The Fellowship is a seven-month program. Fellows will spend six months at RFE/RL’s headquarters in Prague, where they will be placed with an appropriate language service to receive daily, on-the-job training and mentoring while working alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals. After Prague, Fellows will return to the bureau (if applicable) for a final month.
A monthly stipend at the bureau and in Prague, housing, health insurance, and travel arrangements to and from Prague shall be provided.
The main components of the program are:
- Professional mentoring alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals.
- Training and development of journalistic skills on traditional, multi-media, and digital platforms.
- Participation in the daily editorial discussions that inform a professional and independent press.
- Independent work on a personal project.
- Understanding of the mission and practice of a professional, free, and independent media company.
- The Fellowship also features workshops on journalistic practices and tools; discussions with government officials, civic leaders, and regional analysts; visits to local media and news agencies in Prague; and professional development opportunities in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Fellows will be expected to represent themselves and the Fellowship in English at public events and in discussions relating to media freedom in their country.
The Fellowship accepts applications from journalists from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation. Fellows are assigned for the term of the Fellowship to one of those language services.
In addition, applicants may apply to be assigned for the term of the Fellowship to Current Time, the 24/7 Russian-language digital and TV network.
Application Instructions
Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. Eligible applicants will be from an Eastern Partnership country or the Russian Federation; have a minimum of two years’ experience working as a journalist in their native language; be committed to working as a journalist in, or for audiences in, their home country; share RFE/RL’s mission; and be proficient in English.
Applicants for a Fellowship position with Current Time must demonstrate native-level fluency in Russian, strong writing skills, and some TV and digital experience. They must indicate their wish to be assigned to Current Time in their application materials.
A complete application includes the following materials:
- Personal statement
- 3 work samples
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae, including current contact information
- Letter to Václav Havel
- In addition, please let us know how you learned about the Fellowship (e.g., RFE/RL’s website, Facebook, a professional or academic reference, etc.).
- Application materials must be submitted in English.
- Candidates may be contacted and asked to participate in a telephone, online or in-person interview as part of the application process.
Personal Statement
Your personal statement is a very important part of your application, and will be closely read and considered in the selection process. It should be written in English and not exceed 750 words. In your personal statement, please address your journalistic experience, including your reasons for pursuing journalism; the values and convictions that guide your work; experiences that have influenced your journalism; and what you hope to accomplish as a journalist. In addition, please explain your reasons for applying for the Václav Havel Journalism Fellowship and what you hope to gain from it. You are also encouraged to briefly describe your idea for a personal project, which will be completed during the Fellowship.
Work Samples
Please attach 3 work samples, on any platform, demonstrating your best professional work. Two of the samples must have been published within the year of the Fellowship deadline. All samples must include a date and, if not in English, they must be accompanied by an English translation. In the case of video submissions, an English-language summary is sufficient. If translations are not your own, please state so.
Two Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required with your application. One of the letters should be from a current supervisor or colleague who practices journalism and knows you professionally. The writers should explain their relationship to you and describe your qualifications, potential for professional growth and development, and reasons that make you an excellent candidate for the Fellowship. Letters must be submitted in English.
Curriculum Vitae
Please attach your updated curriculum vitae. This shall include your name, email address, social media profiles, phone number, present address and permanent address; a detailed work history since completing your formal education; and educational background. Please also list any noteworthy distinctions or awards, and current or recent memberships in professional, political, or other groups.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.