Educational Exchange

Professional Development Year for the Study of Journalism/Mass Communication Program Announcement, 200-2009

The United States Embassy in Macedonia is pleased to announce the 2008-2009 Professional Development Year Program (PDY) for the study of journalism and/or mass communication in the United States.  The program enables young and mid-career journalists and media professionals who are citizens of the Republic of Macedonia to enhance their skills through study and practice at leading universities in the U.S.  The awards are granted through an open competition, and applicants will be required to appear for an interview by a committee.

The PDY program is designed to foster professionalism among the media in Macedonia by bringing practitioners to the United States for an academic year focused on developing the skills in journalism or mass communication necessary to be competitive in today’s media environment.  PDY Fellows are placed at select U.S. universities, where they learn how journalism is practiced in the United States.  This is not a degree program; fellows will audit courses, receive practical training, visit local media, and learn about life in the United States.  Universities can tailor programs and training to meet individual needs. 

Journalists/media professionals with at least two years full-time professional experience in the field are eligible to apply.  Priority will be given to applicants with less than ten years experience.

Application requirements:

• Macedonian citizenship;
• Current full-time employment with a media outlet in Macedonia;
• One- to two-page statement describing career goals and interest in the PDY Program;
• Two samples of published/produced items;
• Letter from supervisor in support of the application;
• Two letters of reference;
• Completed biographical data form;
• English proficiency sufficient to participate in university-level courses. 

Individuals with extensive international educational experience or those currently studying in the United States will not be considered. 

Application deadline is March 1, 2008. 

Application materials should be submitted to:

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Embassy
Ilindenska, bb
1000 Skopje

Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and upon placement at a U.S. university. 

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at:+389 2 3116-180 ext. 2150 or 2126.