Volunteer Journalism and media projects, voluntary overseas internship placements and work-experience as a print or broadcast journalist

Voluntary Work Experience Internships Overseas in Journalism

If you are planning a gap year or career break, and contemplating a career in journalism or the media, a Projects Abroad placement can set you on the right track. Overseas voluntary work such as this is a great way of enhancing your CV and making you stand out from the crowd, whether you are currently studying journalism or looking to secure a place on a journalism course.

If you are already a practicing journalist, then volunteering abroad will broaden your horizons and give you experience of a new way of working, against the backdrop of new and exciting country. You will learn many new things and may be able to teach your new colleagues something as well.

You can choose to work on a print journalism placement - working with a newspaper or magazine - or on a broadcast placement, where you will work with a radio or TV station.

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.

Alternatively, a Radio or TV journalism placement will provide you with an array of tapes and discs, as well as a host of broadcasting and production experience.

Whatever placement you choose, you will get an insight into the workings of the media in a new cultural and political setting. For most journalism placements, you do not need any foreign language ability, as the publications and stations generally write or speak in English. The exceptions to this are all journalism placements in Senegal and Mexico and radio placements in Bolivia, where you need a good level of French or Spanish.

Volunteering Abroad with a newspaper, magazine, radio or television station

Working overseas as a Journalism volunteer will be a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. You will get to meet and interview a variety of people from all echelons of society; from businessmen to politicians, from members of the public to film stars! On whichever placement you choose, you will be getting very real, hands-on experience and the opportunity to make a valid contribution.

You will normally work from Monday to Friday and generally from 9am - 5pm. You will however 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 an event in the evenings or at weekends. Be open and demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to really make the most of your placement.

"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 programme in western Ghana."
Steven Poulton - Radio Journalism in Ghana

Work Experience Placements in Broadcast Journalism with Projects Abroad

We have placements working on several radio stations in various destinations as well as TV stations in Mongolia and Ghana. These voluntary projects are a fantastic way of gaining first-hand experience of broadcast media in a developing country - whatever your current experience - and give you the opportunity to contribute your own ideas and skills.

The radio and TV stations with which we work cover a range of different topics from the arts to politics and from sport 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-ranging experience and knowledge of all areas of the radio or TV station you are working on, from research and production to presenting. Let us know which role you are most interested in - behind-the-scenes or front-of-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 sport, you can often incorporate these into your placement. Previous volunteers have interviewed politicians, football players and local celebrities! Just let us know what interests or skills you have.

Whether you are presenting a sports programme 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 placement 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 placements in print journalism with Projects Abroad

We offer a variety of different print journalism projects, from daily to monthly newspapers, and from business to lifestyle magazines. As well as gaining valuable journalistic skills, volunteering abroad for a newspaper or magazine will give you a 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 on 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 keen to work in.

"I had no more previous experience as a journalist than I had done 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

Read some stories from volunteers who have joined us on a Journalism Project