Like hundreds of fellows before them, 23 fellows from the United States, Canada and Germany met last week in Washington, D.C., to kick off the Arthur F. Burns Fellowship – a two-month transatlantic exchange program.
Journalists from the United States and Canada swap newsrooms with their peers from Germany as part of the program, working as temporary staff members at host newspapers, magazines, and radio and television stations.
“With everything that’s happening in the world right now with the war in Ukraine and shifts in the transatlantic relationship, this seems like a fantastic opportunity to really grow my journalism skills and grow my number of sources, and really be able to achieve as a foreign reporter,” said Jen Kirby, a foreign and national security reporter for Vox.
During the orientation portion of the program, participants all meet in Washington, D.C., for a week of networking and informational sessions with various stakeholders from the three countries. This year, fellows went to the Canadian embassy, met with a U.S. congressman, and participated in sessions with experts on German domestic policy, U.S.-Canada relations and more. Watch the video below to hear from 2022 fellows on why they think the program will be a meaningful experience that will enrich their careers.
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Following the orientation in Washington, North American fellows participate in intensive, two-week language training at institutes in their host cities, while German fellows proceed directly to their host media. This year’s host media include The Washington Post, The Oregonian, NPR and Die Welt. 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.
When they return home, fellows share their experiences with colleagues and continue to cover current events, using their new skills, contacts and a deeper understanding of international relations. Many go on to work as foreign correspondents. Learn more about the Arthur F. Burns Fellowship.