IJP is a non-profit organisation offering exchange programmes for early and mid-career journalists between Germany and more than 40 countries. These programmes enable participants to experience their host countries from a correspondent’s perspective. So far, similar programmes have been set up for journalists from Germany and the U.S.A., the U.K., the Netherlands, Turkey, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Russia, Southern Africa and the Middle East.

Journalists from all six countries, who join the German-Northern European Scholarship, gain personal experience and professional insight of the political landscape, the economy, and of the everyday life in the host country. Participants from the Northern countries meet opinion- and decision-makers in Germany, the largest country in the European Union. The programme is funded by the Auswärtiges Amt (Foreign Office of the German Federal Government), by the foreign ministries of the Nordic countries and by a small circle of private sponsors. 

The scholarship programme starts in April 2013 with a four-day introduction conference (4th to 7th April, 2013) in one of the Nordic capitals. Immediately afterwards, the participating journalists will take up their internships at the host media. If necessary, changes to the schedule can be discussed, due to individual needs. The host media will be selected by the IJP according to the interests and qualifications of the bursary recipients.

During a final meeting, which will take place in Berlin (30th May to 2nd June 2013), participants are requested to deliver a three-page account of their experience and a clipping of newspaper articles and/or radio, television or online contributions. Those reports and contributions will be part of the final documentation. Furthermore, the participants are invited to stay in touch through the IJP alumni network.

Each nordic scholar will receive a single payment of 3,700 Euro to cover a part of 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 cannot be expected.

The application is open to any journalist from the Nordic countries aged between 18 and 40, working for any print, radio or TV media. The applicant should have some knowledge of the German language, although fluent German is not expected. At least workable knowledge of English is essential.

The application must be handed in before November 30th, 2012 and should include:

• CV, incl. photograph
• letter of recommendation by an editor, supporting the application
• four written samples of work (TV and radio journalists are asked not to send
tapes but a comprehensive list of contributions)
• preferences of host media outlets and of host regions (i.e. Munich) in Germany.

The selection committee will inform applicants by January 15th, 2013.

Address of application
IJP e.V.
German-Northern European Programme
Postfach 31 07 46
10637 Berlin
Germany

The IJP actively foster the contacts of former delegates through regular newsletters and events. The IJP organise regular events like its annual dinner as well as a series of media discussions which are welcome re-union events for alumni of all IJP bursaries.

» IJP Alumni network

A selection of partner media in Northern Europe: Dagens Nyheter (Sweden), Helsingin Sanomat (Finland), Information (Denmark), Morgunbladid (Iceland), NRK (Norway), RUV, Radio Sweden International (Sweden), Sveriges Radio (Sweden), TV 2 (Denmark).

A selection of partner media in Germany: Bayrischer Rundfunk, Die Welt, FAZ, Frankfurter Rundschau, Norddeutscher Rundfunk, Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg rbb, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Welt am Sonntag, ZDF.

Like all IJP Programmes, the German-Northern European Journalists' Bursary relies on the support from governments of both sides represented by the Auswärtiges Amt der Bundesregierung in Berlin and the foreign ministries of the Nordic countries: