This year, we received an overwhelming response to thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme, with a grand total of 1,498 applications. Thank you everyone!
The admissions process was very difficult as all the applicants are highly motivated journalists and communications experts with a keen interest in Finland. Now that everyone has confirmed their participation, we are finally able to announce the lucky 22.
Here you go…
Mohammed Alfaraj
1993
Mohammed is a photojournalist and filmmaker from Saudi Arabia. To take a look at his stunning pictures, we strongly recommend visiting his blog.
“To me, as a storyteller, it’s important to explore and look for stories and experiences everywhere.”
Petter Brønstad
1990
Petter is a freelance journalist. He has experience from Dagsavisen, one of the leading daily newspapers in Norway, as well as from GAFFA, the country’s biggest music magazine.
“There are many things to learn from Finland, even for a Norwegian who grew up under fairly similar conditions not so far away.”
Esha Chhabra
1986
Esha Chhabra comes from California, and contributes to Forbes.com. In addition, she does freelance work for the New York Times and the Guardian. Esha focuses on social innovation and thinks highly of Finnish innovation achievements in different fields. She is passionate about learning more about Finnish culture, design and aesthetics – and how they could be weaved into the lifestyle of the United States.
Priyanka Dubey
1987
Priyanka Dubey has previously worked at Hindustan Times, one of the largest newspapers in India. Currently, she works as an independent journalist covering gender, development and crime-related questions.
“I look forward to visiting ‘The Daughter of Baltic’, ‘The Design Capital of the World’ and ‘The Land of Midnight Sun’ in August.”
Michael Ertl
1988
Michael comes from Germany, and is employed by the BBC World Service in London.
“Knowing a country well is the key to balanced, fair and objective journalism. From my daily work as a broadcast journalist and from previous reporting trips abroad, I have come to understand that no amount of research can replace experiencing a country first-hand.”
Artem Filatov
1988
Artem Filatov is a freelance correspondent based in St. Petersburg, Russia. He knows Finland well and has visited the country several times before.
“For me Finland is the most interesting Nordic country with great examples of design, innovations and an ecofriendly way of life. It has clean lakes, unique landscapes and modern education – very inspiring.”
Oleksandr Guzenko
1994
Oleksandr Guzenko is a young, active media professional from Ukraine. At the moment, he works for two communications platforms that play an important role in the current political situation of the country.
“I am happy that programs like this exist, because they give us – the youth – precious opportunities to build bridges of friendship worldwide.”
Yumi Jeung
1988
Yumi Jeung works for a major newspaper in the Republic of Korea, and specialises in education. Yumi has studied in Sweden, and visited Helsinki briefly.
“I have only been to Helsinki once, but the memory is strong. My first impression started with snow: white snow everywhere.”
Rana Khaled Abo El Fotoh
1992
Rana Khaled Abo El Fotoh is a freelance journalist from Egypt. She covers topics related to arts and culture, and is very enthusiastic and motivated about journalism in general.
“Finland means a lot to me. It is the least corrupted government in the world, and has one of the world’s best education systems. It is also the best place to raise a family – and the home country of my favourite heavy metal bands.”
Eskedar Kifle
1987
Eskedar Kifle is a senior reporter at one of the leading economic newspapers in Ethiopia.
“I believe being exposed to a new environment and society is always good for anybody as it helps broaden the way we think. This is especially true for a journalist, as different views and angles always contribute to a better story.”
Fabienne Kinzelmann
1992
Fabienne Kinzelmann is a freelance journalist, who writes for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Spiegel Online and WiWo Gründer, to name a few. She is especially interested in Finnish startup success stories, technology and travel.
“My first contact with Finland was placed under the family Christmas tree in 2003: a Nokia 3510. It was indestructible and kept me company for nearly seven years.”
Yohannie Linggasari
1991
Yohannie Linggasari works at CNN Indonesia, where she focuses on human rights, education and topics related to gender.
“Finland is one of the countries I admire for gender equality: it became the first country in the world to give women full political rights.”
Erwan Morice
1991
Erwan Morice is a journalist and a producer at BFM Business, a French national business TV and radio station.
“I am a ‘gai-luron’, as the French say, which means that I am convivial. I am very happy to meet people from all around the world, who share my appetite for news and journalism.”
Richard Morris
1993
Richard Morris is a young, ambitious journalist who has already demonstrated a broad range of skills and experience in different forms of media. He is currently employed by local TV and radio stations in Lincolnshire, UK. Richard has also contributed to the Guardian in the past.
Bruna Passos Amaral
1986
Bruna Passos Amaral is a Germany-based Brazilian blogger and international journalist. Her blog, Partiu Intercâmbio, reaches over 70,000 readers every month.
“When I hear the word Finland, education and mosquitoes are the first words that come to mind.”
Yana Prussakova
1989
Yana Prussakova is an online journalist for Fontanka.fi living in St. Petersburg, Russia. She has studied in Finland, and speaks some Finnish, too.
“Now, when there is a concept of hybrid war, I think it’s especially important to provide readers with accurate, objective information.”
Oriol Salvador Vilella
1988
Oriol Salvador Vilella comes from Barcelona. He works in social media and studies journalism. Oriol’s main interests are communication and culture, especially music. When we asked what Finland means to him, Oriol replied:
“A country to learn from.”
Sabina Serikova
1988
Sabina Serikova is an expert on the internet and social media, which is still rare in Kazakhstan. She has a professional blog and is also a social media consultant for businesses and government bodies. In addition, Sabina has written several studies concerning the internet and the social media in Central Asia.
Martyna Trykozko
1987
Martyna Trykozko works as a journalist at one of the biggest daily news websites in Poland. She loves reporting breaking news, writing in-depth pieces and interviewing specialists in various fields. Martyna has an overall interest in culture, including literature, fine arts, illustration, graphic design and fashion.
Tongxin Qian
1986
Wechat: Tongxinqian
Tongxin Qian is a journalist at the China Business Network (CBNTV) with many years of working experience. She works for CBNTV’s prime evening international news, where she manages her own team.
“This journey means both adventure and learning for me.”
Mayra Zepeda
1986
Mayra Zepeda works as a reporter, editor and community manager for a Mexican digital media news site. In addition, she has earlier experience as a radio journalist. Mayra is very interested in education, human rights and migration, and has a particular interest in Finland, which she has visited before.
Özüm Örs
1987
Özüm Örs is a journalist at Dünya, Turkey’s leading financial newspaper, with several years of experience. She works as an economic correspondent, focusing on technology and innovation. Özüm is very interested in Finnish nature and Finland’s education system.
Hi..i would like to know how to apply for it? i am from Pakistan..and i did BSC Mechanical Engineering from Pakistan…i have 07 years mechanical education..03 year Associate Engineering Diploma and then 04 years BSC Mechanical Engineering..i would like to avail such that things..
Dear Muhammad,
Warm thanks for your interest in thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme!
The application period for this year’s programme closed on 15 March and Pakistan was unfortunately not among this year’s collaborating countries.
We encourage you to keep following this website where information on possible future programmes will be posted.
All the best,
FCP Team
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
I am very sad not to be chosen, I am very fond of Finland did not this country, want to experience the sauna, want to see the aurora, the most important is able to in-depth exchanges with the people of Finland. We often say that the furthest distance in the time is the distance between people, hoping to go to Finland, and close contact with the Nordic people..
Dear Sphie
Warm thanks for your interest in thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme.
We received an overwhelming response, with a grand total of 1,498 applications. This made our job very difficult, as all the applicants are highly motivated journalists and communications experts with a keen interest in Finland.
We encourage you to keep following this website as information on possible future programmes and other interesting news about Finland will be posted.
All the best,
FCP Team
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Congratulation for all chosen applicants. I wish next year there will be FCP 2016 and I can join in it.