Media and Journalism in Syria Program: The Media and Journalism in Syria Program is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in amplifying the voices of Syrians on the global stage. Volunteers on this program will help raise awareness about social and educational conditions in Syria while also learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this Media & Journalism program would suit a wide range of potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.
This volunteer program in Syria would also be of interest to students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience through this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are highly valued by prospective employers.
During the Media and Journalism program, volunteers will conduct video interviews with local Syrians and write articles that capture the Syrian refugee experience. They will also participate in Center-led activities and will become familiar with the daily life of Syrians.
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Document Syrian Daily Life
Both experienced and amateur photographers with an interest or experience in photojournalism are also encouraged to apply. Volunteers with this specialisation will have the opportunity to participate in photography missions in Damascus and the surrounding areas, documenting Syrian daily life. Volunteers will at times research contemporary issues in Syria, fact-check articles, and verify sources, while utilising various media to improve the representation of Syrians in the press.
This volunteer opportunity spans 1 week to 3 months (13 Weeks) year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring). Our volunteer programs in Damascus offer you the chance to work in a fascinating and energetic environment, as they are designed to be immersive, genuine, and complete.
Media & Journalism Program – What is it about?
The Media and Journalism volunteer program can help participants make connections and build relationships with people from around the world while working to support refugees and the local community in Damascus. During their time in the program, volunteers will design and facilitate workshops to educate Syrians on the power of media, ethical reporting standards, and the media production process.
The workshops may also function as seminars and classes, with past examples including an overview of ethical sourcing and intellectual property, and an insight into journalistic practices. Volunteers will also teach young Syrians to be more aware when using the internet and social media, so they can use them more deliberately and responsibly.
As with all our programs, volunteers will be entitled to 3 hours of complimentary Arabic lessons per week. These classes are designed to help participants better communicate with the people they are working with by connecting on a more fundamental level. Making the effort to learn the local language is seen as a mark of respect for the culture, and is one that will be noted and appreciated by all those you meet.
Regular Tasks For Volunteers:
- Become acquainted with Syrian culture and the Arabic language
- Learn about the importance of media in Syria
- Document the lives of local Syrians and refugees
- Record daily activities of volunteers at the Center
- Design and conduct workshops to educate Syrians on journalism and media
- Participate in Center-led excursions to Damascus and neighboring cities
- Enroll in 3 hours of Arabic language classes per week
Who Can Join Our Volunteer Program In Syria?
This incredible volunteer opportunity is open to anyone interested in or competent in journalism or media. This can include undergraduate or postgraduate students with degrees in Journalism, English, or related fields, as well as anyone seeking experience in journalism and media.
This program allows volunteers to establish a solid foundation in their chosen field, and as such, it is open to as broad a range of applicants as possible. The requirements for the Journalism and Media Volunteer Program in Syria are as follows:
- Aged 18 years and over
- Able to communicate in English
- Patient and enthusiastic
- Willing to work with a team of colleagues from all over the world
- Eagerness to learn
What You Don’t Need?
- Ability to speak Arabic
- Travel or work experience
- To be a native English speaker
- A degree in journalism
Summer Volunteer Programs In Syria
For people looking for Media and Journalism volunteer opportunities in Syria or the Middle East over the summer months, Volunteer in Syria offers a summer program running from June to August. These programs are ideal for students on a summer break or for anyone looking to volunteer during an extended visit to the region.
These summer Media and Journalism volunteer programs combine an Arabic-language focus with full immersion and engagement in Syrian culture and history.
Importance Of Media In Syria
By volunteering in Media and Journalism in Syria, program participants will help elevate Syrian voices on the global stage. A lack of representation, misunderstanding of the correct language when reporting on Syrian issues, and a lack of real experience have led to the misrepresentation of Syrians.
Volunteer in Syria aims to connect Syria to the world through the work of international visitors, enabling participants to experience firsthand the diversity of perspectives and identities among Syrians. In addition to participants learning about Syria, Syrians will gain a greater understanding of the world through their interactions with the participants. In this way, exchanges between Syrians and their visitors can become mutually beneficial and symbiotic.
During the program, volunteers and interns will assist local Syrian news agencies as they articulate the Syrian perspective throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Compared to major news organisations such as Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, Syrian news agencies lack the necessary resources to expand their audience. By volunteering with Volunteer in Syria, participants can help these news organisations gain acknowledgment and respect from a larger regional and international audience.
Why Take Part In This Program?
Volunteer in Syria’s Media and Journalism Program can help aspiring journalists sharpen their media skills while they immerse themselves in the many facets of Syrian culture. Because the program is located in Damascus, participants will inevitably gain an understanding of daily life in Syria.
Volunteering in the Media and Journalism Program in Syria is an excellent way to learn the ins and outs of ethical journalism, the process of publishing in the media, and the real-world impact of international news on the communities featured. As part of the program, participants will attend community festivals, visit areas of historical significance, and work closely with the local community of Damascus.
At the conclusion of the program, volunteers on the Media and Journalism Program will be able to share the knowledge that they have acquired with Syrians here in Damascus. In this way, they can ensure that the local community can discern ethical journalism for themselves as they analyze news media and create their own.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is for anyone interested in journalism, media, and the effects of global news practices on Syria. It would be ideal for students of Journalism and Communication Studies, as well as anyone interested in a career in journalism.
Volunteering on this program would also suit those interested in working with non-profit organisations, charities, and NGOs in a specific cultural or linguistic context, as experience of local cultures and languages in the Middle East is increasingly desirable.
Benefits Of Volunteering In Syria
Volunteers in the Media and Journalism program will receive many benefits during their time in Damascus, including participation in educational, cultural, social, and community development activities.
Benefits of volunteering in Media and Journalism in Syria:
- Living in Damascus and visiting sites of cultural and historical importance
- Learning spoken Arabic from native speakers and using it to communicate with locals
- Syria is full of historic and culturally rich cities. Damascus and Aleppo feature ancient architecture and bustling souks, Homs, Hama, and Bosra offer old city charm and Roman ruins, Palmyra is famous for its desert ruins, Maaloula preserves Aramaic traditions, Latakia and Tartus provide beaches and historic sites, and Daraa, Deir ez-Zor, and Al-Qamishli each offer unique cultural experiences.
- Spending time with a Syrian host family, if available
- Visiting Syrian universities, local institutions, and organizations specializing in culture and education
- Eating local Syrian foods and delicacies
- Attending cultural nights, which feature entertainment and activities in Damascus’s social hubs
Our Programs Make a Great Impact
Our Journalism Volunteer and Internship programs in Syria are well researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Syrian life, media, and culture. We aim to make a long-term difference to the local Syrian community through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”.
Volunteering and interning in Damascus is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as on others, including Syrian children, refugees, women, youth, and community members in Syria.
Who Can Participate?
Volunteer in Syria does not discriminate on any basis, including nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis. Volunteer in Syria has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life and all backgrounds and identities. All are welcome!
Previous participants on our programs have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States!
Traveling to Damascus
Traveling to Volunteer in Syria is stress-free and straightforward. You’ll fly directly into Damascus, and from the airport it’s only about a one-hour drive — roughly 40 km — to reach our school. If you have any questions about your journey or need help with arrangements, our team is always happy to assist. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this page.
Accommodation
When residing in Damascus, participants in the program will have the option of either staying with a host family (depending on availability) or in a cozy apartment. Both options offer unique advantages.
Whichever housing option the participant chooses, their time in Syria will be immersive, enriching, and memorable!
Interacting With Syrian Culture
Interns and volunteers will find that most Syrians are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If volunteers use their Arabic skills, no matter how well developed, they will find that most Syrians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who are delighted that people have taken an interest in their language and culture.
In addition, Syria is at the heart of the Levant (the region associated with the Eastern Mediterranean), offering ample opportunities to visit cultural sights, historical monuments, and other landmarks. Although Syria can at times face difficult situations, participants will find that the Syrian people are friendly and open, and that Syria, in general, is a safe place to visit!
A Unique Experience
Although the Center hosts volunteers from all over the world, many people are unaware of the cultural diversity of Syria and the Levant, having only a vague understanding of the timeless heritage of these lands.
By enrolling in this volunteer program, participants will experience something unique that is sure to be remembered throughout their lives. Participants will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Arabic language and culture while living in Damascus.
In Which Language Is The Program Run?
All of our volunteer programs are geared toward English speakers. For the sake of immersion, however, the higher the Arabic course level taken, the less English will be utilised in the classroom. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to utilise their Arabic skills to the best of their ability while living in Damascus, ensuring their time here is fully immersive.
Media and Journalism in Syria Program: Overview
| Program Location | Damascus, Syria |
| Program Fees | Confirm prices here |
| Age Limit | 18-70 years old |
| Duration | 1-13 weeks |
| Program Components | Ethical journalism Media and Journalism workshops News media in Syria Assisting local Syrian news organisations |
| Number of Arabic Lessons per Week | 3 hours in total |
| Duration of Arabic Lessons | 45 Minutes |
| Number of Participants | Varies |
| Qualifications required | None |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible to fit the participant’s schedule |
| Application Deadline | No deadline |
| University Credit | Available |
| Program Language | English |
Reviews and Awards
Volunteer in Syria has proudly earned several Community Awards, including recognition as the Best Arabic Language School overseas, one of the best Online Programs for Syrian Colloquial Arabic Providers, and the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For further details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +950 reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (93%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
- Our Awards
Summary
The Volunteer in Media and Journalism Syria Program will present you with a unique opportunity to help elevate Syrian voices in the media. Ethical journalism is crucial here, given the historical and ongoing misrepresentation of Syria and Syrians in the international media.
Syrian voices can be drowned out during periods of rising tensions, while being completely disregarded at other times. Anyone who has a passion for equal representation for all on the world stage and for improving the quality of ethical journalism will find that this program will satisfy their needs.
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in our Media and Journalism Program, please write to us at Info@ecsyria.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-3 business days.
In the subject line of your email, write “Volunteer in Media and Journalism.” Upon responding, we will attach an application form that you can fill out and return to us to begin the process.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
Website: https://ecsyria.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter