Attention aspiring journalists: thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ programme is looking for participants!

Have you always wanted to visit Finland? Have you ever wondered what the Finnish society and Finnish way of life look like? How does spending three weeks in the country, and finding out yourself, sound to you?

Photo: Krista Keltanen / Visit Finland

ThisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ programme will be organized again in August of 2018. The programme is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young journalists and social media influencers. During the three weeks you will get to know Finland from its world-renown education system to inspiring business solutions and from vibrant urban life to pristine nature, and everything in between!

Photo: Jussi Hellstén / Visit Finland

Who’s eligible?

This year’s Foreign Correspondents’ Programme is definitely for you, if you are:

  1. An aspiring journalist (graduate or student due to graduate soon) with some work experience in a media house (TV, print or web) or an influencer in social media, for example an accomplished blogger or vlogger;
  2. A citizen or permanent resident of the following countries: Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and United States;
  3. Born between 1989 and 1998;
  4. Able to work and communicate fluently in English;
  5. Interested in learning new things, meeting people from different cultures and spending three weeks in a foreign country;
  6. Excited to become a lifelong friend of Finland!
Photo: Elina Sirparanta / Visit Finland

What does the programme include?

The Foreign Correspondents’ Programme starts on 6 August and ends on 24 August, 2018. The programme is intensive, and includes briefings on various subjects, meetings with Finnish professionals and visits to business enterprises, cultural sites and institutions. It also includes a weekend stay as the guest of a Finnish family.

The programme provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about Finland, Finnish society and the Finnish way of life. It also offers the means to enhance your professional skills, as well as expand your network of professional colleagues and international friends.

Photo: Flatlight Films / Visit Finland

What costs are covered?

The scholarship covers the costs of travel to and from Finland, local travel in Helsinki, accommodation and the daily programme, including transportation and some meals. The programme does not cover medical insurance, per diem allowance or meals not listed as part of the programme.

Photo: Jose Cuni (Cuni & Asociados) / Visit Tampere

Applications?

The closing date for applications is 30 March 2018 at 11.59 pm local time.

All application documents should be written in English and include:

  1. Attached application form
  2. Curriculum vitae including photo
  3. A work sample, or an essay (600-800 words) or link to a short video (2-3 minutes) emphasising your interest in Finland.

All applications are sent by e-mail to the relevant Finnish Embassy or Consulate. Please visit their website for more information:

Brazil, China, Colombia,  Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon,  Mexico, Nigeria, Peru,  Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and United States.

More information?

Facebook: thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme

Website: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland: thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme

Website: thisisFINLAND.fi

233 thoughts on “Attention aspiring journalists: thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ programme is looking for participants!”

    1. Unfortunately you can’t. This year you have to be a citizen or permanent resident of one the following countries: Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and United States.

      1. I am Esther from Nigeria
        Born 1993
        I am a social media addict
        I am very well interested
        I need the email addres pls

          1. Unfortunately the time frame for applications is strict.

        1. You can find the website for each embassy participating on the blog at the application page under the subtitle “Applications”

  1. I was hoping for going as a journalist to Finland… I live in Spain, so no chances for me T.T
    I will have to wait for next time…

    1. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland reviews the list of participating countries each year. We expect the next FCP to include more countries in Europe.

        1. The interviews have been done and candidates for the shortlist have been picked. Thank you for your participation.

          1. have you already picked people from kenya? this is because i did not receive any email telling me whether or not i was shortlisted or not so i have kinda just been siting and waiting.

    1. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland reviews the list of participating countries each year. So, yes, maybe next time.

  2. I was born in 1987, but I’m really keen to pursue this. Am I eligible to apply?

    1. Unfortunately, you have to be born between 1989 and 1998 in order to be eligible for this year’s programme.

  3. Hi,

    Great programme! In the section: “WHO’S ELIGIBLE?” there is a little, common and very annoying typo. In English Colombia is ColOmbia, not ColUmbia.

  4. Is the age limit a hard and fast rule? Last year I participated in the #HelsinkiSecret program and would love to return to Finland to learn more about the country.

    1. Unfortunately, you have to be born between 1989 and 1998 in order to be eligible for this year’s programme.

      1. I born in December 1988, so in the period of the event I have the same limit age (29) of the participants, then can I apply?

        1. Unfortunately, you have to be born between between 1989 and 1998 to apply.

  5. I wish I was a bit younger. This program looks like an amazing opportunity.

  6. Please i need some help with the email address of the Finish consulate. I am applying from Nigeria.

  7. May I know if this is open to journalists within that age range who are already working in the industry?

    1. We very much welcome applications from graduated journalists, who have already gained some work experience in a media house (TV, print or web) or in social media (for example an accomplished blogger or vlogger).

      1. I completed in 2012, I have no experience at all, does that mean I cannot apply?

        1. You don’t have to be a student to be eligible for the programme. While experience is recommended, you can still apply if you want.

  8. Why the age limits? Looks like I’m too old for this one. I’m an American and permanent resident of Mexico, where I regularly hang out with Finnish friends!

    1. The programme is very popular and, unfortunately, some prerequisites are needed. As the programme is aimed at journalists at the beginning of their career, students of journalism and social media influencers, we have placed an age limit for applicants.

    1. Selected applicants will be interviewed by the local embassy before April 20th. Final selection will be confirmed by the end of May, 2018.

      1. Hello. I submitted my application, and got a reply from the embassy. It seems there will be no interviews by this weekend, and will choose the candidate based on the applications we submitted?

        1. The interviews have been done and candidates for the shortlist have been picked. Thank you for your participation.

  9. Hello,
    I’m a Syrian food blogger currently studying in Lebanon and I have a Lebanese student permit . Can I apply to this program?

    1. If you are a permanent resident of Lebanon, you can apply.

  10. Has there been any participation from Mongolia in previous years and will there be any in the coming years?

    1. Thank you for your suggestion. In previous years there have not been participants from Mongolia. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland reviews the list of participating countries each year.

      1. I am from Nigeria and could be my opputunity to visit Finland and learn Finnish life style

      2. Thank you for your reply. Will this program take place next year? When can we know who will participate for next year’s program.

        1. If you are a permanent residennt or citizen of China, then yes.

  11. Can freelance journalists apply and do they have to fill the spaces for previous employment? Or are the spaces for full-time journalists?

    1. Freelance journalists can apply. Please do fill in the information for previous employment.

      1. I wish this can be extended just an hour for me, I couldn’t apply, I am so frustrated.

    1. Yes, you can submit links to online articles. Please, double check that the links are correct and work before submitting the application.

      1. Hello,
        My work samples have written in Arabic, should I translate the entire report or just write a summary ? or I just need to send the link?

        1. The work sample should be in English. You are welcome to choose either one of the options you gave or write an essay.

          1. then is it means I can’t send my work sample and the translation?

  12. Hi, I am Nigerian but I work in Senegal. Do I still apply using the Nigerian mail ?

    1. Yes, you may send your application to the Embassy of Finland in Abuja.

      1. kindly send the email, that i may use to apply. am an interested participant from kenya.

  13. Kindly help me with more details of how to apply. I have a problem opening the website from my end….am from Kenya…and what if am working in a media house and not in school at the moment…

    1. We very much welcome applications from graduated journalists, who have already gained some work experience in a media house (TV, print or web) or in social media (for example an accomplished blogger or vlogger).

  14. Hello,for the curriculum vitae are we to attach a full photograph or passport.Thanks

    1. For the curriculum vitae you should attach a photograph. No need to attach a copy of your passport.

  15. Hi, am I allowed to apply if I live in Hong Kong (technically we’re a Special Administrative Region of China)?

    I know it’s a bit of an contentious issue right now, but it’d be great if you can clarify it for us. Thank you!

  16. Hey, I am very interested in this program but I am not a qualified journalist or well-known social media influencer yet. I enjoy writing and I hope to further pursue a career in this field. Am I eligible to apply?Thank you.

    1. The programme is aimed at aspiring journalists (graduate or student due to graduate soon) with some work experience in a media house (TV, print or web) or an influencer in social media, for example an accomplished blogger or vlogger. We welcome applications from freelance journalists as well.

  17. Is it okay to share multiple work samples or just one would do? Is the work sample needed to be concerned around Finland or if you guys need a generic article?

    1. You need to share a work sample, or an essay (600-800 words) or link to a short video (2-3 minutes) emphasising your interest in Finland.

    1. You need to share a work sample, or an essay (600-800 words) or link to a short video (2-3 minutes) emphasising your interest in Finland.

  18. My experience in media is with a radio house, do I still qualify to register for this?

  19. The photograph mentioned above, is it the CV or of the applicant?.

  20. Hello, I have experience as a journalist with a radio house.
    Can I also apply as I notice radio house was excluded from areas of media houses one needs experience to apply.

    1. Applicants with experience in radio are welcome as well.

  21. I’m a medical student, a writer with a stable online following on IG, I would really love to apply for this programme. I’m a Nigerian and I meet the age requirement. Would it be possible?

  22. I have an active instagram profile through which i do travel blogging. i am a graduate , and working at the moment. I’d love to be a part of this program, but am i eligible?

    1. If you meet the other requirements, you are welcome to apply.

  23. Hi am from kenya can someone drop the application direct to the embassy rather than the online application

    1. Please contact the Embassy in the country in question for further advice.

  24. Can´t understand these “age restriction”. What is the problem with the journalists born before 1989?
    I was waiting for this opportunity! 🙁

    1. The programme is very popular and, unfortunately, some prerequisites are needed. As the programme is aimed at journalists at the beginning of their career, students of journalism and social media influencers, we have placed an age limit for applicants.

  25. It’s seems to be a great opportunity for young budding journos. Is there any chance that Pakistan could be included in future programs. It’s media is vibrant, growing and hundreds of fresh graduates joining the field every year. I hope ministry of foreign affairs do consider Pakistan as well. I would also like to suggest to start a fellowship for older journalists like 45 as well. Thank you.

    1. Thank you for your comment and suggestions. We appreciate all the feedback.

  26. I studied Accounting while in school, but currently working as a journalist with a reputable print media in Nigeria. I have been on the job for almost five years now and within the age bracket needed. Please I’m I qualified to apply?

  27. I’m not sure about the right e-mail of the Finnish Embassy in Lima, Perú.

  28. I am a student from India and I’m not a journalist or a student of journalism. I am a self learned photographer, traveller and blogger. So can i apply for this esteem event?

    1. You need to be an aspiring journalist (graduate or student due to graduate soon) with some work experience in a media house (TV, print or web) or an influencer in social media, for example an accomplished blogger or vlogger.

    1. We will select one journalist from each participant country. In total there will be 16 participants this year.

    1. Where you upload the video is your decision. Please make sure that when you share the link it will work for external users of any services.

  29. your downloadable application form on your website is empty. is there a format or template I can follow pls

    1. Please provide the address for the webpage you were trying to download the application form from. The form on this blog is working.

    1. You need to be a citizen or permanent resident of the following countries: Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and United States in order to apply.

      1. I am an Indian and currently pursuing my masters in communication and journalism. I am interested in practicing my education in your country but as I see the application date is over, does this application work again next year I don’t mind applying. As I am really looking forward to work in Finland

  30. I’m an Egyptian blogger how can i apply please and do you need a sample of my work as a blog about Finland or any blog i have written ?

  31. Hey, I am from Egypt & I have a problem with finding the email that I should send the application to. Thank you.

  32. Hello. There is a section to list three professional references in the application.
    Do I need to attach letters from them? or Just need to fill in the section?

    1. You should list three professional references in your application, i.e. previous employers or colleagues. However, we will not reject your application on that basis. You may include academic or personal references too, if you don’t have any professional ones yet.

  33. Please, I am a fresh graduate and I have just worked for one agency as a translator -journalist. my job includes traslating articls from russian to arabic and publishing them on the website and also covering events and holding intreviews with hosts,so am i eligible to apply or not?
    in referencess section, I have just one reference,so is there any problem to mention one reference or I have to get 3 referencess?

    1. We strongly encourage you to list three professional references in your application, i.e. previous employers or colleagues. However, we will not reject your application on that basis. You may include academic or personal references too, if you don’t have any professional ones yet.

  34. Hello dear, I am a graduate of English Studies with experience in Radio,Does that serve as aspiring student of Journalism?Am I qualified to apply?Or must I be a graduate of Journalism

    1. You can apply if you meet the other requirements for the programme.

  35. A work sample, or an essay (600-800 words) or link to a short video (2-3 minutes) emphasising your interest in Finland.

    Can you please further explain the above?
    what exactly do you want?
    must the work sample emphasize my interest in Finland?

    1. You can be creative with the work sample, hence, we do not want to set limits on the topic or angle when it comes to this part of the application.

  36. Please what other journalist programme can i apply for in finland? I was born in 1981 and i have a dream of seeing finland as a Tv media personality….Thanks

    1. Each year some more thematically focused journalist visits have been organized. However, the topics change annually and these are not programmes such as the FCP is, and are meant for established journalists.

    1. In order to apply you have to be a citizen or permanent resident of one the following countries: Brazil, China, Columbia, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and United States.

  37. Hi, I’m sure that my skills fit the description you asked. Where can I apply this? You have more information for Indian participants?

  38. Hi.I am very interested on this Program but I’m from Tanzania,a Journalist student due to graduate soon also have work sample and I like to learn new things and have long life in Finland.Can I apply for this opportunity?

    1. In order to apply you have to be a citizen or permanent resident of one the following countries: Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and United States.

  39. Hi, am from Nigeria, had a diploma in mass communication,and an undergraduate in public administration, can I apply for this programme,as I don’t have a work experience in journalism.

    1. Some work experience would be desirable, but we also take into account internships and/or strong social media background, i.e. accomplished bloggers and vloggers are encouraged to apply.

  40. Hello, I am from Lebanon and interested in applying.

    I have two questions:
    1. When are we expected to hear back?
    2. When it lists: a work sample, or an essay (600-800 words) or link to a short video (2-3 minutes) emphasising your interest in Finland- I am expected to submit an article or video that relates to Finland one way or the other correct?

    1. Final selections will be revealed by the end of May 2018. However, there will be an interview round before the end of April for candidates who are being considered for the programme.

      1. Does this mean if we didn’t receive an interview notification, there’s no chance for us to be considered? I’m from China btw. And I didn’t get any interview notifications by now.

  41. This is Sajad Ahmed from Indian administered Kashmir. I had completed my bachelor’s in mass.communication & media production.
    Since 2015 im working with few local & national newspapers.
    Am I eligible to get this golden opportunity.
    Kindly guide.

    1. If you fill the other requirements, then yes, you are eligible.

  42. How do I get the embassy’s email address so I can submit my application?

    1. You can find links to the websites of all the participating embassies in the blog text above under the headline “applications”.

  43. I hope next year you will consider Canada! I have two children and countless nieces and nephews that would fit this bill. My nephew just moved to Finland last month to settle with his Finnish girlfriend. So very exciting for them!

  44. I’m a graduate of mass communication and have no specific work experience because it have not be long l left school. Most of the works I have done are for online news organisations which are not all that popular. Can I still pursue this dream come true?

    1. Some work experience would be desirable, but we also take into account internships and/or strong social media background, i.e. accomplished bloggers and vloggers are encouraged to apply.

  45. good greeting
    Why did not the participation of journalists from Iraq be included, especially that today, many people need to learn more about the world of journalism

    1. Thank you for your suggestion. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland reviews the list of participating countries each year.

  46. What a very good opportunity of a life time in our epoch.I am fascinated and intrigued by the programme.Optimistic,ardent and enthusiastic about this programme,big up Finland !

  47. Hi, does the work sample, or an essay (600-800 words) or link to a short video (2-3 minutes) emphasizing your interest in Finland- Must the work sample be related to my interest in Finland or something entirely different?

    1. The work sample does not have to be related to Finland.

  48. Hello, must the work sample be a published work in any media outfit of your country or not? Is it even acceptable to drop a sample of your work (carrying your byline) that has been published?

    1. The work sample can be an essay stating your interest in the programme. You can also send an article that has been already published.

  49. I’d be interested in hosting a weekend visit in a Finnish fam. Where do you sign up for that?

    1. If it is ok for you, we can forward your email to the party that is organizing the family visits? No need to provide the email in this discussion. It is visible for the admins of this blog.

  50. Hi there! I’m applying from India, do confirm if this is email address I have to send in the application to: sanomat.nde@formin.fi

    This is a fabulous opportunity for travel enthusiasts and content creators such as myself, I hope to make the cut and partake in an enriching and educational experience in Finland!

    1. This is the correct email address for the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi.

  51. Please consider raising the age limit in future years. Many people enter journalism as a second career, and I was just accepted to Columbia Graduate School of Journalism as a 31 year old. This sounds like an incredible opportunity and the age limit seems somewhat arbitrary.

    1. Thank you for your feedback. The programme is very popular and, unfortunately, some prerequisites are needed. As the programme is aimed at journalists at the beginning of their career, students of journalism and social media influencers, we have placed an age limit for applicants.

  52. Hello,
    At the end of all applications, what is the proportion of applicants that would be accepted in each country? Or, specifically, Nigeria?
    Thanks.

  53. I am Idris from Nigeria, a Senior Correspondent and social media influencer for InsideMainland.com, Nigeria’s most followed online community news portal. I am very well interested in this programme and would love to be given a chance to be a part of it.

    I hope sending an application at this moment is not too late?

    Best regards.

    1. The closing date for applications is 30 March 2018 at 11.59 pm local time.

  54. May I ask, why and from where/whom the whole 3 week programme is being funded ?

    1. The programme is funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

  55. I am from India. I have work samples that are already published. What kind of a sample are you looking at? I have nothing written on Finland yet. If get through this programme hopefully would be writing the first one.

    1. You can be creative with the work sample, hence, we do not want to set limits on the topic or angle when it comes to this part of the application.

  56. In the application form, should I just scan my signature ou should I scan all three pages to send?

    1. You may sign the application form by typing your full name. You can also sign the form by hand and then scan it, but make sure that the scanned document can be read easily.

  57. I’m from Nigeria. I was born in July 1987, and I really want to apply. Any chance for me?

    1. Unfortunately, you have to be born between 1989 and 1998 in order to be eligible for this year’s programme.

  58. Is it possible for one to submit both essay and video? Or must it be one of them?

    1. You need to submit a work sample, or an essay (600-800 words) or link to a short video (2-3 minutes) emphasizing your interest in Finland.

  59. Is it possible to find out the number of participants who will be selected this year?

    1. One participant from each participating country will be selected for the programme.

    1. Unfortunately you can’t. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland reviews the list of participating countries each year. In 2018, the following countries have been chosen to participate: Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and United States.

    1. You can find the website for each embassy participating on the blog at the application page under the subtitle “Applications”

  60. Hello, I am an interested applicant from Singapore.
    May I know how many applicants from my country will be selected?
    Thank you.

    1. One participant from each participating country will be selected for the programme.

    1. One participant from each participating country will be selected for the programme.

    1. Yes you can. You may send your application to the Finnish Embassy in Beirut.

  61. Hello friends,

    My name is Wang Qiang, born in April, 1996,living in jinan, China. When I saw this article, I knew my chance had come. When I was a teenager, I was a small reporter for China’s annual report. High school I was an audit for campus newspaper.During the university I worked in Jinan Daily Life Daily for a year and a half. I love journalists, I love the news, I love the truth. When I interview, I will always analyze whether this is the truth or not, and there is no more possibility, more direction. After finishing my internship, I still focus on the news and analyze events objectively in my personal column. I seem to have been born for the news. In addition, I like Finland and have always dreamed of going to Finland to see the aurora. Helsinki, the young capital, embraces both Finland’s past glory and its modern sophistication. I really want to learn Finnish culture. This opportunity is very attractive to me. I want to join. Please give me this opportunity to study in Finland on behalf of Chinese youth and improve myself as a journalist. So, can you consider my natural reporter? Looking forward to your reply.

  62. Will only one person be selected for the program from each of the 16 countries on the list?

  63. What is the email to send the application and video to? Thank you.

    1. You can find information about applying on the blog post under subtitle “Applications”.

    1. You can find information about applying in different countries on the blog post under subtitle “Applications”.

  64. I am not a conventional ‘journalist’ per se, but I am a photographer and budding filmmaker from Nairobi, with an interest in creating a bridge between my continent and the rest of the world. Do I fit in the MO?

    1. Yes, you can use a current employer as a professional reference.

  65. I wish Slovakia were included, too. Are there any opportunities for freelance and estabilished journalists, too? Thank you.

  66. Can anyone who is doing graduation in journalism and has no professional work experience apply for this program.

  67. hey am done with the application but i cant see the email to send to.Am in kenya

    1. If you have trouble getting your application delivered, try reducing the size of the attached files.

  68. Hi,

    I am from India, and I visited the Embassy of Finland’s website. I found one email address at the top of the page. Want to be sure, if that is the one I need to mail my application to?

    1. Hi, the applications from India should be sent to sanomat.nde(at)formin.fi.

    1. It’s is the local time in the country you are applying at.

  69. Hi! I came across this today. I’m a filmmaker and am extremely keen on attending this program. Can i still apply?

    1. Emails that are too big in size may not go through.

  70. Hello, I submitted my form last night before the specified deadline to the Indian consulate email id.

    I am yet to receive a confirmation email that it was received.

    Can you please help?

    1. Please note that due to the high amount of application, questions regarding an individual application may not be answered.

  71. How can I receive notification about the future edition of this program (in hopes that it will include my country)?

  72. Hello! I applied for this program – when are we expected to be notified incase of acceptance?

    1. Hi Don! The programme is aimed to young journalists, so participation is limited by age.

    1. Hi,
      unfortunately we had to cancel this year’s programme due the coronavirus situation. Stay tuned, we will open the programme later again!
      Bets, FCP

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