Northern Europe / Germany
The German-Northern European Programme sees itself as a forum for dialogue between the five Nordic and three Baltic states and Germany. It was launched in 2000, initially with the five Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Since 2015, the exchange has been expanded to include the Baltic countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The programme thrives partly on the fact that Germans’ interest in the political systems and social developments in Northern Europe remains high. Conversely, Northern Europeans and Balts are increasingly interested in Germany – as a major trading partner, but also as a cultural and political source of inspiration.
The programme comprises a total of up to 22 fellowships. While the participants from the Nordic and Baltic states visit a German editorial office, eleven German fellows travel to one of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries.
The introductory conference in one of the capitals brings together the participants of the programme. In discussions with leading representatives from politics, business and society, the journalists can learn about current topics and about German-Northern European-Baltic cooperation. At the end of the programme, the fellows come together again in Berlin for a closing event to exchange views on their working stays abroad and to explore further research together.
Timeline
The fellowship starts with a four-day introductory meeting in one of the Nordic capitals or Berlin. After the introduction meeting, fellows will start their placements at their respective host media outlets for six to eight weeks. IJP chooses the host medium in consultation with the fellows. At a final conference, the participants submit their journalistic work and a field report of at least three pages.
Application
Applications are open to journalists between the ages of 18 and 45 who work as freelancers, trainees or editors in one of the above listed countries. Language skills in German are not a prerequisite for applications from Northern Europe. A working knowledge of English is expected. Further details on the application process can be found in the current call for applications.
Scholarship
Each scholar will receive a single payment of 3,800 Euro to cover part of their travel expenses, accommodation and personal expenses during their stay in Germany. Additional costs should be paid by each scholar. Payment for the work in Germany is up to the individual media and should not be expected.
„I was lucky enough to spend six weeks in Bonn working at Deutsche Welle. I met some great journalists, wrote some news that wasn’t about Finland for a change, learnt about how DW approaches format development and SEO, and pottered about in Germany remembering what a great country it can be. It was a huge privilege to spend time in a German newsroom, and it was wonderful to attend DW’s Global Media Forum too.“
Egan Richardson, Alumni 2021