Berlin Capital Program

Program Description

In 2022, the Berlin Capital Program invites early-career U.S. journalists and journalism students to Germany. The weeklong seminar allows participants to take a closer look at the German media landscape and gain a deeper awareness of German and European society. It includes meetings, visits, discussions and workshops with German and expat members of the media, experts in various fields, government officials, and engaged citizens.  The journalists will enhance their understanding of transatlantic issues, expand their professional perspectives and networks, and gain insights to better “translate” the news from one side of the Atlantic to the other. The program, conducted in English, is operated by and fully funded through Fulbright Germany. Read more…

Grant Benefits

• The award covers round-trip transportation between the U.S. and Germany, and the program costs in Germany, including hotel accommodation (single rooms with breakfast), local transportation, excursions, several meals and health insurance during the seminar. Participants should budget approximately 150 euros for expenses which are not covered by this program, and may extend their stay at their own expense.
• Upon program completion, participants may join the Fulbright alumnae:i network.

Eligibility

An eligible applicant must

• hold U.S. American citizenship and a valid U.S. passport as prerequisites, and permanently reside in the U.S. Applicants with dual (German-American) citizenship are not eligible to apply.
• be a U.S.-based professional journalist, currently working for U.S. media (as an employee or independent journalist) in the U.S., with fewer than 5 years of work experience in the field,
• or be a Master’s student (at the time of application) in the field of journalism or communications at a U.S. university,
• or be a graduating senior (at the time of application) in the field of journalism or communications at a U.S. university.
• demonstrate relevant background and professional interests.

In addition,

• we especially encourage candidates with limited or no previous international experience to apply.
• we encourage candidates who do not yet have relevant networks with Germany/Europe and whose participation will help to better engage them in media coverage of transatlantic issues.
• given our goal to reflect the diversity of the U.S. media landscape, we encourage candidates not only from U.S. media hubs, but from all regions of the U.S. to apply.
• participants in an alternative professional advancement program in Germany in 2022 are not eligible for this program. Candidates for this program must inform Fulbright Germany of any additional grant or program applications.
• participants in a Fulbright Germany program within the past five years are not eligible for this program.
• a successful applicant to multiple Fulbright Germany programs taking place during the 2021-2022 and 2022-23 academic years is eligible to participate in only one program.

Equal opportunity, diversity, inclusion, and educational equity are among the fundamental principles of Fulbright Germany. Applications are open to all individuals regardless of, but not limited to, gender, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, social status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Fulbright Germany especially encourages people from traditionally underrepresented student groups to apply for all of its scholarships, programs, and other activities.

Program participation is subject to current Covid-19 regional policies, the operating status of the German host establishments, Germany entry requirements, and transatlantic travel options. More information can be found here.

Application Procedure & Deadlines

The application period for the 2022 Berlin Capital Program concluded in March, and we informed all applicants of the outcome in May 2022.

Information about the 2023 Berlin Capital Program will be available on this website in early 2023.

Please note Fulbright Germany’s data protection declaration and the data protection notice on your application.

Contact

Special Programs
Fulbright Germany
Lützowufer 26
10787 Berlin
Germany

E-mail contact

Photo above: 2018 Berlin Capital Program participants in the (national Germany daily newspaper, Tageszeitung) taz newsroom with Kai Schöneberg, head of the economy and environment department (photo by Jamie Moore)