Global Residency

Timothyna Duncan standing by a fence and reporting in South Africa — Timothyna Duncan (BSJ16) served as a multimedia reporter for the Mail & Guardian in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Consider inviting a journalism student to work at your news organization in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania or the Americas for 10-12 weeks. During the Medill Global Residency program, students complete a range of assignments similar in quality and quantity to those of an entry-level professional staff member.

It is not unusual for global students to report and write high-profile stories. Increasingly, these stories are produced in multimedia formats and prominently displayed on major websites. Students rely on their faculty advisers at Medill to help them prepare for the residency and ensure expectations are met by all parties.

Global Residency provides the opportunity for students to build on their skills, gain real-world experience and grow professionally by receiving increasingly challenging assignments.

Student placement: Students are placed in residencies after close consultation among the student, the on-site residency supervisor (e.g., editor, news director, bureau chief, production leader) and Medill’s Global Residency director. The goal is to match the student with a placement where the assignments and experiences build on her or his topic or technique specialization at Medill.
Independent study project: In addition to the work the student will perform at your organization, he or she also will complete an independent study project. Designed to enhance the residency experience, the project will help the student gain an in-depth understanding of current issues or challenges addressed by news organizations abroad or to develop journalistic expertise in a subject of importance or keen interest in the city or region of the residency.
Costs and financial support: Students participating in Global Residency will pay costs comparable to the estimated cost of a quarter's enrollment in the Medill program. It’s also relative to the cost of living in the residency city.

Residencies vary in financial support. Some organizations pay student residents, some provide support for housing or expenses, and some provide no monetary compensation or support. Medill may provide a grant to students based on demonstrated financial need.
Questions?: For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact Tracy Van Moorlhelm.