The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is now preparing for Georgian journalists to participate in the final year of the Media Educational Exchange Program, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Georgia through the Public Affairs Section, and implemented by ICFJ.

The program aims to support Georgian journalists to improve their expertise and familiarize themselves with the rights and responsibilities of a free media through professional study-reporting tours and internships at U.S. media outlets. Participants will explore media operational and business practices, modern media trends, journalistic standards, media institutions, and media advocacy in the U.S.

This is the final year of a three-year program for 51 Georgian media professionals – 17 participants yearly. The 2013 visit will focus on media managers - broadcast and print media editors, producers and managers. The program delivers training on basic as well as specialized journalism skills – including investigative and business reporting, digital media, and media management. Other sessions provide discussions with government, media and business leaders, as well as site visits to media outlets, and government and research organizations.

The program has three options:

• Journalists may apply for 14 spots in a two-week study tour in Washington, D.C. and New York. Translators will be provided so that non-English speakers may participate.

• Non-English speakers can also apply to add one of two, two-week internships at a U.S. host news outlet that will follow the study tour. An interpreter will travel with the two to that news outlet.

• English speakers can apply for one of three, three-week internships at a U.S. news outlet. These three will participate in the first three days of the study tour and then leave for their individual internships. Following their stays, all journalists will have a debriefing session, giving them the chance to discuss their experiences and complete work on action plans for their return to their Georgian news organizations.

Journalists will enhance their overall professional skills and gain better understanding of the media sector in the United States, and will be expected to play a role in the further development of independent media in a democracy upon their return to Georgia.

The 2012 visit is tentatively scheduled for June 2013.

Additional information:

• All program related costs are covered by the program (travel, housing, per diem, visa and health insurance costs).
• Interpretation will be provided for non-English-speakers.
• All selected participants should apply personally for a U.S. visa. Host organization is not responsible in the event the U.S. Consulate denies a visa to the applicant.