(Sept. 2, 2011 - by Harold Goerzen) To say the five HCJB Global summer interns who served in Leeds, England, felt intimidated when they began the three-week program was certainly an understatement.

They were complete strangers studying broadcasting in a foreign country, and during the final two weeks they joined a dozen additional students from six countries-ranging from local high school students to a Nepalese broadcaster-to take an intensive course hosted by Radio Worldwide, a ministry of WEC International.

"The interns integrated extremely well with all the other course participants," said Danny Isenring of Radio Worldwide. "Rather than 'sticking out' because they came from different cultures and spoke with different accents, the interns turned this into a fun exercise, especially in the last week when they went live on the air. It was hilarious listening to them talking about how they pronounced some English names! Worcestershire, for example, which we pronounce 'Woostr´ Shr.'"

It helped that the interns had a week to adapt to their new surroundings before diving headlong into the radio course on Radio Worldwide's picturesque campus. The initial week was also a time of bonding and spiritual growth as David, director of the region, and his wife, Cathi, led the interns in a week of Bible studies.

"We had a lot to learn going into a new situation, but God blessed us with a fantastic experience," David explained. "I wanted the interns to grow in their walk with God, learn and improve their radio skills-especially using radio to engage those far from God-and have a cross-cultural experience." He said that goal was reached and that the whole program was "more than just a radio or cultural experience."

The 17 students then took the two-week broadcasting course at Radio Worldwide's facilities, featuring classes such as the theory of communication, writing for radio, how to research and write a news bulletin, and reading news on the air. "They made features and interviews, learned about digital editing, teamwork and how to interview people live on radio or prerecorded," Isenring explained.

Roger Basick gives a live report at the Carnvial in Rothwell, U.K.

This was followed by a week of practical experience when the students essentially ran a radio station that had a temporary, 24-hour-a-day license to broadcast before, during and after the annual Carnival-an event dating back six centuries to the King John era-at nearby Rothwell on Saturday, July 9.

"The purpose of the station was to promote the Carnival and talk about the events after it was over," said Roger Basick, HCJB Global's media specialist training manager for the Europe/Eurasia Region. "We had live broadcasts during the event and followed up with interviews that we had recorded."

To prepare for event, the students were divided into four groups: news gathering, on-air audio presenting, feature production, and feature presentation. Students interjected creative, 60-second blurbs called "seed spots" throughout the program schedule, prompting listeners to consider the claims of Christianity.

Some of these spots came from Whistling Frog Productions and Audiopot, both ministries of HCJB Global-UK. But most came from the students themselves as each group was required to produce two spots as well as a five- to eight-minute feature.

One group used the "Wild West" theme in its seed spot. A member of this group was a student from Oklahoma with a distinct accent. "She played the role of a woman who was trying to get away from the busy city with all of its crime, so she moved out west to the sleepy town of Rothwell," Basick related. "But there she only found more crime and corruption. She asked, 'Where in the world can I get away from all this corruption?' The narrator then told how the thief's purpose is to steal and destroy, no matter where you are. Only Christ is the answer."

Students also offered prizes to listeners, communicating primarily via email or social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Those interested in learning more about Christianity were referred to the website, www.needhim.org.

The course culminated with a graduation which family and friends of the local participants were invited to attend. "It was neat to connect with the community that way and to be able to present the gospel in a nonthreatening way, telling what we do and why we do it," Basick said. "It was really good to talk with some of the parents and people in the community."

He concluded that the internship program was "exhausting," but well worth the effort. "Helping the students gain confidence was the biggest thing. None of the students had a lot of confidence when they came. It was good for them to get instant feedback and experience doing tasks. The students realized that they could have a future in missionary radio. They have the opportunity to do a lot of good things. It was good to help develop the next generation of broadcasters."

Edith Dotson, for example, said she hopes to launch a youth-focused radio station in the U.S. Erin King wants to go into sports broadcasting. James Morris looks forward to starting an audio production house in Ireland.

"Many of the interns commented that this was the best course ever, and we are convinced that they made a huge contribution on that level," Isenring added. "I think it was the good mix of students we had. Everybody was willing to learn and willing to work together."

Source: HCJB Global