World Press Institute (WPI) was established in 1961 to strengthen and promote the founding principles and best practices of journalism in the United States and around the world that lead to transparency and accountability of the government and private sectors.
Each year, we bring together 10 professional journalists from all over the world and immerse them in the governance, politics, business, media, journalistic ethics and culture of the United States. Through a demanding, curated schedule in which they journey across the United States, they learn about the roles and responsibilities and evolving business models of the U.S. media, while engaging in the life and times surrounding them.
Based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, WPI is a private nonprofit organization supported by a diverse group of foundations, local and national media, multinational corporations and individuals.
World Press Institute Fellowship:
Eligibility:
- At least five years of full-time employment in print, broadcast or online journalism, including:
- News or editorial departments of newspapers, wire services, radio, television, websites or online publications.
- Photojournalists, editorial cartoonists, columnists and broadcast producers.
- Those who supervise journalists are eligible if they also have at least five years as a working journalist.
- Any journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count toward experience. Those who work in public relations or at organizations whose primary business is not the media are not eligible.
- Must be currently employed as a non-U.S. journalist working outside of the United States.
- Fluency in both written and spoken English.
- Potential for leadership.
Fellowship Terms:
WPI Fellows are required to adhere to the following terms. Violations of these terms could result in termination from the program.
- Prepare for and participate in all briefings and WPI scheduled events.
- Stay through the entirety of program and return to home countries when the program ends.
- Write for the WPI website among other outlets as assigned. Fellows are also encouraged to share with their readers, listeners or viewers back home.
- Participate in periodic reviews and evaluations, including several roundtable discussions to share insights into the U.S. or international journalism issues.
- Acceptance for others of different cultures.
- Willingness to travel – the program locations change frequently, and fellows often live out of suitcases.
Letters of Recommendation:
- Applicants are required to submit the names and email addresses of three professional references.
- References will be contacted by WPI to submit online letters of recommendation.
- References should be familiar with the applicant’s work and able to comment in English on their journalistic abilities, potential for growth and leadership abilities.
- One reference should be a direct supervisor.
- Letters must be in English and address the applicant’s experience, qualifications and potential.
