World Press Institute Fellowship Programme

About World Press Institute (WPI)

World Press Institute (WPI) was established in 1961 to strengthen and promote the founding principles and best practices of journalism in the United States and around the world that lead to transparency and accountability of the government and private sectors.

Each year, we bring together 10 professional journalists from all over the world and immerse them in the governance, politics, business, media, journalistic ethics and culture of the United States. Through a demanding, curated schedule in which they journey across the United States, they learn about the roles and responsibilities and evolving business models of the U.S. media, while engaging in the life and times surrounding them.

Based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, WPI is a private nonprofit organization supported by a diverse group of foundations, local and national media, multinational corporations and individuals.

Why become a WPI Fellow?

Gain access to, engage in and observe the role, responsibility and impact of a free press firsthand in one of the world’s largest, most diverse democracies. Through an immersive program, you will learn how the U.S. founding principles of a free press and journalistic best practices help foster transparency and accountability of government institutions, businesses and organizations, including the most powerful ones.

In a guided tour across the country – including Chicago, New York City, Miami, Austin (Texas), San Francisco, and more – you will meet with and interview subject matter experts in media outlets, think tanks and advocacy organizations. You will hear firsthand accounts of new business models being tested and implemented among national and local media outlets.

You will learn about U.S. history and current affairs, as well as challenges the U.S. media faces, while experiencing and reporting on social, economic and political issues.

You also will interact with people from a variety of walks of life and get some free time along the way to explore on your own.

Program cost

WPI pays the following program expenses:

• Transportation
• Roundtrip airfare to the United States.
• Travel within the United States related to the WPI program.
• Lodging
• Food
• Fellows receive a modest daily allowance to purchase food.

Eligibility

• At least five years of full-time employment in print, broadcast or online journalism, including:
• News or editorial departments of newspapers, wire services, radio, television, websites or online publications.
• Photojournalists, editorial cartoonists, columnists and broadcast producers.
• Those who supervise journalists are eligible if they also have at least five years as a working journalist.
• Any journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count toward experience. Those who work in public relations or at organizations whose primary business is not the media are not eligible.
• Must be currently employed as a non-U.S. journalist working outside of the United States.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Potential for leadership.

Letters of Recommendation

• Applicants are required to submit the names and email addresses of three professional references.
• References will be contacted by WPI to submit online letters of recommendation.
• References should be familiar with the applicant’s work and able to comment in English on their journalistic abilities, potential for growth and leadership abilities.
• One reference should be a direct supervisor.
• Letters must be in English and address the applicant’s experience, qualifications and potential.

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