Details of the Pacific Fellows Program

International Center for Communications

Given the scope and breath of the Pacific Fellows program, the experience will be focused around four major components:

1. Academic Study: It is expected that the Fellows will choose two (for the six-month program) or four (for the twelve-month program) of the following courses which represent a core curricula established by the SDSU School of Communication:
   • Mass Communications & Society
   • Current Problems in Mass Communications
   • Media Management
   • Broadcast Management
   • Technological Trends in Telecommunications
   • International Broadcasting
   • Theories of Human Communication
   • Communication and Politics
   • Persuasion

   In addition to this full course load for which either a pass or fail grade will be awarded, the Fellow will be asked to participate in a number of specially-tailored seminars arranged for the Pacific Fellows. Also, depending on the needs and interests of the participating government or industry sponsor, additional and/or supplemental courses can me provided from from SDSU's distinguished American Language Institute or one of the other colleges within the University. The complete course curriculem offered by the University will be provided under seperate cover as required.

2. Internship Program: Given that San Diego State provides the secretariat to the San Diego-Baja Communications Council, representing broadcasters, cable TV companies, newspapers, telephone and computer companies, opportunities exist for a rich community experience. Interships in member companies of the San Diego Communications Council will be developed for each Pacific Fellow for periods of three to six months depending upong the length of the Fellowship. Such internships can be provided with one company, or up to three, depending upon the needs and interests of the individual and/or the individual's participating sponsor. Such internships would require that the individual spend a minimum of three days per week, either in the morning or afternoon or as can be arranged, depending upong course schedules, with the local organization. While the Fellow will have a responsibility to do a variety of tasks as required by the company, every effort will be made to insure that the Fellow has an opportunity to get a broad-based exposure to both policy and operational aspects of the business. Each participating company will also provide guidance and assistance to the Fellow during his/her internship.

3. Cultural and Arts Program: It is intended that Pacific Fellows will have a broad and wide-ranging exposure to the arts and culture in America, and the American policy-making process. Toward that end, Pacific Fellows will be invited to dance, theater, and musical events in San Diego and on campus, as will as participating in dinners, conferences and other events providing texture to the Fellow's experience. For example, attendance at Aztec football games or San Diego Padre baseball games will be offered.

   Additionally, trips and meetings with city and county officials responsible for telecommunications policy will be scheduled as well as meetings with FCC staff and Commissioners in Washington, D.C. A trip to see how movies are made in Hollywood and to one or more model cable television systems will be planned. While obviously it will be easier to accomodate more of these experiences during the twelve-month program, every attempt will be made to do as much as possible for both six- and twelve-month Fellows. Given the location and importance of Mexico to California and particularly the greater San Diego area, a trip to Mexico is also on the schedule. Fellows will also be automatically included in all events hosted by the San Diego-Baja Communications Council.

4. Fellow Projects: Twelve-month Fellows will be expected to spend a portion of the fellowship assisting the International Center for Communications. Such assistance may include development of one or more conferences, individualized research, or development of and participation in on-campus seminars for the benefit of the academic community. The underlying premise is that faculty and staff at San Diego State University should receive information about the Fellow's home country and communication policies.