From mid-September to the end of November 2023, Zeitenspiegel reporter Isabel Stettin traveled to Japan as a fellow of the German-Japanese Journalists Program of the International Journalists' Programs (IJP). Together with four other journalists from Germany, she immersed herself deeply in the culture, society, and politics of the island nation for two months. Two Japanese colleagues worked with German editorial offices as part of the exchange.
The IJP offers journalists the opportunity to work as temporary correspondents in another country. Participants not only gain insights into new perspectives and ways of working, but also forge connections with colleagues from around the world – an exchange that builds bridges between cultures.
The scholarship began for Isabel Stettin and the other participants in June in Berlin with a two-day introductory conference. In the fall, the German journalists traveled to Japan, where they carried out their own research.
During her time in Japan, Isabel Stettin dedicated herself to current environmental and climate issues, as well as social topics, between Hokkaido and Kyushu. Her reports will be published in the coming months.
The International Journalists' Programmes (IJP) e.V. looks back on over 40 years of experience in promoting journalistic exchange. With up to 150 scholarships annually, the non-profit association enables journalists from all over the world to experience the politics, economy, and culture of other countries. The aim is not only to deepen professional knowledge but also to foster an understanding of global contexts.
Through IJP's bilateral programs, a network of more than 3,000 journalists worldwide has been created. The scholarships are funded by donations, grants from the German Federal Foreign Office, and support from private sponsors.