TRAINING + VOLUNTEERING + INTERNING
We offer 1-3 month training programmes geared towards print journalism.
Participants are involved in all aspects of magazine production, and take tuition modules on the side aimed at strengthening linguistic and journalistic skills essential for being a journalist in Bolivia.
The experience involves learning about journalism and Bolivian culture in an immersive environment. The programme fee covers 40 hours of tuition per month (covering Spanish, journalism, and photography), as well as your accommodation (living with volunteers and locals in the BX house), lunch, internet access, mobile phone, airport pickup, pre-trip guidance and a press pass during your stay.
Aside from the training, you are tasked with doing research and writing your own articles or producing photo-essays, with ample opportunity to practice your Spanish, or with assistance from an interpreter. You can also help design the magazine.
As part of the learning experience you will intern within the organisation to produce a monthly magazine which is distributed for free across Bolivia. You will therefore be volunteering as part of a cultural project which aims to foster ties between Bolivia and the English-speaking world by producing news and content from an under-reported region.
WHAT’S THE TRAINING PROGRAMME LIKE
Three times a week you take Spanish class in the morning, with photography and journalism training sessions in between. You also attend newsroom sessions and other programme tutorials, but mainly you will plan your own day: researching and writing articles, relaxing or travelling. We help you navigate La Paz, finding gyms, llamas, carnavals and leads. In your time off, we’ll also be able to direct you to the best retaurants, bars and other fun stuff. The month’s work culminates in a few days with our designers, where you can help shape the look of your month’s magazine.
In this personally and professionaly enriching experience, you will forge intercultural links and important personal contacts, both in Bolivia and as part of Bolivian Espressos, a closely-knit group of former participants.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
We are looking for people interested in discovering Bolivian culture. Whether you are focusing on learning the language, want a journalism internship, have a passion for photography, are an avid writer or enjoy magazine design, there will be something for you. You must speak fluent English, be at least seventeen years old, and have an observant eye and inquisitive spirit. Spanish is helpful but not essential. Graduates, professionals, students and school-leavers and are all welcome; responsibilities and challenges are assigned according to experience.
Present gap-year trends typically involve travelling to many worldwide destinations, often staying in each place for a few days at a time. But, passing through hostels on sight-seeing visits, travellers are rarely able to get in touch with local culture. Working with us you will be immersed in a foreign environment and, with our support, meet the challenge of a learning about aspects of the country largely undiscovered by tourist masses. Your dream career does not have to be journalism, 'Bolivian Espressos' (as past participants are known) are sought after by a range of employers and universities for their international experience, level of intellectual engagement and enterprise. To date, we've worked with over 400 people from over 25 countries.
WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE HAVE WE HAD TAKING PART IN THE PAST?
Students of Spanish and Modern Languages students on years abroad.
Graduates from Journalism School and other Masters Programmes
TV and Film School Students
University Students and Graduates
School-leavers on Gap Years or Holiday
Employees on Career-break or Holiday
Professional Journalists
WHAT'S THE AGE RANGE OF PEOPLE TAKING PART?
In the past our participants have been aged from 18 to 65. The majority tend to be in their twenties, but we are very pleased when both older and younger people apply, as a diverse intake always enriches our team.
