Have you ever participated in the Foreign Correspondents’ Programme or Young Journalists, as it was first called in the 90’s? Did you spend the most amazing and interesting weeks of your life in Finland? Are you eager to see and feel what Finland is all about in 2016, waiting for its’ 100 years anniversary around the corner? This might be your chance for another Finland-packed experience. Check out if you’re eligible and apply now!
For this year’s alumni edition the country selections have been made from the region around the Baltic Sea and from countries that are involved in arctic business, politics and research. This is reflecting two current issues: 1) Finland is the president of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2016 and 2) Finland will be the president of the next Arctic Council period starting from 2017.
The alumni search will thus be arranged in the following 12 countries: Canada, China, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Poland, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.
Who’s eligible?
A media professional that
a) has participated in the programme of FCP or Young Journalists 1990 – 2013,
b) has participated from or is currently living in one of the following countries: Canada, China, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Poland, Russia, United Kingdom, United States,
c) is active working in a media house (TV, print or Web) or in social media, for example as an accomplished blogger or vlogger, or is otherwise involved in the communications sphere or politics,
d) is still interested in learning new things, meeting new people from different cultures and spending a week in Finland (full-time attendance required),
e) is excited to meet Finland again and continue to be a lifelong friend of ours.
How to apply?
Applicants must fill an application in English and upload an English language CV including photo as an attachment.
The closing date for applications is 12th April 2016 at 12:00 pm Finnish time. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. The online application will be functional during 22nd March at 00:00 hrs – 12th April 2016 at 24:00 hrs (Finnish time).
Selection process?
Only one representative will be chosen from each of the 12 countries. Only in the case of no suitable candidates from one of the countries chosen, there could be an opening for two participants from one country.
The embassies in each country will make the selection, that is then confirmed at the Communications Department in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
The chosen alumni will be contacted by 2nd May 2016 with travel arrangement information.
What does the programme include?
The Foreign Correspondents’ Programme starts on 22th August and ends on 28 August 2016. Tentatively the programme will be built around the following current topics: domestic and foreign politics, economical situation and business strengths, nature/forest, education and top science/research, media house visit, creative industries, food culture and urban culture, visit outside of Helsinki and a host-family weekend.
The alumni meeting’s short duration sets limitations to the programme. Therefore any changes are possible.
There is an intention to include half-a-day for the participants own meetings and interviews. If the participant wishes to add extra days in the beginning or end of the programme, it is very much possible but unfortunately the accommodation for those days is by her/his own expense.
What costs are covered?
The programme 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.
More information?
Facebook: thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme
Website: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland: thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme
Website: thisisFINLAND.fi