At a glance
- Work closely with experienced journalists in radio, print or television.
- Get a taste for different types of journalism and add value to your CV. It may give you an extra edge in a job interview or University application.
- Ulaanbaatar will become your home. You’ll live with a host family and explore the country on the weekends.
Is this a Journalism Internship in Mongolia right for me?
Our Journalism internship in Mongolia is perfect for journalism students interested in getting practical work experience and building their portfolios.
We have three different specialisations available: print, radio, and television. You can choose which area to work in, so let us know when you apply and we can organise it.
This programme gives you the opportunity to actively create content. You can take on serious topics like alcoholism, or look at lighter topics, like covering a local cultural festival. Whatever you do can be added to your portfolio.
All Journalism interns in Mongolia should have intermediate English skills. The programme runs throughout the year, and you can join at any time.
If you don’t have any previous journalism experience, don’t worry. You’ll work with journalists and have a supervisor to guide you and help with your assignments. You will need to stay for a minimum of four weeks so we can make sure you get a solid foundation. You’re also welcome to stay longer so you can do more work. Interns with previous experience or qualifications can stay for a minimum of two weeks.
What will I do on this project?
In Mongolia, you can work at a busy radio station, in a print newsroom, or at a privately owned television station. You will work on tasks that include:
- Pitch researched story ideas to your editor or producer during team meetings
- Conduct interviews with locals or experts in the field
- Help staff edit or produce content for the publication or station
- Boost your journalism and marketing skills
Your work will focus on the following areas:
Pitch researched story ideas to your editor or producer during team meetings
After a period of observation and learning from the journalists, you’ll be given an opportunity to pitch story ideas. You will need to research your ideas and make sure the story has good sources and a good structure. During meetings, you will chat with your editor or producer about it. They will help tweak the idea and get you started on it. The stronger your idea, and the more proactive you are, the more stories you may get published or broadcasted!
Conduct interviews with locals or experts in the field
The more initiative you show, the quicker you’ll be given the green light to go out and conduct interviews. Interviewing is an art, so you’ll also have the chance to shadow journalists during their interviews before doing your own. Learn from them, ask questions, and take notes. You will then be able to use these skills when running your own interviews.
Help staff edit or produce content for the publication or station
Part of your work will involve assisting with the editing of text for print and scripts for radio and TV broadcasts. This is a great way to practice or learn editing skills. You can also get involved in technical editing for audio and film.
Boost your journalism and marketing skills
Journalists, photographers, and other media professionals bring newspapers, magazines, TV shows, and radio broadcasts to life everyday. On this internship, you will be right in the thick of things, actively learning about journalism from professionals. You’ll gain insight into what’s needed to promote shows and articles, and learn how to moderate or engage with an online community.
Where will I be working in Mongolia?
Ulaanbaatar
Depending on your interests, you have the option of working at one of the following placements: radio, television, or print.
All of our journalism placements in Mongolia are based in Ulaanbaatar. You will live and work here for the duration of your time abroad. On arrival, you’ll move in with a host family based in the city.
Over a weekend, you can wander city streets, taking in the Soviet-style high-rise blocks and traditional tents known as gers. Or get away from the city, and travel for about two hours to visit nomads on the Mongolian Steppe. Use your free time to blog, or keep detailed notes in a travel journal to chronicle your journey in Mongolia in your own words.
A typical day
You will work Monday to Friday, with around 8 hours of work per day. Your hours at your placement is dependent on your editor or producer and their requirements. Punctuality and the correct dress code are important at your journalism placement in Mongolia.
Gaining journalism work experience in Mongolia will be an exciting challenge! Each day, after breakfast and morning chatter with your host family, you will make your way to your journalism placement. Dressed smartly and with your laptop in your bag, you either walk, take a bus, or use a trolleybus. Your mode of transport depends on how far your placement is from your host family.
On arrival at your placement, you will get right to work. The more initiative you show and the harder you work, the quicker you will get more stories assigned to you.
At the end of a working day, or over the weekend, plan to explore Mongolia’s rich culture and heritage. Plan a trip to see the nomads, visit a Mongolian monastery, meet volunteers from around the world, or relax at your host family home.
You can also use this experience to take photos, write about your experiences and add it to your portfolio in the form of a blog, Facebook page, or Instagram account. Make every moment count!
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The main aim of this internship is to give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge about journalism and gain practical work experience.
You will work in the heart of professional media houses where issues of the day are discussed and explored. Alcoholism, domestic abuse, and child abuse are some of the social issues affecting Mongolia. You may have the opportunity to delve into these topics with the guidance of professional editors and producers. You can also explore the cultural side of Mongolia by speaking to travelling nomads or Buddhist monks.
Join our Journalism internship in Mongolia and gain valuable work experience as you learn about reporting through different media platforms.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Ulaanbaatar. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Mongolia and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your programme fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Mongolia is one of the most remote countries in the world. Volunteering here is a chance to experience a completely different way of life.
Our projects are based in Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital. This city is an eclectic mix of modern and traditional. The Government Palace is a perfect example of this, with it’s old-world style architecture and glowing blue and gold lights.
Even when you’re in the city, you’re never far from the countryside. Just a quick trip can take you out to a nomad settlement, where you can meet travelling families who live in traditional gers. We recommend going on a horse ride or trek to take in the beauty of the endless countryside horizons.
The famous statue of Genghis Khan is a must-see. You can also learn about the country’s history at the National Museum of Mongolia.
We run a range of different projects in Mongolia so there will likely be other volunteers in the country with you. So you can travel alone or explore the country with a group of like-minded new friends.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Meet the team in Mongolia
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