Applications are photocopied for review by the jury. To insure the best print quality, original applications must be mailed to RTNDF, even if you have already faxed them.
2. Do I have to speak German?
No. There is no language requirement for the program, and you will not be disqualified for lack of German language skills. As with any foreign travel, some knowledge of the local language will help you, especially when you are out by yourself. However, most Germans speak English. Also, all official program appointments will be held in English or with a German/English interpreter.
3. What are you looking for in my news director’s recommendation letter?
First, we are looking for your news director’s support of your participation in the program. Second, we are looking for your news director’s assessment of your professional qualities as a journalist and your commitment to the profession. As you progress through the application process, we will talk to your news director about these issues in addition to reading his or her written recommendation. If you are a news director applying for the program, a letter of recommendation should come from your general manager.
4. When can I expect to hear something?
Final decisions are rendered approximately four weeks after the application deadline.
5. Can I shoot stories on the trip?
The two-week core program is tightly scheduled. Usually a half-day is set aside in Berlin for shooting stand-ups with a shared camera crew provided by the RIAS Berlin Commission. No other time is available for pursuit of individual stories during the core program.
However, the extension program exists to give journalists more time to pursue individual stories. A shared camera crew (again provided by the RIAS Berlin Commission) will be made available for shooting stories in Berlin only for the first five days of the extension period. Participants work out a schedule among themselves for use of the crew. Other alternatives include hiring your own crew, using a network crew which you have arranged yourself, or bringing your own equipment.
6. How many people go on the trip?
The program accepts 12 participants who represent a range of experience levels, market sizes and geographic locations.
7. What expenses are paid?
The following expenses are paid by the program: round trip airfare from your home city to Germany; transfers during the program (usually by bus or airplane); hotel; and per diem for meals not already provided on the program, equivalent to approximately $35 U.S. per day. Participants are responsible for passport and visa fees as needed, telephone, laundry, airport parking and transfers from home to airport in the U.S., meal expenses in excess of the provided per diem, and any other personal expenses.
8. I work in local news and have never done an international story -- am I eligible to apply?
Yes. Most participants work in local news. This program exists to introduce journalists to Germany first-hand, particularly if they do not have the opportunity in their own work to cover Germany and Europe. Many past participants have subsequently discovered connections from their communities to Germany that they never knew existed.
9. What if I want to stay in Europe after the program?
Many participants stay longer in Germany or travel to other countries in Europe at their own expense after the program. Although spouses and families are not permitted on the program, they can join participants after the program is over for personal travel. If you are chosen for the program, further logistical details on this option will be provided to you.
10. What happens if I change jobs, or something prevents me from participating after I have been accepted?
Each applicant selected to participate must complete an agreement. The agreement states you will provide a written report (500 words) on the program, and that you are obligated for expenses incurred by the program in the event of a cancellation. You should strive to apply at a time that works with your newsroom and your schedule. In the event you absolutely must withdraw, notify our program director, and options can be discussed.
For further information
Applications for the German Study program, entries for the annual awards program and radio/television production grant proposals may be sent to:
RTNDF
German/American Journalist Exchange Program
1600 K Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006-2838
Phone: 202-659-6510
Fax: 202-223-4007
Web site: http://www.rtndf.org
For further information on any of the programs in Germany or to discuss being a fellowship host, please contact:
Jon Ebinger
Program Director
202.467.5250
e-mail: jon@rtndf.org
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