Study Abroad To Improve Your Journalism Job Prospects

Studying abroad can be a great way to give yourself an edge in the journalism job market or journalism internship hunt.

First, you can build your portfolio by helping out in a media outlet’s foreign bureau. Or look into contributing to English-language media in the foreign country. Many are severely understaffed and welcome the help.

“While the crunch on foreign news budgets may limit the amount of staff correspondent posts available, it presents a golden opportunity for upstart journalists,” said Jason Motlagh, a freelancer who’s reported from West Africa, the Caucasus and Haiti. “I’ve met many other full-time reporters who broke in simply by showing up at a far-flung bureau and asking to lend a hand.”

It will also give you something interesting to talk about when you interview for jobs or internships. Editors love young journalists who have demonstrated a sense of adventure and courage to go into foreign territories – skills that are very applicable to being a reporter.  I always got asked about my junior year abroad in Cairo.

Finally, you’ll gain perspective, learn about other cultures – and yourself – and have a lot of fun.