John R. Wilhelm Foreign Correspondence Internship Program
With funding provided through endowed scholarships, more than 230 Scripps journalism majors have completed John R. Wilhelm foreign correspondence internships in about 30 countries since the program began in 1970.
Frequently asked questions about the program:
Q: Who arranges the internships?
A: Internships are organized by the Institute for International Journalism.
Q: What are the program requirements?
A: Applicants must of enrolled in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, have significant reporting experience, and must complete the Foreign Correspondence course, JOUR 467/567 (offered each winter quarter). Jour 466/566 (International Mass Media) is recommended, but not required.
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: Applications must be submitted to the director of the IIJ by the end of February. Application forms are distributed to students enrolled in the Jour 467/567 class.
Q: How is the program funded?
A: Scholarships donated by Scripps School supporters cover the costs of food, lodging and air fare.
Q: Who selects the students?
A: A School of Journalism selection committee consisting of faculty members selects scholarship recipients in early spring. Those selected are then responsible for contacting their foreign correspondence employer to establish time of arrival and duty assignments. Most assignments begin in the fall. Prospective interns are aided by the school's Institute for International Journalism.
Q: What are the chances of being selected?
A: The number of applicants ranges from a dozen to a maximum of about 20 each spring. From that number, approximately half a dozen interns are selected for support. The number of assignments depends on available scholarship funding.
The chances of being selected depend on the applicant's journalism background, including previous internship experience, as well as academic record.
NOTE: Knowledge of a foreign language is a plus, and is required for students who travel to countries where English is not widely spoken.
Q: What type of work do interns do?
A: Because students will be working for different companies in different countries, there is no standard list of duties interns will be assigned. In the past, interns have done everything from check wires to edit copy to cover breaking international news. Every assignment is different. Some interns just happened to be in the right place at the right time to cover a big story.
Q: How are lodging accommodations located for students?
A: Students are responsible for finding their own lodging. Previous interns can provide leads.
Q: Do students have a choice of where they will work?
A: Applicants list the top three countries to which they would like to be assigned and whether they want print or broadcast assignments. The selection committee attempts to accommodate these requests.
Ohio University International Programs
Education Abroad
Ohio Program of Intensive English
International Focus
International Student and Faculty Services
