Peter Thomas: Journalism internship programme review and rating.

Peter Thomas: Journalism internship programme mid programme update.

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In , Peter (from United Kingdom) completed a 10 week internship programme with Bridging Gaps in the amazing city of Cape Town, South Africa. The primary career area of Peter's internship programme was Journalism.

Peter's mid stay check in!

SUMMARY

Overview of Peter's internship programme:

Year:
Duration:
10
weeks
Location:
South Africa
Prog Choice:
CareerFocus:
TV
Nationality:
Status:
Undergraduate
Institute:
University of Manchester
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KEY INSIGHT

Peter's detailed ratings

See a breakdown

Here's how Peter rated the different aspects of his Journalism internship programme.

Overall Rating: 9/10
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Peter's detailed review of his experience.

01
Placement & programme experience
02
Location experience
03
Bridging Gaps' services & support experience
Placement & Programme
What were your reasons for wanting to complete a Journalism internship programme in South Africa?

I first wanted to be a journalist because of South Africa, so the first journalist story I covered at university was about Oscar Pretorius. It was such an interesting story, not just because of what happened but also because he was one of my personal heroes. I really love sports, and I learned a lot about South Africa in University and decided I could get two things I’m interested in by interning here in Cape Town. I couldn’t say no to that opportunity!

What kind of internship experience were you initially looking for?

I wanted experience in a news room. I wanted an insight into the relationships and networking involved in the news room, and how everything works.

How did your actual internship placement compare to your ideal internship experience? ?

I got more than I expected! I basically got a real journalist job visiting sites, meeting and interviewing local people, and writing many stories weekly. I learned on the job going out and doing things instead of just shadowing someone.

Did you receive sufficient levels of supervision and guidance from your colleagues at your host organisation?

No. I had no supervision but plenty of guidance, but in that I learned a lot. It taught me to be more independent and at the end of the day we come and do internships to learn.

Were you given adequate responsibilities during your internship?

Yes, I got a lot of responsibilities! I did the job of an actual reporter. I wouldn’t describe my time here as an internship, I’d rather describe it as very hands on work experience- which is much better than just shadowing someone!

Did taking part in your internship challenge you and help develop your skills?

Yes, one of the reasons I came here was for the challenge, because I’ve done many other things in my life that I hadn’t felt adequately challenged in. From my very first day at The Cape Argus I felt challenged!

Do you feel that you were given the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to your local host organisation?

Yes! There was one paper where I got a whole page to myself! I had many articles published during my time working for the newspaper.

Overall, was this international internship a worthwhile experience that will help you achieve your career goals?

Yes, one of the reasons I came here was for the challenge, because I’ve done many other things in my life that I hadn’t felt adequately challenged in. From my very first day at The Cape Argus I felt challenged!

Location
What fears did you have before coming to with Bridging Gaps?

Everyone fears being somewhere new and being alone. I think I was worried about getting through the first week of my internship and realizing I didn’t like it.

What do you think about those fears now?

I don’t have fears now! My internship taught me that I do have fears every day, but you just keep a positive attitude and move forward.

After spending some time in the city, what is your impression of Cape Town?

Its small! But the diversity in this city is huge! I think Cape Town is a lot like home, but if you really spend time in the city, for a longer time, you come to see that it is so much more diverse.

Would you recommend Cape Town as a worthwhile and enjoyable place to visit?

Yeah! There’s something for everyone!

Service & Support
Did Bridging Gaps help you prepare for your trip sufficiently? E.g. placement search, communications, mentoring?

Yeah! There’s something for everyone!

How was your experience of Bridging Gaps while you were on the ground in ?

It was good! You guys have always been there when we need you. But you have not been overbearing. If we need to talk its always really easy to set up a meeting and you always respond very quickly. So yeah its been great!

What was the best feature of the Bridging Gaps Bootstrap internship programme?

The organising of everything before I got here was so well done and easy. I also liked the Social Events that Bridging Gaps organised, so that even if you aren’t the type to go out much, the events give you an opportunity to meet everyone at your own pace. Another thing is how available you always were for if there was an emergency or if we need to talk about something. But hands down the best feature is the actual organising, things were just so easy.

Did Bridging Gaps help you prepare for your trip sufficiently? E.g. placement search, communications, mentoring?

Yeah! There’s something for everyone!

Would you recommend pursuing a Journalism internship programme in Cape Town with us to others?

In what ways could our internship programmes be improved?

Before you applied, how did you feel about the programme fees?

I think what ever way you put it, it’s a lot of money. You do wonder is it going to be worth paying this amount?

Having completed your placement and had the experiences you've have, what do you think about the fees now?

I very quickly learned that its all about the service. People need to realise as I did, that so much goes into finding good accommodation, good internships and also having the someone available all the time if I need help with something. I don’t think I would have been able to find all this on my own. It was very worth it. It is expensive, but you won’t have an experience as great as this if you don’t pay for it.

What would you say to someone that is considering an internship here but is concerned about the fees?

I’d tell them that you will have a great time. You can have a great time in Cape Town on your own, but through Bridging Gaps, you’re going to meet so many more people, you’re going to have people a phone call away if you need help, you’ll also have people who have a knowledge of what its like to live in Cape Town, and what its like to intern here. So, if this is what you need to do for your career I’d recommend it!

Anything else you would like to add?

Check out our Journalism programme

Click below to see more a more detailed description of our programme to see if it can give you the career boost you're looking for.

Journalism Internship Programmes

We facilitate a variety of stimulating journalism internships in print Journalism, TV and Radio. Journalism interns will gain an insight into the underlying values of the media in Cape Town and will be able to use their research, analytical, storytelling and writing skills to contribute to demanding and exciting projects. Grab this chance to have your work published and broaden your horizons today!

Internship Focus Options:

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Radio

Print

NGO

Journalism Internship Programmes
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