Field Notes: The Media School Travel Blog

When I first received word that I’d be interviewing with Great British Mag, I was a little nervous. Although I’d told Anglo — the company that matches us with our internships — I would be interested in working for a magazine along with other print and online publications, I had never actually done any magazine work, let alone done anything for a company across the ocean from my childhood bedroom. 

Great British Mag is a digital magazine for international students interested in studying in the U.K. — and it’s supposed to be written from a British perspective. I am writing as an outsider, which has proven to be one of the most difficult parts of my job. It worried me, especially in the beginning, that I wouldn’t be able to do anything right or contribute anything to this publication. It was a struggle at first. For example, I learned that “boardwalk” and “ragging on someone” are both American terms, and I wasn’t supposed to be using them. I’m also writing about U.K. universities, international student resources and the U.K. grading systems when I knew very little about these topics starting out. In the beginning, I kept feeling that if I were actually in the U.K., like I was supposed to be, I’d know a lot more about these subjects. 

But I’ve chipped away at this issue by doing research — lots and lots of research. My boss also helped and has explained some British culture to me through Zoom calls, emails and edits. I’ve realized that my situation as a virtual intern and as someone from the U.S. does not mean I’m incapable of writing for this publication. Not only has this opportunity helped me learn about another country, it’s helped me become more confident in magazine-style writing, graphic design, video editing and even working independently.