Volunteering on a Journalism Internship Placement Overseas in Cambodia

Volunteering abroad on a journalism placement with Projects Abroad offers an excellent way to gain journalism work experience, combined with the chance to work within a fascinating new culture and to experience life first hand as a volunteer in Cambodia.

For volunteers who are on a gap-year looking to get into a related university course, or those looking for employment in a particular sector following graduation or on a career-break, our voluntary journalism internships in Cambodia will give access to invaluable work experience and increase your prospects within a highly competitive job market.

Your CV will be greatly enhanced by the practical skills that you gain during your journalism work placement as well as proving your adaptability and resourcefulness by working in a strikingly different environment such as Cambodia.

Print Journalism Placements in Cambodia with Projects Abroad

Our journalism project in Cambodia offers volunteers the chance to work for the French-Khmer bilingual weekly publication, Cambodge Soir. The newspaper is written in both French and Khmer, and it is vital that all journalism volunteers have an excellent level of spoken and written French to take part in this project.

Journalism volunteers should also have good computer skills, a strong interest in journalism and the media and be willing to work hard. While no formal qualifications are required to join this project, previous journalism experience is preferred. When you apply, please give us as much information as possible about any relevant experience or skills you have.

The newspaper covers all aspects of Cambodian news and culture as well as focussing on news from other countries in Asia. The staff team working at Cambodge Soir includes fifteen journalists and photographers; nine of the staff are Cambodian and six French. There is also a translation department.

Cambodge Soir is based in the capital city, Phnom Penh and the paper is a politically neutral publication. Readers of the paper are mainly French speaking Cambodians from the administrative, political, humanitarian and student circles, and expatriates from the French-speaking community, mainly based in Phnom Penh.

Your Role as a Journalism Volunteer in Cambodia

You will be involved in a range of work which can be tailored to any specific interests or experience you may have. The paper includes a variety of sections, including news and current affairs, law, culture, sport and leisure and tourism. Your daily work schedule may include writing, re-writing and proof reading articles and interviews or you could take the opportunity to get involved in photography, graphics and web journalism.

You will be allocated your own supervisor at the paper; their role is to work closely with you to discuss any ideas you may have and give constructive feedback on your work. Whatever your level of experience, your input will be encouraged and appreciated. Take the opportunity to make your own recommendations, or explain practices back home. A hard working attitude, adaptability and a willingness to learn will be appreciated by your colleagues, and you will really begin to feel like a part of the team.

It is a good idea for all journalism volunteers to research and read about Cambodia’s recent history before starting the placement, so that you have a good understanding of current issues in the country and can put news stories into context when you arrive.

During the placement, volunteers are expected to dress smartly and be punctual and professional. Working hours are usually from 9-12 and 2-5 Monday to Friday.