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Volunteer Overseas: International Journalism Experience with Projects Abroad
If you are planning a gap year or career break and contemplating a job in journalism or the media, a Projects Abroad internship can set you on the right track. International volunteering in the form of a journalism internship is a great way to enhance your resume and make you stand out from the crowd. Whether you are currently studying journalism or are considering it in college, Projects Abroad will give you first hand international journalism experience.
If you are already a practicing journalist, then volunteering abroad will broaden your horizons and show you a different way of working in journalism against the backdrop of a new and exciting country. You will learn the ins and outs of print or broadcast journalism overseas and might be able to teach your new colleagues something about how you work at home.
You can choose to work on a print journalism placement - working with an international newspaper or magazine - or on a broadcast placement, where you will work with a radio or TV station abroad. You can work on an international journalism internship all year round, which are perfect if you want short-term experience or summer volunteer opportunities.
On our Print Journalism placements, you not only get an insider's view of how publications are run, but you will also compile an impressive portfolio to take home with you at the end of your project. This international journalism experience will be a great confidence builder.
Alternatively, an international journalism internship in Radio or TV will provide you with an array of tapes and discs, as well as a host of broadcasting and production experience.
Whichever overseas journalism internship you choose, you will get an insight into the workings of the international media in a new cultural and political setting. For most of our volunteer journalism placements, you do not need any foreign language ability, as the publications and stations generally write in or speak English. The exceptions to this are all journalism internships in Senegal and Mexico and radio placements in Bolivia, where you need a good level of French or Spanish.
Journalism Abroad: International Internship Opportunities with a Newspaper, Magazine, Radio or Television Station
International volunteer work in the field of journalism will be a challenging, but an incredibly rewarding overseas experience. You will get to meet and interview a variety of people from all facets of society; from businessmen to politicians, members of the public and film stars! On whichever journalism placement you choose, you will be getting very real, hands on experience and the opportunity to make a valid contribution.
On an international journalism internship, you will normally work Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm. However, you will be expected to demonstrate some flexibility and working hours may vary – there could be times when you will be asked to gather information or cover a press event in the evenings or on weekends. Be open and demonstrate enthusiasm by committing to really make the most of your journalism internship.
“I worked on two placements, Choice FM in Accra and Atlantic FM at Cape Coast University; both were amazing but more importantly extremely fun. Choice FM was non-stop, being in the heart of the city, and there was always something to do. During my time I interviewed Ghana’s Olympic Committee and met the head coach of Accra’s football team. Atlantic FM was very different to this. Rather than going out everyday I was always working at the station. I met some fantastic people including the stations top DJ’s and by the end of my placement I was co-hosting ‘Drive Time’, the most listened to program in western Ghana.” Steven Poulton – Radio Journalism in Ghana
Work Experience Projects: Volunteering Abroad in Broadcast Journalism
We have journalism projects where you can work on radio stations in several destinations as well as TV stations in Mongolia and Ghana. These volunteer projects are a fantastic way of gaining first hand journalism experience in broadcast media within a developing country. Regardless of your current experience, our international journalism projects will give you the opportunity to contribute your own ideas and skills.
The radio and TV stations we work with cover a range of different topics: from the arts to politics to sports to local events. Many focus on news items and deal with issues facing the community, meaning you get to learn a lot about the culture of the country in which you are based.
You will have the chance to gain a wide range of journalistic experience and knowledge of all areas of the radio or TV station you are working on. You can expect to contribute in areas like research, production, and presenting. Let us know which role you are most interested in – behind the scenes or in front of the camera! You will most likely spend some of your time in the studio, while the rest will be spent out in the field, attending interviews and press conferences.
If you have any special interests such as music or sports, you can often incorporate these into your project. Previous journalism volunteers have interviewed politicians, soccer players and local celebrities! Just let us know what interests or skills you have.
Whether you are presenting a sports program in Ghana or assisting with the production of a news broadcast in Mexico, you will benefit from the knowledge and enthusiasm of your local colleagues. Projects Abroad Broadcast Journalism projects offer the chance to work as part of a small friendly but professional team. As soon as you begin your project you will be fully integrated and be able to get hands on experience as an actual journalist.
“Being on a journalism placement and therefore part of the TV5 crew, we were able to film in the press pit and exchange stories with other foreign journalists. It was great to see how other TV stations worked in a third world country and surprisingly, how technologically advanced they are. TV5 is one of the biggest stations in Mongolia and the crews are there at most major events.” Sarah Rajabalee - TV Journalism in Mongolia
Work Experience Projects: Volunteering Abroad in Print Journalis
We offer a variety of different print journalism projects: you can do journalistic work on daily or monthly newspaper or on business and lifestyle magazines. As well as gaining valuable journalistic skills, volunteering overseas for a newspaper or magazine will give you real insight into the lives and culture of the local community in which you are based. Spending time researching a particular issue or topic will inevitably give you a greater understanding of the challenges facing the community and peoples’ attitudes in general.
Your role will vary depending on the publication and your ability. However, whether you are working for a small independent publication or a larger government owned newspaper, your work will be varied, and each day will be different. You might be interviewing different members of the community (with the assistance of a translator where required), researching articles, writing news items and features, reviewing restaurants, attending political press conferences, visiting social events such as fashion shows and parties, sitting in on meetings or generally learning about the running of the publication.
Some publications will give you the opportunity to get involved in the design and layout of the magazine, while others will give you the chance to do some proof reading and editing.
Your editor will be happy to listen to any ideas you have for pieces and will be able to offer advice and guidance throughout the course of your placement. Any specific interests you have can often be pursued; just let us know if there any areas you are especially eager to work in.
“I had no more previous experience as a journalist than I had as a teacher, but I loved every moment of working for 'The Statesman' newspaper. The job was so exciting. I would turn up at the office every morning awaiting my new daily challenge and be sent to interviews, press conferences and investigations. The range of material I covered was huge - from investigations of the national poverty question in the city slums, to celebrations of Bob Marley day - the anniversary of his death - in Accra's enormous stadium. I glowed with pride seeing my name in print and returned to England keener than ever to be a journalist.” Fleur Harris - Print Journalism in Ghana
To read some stories from volunteers who have joined us on a Journalism Project click here