Hands Across the Water: An Opportunity for U.K. Journalists to Report on the U.S. Presidential Election and Political System

Applications for this program are now closed. Elections programs occur every 4 years. Please check back in early 2020. 

The opportunity to cover the US election has added invaluable experience to my resume and broadened my understanding of American culture and politics.

“Hands Across the Water: An Opportunity for U.K. Journalists to Report on the U.S. Presidential Election and Political System” was a reporting tour for ten journalists selected from the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The project took place in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia; Richmond, VA, and Detroit, MI.

The participants had an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. electoral process, current issues and candidates through meetings, site visits and public and political events as well as reporting opportunities. They shared the knowledge of the U.S. electoral process and politics with audiences at home and personalized issues that American voters care about as the U.K. journalists met and spoke with ordinary U.S. citizens. They made new professional contacts that will help in their future reporting on U.S. affairs and will allow them to serve as contacts for their American counterparts.

This program was funded by the U.S. Department of State: U.S. Embassy London.

Program Dates: October 30: Participants arrive in Washington, D.C.
November 1 - 3, 2016: Participants attend Orientation in Washington, D.C.
November 4 - 6, 2016: Participants report in Richmond, Virginia (capital of battleground state)
November 7 - 9, 2016: Participants report in Detroit, Michigan
November 10, 2016: Participants leave for the U.K.