grades 1-6 are called grammar school...
They are also sometimes called Elementary schools.
I think you've got a good idea now of what age students are at each school, so I'll just address this one.
And, if possible, can anyone tell me what's the education (college, university or so) needed to become a journalist?
While, as Paul said, it is possible to become a jounalist by studying English, Communications or something like that, at this point nearly all newspapers are looking for graduates with degrees in journalism.
Many colleges and universities have journalism programs supervised by either the Communications or English departments. More rare, and more presitigious, are the actual Schools of Journalism. These are professional schools that offer degrees (undergraduate and graduate) in Journalism and Mass Communication, usually within a certain track (ie Print, Broadcast, Advertising, Public Relations).
I attend the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina, generally accepted to be one of the best in the country. The school's home page is
here and it has lots of information you might find useful, like information about what classes are required. Other Universities that have Journalism school's you might want to look at are: Northwestern, Columbia, Missouri and Maryland.
Journalism programs traditionally take four years, and it's rare for someone to get a masters degree or PhD unless they plan to teach. It certainly does happen, but it's not expected.
Though the name on your diploma is important, more important is actual work experience. Internships are cutthroat. Journalism jobs are almost impossible to come by, and internships are the key. We begin applying in September and October for internships for the following summer. A paper like the The Daily Planet would probably receive tens of thousands of applications for 5-10 openings. To be a contender for one of those covetted spots, an applicant would be expected to have a minimum of two previous internships at good-sized papers, plus work on the student newspaper at their school and/or some sort of incredible life experience. Most journalism students believe their work on their student paper or an area paper to be the most important part of their education. If you want more information about internships and/or student newspapers, let me know and I'll give you more information, rather than bombarding you with it now.
Annie
