Working as a journalist abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as a journalist abroad like?

• As a journalist abroad, you are in the thick of things. You are the first to report on what's happening in the country you are in.
• Stories extend beyond your own street, city, or country. You report on what's happening in other societies, follow developments, and provide more context to the news.
• Journalism can cover topics such as politics, human rights, the environment, culture, economics, or simply everyday life.
• Journalists abroad work for newspapers, magazines, online platforms, radio and TV stations, NGOs, or as freelancers. Sometimes you work from a fixed location, sometimes you travel from topic to topic (country to country).
• Responsibilities: The duties vary greatly depending on the position and client, and can include:
  • Writing news articles, background stories, and reports.
  • Conducting interviews with local residents, experts, and policymakers.
  • Conducting research on social or political issues.
  • Producing photography, video, or audio recordings.
  • Collaborating with local fixers, editors, or correspondents.
  • Fact-checking and source research.
• Working conditions: Many journalists work freelance or on a project basis.
• Contracts are often temporary or per assignment.
• Income can fluctuate considerably and is sometimes uncertain.
• Local employment conditions vary by country and organization.
• For internships and entry-level positions, compensation is often limited.
• Working hours are irregular, especially during news or crises.

What are the reasons for working as a journalist abroad?

• To utilize your curiosity: you follow developments on the ground and gain access to stories that would otherwise remain invisible.
• To develop analytical skills: you learn to interpret events, make connections, and separate facts from opinions, often in complex contexts.
• To strengthen communication skills: you interview people from diverse backgrounds and translate their stories for a wider audience.
• To become aware of your surroundings: you learn how culture, power, history, and politics influence the news.
• To work independently: as a journalist, you take initiative, determine your own perspectives, and take responsibility for your work.

What skills and motivations do you need to work as a journalist abroad?

• Curiosity: wanting to understand what's really going on, even behind the scenes.
• Analytical skills: checking facts, providing context, and separating the main issues from the side issues.
• Communication skills: being a good listener, asking probing questions, and writing or narrating clearly.
• Independence: you often work alone, without an editorial team around you.
• Perseverance: stories take time, access isn't guaranteed, and deadlines are constant.
• Situational awareness: working with respect for local sensitivities and security situations.

What are the best countries and locations to work as a journalist abroad?

• Countries with many international media outlets and correspondents: United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany.
• Countries with many foreign journalists working on politics and conflict: Lebanon, Ukraine, South Africa.
• Countries suitable for background stories, culture, and reporting: Mexico, India, Indonesia, Brazil.

What are the risks of working as a journalist abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working as a journalist abroad?
  • It's common to work in countries with increased security risks: political unrest, violence, or repression.
  • It's common to face health risks: other illnesses, limited medical facilities, or high healthcare costs.
  • It's common to face legal risks: press freedom isn't a given everywhere, and regulations vary widely.
  • It's common to travel to remote or risky areas: with a greater chance of accidents or evacuations.
  • It's common to experience uncertainty about your income: illness or accidents can have direct financial consequences.
• Are you insured while working as a journalist abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.