South Eastern Europe / Germany
The German-South-Eastern European Journalists’ Bursary was established in 2020 and ran through 2024 as a climate focused programme. It offered journalists from Germany, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia the opportunity to gain in-depth insights into each other’s media landscapes.
Each year, up to ten journalists from these countries spent six to eight weeks in a host country, immersing themselves in the local media environment. During this time, they built professional connections, collaborated with local journalists, and expanded their networks. Fellows were placed with host media outlets and took part in the host newsroom’s daily editorial work.
In addition, participants pursued their own journalistic projects and contributed stories to media outlets in their home countries.
Note: The program’s funding period concluded in early 2025. It is currently not being offered. Information regarding any future continuation will be provided in due course.
Timeline
The fellowship begins with an introductory conference, providing participants with an overview of key topics and insights into the media landscape. This is followed by a placement at host media outlets. During their six- to eight-week stay fellows gain a deeper understanding of their host country, build professional connections with local colleagues and broaden their journalistic experience.
At a three-day final conference, participants submit a three-page report on their experiences and the journalistic work they produced during the programme.
Application
Journalists and bloggers from the above-mentioned countries, but also documentary filmmakers, are eligible to apply. Applicants from the journalistic field should regularly work as freelancers, trainees or editors in print, radio, online or TV. Language skills in a language of the host country are not required. A working knowledge of English is expected. Further details on the application process can be found in the current call for applications.
Scholarship
The scholarship holders receive a one-time payment of 3,800 euros. The amount is intended to cover part of the travel costs, food and accommodation. All additional costs must be borne by the participants themselves.
„If I were to describe briefly the experience lived due to the fellowship, I would say two words – pleasant and useful. Pleasant because I met a lot of interesting people, useful because it opened up another perspective on the word “green” for me. In Romania, eco journalism is not mainstream, I could say that it is more like a niche journalism. During the fellowship in Germany, other perspectives opened up for me and I gained a new understanding of the phenomenon and the importance of fighting against pollution of any kind. Green journalism is more than a must in our days. For me, this fellowship was a trigger that connected me to the real world and to the real needs of the planet.“
Tiberiu Stoichici, Fellow 2021