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JOURNALISM WORK EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIPS

JOURNALISM PLACEMENTS IN NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES: Observe experts in Journalism and learn how they work in South Africa. These Work Experience placements aim to give you maximum benefit and experience that will be invaluable to you in the future and totally different to what you're used to in your home country.

SUMMARY FACTFILE
Start Dates All year round - you choose your start and finish dates!
Duration 4 weeks and up to 1 year, subject to visa requirements
Requirements You should preferably have a Journalism degree. However, if you're in your last year of study or you have a fair amount of journalism experience, we will submit your application and you may be accepted. For some placements, a drivers licence would be useful.
Price From £1,795 / US$2,695 for 4 weeks, ranging to £3,795 / US$5,695 for 12 weeks. Full Price List and other Currencies
What's included Accommodation Food Meeting you at the Airport Transfer to your accommodation Full pre-departure support Local in-country team support and backup 24-hr emergency support.
What's not included Flights, Insurance, Cost of Visas (if a visa is required, but we'll provide necessary documents and assistance), Return transfer to airport, Transport to and from your project.
Who can do this Project? All our projects are open to all nationalities.
Unless otherwise stated, you need to be aged between 17 and 70+

PROJECT OVERVIEW
We have two very different types of journalism work experience internships in South Africa, something to suit everyone's requirements and preferences. All our journalism placements offer the opportunity to observe, learn and gain excellent experience.

The Cape  Times, a large daily newspaper in the heart of bustling Cape Town. 
The Big Issue,
a 3-weekly features magazine sold in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

On this page:

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS INTERNSHIP:

  • An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa

  • 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!

"The staff were very friendly and it was a really pleasant environment to work in. I have kept in touch with them and am continuing to write for them here in England, and they are continuing to publish my work in South Africa. The placement has given me experience that would have been very difficult to arrange with a similar-sized publication here in the UK, particularly as I lack any background in journalism. Therefore, it has given me a foot in the door of an industry that would have been relatively inaccessible to me previously.

I have now got the confidence that I can succeed in the profession and have already started freelance work for different publications in the UK, in addition to articles still being published in South Africa. Cape Town was a fabulous place to do this placement ..."

Read an excellent article addressing the issue of ivory poaching in Africa that Adam Edwards wrote when on his Journalism Work Experience Internship at the Big Issue in Cape Town, South Africa. (You may find the photos distressing.)

   

South Africa, Sun, Surf and Sea, where you can do voluntary projects in teaching, care work, work experience, conservation, sports, and much more!

Handing over a donation from Travellers to the Big Issue for the Homeless World Cup




Cape Town at night, viewed from across the harbour

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Volunteer Feedback
Photo Galleries
Knysna Diary
Wildlife Rehabilitation Diary
eMakhosini Diary
Wildlife Expedition News!
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

Safaris and Tours
Photography & Photoshop Courses
1-Week Wildlife Rehabilitation
1-Week Zulu Culture Tour
1-Week Whales Sharks Dolphins
7-Day Surfing Course
10-Day Paragliding Course

THE CAPE TIMES DAILY CITY NEWSPAPER

Cape Town is the third biggest tourist destination in the world today and has a daily newspaper to match - The Cape Times. It is the oldest, continuously published, newspaper in South Africa (founded in 1876) and is a sister newspaper of the oldest title, the Cape Argus (founded in 1857). The offices are situated at the heart of the bustling city, only a short walk away from the magical Gardens, where you can enjoy your lunch hour under the whispering trees and hand-feed squirrels scampering past… truly idyllic.

Readership is mostly drawn from the middle to upper income brackets, and the bulk of readers are in the Cape Town metropolitan area, which has a population of around 4million. The demographics of readership closely mirror the demographics of the Western Cape.

The Times does not do ‘infotainment’, celebrity news (unless they are really naughty), tabloid journalism or other cheap shots like vox pops surveys on trivial issues. They take readers, and the news, seriously, and the "Opinion and Letters" pages are highly contested terrain, where intense public debates on issues like affirmative action, globalisation, racism, HIV/Aids, the Middle East conflict, the war in Iraq, Zimbabwe and other topical issues are fought out, with some of South Africa and the world's heavy hitters writing for the paper.

The Cape Times has a long and proud liberal-left tradition of journalism and was a vocal and much-hated enemy of the apartheid regime. It continues this tradition today and maintains an editorial stance that is fiercely independent of government, political parties, big business and other pressure groups. With a strong tradition of environmental campaigning, it has also become a leading voice in debates around issues like climate change.

The paper has a small, compact News Room (10 full time news reporters) with a friendly, comradely atmosphere. The more seasoned journalists and photographers are always willing to share contacts and background information with visiting students, interns and journalists. At various times of the year, they host visiting journalists from Germany and the Netherlands, journalism masters' students from the University of Southern California, graduate students from North Western University (Medill) and undergraduates from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

The first edition goes off screen at about 9pm, and the second edition off screen at midnight (or later if a big story is breaking.) The night shift reporter(s) work from 3.30pm through until the paper goes to bed.

An international driver’s license would be a big advantage as The Times has pool cars that are used by interns to go out on assignments and to get stories. They will not have people to drive you around. If you go on the placement with out a license it will mean that most of your work will be deskbound, unless you go out with someone else on a story.  Taxis may be used but this will be at your own expense, as public transport in Cape Town and South Africa generally does not cover all areas.

You'll usually work the hours to suit you within the placement, but your typical working day could look like this:

    • 09:00 – 10:00 - Morning coffee, read morning newspapers and wires and set up interviews
    • 10:00 – 11:00 - Attend the news room planning conference where you have to sell your own story ideas to the news editor and all other ideas will be discussed.
    • 11.00 – 18:00 - Early page deadlines from 3:30pm. Then you’ll spend the rest of the day working on your stories for the next day.
    • You may have to work till about 18:30 or later if an exceptional case/story occurs.

There could be variations of this schedule as the Times may want you to start earlier to finish later. As an approximate outline you will generally be working Sunday to Thursday so your weekend will be Friday and Saturday.

Neither we, nor the organisation you will be working for, can guarantee the amount of work that will be available for you during your placement. You should understand that, as with any business organisation, the quantity of work available will vary according to external factors (e.g. number of stories, breaking news, or other factors relevant to the type of organisation, etc.)

Requirements:
You should preferably have a Journalism degree. However, if you're in your last year of study or you have a fair amount of journalism experience, we will submit your application and you may be accepted.

Good for your CV? Yes!
Andrew McGlashen did a journalism Work Experience placement in the Sports Department of the Cape Argus. The result was ... "Thought I would you know at Travellers that I have got the job in London that you heard about on the grapevine. It's working for a major cricket website called Cricinfo [
http://www.cricinfo.com/] based in Shepherd's Bush. They were very impressed with what I had done in Cape Town so I owe many thanks to you all for organising my placement."

“I enjoyed it very much as I was allowed to write as I wanted.” Andrew Maxwell

"[I gained] Experience of the workings of a newspaper and journalism, which was a completely new field for me. Equally important was that I gained evidence – through published articles – of the standard of my work and the position I had held – i.e. sports writer. Also, I gained experience of working in a different culture, country and work environment." Tim Newnes

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN CAPE TOWN FOR THE CAPE TIMES

A ten minute walk from the centre of the bustling Cape Town CBD is the quieter, more chilled out area of Green Point. Here we use St Johns Waterfront Lodge, one of the better known backpackers’ lodges for your accommodation. It is not only close to the city, but also to the famous V&A Waterfront (5 min walk) and literally a hop, skip and jump away from the ocean. Among a host of other activities, from here you can visit the world-famous Robben Island by boat, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 27 years!

Apart from other Travellers volunteers, this hostel mainly attracts international travellers to Cape Town. It is uniquely built on two plots so literally has two of everything, including two pools! They are very friendly and will always help you where needed. They can answer any questions or can even help when you need some TLC because you feel a bit homesick!

The Main Lodge is the centre of all the lodges and is a meeting point for everyone. You can discuss your day in the living room, have a nice chat out on the terrace, go for a swim, watch a movie, etc. Included in the placement cost is a bed in one of the large 8-bed dormitories, so you will be sharing. However, there is an option of choosing a single or double room if you are happy to pay the difference, but we do find that volunteers staying in the larger dormitories tend to make friends easier and be a bit more social. Remember, safety by numbers is always the most responsible way to do things!

This lodge has a living room, lots of bathrooms and a two well-equipped kitchens. It also has a lovely big (recently renovated) living area with satellite TV, a cosy bar and very comfy couches. In the main outdoor area, there are two pools, the braai (South African for BBQ) area and lots of tables and benches in the beautiful garden. There is a payphone inside the main lounge and a FREE internet service. St John’s has also recently fitted a CCTV security system, so you can live with peace of mind, knowing that you are safe and sound.

Food: You will be given a food allowance to buy your own food from the big supermarket up the road.  The lodge is equipped with a kitchen with a fridge, stove, oven and microwave, and all the necessities to cook a good meal.

PLEASE NOTE: The World Cup kicks off in June 2010 in Cape Town and accommodation surcharges WILL apply during this period. We can advise you on the extra cost closer to the time.

To also assist you during your time with us in South Africa, we have included the web-link for Pick and Pay a major Supermarket in South Africa, by logging on to: https://prod.hs.pnp.co.za/pnp/web/login/login.do?action=dummyLogin should give you all the latest prices. Hopefully this will help you have an idea how much food out in South Africa and how best to budget yourself during your time out there.

THE BIG ISSUE

The Big Issue is described as a general interest monthly magazine. It has also been described as a sugar coated bitter pill – it confronts, it challenges, it attempts to uncover, it tries to break down fixed paradigms, and bring readers along with it on a journey of discovery. It aims to show the real issues facing South Africa. The magazine also aims to entertain and, with its alternative and younger focused arts section, it attracts readers from a broad spectrum of society.

With the Big Issue, you will be working with the editorial team, helping research and produce the articles for the magazine.  They also accept people who would like some experience in layout and design.  Again this is a placement where you need to show motivation, skill and action.  At risk of using the old cliché "What you put in is what you get out!"

The uniqueness of The Big Issue: This magazine is sold through vendors who are poverty-stricken, usually street kids or homeless people. Vendors buy the magazine for R3.50 and sell it for R6.50, keeping the difference. But there is more to this Magazine - it has a substantial social support programme for its vendors including alcohol/drug support meetings, computer, art and literacy classes, job club and assistance with finding accommodation. There are currently 2,524 vendors - 1,928 men and 596 women. Most are homeless, living in vulnerable accommodation or long-term unemployed. There are approximately 250 vendors selling the magazine on a regular basis

When The Big Issue hit the streets of South Africa on December 1996, the first copy was sold to the Minister of Social Welfare and Population Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi. It is a monthly publication selling 15,000 copies every edition.

Requirements:
You should preferably have a Journalism degree. However, if you're in your last year of study or you have a fair amount of journalism experience, we will submit your application and you may be accepted.

"The Big Issue is a really fun and interesting place to work. The editor and designer are really helpful and teach you a lot about the industry. Working for the Big Issue requires much imitative in order to identify potential stories and make contacts, but it is also very varied and interesting. Working for them opens many doors and everyone from high level politicians and officials to people on the street will speak to you because you work for the company, which makes it easy to do research for your articles, and makes the job really interesting. The Big Issue is very relaxed atmosphere to work in. The editor is happy for you to do your own thing and be creative and because the magazine is so varied he is usually interested in any story ideas you pitch, and if the idea doesn't tie in with the magazine's focus he will tell you how you can change it slightly so that it is more relevant to the readers." Adam Edwards

Read an article written by Travellers volunteer Jennie Hopkinson (pictured at the top of this page) and published in the Big Issue


Travellers volunteer Adam Edwards at work
at the Big Issue

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN CAPE TOWN FOR THE BIG ISSUE

Nestled under the mountain near the city, is the trendy and arty suburb of Observatory, the student Mecca of Cape Town. We have chosen this location as an accommodation base and make use of 33 South Backpackers Lodge, where you will be staying. It’s distance from the projects, safety conscious attitude and very friendly staff make this the ideal home away from home.

33South is not just a backpacker’s lodge, it’s an experience! With secure access, 24hr managers on duty, they uphold a very high safety and security standard. The night manager is also a lovely welcome ‘home’ after a night out... and bakes fresh muffins for your breakfast!

The staff are very friendly and will always help you where needed. They can answer any questions and can even help when you need some TLC because you feel a bit homesick!

33South has differently themed rooms from the township vibe to old Victorian and even a ‘harbour’ room complete with seagulls and fishing motifs. Hotel-quality bedding is provided and towels are available on request. The rooms are serviced once a week and lined/bedding is changed.

The back of the house has a beautiful palm-tree covered terrace, where you can soak up the sunshine and enjoy a real South African “BRAAI” (BBQ). There is even a private bar, chill-out room where live musicians play on Friday nights!

The lodge is also situated in the heart of Observatory and a short stroll away from a large supermarket, internet café, pharmacy and Laundromat. The perfect home away from home.

Food: A healthy self-serve breakfast of cereals, toast and tea/coffee is included every morning, and you will be given a food allowance to buy your own food for lunch/dinner. The lodge is also equipped with a self-catering kitchen, with all the necessities to cook a good meal.

PLEASE NOTE: The World Cup kicks off in June 2010 in Cape Town and accommodation surcharges WILL apply during this period.  We can advise you on the extra cost closer to the time.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

  • 5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
  • 1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS Project: This is an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?
  • SURFING COURSES: In the buzz city of Durban.
  • PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.

TRAVEL:

You'll fly into Cape Town where you'll be met at the airport by one of our staff. From the airport you'll be taken to your work and your accommodation and introduced to your hosts. You'd be well advised to prepare yourself for an almost overwhelmingly friendly welcome!

You have the option to arrange your own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Limited, ATOL No. 6856. Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up before leaving for your placement.

VISAS: For many nationalities, visas are not required for a stay of 90 days or less. If you’re not sure whether you need a visa or not, please visit http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp to see whether your country is exempt. If you do need a visa, we will assist you and help make the visa process as easy as possible.  

Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination country. Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa and the level of your air ticket, of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get a changeable ticket.

To read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme, please click here.

We can also arrange your flight dates to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a fascinating and wondrous country!

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Elephant and baby in the wild in South Africa Adventure voluntary projects




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