The goal of the Jefferson Fellowships 2024 is to increase public awareness of important issues facing the United States and the Asia-Pacific region through the news media. The theme of this year’s program will be Indo-Pacific political and economic stability, with a particular emphasis on China’s assertive actions in the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea. The Fellows will analyze the effects of these intricate relationships, with China serving as Taiwan’s primary trading partner and the US serving as the Philippines’ main security ally. The show will explore how Taiwan’s leadership forges ahead in the face of Chinese pressure and US assistance, as well as how the Marcos administration in the Philippines is fortifying security ties with the US, Japan, and Australia.
A thorough examination of the complex political and economic problems in the Indo-Pacific area is promised by the Jefferson Fellowships 2024. Through the program, journalists will have the chance to speak with prominent individuals about potential futures and policy options, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the regional and global effects of these dynamics. The program ensures a comprehensive examination by incorporating viewpoints from China, Japan, and other significant players, even through virtual means. The goal of this program is to provide journalists with the tools they need to produce well-informed, superior reporting that advances public conversation and comprehension of these important problems.
2024 Jefferson Fellowships Details:
USA, Philippines, and Taiwan are the fellowship host countries.
arranged by: East-West Center Locations: Taipei, Manila, and Honolulu
United States and one of the qualifying nations or territories in the Asia-Pacific region are the eligible countries.
Dates: 2024 December 1–18
Eligibility Criteria for the Jefferson Fellowships 2024:
Geographic and Professional Requirements:
Must be a journalist based in the United States or one of the eligible Asia-Pacific countries or territories.
Can work in print, broadcast, or online media.
Experience:
Must have at least five years of professional journalism experience.
Language Proficiency:
Must be able to converse professionally in English.
Relevance to Coverage:
Preference is given to journalists who can clearly explain how the program’s theme relates to their coverage areas.
Should detail how they plan to apply the new knowledge to enhance the perspectives of their audience.
Engagement and Content Creation:
Highly encouraged to produce and share content through formal print and broadcast stories, blogs, and social media during and after the program.
Employer Support:
Required to submit an “Employer’s Statement of Support” indicating any cost-sharing arrangements and employer commitment to the program.
Deadline:
The application deadline to apply for the Jefferson Fellowships Program is June 13, 2024.
Benefits of Jefferson Fellowships Program 2024:
Full or Partial Scholarships:
10 to 14 scholarships available.
2 to 4 for American journalists.
8 to 10 for journalists from the Asia-Pacific region.
Comprehensive Coverage:
Round-trip airfare for the study tour and to/from the participant’s home country.
Accommodations in all cities visited.
Program meals and a small daily allowance.
Airport transfers and ground transportation.
Cultural events and networking opportunities.
Interpretation services as needed.
Meeting spaces, speaker honoraria, and partner organization expenses.
A knowledgeable guide and a well-planned event schedule with special access to speakers and local communities.
Additional Notes:
Each Fellow must pay a program fee of USD $800.00 for expenses not covered by the scholarship.
Fellows are responsible for luggage fees, health insurance, and visa-related costs.
Media organizations are encouraged to share costs for program expenditures and airfare.
Employer’s Statement of Support is required for cost-sharing arrangements.
Journalists may seek additional sponsors or self-fund part of the cost-sharing.
Indicate the cost-sharing party on a second copy of the Employer Statement of Support form.
The following countries are eligible:
Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Kiribati, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, United States, or Vietnam.
Essential Records:
filled-out online application
A three-page, double-spaced letter of interest that includes the following information: a summary of your experience, your work duties, and the news organization
objectives and topics to be covered in the show, along with possible plot points
Examining the theme’s applicability to various audiences and coverage regions
An explanation of how taking part will help your journalistic career
Recommended subject for the essay and presentation
Resume (up to two pages)
Supporting statement from the applicant’s supervisor or employer (not applicable to freelance journalists)
Two recommendation letters with references from the professional world
Methods for Applying to the 2024 Jefferson Fellowships?
Fill out the application online.
Write a three-page, double-spaced letter of interest describing:
Your background, duties at work, and news outlet.
Objectives, topics to research, and possible narrative concepts.
the program’s theme’s applicability to your coverage areas and audience.
How taking part will help you develop professionally.
Create a brief resume, no more than two pages.
Get a letter of support from your manager or place of employment.
Request two recommendation letters from professionals.
Assemble all necessary paperwork and turn it in before the deadline.
Keep an eye on your email for any updates or requests for more details.
