It takes dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence to tell the world's most compelling stories.
The College of Journalism and Mass Communications' prestigious Global Eyewitness program immerses students in international settings, empowering them to document and share narratives of how people are confronting and overcoming the greatest challenges of our time. Through rigorous fieldwork and in-depth storytelling, participants develop the skills and insights needed to shine a light on global issues and inspire change.
Applications are open March 7-14, 2025.
Big Stories
Through the Global Eyewitness program, you will embark on a transformative journey that takes you to various corners of the world, where you will develop and craft compelling stories that connect pressing problems with innovative solutions. This unique opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and environments, gaining firsthand experience and insights into the complexities of global challenges.
You will not only hone your journalistic skills but also embrace the ethical obligation to boldly and truthfully tell the stories of the diverse and profound human experiences you encounter. By capturing the richness and depth of these narratives, you will contribute to a greater understanding of our shared humanity and the resilience and creativity with which people around the world face and overcome adversity.
Big Commitment
We strive to be courageous, compassionate and humble with each other and especially with those who trust us with their stories. Global Eyewitness spans two semesters and includes a commitment to travel.
- Fall Semester: JOUR346:Mosaic: Meet in class as well to learn about the history and culture of the destination country while developing story ideas that can be told through both a local and international lens. During the course, students will produce one multimedia piece and a 15 image portfolio.
- Winter Break: During winter break (first two weeks of January 2025), you will travel to the destination country develop multimedia stories focused on addressing local issues and concerns.
- Spring Semester: JOUR 490B Global Eyewitness Multimedia Photojournalism Editing: In this course, you will edit and produce in-depth multimedia stories that showcase how local communities are trying to solve problems and what we can learn from their successes and failures. Your work will be presented during an end of term public showcase.
Big Rewards
Participating in the Global Eyewitness program offers student journalists unparalleled benefits. You will gain hands-on experience by traveling to diverse locations worldwide, where you will develop and tell compelling stories about real-world challenges and solutions. This immersive experience enhances your ability to connect problems with possibilities, deepening your understanding of global issues.
You will refine your journalistic skills, from research and interviewing to storytelling and ethical reporting, all while embracing the responsibility to accurately and boldly convey the diversity and complexity of human experiences. The program fosters critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to truth, preparing you for a successful career in journalism. By participating, you will build a portfolio of impactful work, expand your professional network, and produce meaningful narratives that contribute to a deeper understanding of the world.
Meet the Faculty
Global Eyewitness FAQ
What is Global Eyewitness?
A rigorous and rewarding two-course program where students travel internationally to create multimedia stories. You will gain a deep understanding of cultures, histories and contemporary issues to create rich and contextualized stories told with empathy, integrity and accountability. Plan ahead now!
I am a writer, can I still apply?
Yes, but this program is more visually focused. If you are a writer you need to have photo/video skills to effectively tell these stories.
What does the class entail?
Two 16-week courses, one in the fall (JOUR491) and one in the spring (JOUR490B) with travel over Winter term (first two weeks of January).
- Fall term : Meet in class as well to learn about the history and culture of the destination country while developing story ideas that can be told through both a local and international lens. During the course, students will produce one multimedia piece and a 15 image portfolio.
- Winter break: Travel to the Destination to report.
- Spring term: Meet in class to produce your stories for publication and presentation during an end of term public showcase.
Are there prerequisites?
Yes. JOUR 346: Nebraska Mosaic, JOMC 101, JOMC 130-134, JOUR 200A with a C or higher; ADPR 151, ADPR 221, ADPR 283 or BRDC 227, BRDC 269, BRDC 260 or SPMC 150, 250 or JOUR 200B with a C or higher; junior in good academic standing. There is also an application process to course admission.
How long will the travel be?
About three weeks. You will be reporting/gathering photos and video for most of the trip, however there will be planned excursions to provide breaks as well as to learn about culture and history and of course, to do some sightseeing.
Who pays for the trip?
You pay for your tuition. The cost of the flight and lodging as well as any planned excursions as part of the course are paid for by a generous endowment. You pay for your meals, transportation that is not part of the course and any incidentals. A rough cost-to-student estimate is $500-$600 (in addition to tuition).
Do I have to take both semesters?
Yes, it is expected that program participants will enroll in both the fall and spring semesters, as well as participate in the trip.
Will I have to pay for winter term?
At this time, we are working to combine this as part of either the Fall or Spring course to reduce your cost.
I’m interested, what’s next?
The application has closed and selected students have been contacted. Questions? Email Shoun Hill.
Statement on Global Eyewitness
In November, 2020, the college was contacted by a group of College of Journalism and Mass Communications alums to discuss the Global Eyewitness program, an endowed program providing UNL CoJMC students interested in photojournalism, multimedia and writing the opportunity to travel internationally and develop compelling stories. In the meeting that followed, alums expressed their frustration over the stagnation of the program they felt had remained virtually unchanged over the years despite societal changes and expectations. It was clear that these former Global Eyewitness students cared deeply about the program. They also felt deeply hurt by the College’s lack of attention to the concerns they and others had expressed about the program over the years.