RADIO JOURNALISM: WORK EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIP IN BUENOS AIRES

WORK CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION

The radio programme that you'll work on is on air daily between 09:00 to 11:00 00 and broadcasts as an alternative form of communication, reflecting on information provided by reports from the mass media. The show often features telephone interviews with guest speakers.

You'll act as an assistant to the Producer, thus gaining a real insight into the running of a radio station, together with a general understanding about current affairs issues in Argentina. Each programme has its’ own team of presenters, producers and technicians. You will assist the team in preparing and producing the program that is being aired that day. This will include:

• basic editing of the radio programme (batch cleaning, music and columns),
• digital editing of interviews related to the programme and preparation of lists ready for replaying on the air.
• You will also be involved with production work during the live broadcasting of the show.
• When the programme is off air, you’ll be liaising with advertising agencies, receiving guests invited onto the studio, making telephone calls, summarising information and undertaking a variety of research work, such as reading newspapers to identify newsworthy stories.

If you have a sufficient level of Spanish, you may even be asked to broadcast special announcements yourself.

COMBINED PLACEMENTS:

My Spanish is improving vastly and I am also gaining valuable work experience in the field of journalism, which will undoubtedly help me to find a job after university. Sarah Holmes

HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION

You'll live a hostel situated in a beautifully renovated historic building in Downtown Buenos Aires, very conveniently located for exploring the city, with an endless supply of cafes, restaurants and shops nearby. It has a socialble atmosphere and you'll be made to feel welcome with a real chance to immerse yourself in Argentine culture.

You'll share a dorm room and have access to kitchen facilities. The hostel has a common area where you can relax and watch TV or DVD’s and there is also a piano and a ping pong table! It also has Wi-Fi and a couple of computers and a small roof terrace with chairs to enjoy the sunshine.

FOOD:

You’ll be given an allowance for your meals (breakfast and dinner, lunch is excluded for projects in Buenos Aires). This arrangement is to give you the flexibility to sample the great Argentinean food. Right on the door step of the hostel there are many cafes and restaurants with great priced menus just waiting for you….the choice is yours!

HOST FAMILY ACCOMMODATION:

If you would prefer a more cultural experience, we can arrange for you to stay with a local Argentinean family. Host family accommodation gives you the opportunity to become more integrated in the local community and is ideal if you want to practice your Spanish (Basic/intermediate Spanish is required to stay with a Host Family). You'll have a comfortable private room and use of the kitchen. Breakfast and dinner is provided every day and you will usually share a typical Argentinean meal with your family.

Facilities in host families do vary, but you can express your preferences regarding the type of family that you stay with (for example, a family with or without children, pets, etc). If you stay in a host family you will be given contact details of other volunteers living in Buenos Aires so that you won't miss out on any socialising!

If you choose the host family option, there is an additional supplement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Got any questions? Please email us: info@travellersworldwide.com

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR PLACEMENT?

Once you have applied for a placement, we'll contact you and send you our Welcome Pack. You'll also receive Log-on details and password for our Volunteer Extranet where you'll have access to all the documentation and information which we've put together to facilitate preparations for your adventure! Your Project Co-ordinator for your country will liaise with you throughout the arrangements process, as well as while you're on your placement and on your return home.

The documents you'll have access to also include a Country Factfile, Safety Guide and any manuals that may assist you on your particular programme (e.g. Teaching Guide, Sports Manuals, Enrichment Suggestions for Animal Care, etc.). We do all we can to make your stay one that you'll never forget. This is a truly awesome, elegant and beautiful country.

As with all our destinations, the culture and heritage is different to what you're used to ... which, although one of the most exciting aspects of travelling, should be borne in mind. Self-reliance and independence are highly appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity!

TRAVELLERS' SUPPORT AND BACKUP: Read about the excellent Support & Backup we provide before you leave and during your programme.

The Community Radio Station is located about 20 minutes from the centre of Buenos Aires.

OPTIONAL ADD-ON ACTIVITIES:

Make the most of your time there! To help you do that, we've put together some exciting activities, courses and tours that you can add to your itinerary. These are designed to let you learn, expand your personal and professional development ... and add to your fun and enjoyment!

Very popular choices are Spanish Courses and Dance Courses.

LOCATION | SIGHTSEEING:

The romance of Argentina takes one's breath away. From the northern deserts to the southern Andean Cordillera, from Iguazú Falls to the magnificent desolation of Patagonia, Argentina's geography is varied and stunning. Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tango-ing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas.

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires:
Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. Tango was born here, restaurants serve all manner of world cuisines, bars play the latest music, cafés spill on to the streets and nightclubs allow dancing throughout the night. This fabulous city is renowned for its sophistication and has a surprisingly European feel about it. BA is reminiscent of Paris and its tree-lined avenues and frequent plazas have a beguiling, faded elegance.

Downtown, the Plaza de Mayo is the traditional focus of activity. Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio is popularly known as the world's widest thoroughfare and, with its nine lanes of traffic, is truly a pedestrian's nightmare! Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping area.

TRAVEL:

To read about Travel arrangements and what happens when you arrive in your new country, please click here.

REVIEWS AND FEEDBACK:

CASE STUDY BY SARAH HOLMES, DESCRIBING HER TYPICAL DAY:

My Spanish is improving vastly and I am also gaining valuable work experience in the field of journalism, which will undoubtedly help me to find a job after university. I have made some great friends, giving me an even greater insight into the Argentine culture, which I love! Working with Argentina's most famous journalist and enjoying all the perks like being sent free ice cream is pretty cool!

Going out on air was also a highlight, as was being asked to be an extra for an Argentine TV programme! Its all good, it's so hard to choose one thing as the best! I would recommend this placement to everyone else!!

It takes someone who's willing to commit themselves and be pro-active about their involvement. I put in 100% and that' what I'm getting back. You have to be able to use your initiative too to know what is expected of you from day to day. Being personable helps obviously because every day you're coming into contact with different people. And it almost goes without saying that you need to have a keen interest in current affairs and politics.

My Typical Day: Generally I don't have to arrive at the radio station until 4 in the afternoon, although this varies according to what's going on in the news etc. The show is on air from 5 - 8 so I get home again about half 8. I'm expected to arrive prepared so it means doing some work before I go in.

Again the amount I have to do varies from day to day depending on current world affairs but generally I spend a couple of hours reading the international English speaking newspapers and finding articles of interest then writing reports and doing translations related to them.

When I arrive the first thing to do is have some mate (a local drink) and chat to everyone! Then I write up whatever I've prepared ready for the approval of the head of the production team. Sometimes they use it and sometimes not but its all good practice anyway. Sometimes they have things they need me to do when I arrive so I get on with that too. Whilst the show is actually on air, my job is to answer phones if everyone else is busy and generally run errands and, of course, serve mate! Sometimes it gets pretty frantic with guests coming in and everything but its all fun!

And that's a typical day for me! The good thing is that its really flexible so if I want to go in earlier or leave at a different time I can. Sometimes I work 3 days a week and sometimes 4 or even the whole week. It just depends on what's going on and that's what I like about it. There's no chance to be bored!

I'm loving this placement so much! There have been lots of opportunities to go to really cool things with people from work, like tango shows and asados and awards ceremonies and I'm learning loads as I go! Thanks very much!