East-West Center is currently accepting applications for the Jefferson Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About East-West Center Jefferson Fellowship
The Jefferson Fellowships is a three-week reporting and study tour with the goal of leveraging news media to enhance public understanding of cultures, issues, and trends in the Indo-Pacific region. This program is for full time journalists only.
Benefits of East-West Center Jefferson Fellowship
- The East-West Center Fellowship 2026 provides a fully funded program covering all essential costs for a three-week study and reporting tour.
- Participants will receive airfare tickets to the USA, Japan, and South Korea, ensuring seamless international travel.
- The journalism program includes accommodation in Honolulu, Tokyo, and Seoul, providing comfort throughout the fellowship.
- Most meals are provided, and participants also receive a daily meal allowance to cover additional food expenses.
- Ground transportation, including airport transfers and local commuting, is fully arranged for all fellows.
- Fellows participate in organized cultural activities, professional meetings, and site visits, enhancing learning and exposure.
- Interpretation services are provided during selected sessions, supporting smooth communication.
- The fellowship in Japan explores the theme of AI impacts on societies and economic security, offering valuable insights into emerging technologies.
- Fellows gain international exposure, professional journalism experience, and an understanding of Indo-Pacific cultural trends.
- Participants have the opportunity to network with media professionals, policymakers, and global peers during the fellowship in South Korea.
- Mentorship from experienced professionals is provided throughout the program to guide fellows in their projects.
- Fellows are encouraged to generate content during and after the program, including print, broadcast, blogs, and social media stories.
- A small USD $900 program fee applies for costs not covered by the scholarship funds, allowing participants to access the majority of the benefits.
East-West Center Jefferson Fellowship Requirements
- Candidates must be full-time print, broadcast, or online journalists working in the Indo-Pacific region or the United States.
- Moreover, applicants must be nationals of the Pacific Region or citizens of the United States.
- Candidates must have at least five years of professional journalism experience, ensuring practical expertise.
- Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate strong professional English communication skills.
- Then, candidates must show a clear interest in reporting on AI, economic issues, and cultural trends in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Finally, fellows are strongly encouraged to create content during and after the fellowship program in the form of print articles, broadcast stories, blogs, or social media communications.
Application Date and Process
Applicants must submit each of the following documents to be considered:
- The online 2026 Jefferson Fellowships application form.
- A letter of interest (maximum 3 pages, double-spaced). Letter should include: (1) a brief description of your news organization or freelance work, job duties and experience; (2) what you expect to accomplish and what issues you want to explore during the program, including specific story ideas; (3) the relevance of the theme to your audiences and areas of coverage; (4) how participation will benefit your work as journalist. Please also include a proposed topic for the paper and presentation you will share as part of the Fellowship (see Participant Obligations below).
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).
- An employer's statement of support completed by the applicant's supervisor/employer indicating that the applicant has the support of their media organization to attend the Fellowship. (Does not apply to freelance journalists.)
- Two (2) professional references with letters of recommendation.
Application Deadline
10 March, 2026
Opportunity Application
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East-West Center Jefferson Fellowship
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