Middle East.

The fellowship is intended to enable young journalists to become familiar with the political issues in Germany at an early stage of their career. This raises awareness of aspects of relations between Germany and the Middle East and gives participants a personal insight into mentality, culture and everyday life in Germany and the European Union.

The practical part of the fellowship ensures contact with colleagues in the region, with the idea that participants have a network in one another’s regions in the future.

The branch of the media (newspaper, radio, TV, magazine) will be selected by the fellows, and the actual place of work will then be decided by the organizer in consultation with the fellows. There will be the possibility to extend the stay on an individual basis.

There is also the possibility of a two-week intensive German language training in Berlin at the start of the program, with costs covered by this program.

Objectives

• The fellowship is intended to enable young journalists to familiarize themselves with the political issues in Germany at an early stage of their career. This will raise awareness to the relations between Germany and the Middle East in young media multipliers and will give them a personal insight into mentality, culture and everyday life in Germany and the European Union.
• The practical part of the fellowship ensures contact with colleagues in the region, and it is hoped this contact will be maintained in future years. This is also the purpose of the future alumni association of former grant holders and of an annual alumni reunion in Berlin.

Funding Information

• The fellowship carries a payment of 4,000 Euro per person. This sum is intended to cover a large proportion of the travel costs, board and lodging. Fellows are expected to contribute a certain amount themselves. There will be no payment for the individual’s work on location as a journalist.

Duration of Fellowship

• The fellowship begins on with an introductory event from October 24 – 26, 2024 in Berlin together with the German fellows. This is followed by German language course and a fellowship lasting at least two months with a German media outlet.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications may be submitted by any citizen of the countries mentioned above, aged 21 or over who is working as a regular employee, trainee or journalist for media. The maximum age is 37 years.

For more information, visit IJP.