“Exploring economies and cultures”

16 to 26 May 2015

Applications are invited from Australian journalists for the third China Australia Journalist Exchange, to be held from 16 to 26 May 2015 with the theme “Exploring economies and cultures”.

The exchange is an initiative of the APJC and the All China Journalists Association. The aim is to increase journalists’ knowledge of the other country and generally broaden understanding between the two countries.

Five Australian journalists will be selected for the program to China. They will visit Shanghai, Yinchuan, and Beijing.

Yinchuan, in Northwest China, is the capital of Ningxia, an autonomous region for the Hui people. Sitting, remotely, on the old silk route for trade between west and east, Ningxia today sees itself poised to become a conduit for modern, internet-based commerce and cultural exchange.

Leading the Australian group will be former China correspondent and senior Fairfax editor, Mark Baker, now chief executive of the Melbourne Press Club and a member of APJC’s advisory board.

This China Australia Journalist Exchange allows Chinese and Australian journalists to explore both the evolving economic relationship between the two countries and the broader social, cultural and political relationship.

In each country, the journalists will meet with government, business, and NGO leaders, academics, journalists, and members of the community at large.

Dates:
16-26 May 2015

China destinations:
Shanghai, Yinchuan (Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region) and Beijing.

Who can apply:
Australians travelling to China – journalists working in print, broadcast and online news media, with a minimum of five years’ journalism experience.

Organisers:
The Asia Pacific Journalism Centre and The All China Journalists Association

Funding:
The Australia arm of the program is supported by the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ), the Australia China Council, and participating news media organisations, who are asked to contribute $2000 to help cover APJC’s international expenses.

What is provided:
The program covers all air transport (domestic, international, in China), accommodation, program-related ground transport and most meals.

Participants are responsible for visa fees, travel insurance, airline baggage charges, personal communication charges, a small number of free-time meals and incidental expenditure (laundry, etc.)

Applications:
Applications close on Thursday 2 April 2015 (5pm). 

Send to inquiries@apjc.org.au with “China Australia Exchange” written in subject line.

Please include the following:

1. A completed application form (download here).
2. A letter (maximum 500 words) outlining what you expect to achieve professionally from taking part in the program and the topics you would like to research and explore during the program.
3. A letter of recommendation from your supervisor outlining your suitability for the program and how your participation will benefit your news organisation.
4. A statement of support from your employer confirming their commitment to contribute $2000 for your participation (download here).

For more information

Email: inquiries@apjc.org.au
Phone: 03 9387 9740