Yuchengco Fellows Program

FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN THE MEDIA
AT THE USF CENTER FOR THE PACIFIC RIM

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Awards, USF Center for the Pacific Rim, Background, Eligibility & Requirements, Selection Criteria, Application Process, Audit Classes

The Yuchengco Fellows Program for Young Professionals in the Media is designed (1) to support young Filipino journalists of accomplishment and talent by providing them with a more in-depth and more comprehensive international understanding of the Philippine diaspora; (2) to provide tools for them to improve and elevate their journalistic skills and talent to higher standards and values; (3) to promote a better understanding and cooperation between the Philippines and its recipient countries by studying the diaspora and culture of its people; and (4) to produce a body of journalistic work on Philippine-related diaspora issues that can be shared through the USF Center for the Pacific Rim with the broader public, including students, faculty and global audiences.

The Yuchengco Fellows Program for Young Professionals in the Media will allow journalists to step back from work pressures, study special interests and projects, broaden their international perspective, and gain professional experience with the goal of encouraging more knowledgeable, in-depth, exemplary news coverage.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR FALL 2008 is MARCH 28, 2008

AWARDS

The Yuchengco Fellows Program for Young Professionals in the Media will award one Media Fellowship every semester. Fellows will receive a stipend of up to $27,500 per semester, less the 14% statutory benefits at USF. This includes the higher cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, travel, lodging, meals, living expenses and expenses related to produce the resulting work. The stipend will be adjusted for awardees already residing in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Fellows will have access to the school library, databases, faculty members, and other facilities. They will participate in programs that combine academic coursework with professional development activities.

The Yuchengco Fellows Program for Young Professionals in the Media is open to all journalists of Filipino ancestry in the diaspora and in the Philippines.

UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO CENTER FOR THE PACIFIC RIM

The University of San Francisco (USF) Center for the Pacific Rim is a unique interdisciplinary center for rigorous study of the Asia Pacific for students, scholars and the wider community and for collaborative research and exchanges with scholars worldwide. The Center promotes understanding of the Pacific Rim in the United States and among the peoples of the Pacific Rim, including the Asian and Latin American diasporas.

Founded in 1988 as a focus for USF's broadening outreach to Asia, the center is a leader in strengthening the Bay Area as a pre-eminent American gateway to the Pacific, leveraging over 450 years of Jesuit engagement in Asia. The Center includes the Ricci Institute, now in its 21 st year and a premier global resource for the study of Chinese-Western cross-cultural history, and the home office of the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainable Development, an internationally recognized resource for Northeast Asian security, energy, and environmental issues.

BACKGROUND

A 2005 report from the United Nations shows that there are 200 million migrants all over the world who come from less developed countries who have not been back to their homeland in one year. The Philippines' main export is in fact its people. There are currently 8 million overseas Filipinos working in almost every country in the world. This represents 10% of the country's population of around 80 million. There are not enough jobs in the nation for its burgeoning population, so the citizens leave for jobs in foreign lands in order to support their families. This migration or diaspora, has created a new middle class for the Philippines, but at the same time, family and socio-economic problems have cropped up.

The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) remit about $7 billion annually to their families in the Philippines. This amount accounts for 8% to 10% of the nation's GNP. This money has saved the Philippines from international bankruptcy. The OFWs have been called Bagong Bayani (New Hero) by the government because of their financial contributions to the country. Teachers work as maids. Secretaries work as hostesses. Engineers work as drivers. And so on. The humiliation and downgrading of skills continue. Rather than create jobs for them at home or implement an effective population control policy, the government encourages them to leave. Their sacrifices need to be recognized.

In the globalization process, media and communication play crucial roles in shaping and influencing public opinion, policy and other socio-economic factors. Due to the wide gap between rich and poor countries, news coverage on important issues are often lacking for the underprivileged. Their stories are not being told; the abuses done to them are not being corrected, let alone recorded. Journalists can level the playing field in this respect by reporting and analyzing issues and conflicts to encourage dialogue and discussion, by bringing these problems to the attention of people of influence for possible solutions, while maintaining journalistic independence. Journalists have the potential to effect change in their counties.

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicants must be professional journalists working in print with at least three years of experience. (The program may be expanded later on to include radio, broadcast and online journalists.)
2. Applicants must submit a resume that includes a list of his/her published work, or a list of 15-20 of his/her best published work.
3. Applicants must be of Filipino nationality or ethnicity.
4. Applicants must be between 28 and 40 years of age.
5. Applicants must be fluent in English.
6. Applicants must have their employer's consent for a leave of absence for the term of the fellowship, i.e., one semester or 18 weeks. A letter from the employer is required.
7. Applicants must agree to remain in the San Francisco Bay Area during the tenure as Yuchengco Fellows and not accept other employment. Fellows must receive the approval of the Center for the Pacific Rim for any public speaking engagements at other institutions during their term as Fellows at the Center.
8. Applicants must attend and audit required courses (see list) during the term, and may attend elective courses as time permits.
9. Applicants are required to produce a report/article of not less than 25 pages, or a series of articles for publication at the Center for the Pacific Rim and other acceptable outlets, and to participate in panels, public programs, special events and in classroom lectures/discussion in the Yuchengco Philippine Studies Program, the undergraduate Asian Studies Program, the MA in Asia Pacific Studies Progam, and possible other USF programs. The tag line on stories and/or the introduction of the applicant will identify him/her as a Yuchengco Media Fellow at the USF Center for the Pacific Rim.
11. Applicants must submit a proposal outlining the topic/story, approach, theme, structure, budget, etc. required for his/her final project. The topic should relate in significant ways to the Philippine diaspora such as socio-economic and political ramifications of migration on Filipino migrants, families left behind and governments (including recipient countries), culture and class clashes and assimilation, changing image of the Philippines and its people, etc. In addition, the areas of particular interest to the Center for the Pacific Rim in terms of its mission and research focus are as follows: (1) conflict studies/conflict resolution in the Pacific Rim; (2) achieving peace in the Pacific Rim through human rights and social justice; (3) strengthening civil society in developing countries and emerging democracies in the Pacific Rim; (4) policy issues related to addressing the negative impacts of globalization in Pacific Rim countries; and (5) Pacific Rim inter-religious/intercultural dialogue.
12. The USF Center for the Pacific Rim will try its best to place Media Fellows at other media institutions and/or counterpart organizations as a volunteer or unpaid intern during the term to acquire first hand experience in mainstream and/or ethnic media outlets.
13. Media Fellows may be asked to serve as a mentor and resource as the program builds a broader community of journalists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the applicant's experience and ability as a journalist who is likely to have great impact in his/her field. Applicants must be self-starters who will actively seek contacts and interviews during the residency term. Applicants must possess the vision and drive to generate compelling stories that will fulfill the missions of the Yuchengco Media Fellowship Program and the Center for the Pacific Rim.

A selection panel made up of up to five media experts and representatives from the USF Center for the Pacific Rim will review the applications and select one Fellow each semester. Interviews may be required.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit three (3) application packet sets to include the following:

- Completed Application Form
- Proof of health insurance
- Resume including a list of published work
- Three (3) writing samples
- Letter of consent from employer re leave of absence
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- A short essay on why you should be considered for the Yuchengco Fellows Program in Media at the USF Center for the Pacific Rim

Applicants must be able to obtain a J-1Non-immigrant Exchange Visitor visa for entry to the United States as a short term scholar. (Short term scholars will NOT be able to extend their stay beyond 6 months.) The forms for this will be generated by USF once a Fellow has been selected and will be sent to the Fellow for use in obtaining the visa in his/her country of residence.

Deadline for submission of applications: March 28, 2008 (for Fall 2008 Fellowship)

All documents must be submitted at the same time to:

Yuchengco Media Fellows Program
Center for the Pacific Rim, LM 280
University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117-1080
U.S.A.

For further information:
Tel: (415) 422-6357
Fax: (415) 422-5933

AUDIT CLASSES

To broaden the journalist's understanding of the complex factors that surround the problem of globalization and the diaspora, Fellows are required to attend at least one of the following "required" classes during the term of their residency as a Yuchengco Media Fellow, and an "elective" course when time permits (if the course is offered and if the corresponding dean/professor agrees).

1. Globalization and Resistance
This course examines social, economic, political and cultural dimensions of globalization from a sociological perspective. Theoretical approaches to the globalization thesis, neo-liberalism, and the decline of the nation-state are analyzed along with case studies of transnational movements of resistance that include workers, students, women, indigenous peoples, and environmentalists. Offered intermittently.
2. Global Inequalities and Social Justice
This course explores the structures, cultures, and development of contemporary societies from a sociological, comparative, and global perspective. It examines the institutional arrangements and cultural patterns which underlie class, race and gender-based global inequalities within and between different societies, emphasizing case-studies from developing countries. Offered every Fall.
3. Women in Developing Countries
This course examines women's experiences in developing countries in the light of local and global inequalities and connections. Major theoretical approaches are used to understand how gender relationships shape and are shaped by development policies within national and global contexts. These approaches are illustrated by case studies in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Offered intermittently.
4. International Economics
Introduction to the theory and policy of international trade and international economic relations. Course also covers areas of migration, international corporations, and investment. Offered every Fall.
5. The Global Economy
This course offers an introduction to the world economy, international trade, and economic development, designed especially for non-economics majors. Foundations of international markets and trade, comparative advantage, foreign investment, international inequality, and the study of international institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization will form key components of the class.
6. Economy of Contemporary Issues
This course is proposed as an interesting introductory course to basic ideas in economics. The course takes a contemporary issues approach, learning about economics through the study of everyday contemporary issues such as world trade, migration, unemployment, inflation, and world poverty, and is intended for students not majoring in economics or business.
7. Global Media
Analysis of structures and content of international media and role of culture in globalization.
8. Human Rights and Global Change
Domestic and global human rights, and their role in a changing world order. Impact of governments, multinationals, churches, universities, and human rights advocates on political and economic development, and the level of repression in the world. Strategies for global justice and change, with a focus on human rights activists and movements. Offered every year.
9. Media, Stereotyping and Violence
Quantitative and qualitative approaches to media content and audiences, with special emphasis on violence and stereotyping.
10. Journalism II: Advanced Reporting
Advanced or investigative news reporting. Research, interviewing, analysis, writing and editing advanced journalism stories. Offered every semester. Limited enrollment.
11. Feature Writing
Students produce typical feature/magazine stories, such as the process story, the trend story, the travel story and both the short and long profile, with a concentration on the techniques of narrative and characterization used in so-called literary journalism.
12. International/Global Media
Analysis of structures and content of international media and role of culture in globalization.
13. American Journalism Ethics
This course focuses on analysis of the ethical underpinnings of United States journalism and its basis in the First Amendment. Current ethical and legal issues facing journalists are discussed. Development of systems and � techniques for confronting ethical challenges is emphasized.

1. Politics and the Media
A critical overview and evaluation of U.S. media, emphasizing their political, social and economic foundations and influences; their impact on American politics, life, culture and consciousness; and media alternatives. Offered every Spring.
2. Community Engagement
The Community Engagement course emphasizes a focus on the multidimensionality of service in order to be most effective in one's community. Leadership development, theory-practice integration, reflection, critical thinking, negotiation and conflict management skills provide relevant learning opportunities for students throughout the semester.
3. Economies of the Pacific Rim
This course surveys the economic development and economic growth process, political system and the current economic issues of the countries in the Pacific Rim and East Asia. Students will emerge from the course with a solid understanding of the cultures, societies, and economies of these countries.
4. Themes in International Political Economy
Introduction to the theory and policy of international trade and international economic relations. Offered every Fall.
5. Filipino Culture and Society
This course examines contemporary Filipino culture and society through historical, political, and economic focal points.
6. Political-Economy of Developing Nations
A study of theory and methodology of competing political-economy approaches to development. Topics include: role of the state and market in development, roots of the poverty problem, multinationals, foreign aid, debt- crisis, gender, the role of the World Bank, the IMF, and sustainable development. Offered every other year.
7. International Politics of the Asia Pacific
Comparative analysis of the international politics of Japan, Korea, 'Greater' China, Southeast, and South Asia in the 20th century. Emphasis is on regional and international political developments, including those involving the United States, and on examining policies and strategies used by countries to compete and cooperate while assuring their national security.