Want to make the front pages in India?

This project allows you to get ahead in a competitive industry in a location well worth writing home about. When you visit a country as large as India it’s satisfying to settle down and explore one place thoroughly, and Bangalore is certainly a city worth covering. The magazine is looking for volunteers from a media-related field with considerable experience. In return, you will gain specific and valuable work experience in areas like editing, researching, article writing, conducting interviews and marketing. Having a background in journalism means you can bring a unique insight and fresh perspective to their magazine and that they can offer you a stimulating and rewarding experience.

What is the newspaper and magazine work experience?

We work with a number of media companies based in Bangalore which operate within various areas of the media; including newspapers, magazines and advertising. Collectively, these companies produce publications, news, articles, features and advertisements which are circulated in different areas of India; some nationally and some locally.

There are a number of great opportunities unique to each company and the location of your project will depend on your skills and experience, as well as the current needs of each company at the time of your booking.

Why volunteer on this project?

With your native English language skills and experience of the Western media, you'll bring a unique insight and a fresh perspective to the projects. In exchange, you will gain specific and valuable work experience, a useful understanding of the Indian culture and will also get the opportunity to improve your skills in a variety of areas.

Why Bangalore?

Bangalore used to be known not very long ago as a sleepy quiet peaceful garden city with a salubrious climate all through the year – ideal to retire in. These very advantages have also led to its growth and development into a major mega metropolis – a bustling crowded capital( of the state of Karnataka) of about 8 million which is a major centre of research and development and a reputation as the ‘silicon valley’ of India. It is a very cosmopolitan centre embracing people and cultures from all over the world, throbbing with life and vibrancy, a place that offers residents and visitors a wide choice of activities, with theatres, cultural centres, art galleries, parks, and restaurants catering to any kind of taste at very reasonable prices. Bangalore is centrally located in the southern peninsula and within easy reach of Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, Chennai, Mysore, the Nilgiri mountains and world famous heritage sites like Hampi – each of which can be visited over different week ends.

However, like every great urban centre, Bangalore also has its share of problems of growth and rapid increase in population. The city is in a state of change as it struggles to improve infrastructure, open a new international airport, and learn how to cope with problems of urban poverty. This is where opportunities abound for those who are more fortunate and inclined to help and make a difference – to volunteer to spend time with organisations and schools for the poor and disabled and thereby mix the pleasures of experiencing life in a beautiful part of India with the satisfaction of having spent a short part of their lives productively in helping the cause of the less fortunate.

Your role as a volunteer

Depending on the needs of the project at the time and your skills and experience, there are a number of areas you may be involved with such as; research, copy writing, editing, interviews, feature-writing, design and marketing, archiving and general day-to-day office duties. Enthusiasm, creativity and a flexible attitude will help you get the most out of this golden experience!

The skills you need

The media companies are looking for volunteers from a media-related field, who have considerable experience in this area. You need to show a lot of initiative and be proactive; you should be prepared for a fluctuating level of work and be flexible to adapt to whatever projects are being undertaken. In order to get the most out of your project, you should be positive, enthusiastic and hands-on.

It's worth sending clips of any articles or relevant information you may have completed to demonstrate your skills and ability, along with a CV and covering letter. This is required by the media placements.

Accommodation included

You will be living in a local guesthouse, run by an Indian family, giving you the perfect chance to live alongside the local culture and make friends with other volunteers who you may share your room with.

Project resources and advice

The project is equipped with computers with access to the Internet and all other resources you'll need to perform your tasks, but any creative aids you can bring from home will be greatly appreciated!

Local facilities

The project is based in the heart of the bustling city of Bangalore, which is regarded as one of the country's most progressive cities, boasting a current population of nearly 7.5 million. Nicknamed the 'Garden City', Bangalore is surrounded by pleasant parks, a golf course, shopping centres, markets and copious areas of greenery. The lively city provides good transport connections, so you will be perfectly placed to travel around the city and explore the world-famous sites in your spare time! You will also have easy access to shops, internet cafes and other amenities.

Please note; The Fetsival of Diwali (Festival of Lights) takes place every year either at the end of October or the beginning of November where the projects will be closed for a week for the festivities.

Projects will also be affected for a week over the Christmas period of December 25, please be aware of these dates when making your booking

Food included

All your meals will be provided each day at your accommodation, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, which will be delicious vegetarian-friendly Indian cuisine.

Things that you will need to organize yourself

• Flights to India: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Travel insurance: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Visa
• In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival date)
• Tours, trips and add-ons: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Extra food and equipment