Journalism - CHINA Daily Life

China journalism daily life

Journalism volunteers are well placed in this fast paced city as they get to write and report about things as they happen. Journalists working for our business publications, Biz Shanghai and China Business Focus often get to meet local business leaders and attend social functions and press conferences held by consulates and multi-million dollar businesses. Journalists placed on our entertainment or lifestyle magazines have their finger on the pulse of Shanghai's nightlife and entertainment. Through their magazine they will be invited to lots of social events and asked to review new bars and clubs as well as getting to see some amazing local and international bands.

A journalist never ever has a typical day. The mornings are often quite relaxed - work generally begins at around 10:00 - but volunteers will spend their evenings reporting and investigating stories and writing features.

Our volunteers are spread across the city depending on where their placement is situated. Shanghai as a city is divided roughly into two parts by the Huangpu River, east of the river- Pudong and west of the river- Puxi. Pudong is a fairly new area, which has only been built up, in the last 15 or so years. It has impressive skyscrapers and new buildings are being constructed all the time. It is known as the new financial area of Shanghai. Puxi is the older part of Shanghai and still hosts almost all of the entertainment and nightlife spots. During their time in Shanghai volunteers constantly come in contact with this contrast between new and old, not only with regard to architecture but also with regards to the way people think and act.

Projects Abroad presently rent four flats in Pudong and two in Puxi. Unlike other destinations where our volunteers work, the journalism and business volunteers are placed in rented flats and generally live with up to 4 other volunteers. Meals are arranged by our Chinese staff in local restaurants, which are normally no more than a few minutes walk from the accommodation.

Public transport around Shanghai is generally very efficient. Our volunteers either take a bus to work or a metro. This route is explained during the induction on arrival and the 'Projects Abroad' staff in Shanghai make sure the volunteers are happy with making this journey by themselves. Taxis in the city are also very cheap and some volunteers use these if they are running late or have to attend an interview or exhibition.