Opportunity: Jefferson Fellowships 2018
26 February 2018
Jefferson Fellowships grant for newsroom leaders
The Asia New Zealand Foundation is offering a grant to allow a New Zealand newsroom leader or senior journalist the chance to participate in the 2018 Jefferson Fellowships programme to Asia.
Theme: Populism, Identity and State of Democracy in Southeast Asia
Destinations: Honolulu, Hawaii; Singapore; Manila, Philippines; Kuala Lumpur/Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Dates: 18 June–10 July, 2018
The 2018 Jefferson Fellowships programme will explore “Populism, Identity and the State of Democracy in Southeast Asia”.
The three-week study and travel programme will enable participating journalists to better understand how domestic, regional and global forces are influencing democratic processes in Southeast Asia and producing a new generation of populist leaders and movements, as well as identity-based conflict. The programme also includes participation in the East-West Center’s 6th International Media Conference in Singapore, where journalists will gather to discuss “What is news now?”, and share on-the-ground information on news and media issues in the region.
Full programme
The full programme details can be found here.
Closing date
The closing date for applications to reach the Asia New Zealand Foundation is midday (12pm), Monday, 12 March 2018. Late applications will not be accepted.
Grant details
The Asia New Zealand Foundation will cover most travel and programme-related costs for the successful New Zealand participant. The estimated value of this grant is NZ$11,000. The participant – and preferably their newsroom – will need to pay the US$800 programming fee (NZ$1100) and all applicable visa fees, any additional visa-related expenses, health insurance and any baggage fees.
Who can apply?
Newsroom leaders and senior journalists who are currently working for New Zealand news organisations are eligible to apply. At least five years’ experience is preferred.
Applicants must also be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
Preference will be given to applicants who can identify how they will generate media content from the programme.
What’s required of the grant recipient?
Sharing your experience with others is an important part of this initiative as it enlightens others about developments in Asia and demonstrates the work of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.
As a condition of participating in an Asia New Zealand Foundation opportunity, successful applicants will be expected to:
Write at least one report for publication on our website
Engage with the Foundation on social media
Submit photographs for use on the Foundation’s website
Give at least one public talk upon their return to New Zealand, to be arranged by themselves or the Foundation.
How to apply
Applicants must provide the following to Asia New Zealand Foundation:
A completed application form
A letter outlining the following (maximum three pages, double-spaced):
what you expect to accomplish from participating in the programme and what issues you want to explore/write about. We welcome you to share specific story ideas or details of how this will enhance your work as reporter/editor/producer, et cetera
a brief description of your news organisation and your role
topics you propose to address in your paper and presentation at the East-West Center (please see the full programme announcement for more information about this requirement). This should be a perspective from New Zealand on an issue or issues related to the programme theme.
A letter of recommendation from your supervisor describing your suitability for the Fellowship and the benefit the organisation hopes to derive from your participation.
A completed Employer’s Statement of Support.
The name and contact details for two people who can give references on your behalf.
Application form
Download the application form here.
Note: You’ll need to save the application to your computer before filling it out.
Send applications to
Email applications to Asia New Zealand Foundation Media Centre Manager Rebecca Inoue-Palmer (rpalmer@asianz.org.nz).
The closing date for applications to reach the Asia New Zealand Foundation is 12pm, Monday, 12 March. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.
Selection process
Applications will be assessed by a panel consisting of Asia New Zealand Foundation staff and external media representatives.
The Foundation will forward the successful candidate’s application to the East-West Center for final approval.
The Foundation reserves the right to not provide a grant.
– Asia Media Centre
Previous grantees:
