Exploring Opportunities: Wilson Center’s Visiting Arab Journalist Program 2024
Introduction
The Wilson Center’s Middle East Program is thrilled to announce the opening of the 2024 competition for the prestigious Visiting Arab Journalist Program. This initiative, generously supported by Dr. David Ottaway, Middle East Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center, offers a unique opportunity for one Arab journalist to spend three months in residence at the heart of Washington, D.C. The selected journalist will engage in advanced, policy-oriented research and writing, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on the Middle East and United States policy issues.
Application Details
Program Scholarship Information
- Type: Program Scholarship
- Open: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024
- Deadline: February 7, 2024
The Wilson Center: A Living Memorial
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the official memorial to the 28th president of the United States, is more than just an architectural marvel. Serving as a “living memorial,” it brings together some of the world’s brightest scholars and experts to inform public policy debates with nonpartisan and relevant research.
Eligibility Criteria
This competition is open to Arab men and women working in the Middle East or North Africa in the Arabic media. Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in print, television, radio, or electronic media. Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required, along with the ability to hold a valid passport and obtain a J1 visa. The Center will assist in the visa process.
Length of Appointment and Responsibilities
The selected journalist will be in residence at the Woodrow Wilson Center from April 1 to June 30, 2024. During this period, they will conduct independent research and writing based on the topic outlined in their research proposal. Participation in conferences organized by the Center’s Middle East Program is encouraged, fostering engagement with the intellectual life of the Wilson Center and the broader Middle East community in Washington.
Stipend and Facilities
A monthly stipend of $5,000 will be provided, along with financial assistance covering approximately three-quarters of health insurance premiums. The journalist will have access to suitable workspace, a Windows-based computer, and, where feasible, a part-time research assistant. The extensive resources of the Wilson Center Library, including digital resources and access to other research facilities, will be at their disposal.
Application Process
Deadline: February 7, 2024
To apply, submit the following materials in English electronically to mep@wilsoncenter.org in PDF format with the subject line “VAJP 2024 – Applicant Name”:
- Completed Application Form
- A 1,000-word description of the proposed project
- Research topic relevance to the Middle East and the United States
- Importance and originality of the project
- Significance of the project to contemporary policy issues
- CV or resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation, one not from a previous collaborator
Recommendation letters should address the quality and significance of the research, as well as the capabilities and achievements of the applicant.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts based on the following criteria:
- Importance and originality of the research project
- Quality of the proposal in definition, organization, clarity, and scope
- Quality of the writing sample
- Professional achievements of the applicant
Conclusion
This unique opportunity to participate in the Visiting Arab Journalist Program not only offers a platform for advanced research but also facilitates meaningful contributions to policy discussions. With the support of Dr. David Ottaway, the Woodrow Wilson Center continues to foster intellectual exchange and collaboration in the pursuit of informed, unbiased public policy.
This program is made possible by the generous grant provided to the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Middle East Program by Dr. David Ottaway, a Middle East Fellow.
