The objective of the IIJ's training courses is to qualify press and agency journalists from developing countries. Through the promotion of pluralist and informative reporting the partner countries are supported on their way to democratization

Target groups, for instance, are reporters and editors, journalists who have specialized in a certain field, managers of newspaper publishing houses and press agencies, and trainers and teachers of journalists

The priority work areas of the IIJ are geared to the practical requirements of journalism. Through "learning by doing" journalistic skills are developed, covering all important aspects of newspaper production. Special courses deal with subjects such as science writing and economic journalism. Together with local partners the IIJ also holds seminars and workshops in other countries.

The IIJ staff works in Berlin.