Journalism - Investigative Research & Writing: Professional, Academic, and Cultural Experience included!

Join Isla for a truly immersive and “all inclusive” international experience! Our team pairs you with a local NGO in your field of interest, supports you every step of the way, secures housing, insurance, etc., connects you with professional, social, and cultural opportunities, and collaborates with your university to ensure all academic requirements are met! 

Intern with independent, non-governmental organizations committed to addressing pressing issues and providing unbiased information to the public. Please note, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Internships can take place during the school year or summer break. Internships last for 6+ weeks. You will get a chance to specify when you would like to start your internship.

Being the newest country in Europe, Kosovo has faced challenges in cultivating a healthy environment of information that is accessible to all. Through their investigative journalism efforts, these organizations seek to uncover truths, hold those in power accountable, and empower individuals with accurate and unbiased information. They tackle a diverse range of topics, including political corruption, social injustices, environmental concerns, and human rights violations. Disinformation is a major threat for Kosovo’s democracy and national security. Foreign malign influence, lack of media literacy, and polarization of political events and elections weaken citizens’ access to information, undermining their ability to make informed decisions. The rapid spread of dis/misinformation can trigger violence and increase tensions with neighboring countries. 

Isla will work closely with your university to locate funding and answer all questions. The following is included within the program so that you can focus primarily on the work at hand and be supported each step of the way!  

• Pre-departure preparations (packing list, language modules, cultural guidance, etc)
• Quality Internship Placement with a customized scope of work
• Airport pickup and in-country orientation
• Welcome lunch/dinner
• Housing, internet, and fully stocked kitchen
• Groceries
• Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
• Local SIM Card/phone plan (optional)
• Monthly Bus Passes/Transportation (optional)
• Local Language classes (optional)
• Tuition to study at the national university for 4 ECTS/3 US credits (Kosovo- optional)
• Mentorship from local professionals
• 24/7 support from Isla team
• Bi-weekly internship and cultural experience reflection sessions
• Scheduled team lunches/dinners with all interns/Isla team with relevant professionals/stakeholders
• Support in organizing and planning travel/in-country social activities
• Cultural/social activities as available
• Certificate of completion and letter of references upon completion of internship
• Continued mentorship post completion of internship (according to field of interest)
• Additional support depending on country of internship and academic requirements

Depending on the Intern’s skill set and interest, the Intern will be assigned to one or more of the following projects associated with the journalism in Kosovo:

• Research & Policy Analysis
• Education Development
• Project Planning & Implementation
• PR, Digital Marketing & Multimedia
• Investigative Research & Reporting
• Advocacy Support & Communication Strategy
• Transparency & Accountability Initiatives

The Ideal Candidate

Isla seeks interns who share a commitment to fostering change and addressing social issues, through investigative research and writing in various sectors including human rights and gender equity, education, health, economic growth, social services, social empowerment, and more.

This internship provides a wonderful opportunity to earn academic credit to meet practicum, research, or capstone project requirements towards your degree. Or if you choose to intern abroad simply to gain international work experience in this unique global community, that is more than doable, too!

Skills & Abilities

• University undergrad and graduate students, and young professionals working on a degree (or who have graduated in fields) in journalism, media studies, communications, public relations, political science, English, creative writing, or other-related fields.
• Willingness to take initiative and work under minimal guidance in both office and field settings.
• Motivated and committed to work effectively as part of an inter-cultural team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and willingness to learn.
• Be flexible and work to understand diverse cultures, history, and relative current events.

All Isla internships are customized to your particular academic interests and skill set. Please note, if you are a university undergrad or grad student, it is your responsibility to check with your institution and with Isla Internships Abroad to be sure that your internship Scope of Work is designed to meet all requirements for your particular academic needs. 

The Isla Team is available to guide you through the process even before you accept your Isla internship position. Most of the work in developing your placement is conducted way before your arrival in-country!

Hear from 2024 Isla Alumni: “I would describe it as a unique and rewarding experience for anyone interested in exploring the world and helping people. My time in Kosovo was one that I'll never forget, as the knowledge I gained and the people I met will both have special places in my heart.”

“The internship experience was one that will open your worldview and expose you to new challenges that you will only experience interning abroad. Interning through Isla will develop not only memories, but skills that will transfer into the workforce.”

“I would describe this experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was very rewarding and it really shows what you can do by yourself in another country. It is something that I think everyone should do.”

Please note: A $90 application fee is required to process your application.

Apply here. Contact The Isla Team for more information at info@isla-serve.org! Live Learn Intern