Journalism-gap-year

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Journalism-gap-year

Debating whether to go travelling or get work experience instead? Now you can do both! Bolivian Express is a not-for-profit English-language magazine based in La Paz, Bolivia. We offer 1-3 month introductions to Bolivia and journalism, where you will learn Spanish and investigate and write your own articles or photo-essays while living in the Bolivia Express headquarters in central La Paz.

Debating whether to go travelling or get work experience instead? Now you can do both!

Bolivian Express is a not-for-profit English-language magazine based in La Paz, Bolivia.

Our Programme

We offer 1-3 month introductions to Bolivia and journalism, designed to kick-start newcomers’ experience of an international working environment. You investigate and write your own articles or photo-essays. You can help design the magazine. In this professionally and personally enriching experience, you forge intercultural links and important personal contacts, both while staying in Bolivia and as part of ‘Bolivian Espressos’, our term for our closely-knit group of past participants.

What’s it like?

Three times a week you take Spanish in the morning. 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.

Is it Right for You?

You speak fluent English, are at least seventeen years old, and have an observant eye and inquisitive spirit. Spanish is helpful but not essential. School-leavers, graduates and students and are all welcome; we assign each a role according to their experience.

Present gap-year trends mean travel to foreign countries is not unusual. But, passing through hostels on sightseeing 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 country largely undiscovered by tourist masses. Your dream career does not have to be journalism, Bolivian Espressos are sought after by universities and a range of employers for their international experience, level of intellectual engagement and enterprise.

Our Background

Founded in 2009 by Bolivian journalists and Oxford graduates. Since then, over 50 talented people from 12 countries have collaborated on issues covering topics including politics, nightlife, art, football, music and gay parades. We’ve won the attention of artists, sports stars, the ministry for culture and the Bolivian Vice President.

Programme Cost

£800 for the first month, and £400 for each additional month. Includes:
•    Pre-trip guidance.
•    Air-port pick-up and local orientation.
•    Accommodation in our downtown city centre penthouse. It boasts panoramic views of the city, WIFI and
Sky TV.
•    6 hours of Spanish class a week.
•    Design, photography and journalism tutorials.
•    Bolivian mobile phone and a press pass.