At the heart of this exciting new program is a sustained mentorship experience connecting established journalists with the next generation of storytellers. With generous support from The Halle Foundation, the American Council on Germany is launching a two-year initiative (2027–2028) that will pair working journalists from local media markets with journalism students from across the southeastern United States. Together, 10 journalism students and 5 established journalists will explore contemporary Germany, strengthen transatlantic understanding, and gain fresh perspectives on the German-American partnership.
The centerpiece of the program is a seven-day immersive study tour in Germany, blending cultural experiences, a dinner with a German household, and conversations with journalists, students, civic leaders, and other experts. Tailored to each cohort’s interests, the program will examine seven broad themes: transatlantic relations; media and public discourse; trade and the economy; foreign policy and security policy; education and workforce development; energy, climate, and sustainability; and social and immigration policy.
Mentorship will extend far beyond the trip itself. Each established journalist will guide two journalism students throughout the full project, creating a close-knit team for reflection, professional exchange, and ongoing learning. Group reflection sessions during the tour will help participants connect their experiences, challenge assumptions, and translate new insights into stronger, more internationally informed journalism.
The 2027 study tour will take place in Germany from May 22 to 29.
Register HERE to join us for an application information session webinar November 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the program, and feel free to email TJE@acgusa.org with any additional questions.
Applications may be submitted until January 8 at 11:59 PM EST.
- Students studying journalism, media studies, or related fields attending colleges and universities located in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
- The student’s hometown does not need to be in one of these states as long as the applicant is an actively enrolled student at an institution in one of the eligible states.
- Students graduating in Spring of 2027 are still eligible to apply, even if they graduate right before the program starts. However, they will need to explain in their application where they plan to publish their articles after the program.
- Journalists from local media outlets (print, TV, radio, or digital media) covering small- and medium- sized media markets in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Through a generous grant from The Halle Foundation, all expenses for the program are covered, including transatlantic flights and transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals in Germany.
There is no cost to apply for the program. Upon acceptance into the program, a participation fee of $150 for current students and $300 for journalists will be required.
- Applications Open: Late October
- Application Information Session Webinar: November 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST
- Register HERE to join us and ask any questions you might have about the program or the application process.
- Application Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2027
- By Early February: Information about application outcomes is released (accepted, declined, waitlisted). Some applicants may be waitlisted.
- February-May: Four Virtual Program Pre-Departure Sessions
- May 22-29: Study Tour in Germany visiting Munich, Leipzig, and Berlin
- June through October: Participants write & publish articles and organize an information session (such as a public forum or briefing session) in their communities/campuses to share their experience/lessons learned.
Application:
To apply for the program, the following must be completed:
- Online application form;
- Resume;
- One letter of recommendation addressing specifically how the applicant would benefit from the study tour program in Germany;
- Two samples of published articles or media stories;
- Statement of Purpose no more than 1,000 words explaining interest in the program and Germany, what you hope to gain from the mentorship component, and specifically what themes/stories you would hope to investigate during the program;
- Current students only: A copy of your college transcript (screenshots are ok; it does not need to be an “official transcript”).
What are the program dates for 2027?
The 2027 study tour to Germany will be May 22-29. Participants are also expected to attend four virtual pre-departure sessions from February-May.
When is the application deadline?
Applications may be submitted HERE until January 8 at 11:59 PM EST. For any application questions or accommodation requests, please contact TJE@acgusa.org.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Students studying journalism, media studies, or related fields attending colleges and universities located in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
- The student’s hometown does not need to be in one of these states as long as the applicant is an actively enrolled student at an institution in one of the eligible states.
- Students graduating in Spring of 2027 are still eligible to apply, even if they graduate right before the program starts. However, they will need to explain in their application where they plan to publish their articles after the program.
- Journalists from local media outlets (print, TV, radio, or digital media) covering small- and medium- sized media markets in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
- Participants must hold a valid passport that will not expire earlier than September 2027 to participate in the program.
- Those who hold dual German-U.S. citizenship are still welcome to apply. However, please note that preference will be given to applicants who have not already had the opportunity to spend an extended time in Germany.
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no cost to apply. We encourage all interested applicants to apply, regardless of background or prior international experience. Upon acceptance into the program, a participation fee of $150 for current students and $300 for journalists will be required.
How many applicants will be selected for the program?
10 journalism students and 5 journalists will be selected to participate in the program. Each established journalist will mentor two journalism students.
Are there age requirements for participants? Can graduate students apply?
Participants must be over 18 to go on the study tour. Students from all degrees are encouraged to apply, so long as they study journalism or a related major. Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply.
A student who is only one semester into college at the time of the application would have to make a very compelling case demonstrating a clear interest and commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, and how participating in this program early in their academic career would help them achieve their goals.
What makes a strong applicant?
We are looking for applicants with a strong understanding of current events and willingness to learn more about and engage with U.S.-German and transatlantic affairs. Applicants that have demonstrated an ability to work with others and think critically about complex issues would be a good fit for this program. While a connection to Germany is not required, candidates who are eager to develop their understanding of German issues are desired.
How much does participation in the program cost?
All program-related expenses are covered by the American Council on Germany, supported by a generous grant from the Halle Foundation. However, a participation fee is required upon acceptance to the program – $150 for current students and $300 for journalists.
What expenses are covered by the program?
Transatlantic flights and transportation, as well as hotel accommodations and meals in Germany. The fee does not include personal expenses, such as shopping and non-program activities.
What is expected of participants during the program?
During the study tour, participants will keep an active presence on social media platforms highlighting lessons learned on the program. Following the trip, participants will submit written reports for publication by the ACG and The Halle Foundation and produce pieces for their news organizations and their university newspapers. Additionally, participants will present their experiences at public forums in their communities, and journalism students will hold briefing sessions at their university.
Participants are expected to attend all meetings and program activities throughout the week in Germany. The study tours are not vacations, but rather educational and professional experiences.
Is German-language proficiency required?
No, German-language proficiency is not required. All program-related events will be conducted in English.
What types of activities will the program consist of?
The immersive study tour consists of seven days in Germany with meetings and site visits in three cities. The 2027 tour will visit Munich, Leipzig, and Berlin.
Upon arrival on Saturday, participants will have cultural outings over the weekend. For the remainder of the workweek, participants will have 2-4 meetings daily with organizations and officials, including a roundtable discussion with local journalists and journalism students to learn about how global issues, specifically relations with the U.S., are reported at the local level. The organizers will do their best to tailor the meeting topics to the interests of the group. Possible topics could include economics & trade, education system/workforce development, sustainability and the renewable energy transition, European Union, German Division and Reunification, immigration/refugees/integration, remembrance culture/Holocaust education, political parties/coalitions, foreign policy, healthcare, other social issues, etc.
The group will also have an opportunity to have an evening “homestay dinner” with a German family, giving them an intimate look into daily life in Germany removed from the headlines.
Participants will have reflection sessions to review and discuss what they have learned with the entire group. For the duration of the project, each established journalist will be paired with two journalism students to build a mentoring relationship.
Please note that the study tours involve significant walking and travel on public transportation.