Studying Abroad

You can do our courses anywhere on earth - provided there’s internet access! We currently have students in:

But does studying abroad work?

Nicky Yeeles – Poland

When I started the Newspaper Journalism course, I had no idea how much work it would involve - or how much I would enjoy it.

As an EFL teacher in Poland, I had two criteria: I wanted a course flexible enough to follow overseas, and I needed to feel confident about getting a job on my return to the UK.

The CTJT course came up trumps on both counts.

It allowed me to hold down a full-time teaching job while studying, with Cleland Thom available at all times to help.

The feedback has been personalised and constructive – and my work is often returned within minutes, sometimes even on a Sunday.

Obviously Poland isn't flooded with UK government stories, so I've really appreciated doing an online course which is bang up-to-date.

Studying a new subject in a foreign country can be isolated, but immediate email access to a tutor often reassured me I was on the right track.

When I return to the UK I plan to get some work experience before applying to a local newspaper.

The course has given me the confidence to change career as well as the tools - like CV writing and contacts - to really go for it.

Derek Seymour – Australia

There are a number of great reasons why any aspiring journalist should consider an online course of study.

For starters, you can dictate your own hours.

Feel like studying in the middle of the night? Burn the midnight oil!

If you are having a bad day, or even a bad week, that's not a problem either. Take a week off, the teacher won't mind!

Once you are in your classroom there isn't a dress code and the coffee machine is never far away.

If you feel inspired wearing jockey shorts and a string vest, then who's going to mind?

Also, you'll never be asked to stand up and tell everyone about yourself.

And there won't be any danger of being given an atomic wedgee by the class joker.

Yes, there are some significant advantages.

One thing I love about studying journalism is listening to other people's stories.

It's amazing how many people will open up their vault when you tell them you are a journalist. If they clam up, what are they hiding?

Studying journalism allows you to wallow in your own obsessions.

Do you like listening to pre- war jazz. or reading weird underground comics? Great, now you have an excuse to be a geek.

Being connected to the web means you have a wealth of information at your fingertips.

It really is amazing.

It doesn't matter where you work as such as long as you are connected.

I have followed the CTJT Newspaper Journalism Course in three countries: England, New Zealand and Australia.

All you need is a modem and access to the net.

I’m sure the web is the classroom of the future. The possibilities are just being scratched at the moment.

Studying long distance from England here in the windy city of Wellington is never an issue.

When I complete and email my assignments at night. I know the tutors will have my work marked by the time I get up in the morning.

I have found the coursework tough at times. This isn't a walk in the park.

Especially some of the law modules.

I have been surprised at the amount to cover, but because of reasons outlined above, it seems manageable in bite size chunks.

Another great thing about studying journalism is the diversity of work available when you qualify.

Do you fancy freelance? Newspaper work? Online? Sports writing?

When I complete my studies I’m hoping to get into newspaper journalism of some kind.

I have had some interest shown already by sending coursework assignment to various local rags, so I know some of my stuff is up to snuff.

Another good reason to study on line is that any lack of traditional schooling won't necessarily hinder you.

When I told my mum I was embarking on a journalism course she told me with some concern: "But you have to be clever for that.” Of course, I made sure she knew I had received a number of A grades!