The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship Program was established in 1988 in Germany by the Internationale Journalisten-Programme (formerly the Initiative Jugendpresse) and was originally designed for young German journalists. In 1990, the fellowship expanded to include American journalists, making it a true exchange program. Named in honor of the late former U.S. ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and former Federal Reserve Board chairman, the program fosters greater understanding of German-U.S. relations among future leaders of the news media. The program is administered jointly by the International Center for Journalists in Washington, D.C., and the Internationale Journalisten-Programme (IJP) in Konigstein, Germany.

The U.S. portion of The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship Program is funded exclusively by donations from individuals and private-sector corporations and foundations. A board of trustees including, among others, Henry Kissinger, former Washington Post executive editor Marcus Brauchli, German Marshall Fund president Craig Kennedy and former Foreign Affairs editor James Hoge, oversees fundraising and other program activities. Costs for the German participants are paid for by grants from German corporations, government agencies and international foundations.

One German and one American current or former fellow are selected each year for a journalism prize in the amount of €2,000 for the best published print or broadcast segment. Additionally, the George Kennan Award for best commentary on transatlantic relations is awarded annually in the amount of €2,000.

This nine-week program is conducted in two phases:

Phase I:

Orientation Session in Washington, D.C.
Before individual fellowships begin, U.S. and German participants attend a one-week orientation in Washington, D.C., during the last week of July. Fellows attend meetings with prominent media and government representatives, discuss professional issues and visit places of interest in the U.S. capital. In addition to giving fellows a thorough understanding of the Burns Fellowship Program, the orientation fosters a spirit of community among the participants.

Phase II:

Individual Fellowships in Germany and the United States
Following the joint orientation in Washington, U.S. fellows participate in intensive, two-week-long language training at Goethe Institutes at fellows' host cities. Expenses for language training will be covered and details are made available shortly after announcement of selected fellows (end of April).

In August and September, fellows work as part-time staff members at host newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations. In addition to covering local news, fellows report on events for their employers back home, while learning more about their host country and its media. For broadcast journalists, the fellowship does not guarantee the availability of technical crews and equipment; fellows are encouraged to make private arrangements whenever possible. In most cases, participants also have the opportunity for work-related travel. Individuals may prolong their stay overseas.

Host news organizations are chosen by IJP with assistance in the United States from ICFJ. Host organizations are selected on the basis of compatibility with a fellow's professional interests.