South Africa: Environmental & Travel Photography Programme

Introduction

The project you will be working with is an environmental and media company who focus on bringing attention to environmental issues specific to Africa, always looking for unique and authentic perspectives in their work. They work with many different clients, ranging from broadcasters, corporations, non-governmental organizations, print media and online news outlets. Their work is not restricted to land-based work as part of their program deal with underwater work too. One of the owners is a shark biologist and the other an underwater photographer and so if your interest lies beneath the waves , there’s room for you here too.

On this placement, you will learn how to research and produce written content, and how to then establish a successful career in the fields of environmental journalism and travel writing. To be a successful environmental journalist you must have an understanding of current environmental concerns; be up to date with environmental policy decisions and organisations; understand scientific studies; have knowledge of historical environmental events, and above all else, possess an enquiring and curious mind. To make it in travel writing you must know how to market yourself properly and how to “move beyond your location”; to create compelling stories from your travels. Travel writing is a hugely competitive field and it is hard to break into this market.

If you are looking to develop your career in travel journalism and gain invaluable new skills and contacts to help you further your journey in this field, then we can help. Learn how to become a successful and popular writer, enabling you to pursue an incredible career involving travel and adventure. You’ll have the career that everyone else dreams of!

Daily Life

Your placement is split into separate sections which are then split into different weeks. You can find details of what you be doing each week below;

Week 1

• Orientation to Mossel Bay and the program
• Intro to journalism and journalistic writing styles
• Narrative writing workshop and assessment
• Guided edits and personalised learning system creation
• Intro to ethics, standards and practices
• This week involves an expedition to the archaeologically significant Point area of Mossel Bay- called ’the origins of humankind’

Week 2

• Tutorial: Rewriting and Editing
• Guided and self-guided edits of previous submissions
• Tutorial: Interviewing techniques – what are they?
• Research – conduct research on two individuals and prep for mock interview.
• Practical – Writing and submission of Interview 1 + 2

Week 3

• Tutorial: Travel Writing
• Research – conduct research on specific upcoming expeditions
• Expeditions- This week involves a number of different expeditions and a lot of travel writing and blogging
• Practical – Writing, submission and editing of articles 1 – 7

Week 4

• Tutorial: Environmental Journalism
• Research and prep for final piece
• Self led interviews and source finding
• Practical – Writing, submission and editing of EVJ piece

Expeditions

The garden route region of South Africa is widely renowned for its diversity of reserves, sanctuaries tourism attractions and research institutes. Expeditions will travel to different venues to allow you to visit the organisations upon which your stories are based. Specific regions that may be investigated for stories include:

• Plettenberg Bay,
• Knysna,
• Oudtshoorn,
• George,
• Mossel Bay,
• Port Elizabeth,
• Albertinia,
• Sedgefield,
• Wilderness.

The program runs on weekdays only, during the weekends you will be able to take part in activities & tours or simply relax!

Travel and Accommodation

You will need to fly into George Airport, Western Cape , South Africa.

The project is located in Mossel Bay, which is surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains 400 kms east of Cape Town.

On the outskirts of Mossel Bay, lies the Aalwyndal community. Perched on the ridge overlooking the oceans is our student house, known as the Fly me to the moon guesthouse. This stunning guesthouse offers 8 bedrooms for students, living rooms, dining rooms, balconies and work offices.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Minimum 1 month commitment.
• Intermediate to proficient English language skills.
• Necessary vaccinations
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance – full assistance provided in arranging everything you will need if you choose our Premium Support

You don’t need any experience or academic qualifications in journalism. A basic understanding on how to use a computer and the internet is preferable. The course is best suited to those that have an interest in further exploring careers such as environmental journalism or travel/ features writer. However, anyone who wants to improve their writing skills whilst traveling around the Garden Route will enjoy the course.

Costs

The cost is $3,600 USD per month

*$750 deposit to confirm your place
**All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** For the latest currency conversions, check out xe.com

What’s Included:

• Airport pickup and dropoff
• All food and accommodation
• All practical and theoretical training
• Internet (can be slow!)
• All project transport to location sites

What’s Not Included

• Laptop computer (please bring your own)
• Laundry service
• Tourism excursions
• Extra food and beverages
• All Flights, Travel Insurance and Vaccinations
• A phone with a voice recording app to record interviews

Depending on your habits and lifestyle, we usually suggest adding to your monthly budget between 4,000 and 6,000 South African Rand (approx. $300-500 USD) for souvenirs, excursions, entertainment and other personal daily needs. If you want to do a SCUBA course you should add a further R6000.

Due to the number of applications received and limited places, the owners unfortunately cannot accept all applying interns. Therefore, they do not welcome cancellations or date changes after the final confirmation and deposit has been paid. We request that a non-refundable $750 USD deposit is paid within a week of booking into the program as confirmation (foreign and local bank fees are for your own account). The remaining fee must be paid in full 21 days prior to your arrival in South Africa. In case of cancellation, they will attempt to move you to a preferred month that you are able to attend, however, they cannot offer refunds on deposits.

Pick ups and drop offs from George Airport will be organised for the 1st of the month. Interns arriving or leaving outside this time will be charged a small surcharge of around $40. Domestic flights within South Africa can be arranged with one of the following companies (www.kulula.com, www.1time.aero, www.flysaa.com).

If you would like to stay with us outside of the program dates (1st to the 28th) then they ask R500/day to cover food and accommodation.