JOURNALISM WORK EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIPS IN CHINA

This fascinating and unusual work experience placement enables you to take a peek behind the scenes of a magazine and get an insider's perspective on the Chinese media! In a world of competition where an army of graduates are lining up for the top jobs, this project would set you apart from the crowd and make employers look twice.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
You will work as a Journalist for a Magazine, writing articles about Chinese Culture. We also run photography, graphic design and events management projects at the magazine, so if you have skills/interest in both areas please make this clear, as the magazine can be flexible about the type of work offered and you are welcome to combine interests.

On your first day you will be taken in by one of the Travellers Staff Members in Beijing, and introduced to the staff at the Magazine. You will also meet your supervisor. You will usually work from around 9:30 until 5:00pm with an hour to lunch, but this can be subject to change.

You will be working both individually and as part of the team. The post, as with all work in such fields, will respond to the amount of energy you put in.  If you are enthusiastic and offer a professional manner then you will be rewarded by being given better and better opportunities. 

Communication with your fellow staff members will not be a problem and you do not have to know any Mandarin to join this project. Your Supervisor speaks perfect English and so do many of the other staff at the office. A little Mandarin knowledge will go down extremely well, however, so you should make the effort to learn a little before you arrive.

The magazine you will work at publishes a variety of articles about Chinese Culture. Its aim is to introduce Ex-Pats to China while educating, informing and entertaining. The magazine features articles on travel, Chinese culture, food, modern life, language, art, business and more. The magazine covers a massive range of things and is a very interesting read – if you’re interested in getting under the skin of Chinese Culture, you’ll love it. Examples of recent articles include:

• Travel – Articles on various towns, festivals and tourist attractions all over China

• Chinese Old Wives Tales

• Chinese Modern Art

• Traditional Chinese Cookery

• Beijing's Avant Garde Architecture

• The History of Chopsticks

• Marriage in China - Ancient & Modern Perspectives

• Chinese Dining Etiquette

• Chinese Humour

• The life of Confucius through cartoons

The magazine has a global distribution of around 50,000 copies every month. It is sold throughout China, Hong Kong and Singapore, and also has readership in many other countries around the world. They also publish an e-newsletter each week, which you can be involved in writing.

Readership:

• Foreign students studying in China and overseas Chinese language learners

• Diplomats at foreign embassies in China 

• Chinese and Chinese culture teachers from educational institutions and training centers 

• Foreign tourists in China

• Foreigners working in China and business staff, including many senior government managers

• Chinese culture students from many countries

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• Skills in writing, editing, general journalism and interview techniques

• An insider's perspective into the real world of journalism and media in China

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the Orient and Chinese culture.

• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

A shared room at the Beijing hostel

BEIJING
You will stay in a modern and friendly, central hostel along with the other volunteers. You'll usually have access to all the modern facilities you'd expect: internet access, a kitchen, TV, common room with DVDs, a security locker and a bar & restaurant on premises.

The hostel is located in a lively area, where you will have the chance to meet other backpackers and travellers. There are many shops in the surrounding area if you need to stock up on anything, and the hostel is extremely close to Beijing's famous Sanlitun Lu - or 'Bar Street', where everyone hangs out in the evening for drinks and fun! The Lufthansa Shopping Centre and other tourist hot-spots are within easy walking distance of the hostel

There are 35 rooms in the hostel and you'll share with 3 others of the same sex (you can upgrade to a single room if you prefer, just let us know at time of booking (there will be a supplemental charge for this).

FOOD:
All your food is provided in the hostel restaurant or at your workplace if you're at work during the day. Meals at the hostel are generally made up of one staple (usually rice or noodles), 2 meats and 2 vegetables - so the food here is suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Chinese food is absolutely delicious, and you'll get used to eating with chopsticks in no time!

If you're looking for that complete Chinese experience we can also arrange for you to stay with a host family in Beijing.