Bolivia: Volunteer Journalism Internships

Bolivia: Volunteer Journalism Internships and Work-Experience

Whether you are already working as a journalist or are contemplating journalism as a career or university option, our voluntary Journalism placement in Bolivia offers you the chance to gain some fantastic work experience whilst living in one of the most vibrant countries in Latin America.

Volunteers on our Print Journalism placement not only get an insider's view of how a publication is run, they also get the chance to put together a portfolio of work. 

You will gain an insight into the workings of the media in a new cultural and political setting and ultimately gain invaluable work experience that will increase your prospects in a highly competitive job market.

Print Journalism Placement in Bolivia with Projects Abroad

Volunteers participating on a print journalism project in Bolivia work on the 'Cocha-Banner', a monthly English-language newspaper. This was established by Projects Abroad following on from the success of the 'Sivakasi Times' (now the 'Madurai Messenger') in India.

The Cocha-Banner is distributed for free within the city of Cochabamba, and covers a variety of topics, from news and current affairs to features and reviews. The paper gives the people of Cochabamba the chance to learn about local topics and give their opinions, whilst at the same time practising their English. It also gives organisations and other local groups the opportunity to 'spread the word' about the work they do.

Working alongside a local journalist, you will be given a range of responsibilities; everything from researching stories and interviewing people to writing articles and editing. You can also design layouts and get involved in various aspects of producing the publication. The newspaper is also contributed to by students from Cochabamba University, so you could get involved with editing, proofreading or even translating articles written by them, if your Spanish is up to it!

There are always lots of things going on in and around Cochabamba, so you will never be short of stories. Whether you are reporting on a strike, interviewing a local politician or attending a function, your knowledge of Bolivia and its people will grow along with your confidence.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with this pioneering publication, learning about many aspects of journalism, while experiencing life in this vibrant Bolivian city.

This Journalism project with the Cocha-Banner is also available for two weeks if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for short term volunteering for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain a valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone volunteering for a longer period. The Cocha-Banner is a monthly publication so by joining the project for two weeks you may not be at the placement when the edition is printed.