Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, has opened applications for the 2027/2028 International Journalism Traineeship Programme. This is a unique opportunity for aspiring journalists across the world to gain hands-on experience in multimedia journalism within an international and innovative broadcasting environment.
DW stands as one of the most respected global broadcasters, producing content in 32 languages across television, radio, and online platforms. The organization is deeply committed to journalistic integrity, storytelling excellence, and fostering global understanding through independent and diverse reporting.
This comprehensive traineeship offers participants a thorough grounding in the principles and practices of modern journalism. It is specifically designed for creative, open-minded individuals who are passionate about storytelling, global issues, and the future of media. The traineeship integrates theoretical learning with real-world experience, combining seminars, practical newsroom assignments, and international reporting exposure.
The programme will take place primarily at DW’s headquarters in Bonn and Berlin, Germany, with opportunities for field assignments in DW’s studios located around the world. Through this initiative, DW continues to invest in developing the next generation of journalists who are capable of producing high-quality, impactful journalism on a global scale.
Programme Overview
The Deutsche Welle International Journalism Traineeship 2027/2028 is a paid training programme that provides comprehensive journalistic education and professional development. Participants will learn to produce news stories across various platforms—television, radio, and online—while gaining valuable editorial, technical, and cultural insights.
The training is structured to give trainees a holistic understanding of the journalistic process, from research and writing to production and broadcast. Participants will rotate through multiple editorial departments, gaining firsthand experience of DW’s operations and engaging in international reporting assignments.
The programme aims to cultivate journalists who can think critically, act responsibly, and work effectively in fast-paced and multicultural environments.
Job Description and Key Responsibilities
The Deutsche Welle International Journalism Traineeship consists of several stages designed to develop the participants’ journalistic and editorial competence. Each stage provides specific assignments, responsibilities, and learning outcomes.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what each phase of the traineeship entails:
1. Training in Journalistic Knowledge and Skills
During the initial phase, trainees will acquire foundational journalistic knowledge and skills. This includes understanding the principles of news reporting, ethical journalism, and storytelling techniques.
Trainees will learn how to identify relevant stories, conduct research, verify facts, and craft compelling narratives that adhere to DW’s editorial standards. Training will also cover how to write for different media formats and target audiences.
Practical exercises will simulate real newsroom environments, allowing trainees to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. This phase serves as the cornerstone of the programme, ensuring that participants build a solid base upon which to develop further specializations.
2. Seminars on Core Journalistic Topics
Trainees will participate in a series of seminars led by experienced journalists and trainers from within and outside DW. These seminars will cover a wide range of topics such as international reporting, multimedia journalism, investigative journalism, data-driven storytelling, and media ethics.
Through interactive workshops and discussions, participants will explore how journalism can adapt to evolving technologies and audience expectations. The seminars will emphasize critical thinking, diversity in reporting, and innovation in content creation.
These sessions are designed to broaden trainees’ understanding of journalism’s role in society and encourage them to approach storytelling from a global perspective.
3. Rotations Across DW Editorial Offices
A distinctive feature of this traineeship is the opportunity to work in multiple DW editorial departments in both Bonn and Berlin. Trainees will rotate through different editorial units—such as television news, radio programming, online content creation, and social media management—gaining exposure to the varied aspects of DW’s operations.
In each editorial station, trainees will assist in producing daily news segments, feature stories, and multimedia content. They will also have the chance to pitch their own story ideas, conduct interviews, and collaborate with editors and producers.
The rotations ensure that participants gain a multifaceted understanding of journalism in a modern, global newsroom. They will learn how to adapt their reporting styles to different platforms and audiences while maintaining DW’s standards of accuracy and impartiality.
4. International Field Studio Assignments
In addition to domestic editorial experience, trainees will have the unique opportunity to work in DW’s international field studios. Locations include Washington, Brussels, Riga, Delhi, and Jakarta.
These assignments are intended to expose trainees to international news reporting, giving them firsthand insight into global journalism practices. Trainees will engage with correspondents, produce field reports, and contribute to cross-border news coverage.
Working abroad will enhance participants’ cultural awareness, journalistic independence, and adaptability—essential qualities for a journalist in today’s interconnected world.
5. Production of Individual Journalistic Projects
Throughout the traineeship, participants will be guided in the creation of their own journalistic projects. This involves taking an idea from concept to completion—developing story angles, conducting interviews, scripting, editing, and publishing the final product.
Projects may take the form of TV features, radio documentaries, or digital multimedia stories. The process allows trainees to demonstrate creativity, initiative, and technical competence. Mentorship from DW editors and producers will provide valuable feedback and support throughout this process.
The projects serve not only as a professional showcase for each participant but also as an opportunity to contribute original content to DW’s platforms.
6. Technical Training in Media Production
Technical proficiency is a key component of modern journalism, and DW ensures that trainees gain the necessary technical skills for digital and broadcast media.
Training will cover camera operation, video editing, sound recording, and digital publishing. Participants will learn how to use newsroom software and editing tools to produce high-quality audio-visual content.
In addition, the programme emphasizes adapting journalistic content to digital platforms, including social media, podcasts, and mobile-first storytelling. By mastering these tools, trainees will be equipped to operate efficiently in a multimedia environment.
7. Integration into Professional Editorial Teams
As the traineeship progresses, participants will assume increasing responsibility within DW’s editorial teams. They will contribute to daily production, participate in editorial meetings, and collaborate on major coverage projects.
Trainees will be expected to demonstrate journalistic judgment, adhere to editorial guidelines, and meet production deadlines. This hands-on experience is crucial in developing the professional confidence and independence required in journalism.
By the conclusion of the programme, trainees will have gained substantial experience working as integral members of DW’s newsroom operations, preparing them for potential future roles within the organization.
8. Career Prospects After the Traineeship
One of the most significant aspects of this traineeship is the strong career pathway it provides. Participants who successfully complete the programme will have a secure prospect of working for DW as professional journalists in permanent positions, either in Germany or at one of DW’s global bureaus.
This opportunity ensures that the skills and experience gained during the traineeship can be directly applied to a long-term career in international journalism.
Organizational Culture and Work Environment
Deutsche Welle promotes a forward-looking and inclusive organizational culture. Its work environment is defined by innovation, collaboration, and respect for diversity.
The broadcaster values new perspectives and encourages trainees to contribute ideas that reflect the realities and challenges of global journalism. DW’s newsroom culture integrates digital leadership, creativity, and teamwork to deliver impactful journalism.
Moreover, DW’s facilities in Bonn and Berlin offer a modern, flexible working environment that fosters both professional growth and personal well-being. Employees and trainees benefit from access to company sports programs, health management services, excellent catering facilities, and convenient transportation options.
Compensation and Benefits
Participants in the Deutsche Welle International Journalism Traineeship receive a performance-related salary throughout the duration of the programme. This remuneration reflects DW’s commitment to fair and competitive compensation for emerging professionals in the media industry.
The programme also offers flexible working time models and access to professional development resources. DW’s commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and individual growth ensures that trainees develop not only as journalists but also as global citizens.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications for the 2027/2028 Deutsche Welle International Journalism Traineeship is November 17, 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to review the programme details carefully and ensure that their applications are complete before submission. Late applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply directly through the official Deutsche Welle application portal. All relevant instructions and submission guidelines are provided on the DW recruitment page.
