International Journalism in Costa Rica with Projects Abroad

  Costa Rica

Liberia

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year-Round/Rolling-Starts

Description: What better way to improve both your Spanish and your journalistic skills than to work with a television station in Costa Rica?

Our journalism internships abroad are open to volunteers of all ages and levels of experience; it doesn't matter if you are on a gap year, studying in college, or on a career break. All we ask is that you are able to write and speak a good level of Spanish. Many volunteers who don't feel confident enough in their Spanish language skills start off doing a month or two on another project practicing their conversational Spanish skills before joining the journalism internship in Costa Rica.

On our Journalism internships in Costa Rica, you will not only get an insider's view of how a television station is run overseas, but also the chance to put together an impressive portfolio of work. Your resume will be greatly enhanced by the practical skills that you gain during your journalism internship in Costa Rica and your global experience of living and working in a different country will act as proof of your courage and adaptability.

All journalism interns live and work in Liberia, our main Projects Abroad base in Costa Rica.

International Broadcast Journalism Internships in Costa Rica with Projects Abroad

Our journalism internships in Costa Rica are based at Canal 36 Community Television station in Liberia. You will be given a real opportunity to get involved, but the more enthusiasm and effort you put into your journalism projects the more you will get out of it. You will start off shadowing local journalists who will show you how things work in Costa Rica while passing on their knowledge, expertise and contacts.

The station was established in 1996 with the aim to spread and support cultural and moral values in the community and specifically to focus on the culture of Guanacaste, the local region. The station adopted a Christian viewpoint in its programs in 2001, however, volunteers of all faiths are welcome, and the station respects all beliefs. The objectives of the station are to educate, inform, entertain and reinforce the culture of Guanacaste. The programs broadcasted include movies, music, sports, culture and news.

Your Role as an International Intern on a Broadcast Journalism Internship in Costa Rica

Interns will regularly help compile the daily lunchtime and evening news bulletins. This may involve translating and writing news items taken from international cable news channels, helping with scripts, editing and even presenting.

If you can demonstrate enthusiasm and creativity, you will also be offered plenty of opportunities to get involved in different programs and projects, including sports, culture and music shows. Please let the local staff in Costa Rica know if you have any specific areas of interest or experience.

You may also be in demand to help local staff improve their English and if you are happy to devote a little time each week to some informal lessons it will be much appreciated.

Highlights: Costa Rica, a traveler's paradise, is a fantastic choice for your volunteer or internship project. In the heart of Latin America, it is a country of contrasts and a varied mix of landscapes and cultures. Its wide range of attractions includes volcanoes, tropical rainforests, magnificent waterfalls and beautiful sandy beaches. Known as an environmental wonderland, Costa Rica is renowned for its biodiversity and many national parks, and boasts an array of wildlife from crocodiles and monkeys to whales and dolphins.

All accommodation is organized, paid for and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Costa Rica.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: none

Cost in US$: From US$3,495 Up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range: 16-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992