The WPI 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
Selection is a competitive process. Each year hundreds of journalists apply to the program. Fellows are picked by the WPI selection committee, composed of journalists and corporate communications specialists, all with international experience. Finalists for the fellowship will announced in early April.
Money Matters
WPI pays all program costs, including transportation to the U.S. and back, all transportation within the U.S. related to the WPI program, and all lodging costs. In addition, a modest daily per diem for food is provided. Personal expenses, such as cameras, film, postage and clothing, are the responsibility of the fellows.
Eligibility Requirements
>>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
Terms of the Fellowship
WPI fellows are required to prepare for and participate in all briefings and all other scheduled WPI events. They must agree to stay for the entire program and to return to their home countries at the program’s conclusion.
WPI requires that fellows write for the WPI Web site, including the blog, WPI Reports, and submit up to three stories for WPI’s online partners during their fellowship. They are also encouraged to file for their readers, listeners or viewers back home.
Periodic reviews and evaluations are required, and WPI fellows participate in several roundtable discussions about their insights into the U.S. or international journalism issues.
Fellows must have a tolerance for others of different cultures. The program involves a lot of travel, is nonstop, and fellows live out of suitcases much of the time as venues change frequently.
Violations of these terms could result in termination from the program
Letters of Recommendation
During the online application process, you will need to provide the names and email addresses of three (3) references. WPI will contact them with information on how they can submit online letters of recommendation.
Recommendations should be written by individuals familiar with your work who can comment on your journalistic abilities and potential for growth and leadership. These letters should be in English and address your experience, qualifications, and potential.
One of the three recommendation should be from your immediate supervisor.
Work Samples
Please make sure all samples contain the date on which they were published. Most, if not all, of your samples should have been published or aired within the last two years.
If your samples are not in English, please include an English summary of their contents
Work samples can be uploaded with the online application. Files with the following extensions are accepted: .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .doc. For photos or other artwork, .jpg/.jpeg, .gif, or .pdf files are accepted.
DVDs, audio/video files, or samples that exist only on paper and that cannot be converted to digital form can be sent to the address below. Please note that samples cannot be returned.
World Press Institute
3415 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55114 USA
How to Apply
You can apply online. During this online application process, you will be asked to provide the following:
• Applicant information
• Employment history and education
• Two essays
• Colour photo of yourself
• Work samples
• Awards, fellowships, and certificates
• Three letters of recommendation
Deadline: All required information, including work samples and letters of recommendation, must be received by the World Press Institute by January 31, 2013, in order for your application to be considered.
For more information, click here.
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