Costs. One of the biggest lessons for newbie journalists is that you’ve gotta pay your dues—because media internships abroad and volunteer journalism opportunities overseas are often unpaid. Don’t be offended, just carefully plan for your journalism abroad travel expenses. Get info from your gap year coordinator on whether costs like airfare, housing, food, visas, and transportation will be covered in the program fees. Then, make a plan to raise any money you don’t yet have. You can get a summer job, apply for grants and scholarships, or start a fundraiser!).
Accommodations. There are loads of comfortable housing options for gappers taking journalism opportunities abroad. How does sharing an apartment with a local media professional sound? It’s the perfect way to stay abreast of the talk of the town and make a great buddy! You could bunk with fellow interns or have a studio or university dorm room all to yourself. Want to be completely soaked in the culture? Go with a homestay—living with a local family is an excellent way to get immersed into the local society. Plus, deeper immersion means better insight into local issues and great stories to pitch throughout your journalism work experience!
Visas. As foreign press, you’ll definitely need your immigration papers to be legit! So, speak with your gap year program advisor about how to apply for visas so that you can travel freely throughout the country. Visa application processes vary by country, but generally involve submitting copies of your ID and gap year program documentation, wrapping up with you getting a visa stamped into your passport. Also, the type of visa you get may depend on the kind of journalism work experience you’re planning to have (volunteer journalism, media internships abroad, paid journalism jobs overseas etc.). This GoAbroad embassy directory is a great place to start for info on visa requirements of various countries.
Safety. You might be tempted to hit the ground running for soundbites with that fancy press pass, but not so fast! Journalism abroad requires sensitivity, tact, and a thorough understanding of the local environment. So, get familiar with country’s media culture so that you don’t unknowingly break any laws! And, think twice before covering tense events like political protests—but if you must, blend in and stick close to a local professional journalist. And, if you’re heading out into a potential theft zone, be discreet with reporting equipment like cameras and tape recorders.
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