Journalism Experience at a Newspaper and Magazine in Bangalore, India

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Bangalore

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: This project allows you to get ahead in a competitive industry in a location well worth writing home about. When you visit a country as large as India it's satisfying to settle down and explore one place thoroughly, and Bangalore is certainly a city worth covering. The magazine is looking for volunteers from a media-related field with considerable experience. In return, you will gain specific and valuable work experience in areas like editing, researching, article writing, conducting interviews and marketing. Having a background in journalism means you can bring a unique insight and fresh perspective to their magazine and that they can offer you a stimulating and rewarding experience.

*What is the newspaper and magazine work experience?
We work with a number of media companies based in Bangalore which operate within various areas of the media; including newspapers, magazines and advertising. Collectively, these companies produce publications, news, articles, features and advertisements which are circulated in different areas of India; some nationally and some locally.

There are a number of great opportunities unique to each company and the location of your project will depend on your skills and experience, as well as the current needs of each company at the time of your booking.

*Why volunteer on this project?
With your native English language skills and experience of the Western media, you'll bring a unique insight and a fresh perspective to the projects. In exchange, you will gain specific and valuable work experience, a useful understanding of the Indian culture and will also get the opportunity to improve your skills in a variety of areas.

*Why Bangalore?
Bangalore used to be known not very long ago as a sleepy quiet peaceful garden city with a salubrious climate all through the year ideal to retire in. These very advantages have also led to its growth and development into a major mega metropolis a bustling crowded capital (of the state of Karnataka) of about 8 million which is a major centre of research and development and a reputation as the 'silicon valley' of India. It is a very cosmopolitan centre embracing people and cultures from all over the world, throbbing with life and vibrancy, a place that offers residents and visitors a wide choice of activities, with theatres, cultural centres, art galleries, parks, and restaurants catering to any kind of taste at very reasonable prices. Bangalore is centrally located in the southern peninsula and within easy reach of Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, Chennai, Mysore, the Nilgiri mountains and world famous heritage sites like Hampi each of which can be visited over different week ends.

However, like every great urban centre, Bangalore also has its share of problems of growth and rapid increase in population. The city is in a state of change as it struggles to improve infrastructure, open a new international airport, and learn how to cope with problems of urban poverty. This is where opportunities abound for those who are more fortunate and inclined to help and make a difference to volunteer to spend time with organisations and schools for the poor and disabled and thereby mix the pleasures of experiencing life in a beautiful part of India with the satisfaction of having spent a short part of their lives productively in helping the cause of the less fortunate.

Highlights:
* Getting real hands-on experience - can you make the front page?
* Exploring Bangalore - a booming city full of contrasts
* Learning about India from the inside - far more than a backpacker could ever do

Qualifications: The skills you need:
The media companies are looking for volunteers from a media-related field, who have considerable experience in this area. You need to show a lot of initiative and be proactive; you should be prepared for a fluctuating level of work and be flexible to adapt to whatever projects are being undertaken. In order to get the most out of your project, you should be positive, enthusiastic and hands-on.

It's worth sending clips of any articles or relevant information you may have completed to demonstrate your skills and ability, along with a CV and covering letter. This is required by the media placements.

Your role as a volunteer:
Depending on the needs of the project at the time and your skills and experience, there are a number of areas you may be involved with such as; research, copy writing, editing, interviews, feature-writing, design and marketing, archiving and general day-to-day office duties. Enthusiasm, creativity and a flexible attitude will help you get the most out of this golden experience!

Cost in US$: USD 1975.00 for 4 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
* Food: All meals
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994