Info

Work as a Magazine Photojournalist, taking your own photos and choosing stock photos to accompany articles. Fantastic experience, whether you're already in journalism or are looking for a step up on the ladder...

This fascinating and unusual work experience placement enables you to take a peek behind the scenes of a magazine and get an insider's perspective on the Chinese media!
In a world of competition where an army of graduates are lining up for the top jobs, this project would set you apart from the crowd and make employers look twice.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

You will work as a Photojournalist for a Magazine, taking your own photos and choosing stock photos to go with the articles about Chinese Culture. We also run journalism, graphic design and events management projects at the magazine, so if you have skills/interest in both areas please make this clear, as the magazine can be flexible about the type of work offered and you are welcome to combine interests.

On your first day you will be taken in by one of the Travellers Staff Members in Beijing, and introduced to the staff at the Magazine. You will also meet your supervisor.
You will usually work from around 9:30 until 5:00pm with an hour to lunch, but this can be subject to change.

You will be working both individually and as part of the team. The post, as with all work in such fields, will respond to the amount of energy you put in. If you are enthusiastic and offer a professional manner then you will be rewarded by being given better and better opportunities.

Communication with your fellow staff members will not be a problem and you do not have to know any Mandarin to join this project. Your Supervisor speaks perfect English and so do many of the other staff at the office. A little Mandarin knowledge will go down extremely well, however, so you should make the effort to learn a little before you arrive.
The magazine you will work at publishes a variety of articles about Chinese Culture. Its aim is to introduce Ex-Pats to China while educating, informing and entertaining. The magazine features articles on travel, Chinese culture, food, modern life, language, art, business and more. The magazine covers a massive range of things and is a very interesting read – if you’re interested in getting under the skin of Chinese Culture, you’ll love it.

Examples of recent articles include:
--> Travel – Articles on various towns, festivals and tourist attractions all over China
--> Chinese Old Wives Tales
--> Chinese Modern Art
--> Traditional Chinese Cookery
--> Beijing's Avant Garde Architecture
--> The History of Chopsticks
--> Marriage in China - Ancient & Modern Perspectives
--> Chinese Dining Etiquette
--> Chinese Humour
--> The life of Confucius through cartoons

The magazine has a global distribution of around 50,000 copies every month. It is sold throughout China, Hong Kong and Singapore, and also has readership in many other countries around the world. They also publish an e-newsletter each week, which you can be involved in writing.

Readership:
--> Foreign students studying in China and overseas Chinese language learners
--> Diplomats at foreign embassies in China
--> Chinese and Chinese culture teachers from educational institutions and training centers
--> Foreign tourists in China
--> Foreigners working in China and business staff, including many senior government managers
--> Chinese culture students from many countries

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

--> Use of your photography skills in a real world journalism environment
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the Orient and Chinese culture.
--> 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!

ACCOMMODATION:

You will stay in a modern and friendly, central hostel along with the other volunteers. You'll usually have access to all the modern facilities you'd expect: internet access, a kitchen, TV, common room with DVDs, a security locker and a bar & restaurant on premises.

The hostel is located in a lively area, where you will have the chance to meet other backpackers and travellers. There are many shops in the surrounding area if you need to stock up on anything, and the hostel is extremely close to Beijing's famous Sanlitun Lu - or 'Bar Street', where everyone hangs out in the evening for drinks and fun! The Lufthansa Shopping Centre and other tourist hot-spots are within easy walking distance of the hostel

There are 35 rooms in the hostel and you'll share with 3 others of the same sex (you can upgrade to a single room if you prefer, just let us know at time of booking (there will be a supplemental charge for this).

FOOD:

All your food is provided in the hostel restaurant or at your workplace if you're at work during the day. Meals at the hostel are generally made up of one staple (usually rice or noodles), 2 meats and 2 vegetables - so the food here is suitable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Chinese food is absolutely delicious, and you'll get used to eating with chopsticks in no time!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It’s as easy as that.

Duration

Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £1395 for four weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

An interest and enthusiasm for media and photography. You do need some experience in photography but it does not have to be professional - you just need to be able to show that you have taken photographs of a good standard in the past. No knowledge of Mandarin necessary, but a little basic Mandarin will make your placement much more enjoyable. Computer skills and use of Word and Excel is an advantage for any journalism project.

Travellers can arrange a Mandarin Chinese course for you on your placement if you wish to learn the basics before you start work!