MEDIA INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

MAKE EXCITING, POWERFUL CONTENT TO INSPIRE AUDIENCES TO GET BEHIND VITAL CONSERVATION WORK

Join a team of passionate individuals while building an impressive portfolio of expertise within the media. In this internship, you’ll have the opportunity to use different multimedia tools to craft and share the stories, ideas, and key messages to help inspire audiences and educate them on important environmental issues.

Each month the organization hosts a TV program and also on social media they have gained a strong following. You’ll help to make this content, offering your creative ideas and then putting them into action. From capturing images and video footage of the animals at the sanctuary with high-tech camera equipment, including underwater cameras, as well as a drone, you’ll highlight the vital work at the sanctuary, as well as capture the hearts of the audience.

Learning objectives:

  • Finesse your media skills across a range of areas, from film and photography, to animation and sound capturing
  • Learn how to use different pieces of technical equipment such as underwater cameras and drones
  • Deepen your understanding of the environmental sector to inform content creation
  • Develop your independence and ability to make decisions about your work
  • Understand how a nonprofit operates and encourages donor support

ORGANIZATION

SOS Animal is driven to improve animal welfare throughout Portugal and beyond. They have a main office, as well as a veterinary hospital in Lisbon which are open to the public and members of SOS Animal. They have recently set up an animal sanctuary in the Santarém region of Portugal, which will be home to a rich variety of native animals and plant species.

The organization offers free veterinary care to animals from low-income and vulnerable households and has set up a successful animal sterilization program whereby they have performed over 3000 sterilizations. They have also found new homes for over 600 rescued animals and have given almost 10,000 free veterinary consultations to families in need.

Alongside providing medical treatment and care to animals, the organization aims to share important information relating to animal welfare and environmental issues impacting flora and fauna more widely. They do this through the dissemination of studies, running clarification sessions and hosting lectures and other educational activities. This nonprofit also contributes scientific research and data to help manage communities of stray animals, and promote initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare across the public and private sectors.

In 2013 and 2016, the organization featured on seasons 1 and 2 of the program, ‘SOS Animal’, broadcasted on Portuguese television. And again in 2019, they appeared in the first season of the program, ‘À Descoberta Com’ which had approximately 500,000 viewers per episode.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

As a media intern on this program, your tasks will include:

  • Collect content to feature in the monthly TV show, such as video footage and images of animals and plants
  • Use a variety of equipment to bring content to life, e.g. drone, underwater camera, 3D and 4D graphics and animation software
  • Capture and edit nature sounds from the sanctuary
  • Make decisions around how to piece content together to boost audience engagement
  • All interns assist with general work and at the start of the internship there will be an orientation program with basic skills (taking care of animals, cleaning, etc.)

Requirements

  • Background/experience with using different multimedia, such as DSLR cameras and editing software
  • Passion for media communications and a keen eye for aesthetics
  • Share the organization’s core values, demonstrating the desire to contribute to this unique project in Portugal
  • Proficiency in English (writing & speaking)
  • Minimum age of 20 years old

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You will stay at the sanctuary in Santarém, where there is a house with the choice of single or shared bedrooms. The house includes all furnishings, bed linen, a shared kitchen where you can prepare your meals, communal areas, as well as an outdoor pool for you to enjoy. The accommodation has access to Wifi and a cleaning service is included. You can buy groceries in the local town or order from an online supermarket for delivery.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Portugal is considered a very safe destination for travel. Crime rates are low, but pickpocketing and handbag snatches do occur in tourist destinations. Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy.

Communication

Communication

Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad.

Meals

Meals

The accommodation is self-catering and meals are not included in the fee. The consumption of meat and fish is not allowed in the sanctuary. You can order food from an online supermarket which will be delivered to the sanctuary.

Location details

Location details

The nearest city is 5 km from the sanctuary and you are welcome to take one of the sanctuary’s bicycles to explore the surroundings. Santarém is on a plateau, situated on the bank of the River Tagus, a picturesque area surrounded by hills and wheat fields. Located in the middle of the river, is the fairy-tale Castelo de Almourol, arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful castles.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internships are available from January until November. They have fixed start and end dates (generally twice a month), which will be discussed with you during the selection process.


What you’ll pay (2024 fees)

4 weeks EUR 1,318

8 weeks EUR 2,035

12 weeks EUR 2,751

16 weeks EUR 3,468

20 weeks EUR 4,185

26 weeks EUR 5,261

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation based on a shared room (up to 4 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Wifi access
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship

Exclusions

  • Flights to Lisbon
  • Transfer from the airport to the sanctuary (less than one hour by car)
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Meals, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Portugal.

What can I expect from an internship in Portugal?

You can expect to immerse yourself in the local way of life, potentially working on your Portuguese language skills, while collaborating with a diverse and welcoming community. As you contribute to meaningful projects in your chosen field, you’ll gain valuable insights into Portugal’s business practices and build a network of connections.

Will I have time to travel and explore during my internship?

Yes! You’ll have guaranteed days off each week to explore and travel as you please, and you can also ask your supervisor for a long weekend to plan a bigger trip around the country.

Can I receive university credit while on an internship in Portugal?

Yes, but you must ensure with your home university that all requirements are met. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits which will add onto your experience.

Will I receive compensation of any kind during my internship?

Unfortunately, no it is not possible to receive a stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid, so you can find other ways to fund your internship here. The personal and professional growth opportunities, combined with the wealth of knowledge you’ll learn are invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Santarém, Portugal
PROJECT FOCUS: Animal Welfare and Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Content Creation, Videography, Editing, TV
LENGTH: 4-26 weeks
COST: From EUR 1,318

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Build an impressive, diverse portfolio of media skills to add to your resume
  • Enjoy capturing film footage and photos of the animals at the sanctuary, observing them in their natural habitats
  • Help to craft and share the important conservation work that the organization is doing
  • Meet other like-minded individuals in an international setting
  • Live in a beautiful area of Portugal, with the forests as your back garden
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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