Digital Communication Network Winter 2018 Exchange

Funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by World Learning, the Digital Communications Network exchange program created and supports a collaborative network of communication professionals from across Europe and Central Asia, working together to strengthen communication skills through the development and dissemination of digital content. 

Over the last year, nearly 50 fellows from 18 countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia participated in our exchange program with the goal of exploring the ways that digital information technology has impacted our way of life from e-governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, social movements, and the media. The program alumni created the Digital Communication Network (digicomnet), an international association to connect professionals in the digital age from a variety of backgrounds in order to generate ideas, tools, and products for media outlets, civil society organizations, businesses, and government. Now, over 3,600 members of the digicomnet engage in cross-sector learning and the promotion of a free flow of quality information across borders. Since the first program in October 2015, digicomnet organized a variety of events in Moldova, Estonia, Lithuania, Armenia, Poland, and Ukraine, and is working on upcoming forums in Serbia and Romania.

The U.S. based programs will include an orientation and overview of the issues, a case study looking at different facets of communication with a focus on digital content, professional fellowship placements, training workshops, learning labs, and participation in relevant industry events. Fellowship placements will be in media companies, non-profit organizations, NGOs, public policy organizations, communication companies, or university institutes across the United States. Placements will focus on topics such as the use of technology for advocacy and social causes, development of mobile applications to disseminate information and promote open responsive government, multi-media storytelling, creation of integrated multi-channel social messaging, communication strategies, ethical journalism, investigative reporting, and the nexus of digital and mainstream journalism. Professional development will be supplemented through an online platform, offering social media resources and MOOCs, as well as trainings on planning, executing, and assessing integrated and effective social media campaigns. To enhance program sustainability and effectiveness, participants will create and implement individual follow-on projects in their home countries. Action plans for these projects will be developed throughout the course of the U.S. programs.

Accommodation in the United States will consist of double-person shared hotel rooms. A small stipend will be provided to participants while in the U.S. to cover basic living expenses. The cost of international and domestic travel, program-related ground transportation, cultural activities, and all other programmatic and logistical arrangements will be covered as part of the Digital Communication Network exchange program.

Additional selection criteria include

• English language competency
• Minimum two years professional experience in a relevant field
• Stated commitment to free and fair information flow
• Ability to disseminate information to a wide and diverse audience
• No travel within the United States since February 2015 (preferred)

The application must be completed entirely in English. The deadline for submitting the application is September 22, 2017. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. As a precondition for the application to be considered, applicants must join the program’s existing communication network, digicomnet. No application will be considered unless the candidate is part of the network. 

Please note that due to the anticipated volume of applicants, we will only contact semi-finalists. No calls please.