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"The late Alfred Friendly did us an enormous favor. He created and endowed a program that has brought to us, every year since it began in 1984, a third-world journalist of first-rate distinction." Jim Naughton, retired, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Poynter Institute |
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Program Overview for Potential Participants
Applications:
Journalism Links
What our participants have to say...
"Luis was a wonderful addition to our newsroom....He stimulated many of the
editors and writers working with him... The Friendly Fellows make many
similarly educated and trained American journalists answer questions
about their craft on issues they took for
granted."
"The fellowship program contributed more than one could imagine
to my career. My book on press ethics, which also brought me an award,
was the result of my observations as a journalist in
America."
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Frequently asked questions by Hosts My Fellow was great, can I hire her/him? No, AFPF Fellows are in the United States on J-1 (Exchange Visitor) visas. It was the intention of the law that created J-1 training programs that exchange visitors (Fellows) would return to their home countries to share their experiences with their compatriots. For this reason, the U.S. government has created rules and regulations to control the program. The use of this program for ordinary employment is strictly prohibited by law. Fellows are not employees of the host newspaper nor can they be hired at the conclusion of the program. Does that mean I can't pay them for expenses incurred while ‘on the job'? Fellows should be reimbursed for expenses incurred (mileage, taxi fare, etc.) during the course of their training activities in accordance with your publication's reimbursement policies. However, Fellows may not accept financial compensation for stories, photographs or other work produced at or for the host newspaper. I work for a Guild paper. Must I check with the union before agreeing to host a Friendly Fellow? No, AFPF has secured the full support and cooperation of the Newspaper Guild. Documentation is provided to host newspapers. As a matter of courtesy and to speed the Fellow's acceptance in the newsroom, hosts usually let the Guild chair know of the decision to participate. What does AFPF provide to the Fellows?AFPF provides program-related international airfare and domestic transportation, accident/sickness insurance, a checking account with ATM card, monthly stipend for living expenses and housing, and if necessary, a rental car. AFPF does not provide financial support for accompanying dependents. How long does the program last? Alfred Friendly Fellows are in the United States for approximately six months. Fellows spend five months with their host news organizations. Do you rent cars for Fellows? AFPF will rent cars for Fellows in cities with little or no public transportation and those where pool cars are not available to be used. For reasons of safety, Fellows are required to take driving lessons in their host city. We rely heavily on the host paper to facilitate the driving lessons and car rental. We also ask that you send AFPF and your Fellow the local driving manual in January so that he/she can start studying the rules of the road. Then, with any luck, if the car rental is coordinated, the Fellow can take the driving lessons within the first week or two in the host city. To expedite the process, we ask that you find out the rules and regulations to obtain a driver's license in your city. We ask that you send AFPF the driving manual prior to Orientation so that we can provide it to the arriving Fellow to get an early start on studying in preparation for the test. Then, with any luck, if the car rental is coordinated, the Fellow can take the driving lessons and the driving test within the first week or two in the host city. Can I terminate the Fellowship before the five months are up? Yes, for cause. The Fellowship is not a legal contract. It is a voluntary undertaking, and if, as has happened only three times in 24 years, a Fellow does not live up to his or her end of the bargain, hosts may decide to end the association. Because of the program's progress in mentoring and the steady contact between AFPF staff and fellows and between AFPF staff and host editors, AFPF has an impressive but not perfect record of spotting problems early and working them out satisfactorily. Mistakes, though, happen. If they do, AFPF works closely with hosts and Fellows to find solutions – including an incomplete fellowship. Top of Page
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