Application Deadlines

Germany Spring and Fall Programs 2019

June 2-14, 2019 – Application Deadline February 1, 2019

September 15–27, 2019 – Application Deadline: April 1, 2019

The RIAS journalist exchange offers a two-week program in Germany (with the option of an extension of up to one week for individual research projects and reports) to U.S. journalists, who work in radio, television or online.

The program starts in Berlin, where participants stay for one week for political, economic, cultural, and media appointments. In the second week the summer program moves to Erfurt and Cologne, the fall program to Dresden and Prague to see the changes that have transpired since German Unification in 1990. The programs always end with a three-day stop in Brussels, home to both NATO and the European Union, with meetings and appointments to discuss the latest developments of each organization. The participants fly home from Brussels or start their optional extension in Berlin or other German cities from there.

Program applicants must be full-time radio, TV, or online journalists, either staff or freelance hires. While knowledge and familiarity of German is preferred, it is not a requirement. We ask that applicants have a minimum of three years of continued professional journalism experience prior to applying for the program. The RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION encourages journalism school graduates with prior work experience to consider the program.

Program applicants may apply for an extension in Germany of up to one week to cover stories, pursue individual research projects, or intern in a division of a German radio or television station. This request must be made at the time of the initial application.

The RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION exchange is a comprehensive fellowship, providing participants with r/t air travel from their home market to Germany, ground and air travel in and across Germany, and hotel accommodations during the program. Participants seeking extensions also receive travel and accommodation coverage.

Application Package

The following material should be included in your application package.

1. completed application forms
2. résumé / CV
3. nominating/recommendation letter from your supervisor
4. A one-page essay which addresses these three issues:
   1) why are you interested in the program;
   2) what do you hope to gain from participating; and
   3) how will your inclusion in this program benefit you, your station or newsroom?

Send application materials  to:

RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION
Hans-Rosenthal-Platz
D-10825 Berlin
Germany
info@riasberlin.org

Since 1994, RTDNF has administered this media fellowship as part of its German/American Journalist Exchange Program with the RIAS. The next application deadline for the 2018 program in Europe is February 1, 2018. For information on the RTDNF Germany fellowship or the RIAS Awards program, visit rtdna.org or contact Mike Cavender at mikec@rtdna.org or Erik Kirschbaum at kirschbaum@riasberlin.org.