Help Send Mohamed to University College Dublin!

My name is Mohamed Ben Fredj. Originally from Bizerte, Tunisia. I’m fortunate to have lived in West Virginia, USA, and Beirut, Lebanon. Today I’m reaching out to my three homes and communities to help fund my graduate studies and future career in journalism and academia.

I just graduated from the American University of Beirut with a double-major BA in Media & Communication and Political Studies. I’m the recipient of YES and MEPI TLU: two prestigious U.S. Department of State scholarships; the latter covered 100% of my undergraduate journey’s costs.

Through 7 internships, 3 summer programs, a semester abroad at the University of Pennsylvania, 120+ hours of volunteering, 2 community service projects, and a dozen published news articles, I spent my 4 years at AUB bettering myself and serving my host and home communities.

My stellar record landed me several MA offers, including Stanford’s hyperselective data journalism program. Unfortunately, I had to turn every offer down due to insufficient scholarships / financial aid and my extremely limited socioeconomic background.

Why UCD’s MA in Journalism & International Affairs?

Then came University College Dublin’s MA in Journalism & International Affairs. The 12-month program co-delivered by UCD and the CNN Academy combines practical training in audio, video, digital, and social storytelling with academic expertise in international affairs.

The program would allow me to grow my journalistic skillset while pursuing a minor MA thesis in preparation for my PhD. I aspire to produce nuanced and human-centered news coverage and research of my region as a journalist while mentoring the next generation of reporters as a university professor.

The Good News

UCD graciously offered me the Global Excellence Scholarship which covers 100% of my tuition fees plus the Excellence in Journalism scholarship which provides a partial stipend for daily living expenses.

While I’m beyond grateful for UCD’s generosity, one issue stands between me and my MA degree: Dublin’s high cost of housing.

Housing: My Biggest Setback

Dublin is experiencing a severe housing crisis, with skyrocketing rent and a lack of affordable housing options. Despite my excitement for this next step, the reality of securing housing has become daunting. With scarce and prohibitively expensive dormitory spaces, I am at risk of missing out on this incredible opportunity.

This is why I’m turning to you for support; your contributions will allow me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of housing insecurity.

Coming from a low and single income household in a country where the local Tunisian Dinar is worth 0.30 of Ireland’s euro, it’s nearly impossible for my parents and I to cover my monthly €1200 rent on our own.

My loving and supportive parents have dedicated their entire savings towards covering 46% of my yearly rent of €14,841. I’m using my savings and seeking a summer job to cover relocation fees.

This is how your donation can make a difference.

I am asking for your support in closing the €6,875 financial gap. Every donation, big and small, brings me closer to making this life-changing opportunity a reality.

If I raise $8000, I would allocate it as follows:

$7,481 which roughly equals €6,875 would be put towards covering the remainder of my 12-month rent.

GoFundMe would charge a payment processing fee of $232.30.

The rest would cover international wiring fees from the USA to Ireland, receiving bank fees, and exchange rate margins.

I will post regular updates and proof of the wise and effective use of your donations. Please consider donating to help me afford a safe and stable place as I pursue my dreams.

If you’d like to familiarize yourself further with my academic record, how I serve my communities, and what I’m passionate about, check out my LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-ben-fredj-63a463206/.