The 10th Summer Course of Journey: Journalism Bootcamp Opens Applications

For the tenth year in a row, students of journalism and media studies from the Czech Republic and beyond will have the opportunity to take part in Journey: Journalism Bootcamp, an elite international summer school. Today, Bakala Foundation officially opened applications for this intensive course, which focuses on honing journalistic skills under the mentorship of leading reporters and editors from some of the world's most prestigious media outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, and The New Yorker.

Once again, Journey promises an exceptional experience. Participants from 15 countries—including Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, the UK, the US, Georgia, and Armenia—will engage in hours of seminars, workshops, and hands-on training, all led by top-tier professionals in modern journalism.

"We believe that cross-cultural exchange in journalism is an invaluable experience, especially in today’s world. Our program provides exactly that," says Paulina Horenská Turisová, Journey Program Manager.

Throughout the course, participants will develop investigative skills, data journalism techniques, ethical reporting practices, and real-world storytelling methods. They will work with renowned journalists from CNN, The New Yorker, Reuters, and Bloomberg, including Pulitzer Prize winner Adam Entous, recognized for his in-depth coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Regular faculty also include CNN’s Evan Perez and Michael Winfrey, former Bloomberg editor.

The summer school will open with a keynote speech by Jen Stout, an award-winning journalist who has reported from Ukraine for major outlets such as BBC and The Sunday Post. A 2017 Journey alumna, she reflects: “The friendships and connections I made during Journey—especially with my Ukrainian colleagues—are still strong seven years later. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring journalists.” In 2024, Stout published Night Train to Odesa: Covering the Human Cost of Russia’s War.

A key outcome of Journey is the production of original investigative articles tackling globally relevant issues. While the program is primarily aimed at journalism and media students, it is also open to applicants from other fields who demonstrate a strong passion for journalism.

📌 Applications are open from February 10 to April 6, 2025. 📌 The summer school will take place in Prague from July 26 to August 4, 2025. 📌 All selected participants receive full scholarships covering travel, accommodation, and meals.

Since its launch in 2015, Journey has welcomed over 180 aspiring journalists, many of whom now work for leading media outlets worldwide. Apply now and become part of the next generation of global reporters!

More information and applications can be found on the Journey website.