Interns dive deep into newsroom life at Arab Times

04/09/2025

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 4: The newsroom doors at the Arab Times opened this summer to two enthusiastic interns, Sara Al-Awadhi and Abel Thomas Vinod, offering them hands-on experience that revealed the heart and craft of journalism in detail. Their internship went far beyond simple observation, as they were immersed in a comprehensive curriculum covering essential newsroom skills: orientation with Human Resources, the basics of news writing, intensive workshops with immediate practice, rewriting and editorial production, real-world projects, and honing professional skills, including social media management and fact-checking. They also learned the technical aspects, such as color separation, page design, layout, and prepress -- a full-circle introduction to what it takes to bring a newspaper to life.

Reflecting on his experience, Vinod described his internship as “a launch pad into journalism,” as the Arab Times team fostered a welcoming environment, opening doors to the craft of storytelling. “They made me see how a newsroom brings stories to life. I leave grateful and energized for the future.” He added, “The team provided full support and guidance, which made my learning experience both positive and productive. I gained valuable insights into journalism and media operations, while deepening my understanding of ethical standards in the field.”

Meanwhile, Al-Awadhi shared her internship experience, describing it as a deeper dive into the nuances of storytelling. She disclosed, “I was initially drawn to the internship not just for the professional experience it would add to my CV, but also to develop my communication skills and learn how to tell stories that readers truly engage with. Working closely with the editorial team helped me sharpen my writing skills, practice translation, and most importantly, understand the emotional weight behind impactful articles.” Her internship included a behind-the-scenes look into the newspaper’s various departments -- from editing and page design to the printing process. Her discussions with the Arab Times staff, which explored fact-checking, digital engagement, and the future of news publishing, left a lasting impression.

She added, “The highlight of my internship was contributing to a full-page feature, which was both challenging and rewarding. I believe the soft skills this program cultivated -- particularly time management, adaptability, and professionalism -- will have a lasting impact on my academic and professional journey.”

The internship program of the Arab Times continues to be an important platform for aspiring journalists and media professionals in Kuwait, offering not only technical training but also real-world experiences that prepare participants for the fast-paced demands of modern journalism. Editor-in-Chief of the Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah awarded certificates to the interns, reminding them that journalism is a craft which demands heart and rigor in equal measure. “You are not just learning to report, you are learning to listen, to question, and to connect with readers. You will go a long way with the skills you gained here.” This summer, the Arab Times did not just train interns. It sparked the beginning of new voices, ready to shape the stories of tomorrow.