About the Internship
This amazing program supplies journalism interns to news agencies in Morocco to assist them in investigating and reporting on events and news as it happens. Students with a background in journalism and a good grasp of English are welcome to apply to this program which is designed to give a practical taste of what working within an international agency is all about. Some knowledge of French would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite. While experiencing a new country and culture, students have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and develop useful skills within their field. Internships are available with local agencies as well as some international agencies such as Morocco World News. The internship will be arranged based on the students’ skills and experience and once on-site, they will paired with an internship mentor who will monitor their workload and provide on-going support and assistance.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide journalism interns with quality work experience
- Supply additional support to busy news agencies
- Keep the world up to date on important news and events in the region
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
This program will enhance and develop the skills of any journalism student, while also providing a wonderful cultural opportunity for an intrepid traveller. This is a true internship program, where volunteers get stuck in and truly contribute to a news agency’s work. Interns will write original articles, edit work, develop strategies on social media and digital trends, update social media and be a true member of the news team as they report on news around the region. Interns will find this to be a hugely rewarding internship, gaining real life experience in a developing African nation, networking with colleagues and building a resume of work.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Editing original content written by the agency correspondents and contributors
- Writing articles in English (news, reports, interviews, op-eds, research papers)
- Assist with social media pages and groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram
- Video/picture editing
- Help in developing Digital Media Planning and Online Marketing Strategies
- Online Strategic Planning and Insights on latest digital trends
- Developing and maintaining a social media strategy that can help the agency secure its leadership in Morocco and enhance its visibility
- Develop monitor and implement social media campaigns
- Develop guidelines and training materials to ensure consistency in style and content for the agency contributors
- Help in drafting proposals for the agency partnerships program with other institutions
- Help in drafting applications for grants and/or fellowships to meet the guidelines of potential donors/foundations.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for people living in marginalized communities of Morocco. This project is definitively best suited to those who are either already qualified or those pursuing a career in the field of Journalism. There are many ways you can assist and individual projects can often be tailored to suit the particular skills and interests or each participant. Volunteers require proof of their Covid vaccination. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
Rabat is a modern city with wide boulevards, gardens and light, white buildings, for the most part a far cry from the hectic warrens of the other Imperial cities of Marrakech and Fez, but no less steeped in history with its origins going back to the 7th century. The King of Morocco lives here in his palace amid trees and flowers..Ohh! Being an administrative capital, the city is somewhat conservative and serious, but there is some local color to be found in the old part of the city, the Medina, and the Kasbah, where there is a more relaxed atmosphere. Recreational opportunities abound too and a few lovely beaches at hand.
With the city center of Rabat being very compact, all the points of interest are in walking distance. Local Bus services can be very useful and they are marked very clearly. Petit and Grands taxis can be found at the airport, the train station and at Boulevard Hassan.
Rabat Ville’s main train station is right in the middle of the Ville Nouvelle, just a few minutes’ walk to most of the hotels, so it is best to arrive in Rabat by train. There is even a bureau de change and a car rental office on the station platform. The main bus terminal is situated in Place Zerktouni - three kilometers west of the center by the road intersection for Casablanca and Beni Mellal Grand taxis from Casablanca and Fez will drop you off at the main bus station. Rabat’s airport is seven kilometers km north of Rabat and although grand taxis are the only public transport operating from here, it isn’t difficult to catch one. Rabat is a seriously cool place to volunteer!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Rabat-Sale airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to the volunteer house accommodation where they will join a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Morocco. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Rabat-Sale International Airport, Sale, Morocco (CODE: RBA)
While it is best to fly directly into Rabat, many volunteers choose to arrive at Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca. An airport pickup is not included from this location, but a train runs directly from the airport every half hour and takes 1h 50 minutes to Rabat Ville Train Station, our local team will collect you from here. Train tickets from Casablanca to Rabat cost about US$10.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated within a large and spacious volunteer guest house, located in a safe and convenient suburb of Rabat within walking distance to all the main attractions of this fascinating city. Volunteers are provided with a comfortable shared bedroom separated by gender and a shared bathroom including showers with hot water. Linen is provided and Wifi is available onsite, though service may not be as reliable as most are accustomed to at home. As with most parts of Africa, laundry facilities are basic and most volunteers simply use the services of a local laundromat.
While the accommodation is basic by western standards, this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience, and a flexible attitude, you will quickly get used to your new surroundings. The volunteer house is well managed and is a perfect home away from home. A wonderful base for your stay in Morocco!
Volunteers are provided 2-3 meals per day at the volunteer house and depending on where they are working, lunch may need to be bought at a small cafe during the day. The meals provided are mostly vegetarian, local dishes. Conveniently, there is also a fridge and basic cooking facilities if volunteers would occasionally like to prepare their own meals. Easy!
Fees
That’s just USD 41 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.