ShareKUWAIT: Kuwait Times, the first English newspaper in the Arabian Gulf, established in 1961, launched the third edition of its Summer Program for 2024, on Sunday, in strategic partnership with Gulf Bank. The program will run from August 4 to 31, 2024. This four-week course will provide 20 interns with hands-on experience across various aspects of journalism, including news production, reporting, photography, and social media.
The program aims to equip participants with practical skills and insights, preparing them for careers in the dynamic field of media. In the first week of the Kuwait Times Summer Program, students will be introduced to a range of foundational classes. One of the key sessions, “How to Be a journalist,” offers a comprehensive introduction to the practices and types of journalism and reporting, providing students with a broad understanding of the field.
Another important class, “Introduction to Critical Thinking,” will engage students in theoretical exercises and activities designed to enhance their analytical skills. They will also learn “How a Daily Newspaper is produced,” a step-by-step explanation of the work processes at Kuwait Times, highlighting the roles played by various staff members. Additionally, the “FUNdamentals of Social Media” class will explore the art and science of capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention through engaging content, teaching students how to effectively utilize social media platforms in journalism.
In the second week, the focus will shift to more practical applications. Students will brainstorm ideas for reports and social media content, learning how to develop and refine their analytical skills. The session on “How to Develop Your Analytical Skills” will provide tips and hints on how to view the world with a critical eye, understand complex issues more deeply, and ask the right questions. They will also delve into “How to Pick a Topic,” learning the nuances of selecting relevant and engaging subjects for videos or reports.
The week will conclude with a class on “How to Use Generative AI in Journalism,” provided by CODED. This class will teach students how to utilize generative AI for research, analysis, writing, editing, and proofreading, preparing them to leverage advanced technology in their future careers. Participants in the Kuwait Times Summer Program will also embark on an enlightening field trip to Gulf Bank, where they will have the unique opportunity to explore journalism from a business perspective.
This visit will allow them to understand the intersection of finance and media. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the economic forces that shape news stories and the critical role that accurate and timely reporting plays in the business world. In the final two weeks of the program, participants will shift their focus to hands-on projects for both the newspaper and social media platforms. During this period, they will have the chance to develop their ideas, putting into practice the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired throughout the course.
