The Jefferson Fellowships 2025 provides a fully funded international study tour for journalists from the Indo-Pacific region and the United States. Organized by the East-West Center, this three-week program will take participants to the United States, Thailand, and Indonesia, where they will engage in discussions, site visits, and research to enhance their understanding of global food security issues.

The theme for the 2025 fellowship is “The Future of Food Security: Lessons from Southeast Asia,” focusing on challenges such as climate change, rising food prices, declining fisheries, and disruptions in global supply chains. Journalists will have the opportunity to work closely with experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore solutions and report on key findings.
This fellowship is fully funded, covering all travel, accommodation, meals, and program-related expenses. It is an exceptional opportunity for journalists looking to expand their knowledge, improve their reporting, and build international connections in the field of food security.
Jefferson Fellowships 2025 Program Details
- Host Countries: United States, Thailand, Indonesia
- Program Duration: Three weeks
- Program Dates: October 5 – October 23, 2025
- Organized by: East-West Center
- Financial Coverage: Fully funded
- Application Deadline: April 13, 2025
Benefits of the Jefferson Fellowships 2025
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Round-trip airfare (international and domestic)
- Hotel accommodation for the duration of the fellowship
- Meal allowances and group meals
- Ground transportation, including airport transfers
- Access to cultural activities and networking events
- Interpretation services for multilingual engagement
- Organized visits with experts, policymakers, and industry leaders
Through this program, journalists will gain firsthand exposure to food security challenges and international policies while producing high-impact stories based on their findings.
Jefferson Fellowships 2025 Program Theme
Theme: “The Future of Food Security: Lessons from Southeast Asia”
The program will examine food security concerns from multiple perspectives, including:
- The impact of climate change on agricultural production
- Rising food prices and their effect on economic stability
- The decline of fisheries and the depletion of marine resources
- Disruptions in global supply chains and their influence on food availability
Participants will have the opportunity to conduct research and interviews in Thailand, Indonesia, and the United States, engaging with stakeholders from government agencies, research institutions, and local communities.
Eligible Countries for the Jefferson Fellowship 2025
The fellowship is open to journalists from the following Indo-Pacific countries and the United States:
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- East Timor
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Samoa
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United States
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
Eligibility Criteria for the Jefferson Fellowship 2025
To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a journalist working in print, broadcast, or online media
- Have a minimum of five years of professional experience in journalism
- Be proficient in English for participation in discussions and reporting
- Demonstrate a strong interest in food security and international reporting
- Commit to producing journalistic content before, during, and after the fellowship
Required Documents for Jefferson Fellowships 2025
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Completed application form (available on the East-West Center website)
- Letter of interest, explaining why they want to participate and how the fellowship aligns with their work
- Résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience in journalism
- Employer’s statement of support (if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation from editors, supervisors, or professional contacts
These documents should demonstrate the applicant’s journalistic background, commitment to the fellowship theme, and ability to contribute to meaningful reporting.
Application Deadline for Jefferson Fellowships 2025
- Deadline: April 13, 2025
Applications must be submitted before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.
Application link
https://www.eastwestcenter.org/apply/2025-jefferson-fellowships
How to Apply for the Jefferson Fellowships 2025?
To apply for the Jefferson Fellowship, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all requirements for the program.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare your CV, letter of interest, recommendation letters, and employer support statement.
- Complete the Application Form: Access and fill out the application on the East-West Center’s official website.
- Submit Your Application Before the Deadline: Review all documents and submit them before April 13, 2025.
- Wait for Selection Results: Shortlisted candidates will be notified for further evaluation.
- Successful applicants will receive program details and travel arrangements before the fellowship begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Jefferson Fellowship 2025 fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship covers all expenses, including travel, accommodation, meals, and program-related activities.
Who can apply for the Jefferson Fellowship?
Journalists from Indo-Pacific countries and the United States with at least five years of professional experience can apply.
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee for this fellowship.
What type of journalism work will participants be expected to produce?
Fellows are required to report on food security issues based on site visits, expert interviews, and research conducted during the program.
When will selected participants be notified?
Final selection results will be announced a few months after the application deadline.
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