The Ecuador Reporter Internship

Programme
1.1 Introduction

The Ecuador Reporter was launched in September 2007 and is still the only
exclusive English speaking newspaper in country.
The newspaper is entirely run by voluntary writers and journalists who are looking
to further their careers as journalists in different areas of writing.

1.2 Newspaper summary

The paper targets 18-29 age group of travelers in Ecuador meaning stories on
travel, entertainment and nightlife are prominent. But there are also pages for
news, features, interviews, culture, sport, ʻThe Ecuador Backpackerʼ and
environment.

2.1 The Internship

The internship is a great way to gain experience and explore a different culture.
With the paper youʼll be able to get right into the heart of Ecuador through all the
contacts we have established.
It is advisable journalists come between 2 and 6 months (please note that tourist
visas can no longer be extended from three months. Should you wish to stay any
longer you must get a Student/Volunteer/Work Visa. The Ecuador Reporter can
help you get this.)

2.2 Roles and Responsibilities of Journalists

a) Stories

• Journalists are expected to have completed news stories and handed in on

the deadline, which is on the third Thursday of every month, unless you have had
specific permission from the editor.
• They must be within the word count that you have been assigned

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• Every story, unless specified by the editor, must have complimentary photos.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have them, either taken by the paperʼs
photographer or taken by yourselves.

b) Ideas & Suggestions

• Journalists meet on the Tuesday after deadline week to discuss ideas for the
next edition. This normally falls on the final Tuesday of the month.
• Journalists are encouraged to suggest ideas for the paper, but in no way can
the stories be political or raise any political propaganda.
• Any story ideas for the paper must either be brought up at the meeting or be
run past the editor prior to the story being written.

c) Distribution
a. Monday distribution. Journalists, unless they are away on a story, is
expected to help on Monday mornings between 10.30AM-1PM to
distribute around ʻLa Mariscalʼ, the tourist area of Quito. This is
mandatory part of work for the newspaper and must be
completed.
b. Anyone passing in the street and see an empty pile of papers
should take responsibility and stock them up. It is your word that
people read; so let people see your work!

d) Code of Conduct
a. Anyone working for the newspaper, albeit voluntarily, should always
keep in mind that you are representing the paper whether you are
on a story or on a night out in Quito.
b. To maintain a healthy working relationship, journalists should
always attend meetings and carry out any task asked of them by
the editor. Should at any stage a journalist behave in an outlandish
manner that immediately affects the paper or the staff, the editor
reserves the right to discharge you from the paper.
c. Any aggression towards members of the staff of the newspaper will
not be tolerated under any circumstances. This is a paper where
people come to learn and breed as journalists, not a full flowing
news cooperation.

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2.3 Accommodation

There are many options of where to live in Quito, including family stays and
apartments. There are always plenty of options available for whatever time of
year you come. Just get in touch with the paper a month or two before you decide
to come. It normally costs around $200/ month for a decent place.

2.4 Learning Spanish

Ecuador is a great place to learn Spanish. Should you wish to have classes the
paper has many contacts with lessons averaging on $5 one-to-one.

2.4 Costs

The Ecuador Reporter does not take any money from journalists in terms of
administration costs, but journalists are expected to pay for additional costs
themselves including:

• Travel expenses
• Spanish Classes
• Accommodation

The paper can provide journalists, however, with trips around the country that
companies pay for. This can add up though to a decent amount.

3.1 Application

If you wish to become an intern for The Ecuador Reporter email:

• CV
• An example of published work
• Date and length of time you wish to come
• Level of Spanish
• Requirements
• Questions

to the editor Tom Nicolson at tom@ecuadorreporter.com.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

The Ecuador Reporter