Turkey / Germany Federal President Johannes Rau Fellowship
The German-Turkish Fellowship programme was founded in 2006 with the goal to enable young German reporters to spend two months in this important border country between Europe and Asia. In exchange, it offered an opportunity for Turkish journalists to spend a longer period of time working for a German host media organization. Former Federal President Johannes Rau personally authorized the fellowship to bear his name, given the importance of German-Turkish relations. Since then, hundreds of German and Turkish journalists have been able to spend time in the respective host country.
Each year, five young Turkish journalists get the opportunity to work as temporary correspondents at a host media outlet in Germany. During the two-month stay, participants will get insights and better understand the fundamentals of Germany’s economic and political structure, German culture and the daily routine at their host media organization.
Timeline
The German-Turkish partners are put together during an introductory conference, usually in Istanbul or Berlin.
After the conference, the Turkish fellows start their placements at a German host media outlet for six to eight weeks. After returning from abroad, scholarship holders commit to submitting a report on their experience of at least three pages as well as copies of the published articles.
Application
Applications are open to Turkish between the ages of 23 and 35. German alumni of all IJP programmes can apply to for a tandem fellowship until the age of 45. Candidates do not need any prior knowledge of German or Turkish, however a very good command of English is mandatory.
Scholarship
Up to five journalists from Turkey can participate in the programme each year. Each fellow receives a one-time payment of 3,800 euros. This amount is intended as a contribution towards transportation, accommodation and other expenses. It is not possible for participants to receive any financial support from the host country or organisation or to postpone the fellowship.
“The Bursary is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand information about a vital country, build good connections with colleagues and report important stories.”
Berivan Aydın, Alumna 2016
