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SOUTH AFRICA: Graphic Design, Advertising, Publishing & Web Development!

Company : Travellers Worldwide
Activities : Gap year / Career break / Work Placements / Combo Travel Placements / Media / Journalism Work Experience / Internship / Jobs / Professional Work
Countries : South Africa
Location : Knysna, South Africa

Info

Learn about the business of Graphic Design in a friendly South African firm based on the edge of a Lagoon in one of South Africa’s most beautiful tourist locations.

You'll learn the basics of the business of graphics design. You'll work alongside the staff in your area of expertise. If you have more than one skill/interest area then you will most likely get the chance to be involved in several areas of the company. Whatever your area of expertise, you'll have a hands-on role, this may be as part of a group or you may be given some tasks to work on by yourself.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
WHY GET WORK EXPERIENCE?
In a world of competition where an army of graduates are lining up for the top jobs, what would set you apart from the crowd and make employees look twice? Education establishments and employees are looking for that little bit extra today.

Opening your mind and your horizons by living and working abroad is a huge personal and professional achievement that you will always be proud of. Nothing shows as much motivation, initiative and passion as arranging your own cultural experience abroad and gaining real life work experience.

ABOUT THE COMPANY:
The graphic design company that you will be working with is based in a small town called Knysna, situated in the famous Garden Route area of the Western Cape region. The company is located right down by the waterfront in a beautiful location, just outside of town. It’s a small and friendly firm but you are sure to be kept busy!

The company has been established since 1995 and currently has four staff members. Their expertise is in advertising, design and marketing development and they concentrate on all facets of design from brief to print or internet publishing.

Their achievements include:
- The first published local content national lifestyle glossy magazine
- They handle the biggest accounts in Knysna
- They also have a range of international clients

WORK CONTENT:
You will learn the basics of the business of graphics design. You'll work alongside the staff in your area of expertise. If you have more than one skill/interest area then you will most likely get the chance to be involved in several areas of the company. Whatever your area of expertise, you'll have a hands-on role, this may be as part of a group or you may be given some tasks to work on by yourself.

You will be involved in projects that the company is currently working on and will usually work on several different projects during your time on the placement. You’ll usually assist a member of staff at first with more basic tasks and proceed to working alone on tasks once your confidence grows and the staff feels you are ready.

You will be required to work from Monday to Friday and you will have the weekends free for any site-seeing, excursions or general leisure time.

Your hours will be split as follows:
Monday to Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: The firm finishes early on a Friday so you will only be required to work about 4-5hrs on this day.

You will be required to have some background experience or knowledge in graphic design, photography, writing or internet development. You must also be energetic, self motivated, confident working both alone and in a team and have a friendly disposition. You should also have an open mind and a flexible attitude. You may find that your assigned tasks differ depending on your skills and experience, so if you’re not confident in every area, don’t worry!

“… I was taught how to use Corel Draw program which is like Photoshop so then I was allowed to play around with some of the designs and edit a few things giving my interpretation towards them, which lead to one of my designs being used in the final piece of work for a customer.

For the last couple of weeks I have been given more designs to do and actually designed a logo the other day for a new business and the man was really happy with it and definitely wants to use it for his flyers and in the future. I am quite happy … that I am getting really involved and that the work I am doing is being noticed.” Carolyne Linsley

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
-An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the many diverse cultures in South Africa

-New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

-An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

-And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO WHILE ON THIS PROJECT:

* 5-DAY OR 7-DAY SAFARI from Cape Town up the renowned Garden Route: taking in Dolphin and Whale Spotting, visits to many tourist attractions, such as a visit to a brewery(!), the Bloukrantz Bungy Jump (reportedly the highest in the world), and a guided tour of the Cango Caves.
* 1 WEEK WHALES, SHARKS AND DOLPHINS Project: This is an extraordinary and exciting project in a beautiful location, surrounded by white beaches and blue ocean. And two hours from the world's third favourite city - Cape Town. What more could anyone want?
* SURFING COURSES: In the buzz city of Durban.
* PARAGLIDING COURSE: Soar over the impressively beautiful Drakensburg Mountain. You'll get a licence at the end of the course which qualifies you to do solo paragliding around the world.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Knysna: For this project you will live in our volunteer house with other Travellers volunteers. You may either have your own room or will share a room with one or more other Travellers volunteers. It will depend on how many people are there at the same time that you are. This is a comfortable house with good facilities and a beautiful view of Knysna Lagoon. You will be provided with a food budget, so that you can buy your own groceries and cook and prepare your own meals at the house, this makes for a great social event.

When accommodation is limited, we occasionally place volunteers in a local Guest House which is very comfortable and convenient for access into town. Please note that occasionally the house that we use may change owing to availability.

There are several good, inexpensive steak houses and lots of good Chinese, Italian and other ethnic restaurants all over South Africa. Seafood, of course, is often fresh and plentiful.
On Arrival, your Introduction to the Country:
When you arrive you will be welcomed by a member of our South African staff who will take you to your accommodation and introduce you to everyone. During your first few days you'll be given an induction so that you can learn about the country and its culture, as well as other useful information, like how to use the transport system, banks, safety issues, tipping, and lots more.

"The area is beautiful and travelling is easy. The house we stay in is lovely and the Travellers workers are such kind, loving people which really makes it feel like a home away from home. What with all the other volunteers and the Travellers staff, it really does feel like our own little family ... well, our own very big family, I suppose!!!!" Luke Brennan

Be inspired by one volunteers story of her time in South Africa and the subsequent links she developed when she was back home. Sarah Cowan's heart warming story

TRAVEL:
You'll fly into George Airport, or Baz Bus into Knysna, where you'll be met by one of our staff. You'll be taken to your work and your accommodation and introduced to your hosts. You'd be well advised to prepare yourself for an almost overwhelmingly friendly welcome!

You have the option to arrange your own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Limited, ATOL No. 6856. Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up before leaving for your placement.

VISAS: For many nationalities, visas are not required for a stay of 90 days or less. If you’re not sure whether you need a visa or not, please visit http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp to see whether your country is exempt. If you do need a visa, we will assist you and help make the visa process as easy as possible.

Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination country. Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa and the level of your air ticket, of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get a changeable ticket.

We can also arrange your flight dates to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a fascinating and wondrous country!

Duration

2 weeks and up to 1 year, subject to visa requirements. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Start Dates

All year round - you choose your start and finish dates!

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £895 for two weeks.

Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

You will be required to have some background experience or knowledge in graphic design, photography, writing or internet development.

All our projects are open to all nationalities.
Unless otherwise stated, you need to be aged between 17 and 70+