Central Asian Journalism Summer Institute – 2019

The application period for the 2019 Central Asian Journalism Summer Institute in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is now closed. Click here to read more about the inaugural 2019 Central Asian Journalism Summer Institute taking place from July 15, 2019 to August 9, 2019.

The application deadline was extended to Friday, June 7, 2019 5:00pm Eastern U.S. time (GMT - 4h). The application is now closed. 

Program Description

The Central Asian Journalism Summer Institute provides early-career journalists and journalism students with the skills they need to launch successful careers in journalism and media. The Summer Institute will provide an interactive curriculum to develop participants’ skills in areas such as data journalism, digital media, social media, podcasting, and storytelling. The program will also strengthen participants’ knowledge of ethics in journalism, source verification, and disinformation. The Summer Institute is open to participants from across Central Asia and aims to develop a cross-regional network of Central Asian independent journalists and media organizations. Participants will collaborate together during the training and upon their return home continue to engage with a broader network of regional journalists, including through the GOViral network.

The Central Asian Journalism Summer Institute is part of the Central Asia Journalism Program funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Meridian International Center.

2019 Summer Institute

American University of Central Asia will host the inaugural Central Asian Journalism Summer Institute from July 15, 2019 to August 9, 2019 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Training modules include Media Literacy, Data Journalism, and New Media Technologies. The Summer Institute will be conducted in English, with possible simultaneous instruction in Russian.

The scholarship for this program provides international travel to and from the Summer Institute, lodging, local transportation, a meal stipend, accident insurance, and program materials. Meridian will only consider applicants who are willing to participate in all four weeks of the Summer Institute.

Eligibility and Selection

Eligibility Requirements:

• Citizen, national, or resident of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan
• 18 to 30 years of age on July 15, 2019
• Journalist or journalism student

Successful applicants will demonstrate the following selection criteria:

• Relevant experience and/or study in the field
• Leadership and commitment to career growth, positive attitude, and initiative
• Commitment to develop a network of Central Asian independent journalist and media outlets
• Strong English language skills (preferred)

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Application packages must include:

• Two letters of recommendation from an academic supervisor and a professional supervisor (sent directly to Meridian)
• Two (2) examples of recent work

The application is available in English (recommended) and Russian. You may submit an application in only one language.

English Online Application Онлайн-заявка на русском языке

The application deadline has been extended to Friday, June 7, 2019 5:00pm Eastern U.S. time (GMT - 4h).

Selection decisions will be announced in mid-June.

Further Information