The Institute for International Journalism is part of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, carrying out many of the school's international initiatives. Its goals are to prepare students to work as international journalists, support research on topics related to international journalism, enhance communication among journalists, students and media scholars, and cooperate with global partners in journalism education.
John R. Wilhelm Foreign Correspondence Internship Program
The Institute's John R. Wilhelm Foreign Correspondence Internship Program funds several internships each year through endowed scholarships. Since 1970, more than 200 journalism majors have received such support, traveling to approximately 30 countries.
Applicants must be earning a degree in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, have significant reporting experience, and must complete the Foreign Correspondence course (JOUR 467/567), which is offered each winter quarter. In addition, the International Mass Media course (Jour 466/566) is recommended. Applications are distributed to students enrolled in the Jour 467/567 class, and must be submitted to the director of the IIJ by the end of February. Applicants are asked to list their top three countries and whether they want print or broadcast assignments.
The number of applicants ranges from a dozen to a maximum of about 20 each spring. From that number, approximately half a dozen interns are selected for support. The number of assignments depends on available scholarship funding. The chances of being selected depend on the applicant's journalism background, including previous internship experience, as well as academic record. Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus, and is required for students who travel to countries where English is not widely spoken.
A School of Journalism selection committee consisting of faculty members selects scholarship recipients in early spring. Scholarships usually are sufficient to cover the costs of food, lodging and air fare. Internship arrangements are organized by the Institute for International Journalism, but also can be set up with input from the students who receive funding. Those selected are then responsible for contacting their designated supervisor to establish time of arrival and duty assignments. Students are responsible for finding their own lodging. Previous interns can provide leads.
Most assignments begin in the fall, but the timing of the internship is flexible depending on the individual student's schedule and the needs of the news organization. Because selected students will be working for different companies in different countries, there is no standard list of duties interns will be assigned. In the past, interns have done everything from check wires to edit copy to cover breaking international news. Every assignment is different.
For more information about the IIJ, please contact Prof. Bob Stewart:
phone: 740/593-2601
email: stewartr@ohio.edu
