idealist.org

We offer a variety of different print journalism projects, from daily to monthly newspapers, and from business to lifestyle magazines. As well as gaining valuable journalistic skills, volunteering abroad for a newspaper or magazine will give you a real insight into the lives and culture of the local community in which you are based. Spending time researching a particular issue or topic will inevitably give you a greater understanding of the challenges facing the community and peoples' attitudes in general.

Your role will vary depending on the publication and your ability. However, whether you are working for a small independent publication or a larger government-owned newspaper, your work will be varied, and each day will be different. You might be interviewing different members of the community (with the assistance of a translator where required); researching articles; writing news items and features; reviewing restaurants; attending political press conferences; visiting social events such as fashion shows and parties; sitting in on meetings; or generally learning about the running of the publication.

Some publications will give you the opportunity to get involved on the design and layout of the magazine, while others will give you the chance to do some proof-reading and editing.

Your editor will be happy to listen to any ideas you have for pieces and will be able to offer advice and guidance throughout the course of your placement. Any specific interests you have can often be pursued; just let us know if there any areas you are especially keen to work in.

Cost involved
All volunteers pay a Participation / Registration fee of $ 600 USD upon arrival for 2 weeks to one month stay on the project. This covers Airport pick-up and drop-off, Program Orientation, Administrative work, food and accommodation whiles on the project. Payment is made after Orientation the next day. Full payment is made based on how long the volunteer wants to stay.

What is Included

Airport Pick Up: Upon arrival, our staff will be at the Airport to pick you up. Please do not forget to send us your flight information and we guarantee, you will never miss us at the airport.

Orientation: Orientation about the local culture, history, safety, religious, and other issues relating to the country.
Accommodation: You will be staying with a host family, within a rented house and volunteer will stay either in a single or shared room. All our families are middle-class and live in safe neighborhoods. The distance from the project varies. The family will provide three meals a day.

Compensation: The program fee also covers compensation for local families and hosts who supply accommodation and food for each volunteer. Staying with a host family will allow you to truly be immersed in the local culture.
Food: In most cases your meals are cooked and provided for you by your host family. You will be getting 2/3 Meals per day. Breakfast and Supper is provided during weekdays when volunteers are on placements and lunch is provided some weekends when volunteers are in their host home. If you're a vegetarian or have any allergies, this is taken into account when we arrange your placement.

Safety: Your well being while volunteering with us is our priority. We make sure your trip is safe and our in-country coordinator will provide whatever support you may need at any step along the way.

What is NOT Included?
Flight, Airport Taxes, Visa, Immunizations, Personal expenses, Soft drinks, Mineral Water, Passport, Travel
Insurance, Entrance fees and in-country travel expenses including any excursions the volunteer wishes to take whiles volunteering.

Important information
I. The program fee does not cover soft drinks, mineral water, and personal expenses.
Volunteers will be traveling on local buses and not air-condition buses.
II. We will offer meals and lodging from the first to the last day of the program.