I was enrolled in the Print Journalism program. I knew VIN through a Belgian organization called « Service Volontaire International ». I visited VIN’s website to know more specifically about its programs. At that time, I was looking for an internship related to my interests in researching, writing, and to my studies in political science. The Print Journalism internship was precisely what I needed. After writing essays during my studies and long trip reports for a French association, it was an opportunity to diversify my writing skills with experienced journalists. I also wanted to have a better understanding of the functioning of media, a key-element in contemporary states.
Working on my own, I was free to manage my time between the newspaper, VIN’s office and various places for meeting, interviewing, researching. The internship required an ability to adapt, and it was worth it. I was not expecting to achieve so many articles, picturing the internship as a focus on long-term research rather than writing of regularly published articles. Ultimately it was really gratifying. My main challenge was the very first day of work when I had to write my first article within one day. It was stimulating and really helpful at the end. I realized that it was not so hard with little motivation and concentration. It made me more confident about the overall process of writing in another language.
The Print Journalism program helped me get knowledge on diverse subjects that i may not have been aware of otherwise. I eventually learned more about Nepalese society than media but it was beneficial by giving me a wide range of views on political and social matters. It gave me a chance to raise awareness on those issues in return. It was also a great way to exchange with Nepalese people, as well as personally reflect, on the situation in France.
I cannot clearly dissociate the volunteering time from the rest of my life in Nepal during that period of internship. Research was constantly mingled with daily life; the articles dealing with ongoing issues. This is the reason why the Print Journalism program was so enriching for my life as a whole. The editor of the newspaper taught me to bear in mind the importance of looking at the bottom of society, not just « at the top ». VIN showed me what commitment is about. Those are things one does not forget.
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