Applications are now open for the 2025 Jefferson Fellowships, a three-week journalism and study tour focusing on the theme  “The Future of Food Security: Lessons from Southeast Asia.” Running from October 5-23, 2025, the program will take journalists to Honolulu, Indonesia, and Thailand to explore critical issues around food insecurity, environmental challenges, and regional efforts to ensure sustainable agriculture.

With Southeast Asia facing rising food insecurity, declining rice yields, and global supply disruptions, fellows will have the opportunity to report firsthand on how these challenges impact public health, economies, and vulnerable communities.

Background of the Fellowship:

Established in 1967, the Jefferson Fellowships is the East-West Center’s premier journalism program, connecting over 750 alumni from 34 countries across the Asia Pacific and the U.S. This three-week reporting and study tour offers journalists the chance to explore key Indo-Pacific issues, enhancing public understanding through firsthand reporting and cross-cultural dialogue.

The program combines in-depth discussions at the East-West Center with field reporting across the region, fostering collaboration among journalists from diverse backgrounds. It is supported by The Freeman Foundation and contributions from media outlets, foundations, U.S. Embassies, and the East-West Center.

Brief Details:

• Provided by: East-West Center
• Deadline: Apr 13, 2025
• Dates: October 5-23, 2025
• Destinations: Honolulu, Indonesia, and Thailand
• Type: Fellowship
• Gender: Any
• Eligible Nations: The Indo-Pacific Region (Afghanistan Included)

Benefits

The Jefferson Fellowships are supported by the Freeman Foundation, Mary Morgan Hewett Fund, East-West Center, and contributions from Fellows and their news organizations. Each year, 10-14 full or partial scholarships are awarded, including 2-4 for U.S. journalists and 8-10 for Indo-Pacific journalists.

A full scholarship covers:

• Roundtrip airfare
• Accommodation and program meals
• Ground transport, airport transfers, and cultural activities
• Interpretation (if needed) and speaker/partner costs
• Organized meetings, networking, and unique access opportunities
• A modest per diem for additional meals

Notes:

• All Fellows must pay a $900 program fee and cover visa costs, health insurance, and baggage fees.
• Cost-sharing by media organizations is strongly encouraged and viewed favorably in the selection process.
• Applicants must submit an Employer’s Statement of Support indicating any cost-sharing commitments.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• The fellowship is open to print, broadcast, or online journalists from the Indo-Pacific region and the U.S. with:
• Fellows must have at least 5 years of professional journalism experience
• Strong English communication skills
• Applicants who demonstrate clear connections between the program theme and their reporting focus and who plan to produce impactful content during and after the fellowship will receive priority.

Eligible Countries:
Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Vietnam, and others across the Indo-Pacific.

Documents Requirement:

All applicants must submit the following documents:

• Completed Online Application Form
• Letter of Interest (Max 3 pages, double-spaced) covering:
  • Description of current media work and experience
  • Goals for the Fellowship and story ideas
  • Relevance of the theme to your audience
  • How the program will benefit your journalism
  • Proposed paper/presentation topic
• Résumé or CV (Max 2 pages)
• Employer’s Statement of Support (Not required for freelancers)
• Two Letters of Recommendation from professional references

Participant Obligations

Jefferson Fellows are expected to engage in professional exchange by:

• Submitting a 1,000–1,500 word paper before arrival, addressing the fellowship theme and their home country’s response.
• Delivering a 10–15 minute presentation based on their paper, sharing insights to enrich group discussions and reporting on the Indo-Pacific region.

How to Apply?

To apply, click the Apply Now button below, create your account, and then apply.

                                             Apply Now

Similar Opportunities:

• Awareness 360 Fellowship Programme 2025
• Don Lavoie Fellowship 2025-2026 (Online)
• 776 Foundation Fellowship Program 2025 ($100,000 Grant)

For more details, kindly refer to East-West Center’s website.