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The International Center for Journalists is conducting a U.S.-based professional development program for 20 journalists from the Balkan region from January to April 2006, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The goal is to strengthen skills and help journalists and managers cope with government, business and audience pressures that combine to discourage the healthy development of free, independent and economically viable media.

The program will include: an orientation session, skills development workshops and professional appointments in Washington, D.C.; an individual internship in a U.S. newsroom and a return to Washington for wrap-up and evaluation sessions. ICFJ will divide the program participants into two groups, one group each of English and non-English speakers. While both program agendas will be similar, the internship period will be shorter for non-English-speaking participants. Overall, the program is designed to give participants concrete strategies and techniques for coping with evolving pressures and threats to a free press. All participants are chosen by the State Department.

Group 1 : January 14-February 1, 2006

Arrival in the US: Jan. 14, 2006
A week-long orientation in Washington, DC: Jan. 15 – 21
A week-long media internship: Jan. 22 – 29
Two-day wrap-up sessions in New York City: Jan. 30 – 31
Departure from the US: Feb. 1, 2006

Group 2 : March 25 - April 19, 2006

Arrival in the US: March 25, 2006
A week-long orientation in Washington, DC: March 26 – Apr. 1
A two-week media internship: April 2 – 16
Two-day wrap-up sessions in New York City: April 16 – 18
Departure from the US: April 19, 2006