News Group has launched an international internship program for university level students studying public relations and media sciences.

The announcement was made during the Global Communications Conference (Globcom 2009) that was held in Abu Dhabi. The conference attracted 100 students from 19 universities around the world to participate in a competition to show their PR skills and abilities.

The Internship program will be awarded to 24 accomplished scholars enrolled in public relations, communications or media science programs at universities around the world.

Twelve seats will be awarded to students studying at institutions in the GCC, Levant and Iraq, while another 12 seats will be awarded based on open application process to students from around the world.

The internships may be awarded during the students’ enrollment at university or immediately following graduation.

'Interns will be provided a one–year work and training experience at News Group offices based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Beirut,' said Mazen Nahawi, president of News Group.

The year long program provides the students with paid accommodation and a variety of financial and educational benefits. It will also involve travel between different countries across the Middle East, North Africa and India where News Group services are operating.

Interns will work within the group structure to study, create and implement PR programs and services. They will also have extensive contact with clients, partners and journalists on a regular basis.

'We often have students undergo training at the company, but this is completely different – it is the establishment of a permanent program to help enhance the skills of PR students  and new graduates, as well as to launch their careers with solid real life experience and first rate training,' added Nahawi.-TradeArabia News Service