Netherlands / Germany
The German-Dutch Fellowship was founded in 1994 as IJP’s second bursary programme. The reason for the foundation was the results of the “Clingendael Study” of 1993, a survey of Dutch people on their attitudes towards Germany. At that time, especially the younger generations of both countries had considerable difficulties in bilateral understanding and a correspondingly difficult relationship with the neighbouring country.
The programme is organised together with the Dutch partner JDN (Journalists’ Scholarship Duitsland Nederland). Each year, up to six Dutch and six German journalists have the opportunity to spend two months working in the other country. The fellows work as guest journalists at an editorial office in Germany and at the same time research topics for their home media. This gives them an intensive personal impression of the media, politics, economy, culture and society in the host country.
Timeline
The scholarship begins with a compulsory language course. Afterwards, all participants come together for an introductory conference in The Hague, which lasts several days and provides the scholarship holders with basic knowledge about the press landscape and the political culture of the neighbouring country. During a joint final conference, fellows get a chance to exchange experiences and establish personal contacts, which are usually maintained long after the scholarship ends.
Application
Dutch and German Journalists who regularly contribute as freelance journalists or writers to German or Dutch media can apply. Applicants are required to hand in the following documents to the address below: CV, a passport photo, a short description of their journalistic plans in the host country, three samples of work, as well as a journalistic reference from their senior editor or chief of staff. The reference should support the case of the applicant and at the same time ensure that the applicant is available for the duration of the programme. Dutch applicants should contact JDN for further details
Scholarship
Fellows receive a one time payment of 3,500 euros. The amount is intended to cover most of the cost of travel, board and lodging. The fellows are expected to contribute to their costs. There is no remuneration for journalistic work.
“The exchange made me realise that I can also do my job as a journalist in German, thus expanding my working life both in my own editorial office and beyond the borders. I regularly speak on German radio and was a guest on a political talkshow in Germany. The scholarship was the perfect springboard for this.”
Liedeke Morssinkhof, Alumna 2013
