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How will an internship abroad prepare me for a career in journalism?

In the fast paced world of journalism there's nothing quite like experience, still better experience on the job; an internship can give you this and much more

Whether you’re still studying, you’ve graduated or you’re slaving away in the office, you will be well aware that sometimes a first class Degree in English Literature, Creative Writing or even a masters in journalism, just isn’t enough anymore. The qualifications are great, they show that you’ve had the determination to work hard at developing your skills over 3 (or more!) years and that you have the potential to be a brilliant writer. But, the industry is competitive and if you want that sought after journalism position you need to be bringing something different to the table, you need experience.

No need to despair though, there are many ways and means of obtaining that all important experience! It almost goes without saying that a few weeks work experience or some freelance writing for your University gazette always look great on the CV, but what will really stand out is an internship, even better, an internship abroad.

Why go overseas?

Yes an internship at home will give you the basic tools to forge yourself a career in journalism; relevant professional experience, development of writing skills, and the same CV as fifty other people applying for the same job!

Most employers are looking for something different. Something that shows you have a genuine passion for writing, that you have the potential to work under pressure, that you’re thrilled by the prospect of adventure and the unknown. What could encompass all of these aspects more than a journalism internship overseas?

As well as affording the sight of some truly beautiful locations, working abroad is an amazing opportunity for your personal growth (clich�d but true) and for your career. It may be a bit pricier but its well worth it. You can gain a valuable insight into other cultures that other candidates won’t have; it’s one thing to travel it’s another to live and work amongst the local people. An internship overseas will give you the chance to really become part of another way of life; an understanding of an entirely different state of being, different places, and different people. Your writing will benefit from an insiders perception of a completely different set of political priorities, social priorities and world events that will give you that vital edge when it comes to choosing between you and someone with less experience.

What are my options?

Depending on where you go, you can choose an internship that suits you. If 9-5 isn’t your thing internships are available that require only 4 hours a day! So you’ll have plenty of time to kick back, explore or go out and get to know the locals! Plus you can choose how long you want to stay, generally internships last for around 4 weeks but can be extended to anything from a few months to a year. Watch the funds though, most internships will be on a voluntary basis so you won’t need to worry about accommodation and meals but anything else will be up to your budget!

You’ll be spoilt for choice for location; you could be working on an English language newspaper in Shanghai, a local paper or magazine in Chile, a national newspaper in Cape Town, getting involved in magazine work in Honduras or taking your pick from radio/TV and print journalism internships in Mongolia, the choices are endless!

What will I be doing?

As to what you’ll actually be doing in your working day, it could be anything! Most internships will involve a whole host of things;

Proof reading
Publication Production
Page layout construction and editing
Working alongside the editors; and once you've gotten a hold of the basics doing some writing of your own!

Writing your own articles will mean some work in the field, so be prepared to find your own means of venturing to the nearest town and interviewing the locals for some top stories.

Interested? Then have a look at a few more options and get packing!

www.i-to-i.com

http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/travel-guides/44-Are-internships-abroad-worth-it-

http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/travel-guides/77-Internships-at-home-versus-overseas-

www.workingabroad.org