Past Interns
11 Dec, 2019 | BX Team
Nick Somers
January - March 2015
January - June 2017
‘Nothing has had a bigger positive impact on my life than the two periods in 2015 and 2017 I spent with Bolivian Express in La Paz. Aside from the wonderful experiences and memories as well as the friends for life I made there, it allowed me to grow as a photographer. I wouldn’t stand where I do today without the work I did for and thanks to the people from Bolivian Express.’
Gabriel Deasy
February 2018
I think that the Sajama National Park is probably one of my favourite places in South America. I had a lovely time in Bolivia travelling and writing for the Bolivian Express and I hope to come back one day.
-----------
Sophie Hogan
February - June 2017
‘I was fresh from spending six months in Brazil, so Bolivia was another culture shock altogether. While I'd wanted to write for a magazine since, well, forever, and Bolivian Express gave me the opportunity, I was slightly terrified of the idea of doing it somewhere so different from home. But even from my first week in La Paz, the mood of the people struck me more than anywhere else I'd been. It almost said, 'let's get on with life, and grab it by the horns, whatever happens.' I like to think I'd adopted that mindset.’
-----------
Charlie Bladon
September - December 2017
‘I enjoyed two lovely stints with the Bolivian Express. First time leaving with a family to return to and second time knowing that I'd be welcome with open arms to such a warm and open country. The BX opens you up to these once in a lifetime experiences and I'm forever grateful for it. Here's to many more.’
-----------
Alexis King
March - April 2019
‘I will never forget the people I met and the opportunities I had as an intern at Bolivian Express. It was great fun and an incredible experience, in particular being given the freedom to pursue the projects I wanted to. I have to say when I arrived, I never thought I would have the chance to interview someone like Felix Patzi, then Governor of La Paz and lesser-known presidential candidate. But this is just a small part of the brilliant work that BX does. It was clear that featuring in the magazine has a real impact on people's lives and raises awareness of different issues across Bolivia.
Thank you again to the team for making me feel so welcome and all your help. Congratulations on the 100th edition!’
-----------
Katherina Sourine
May - July 2018
‘When I remember my time in Bolivia, the most striking memories are always the conversations I had with proud Bolivians. People were eager to tell their personal stories, history of the country, the diverse nature, the culture. I think it is a beautiful reflection of a place when its people have so much warmth to share. I also miss the choripanes.’
-----------
Anneli Aliaga
September - December 2019
‘Bolivia has become a second home for me. The Bolivian Express programme encourages and inspires interns to pursue their interests. I’ve personally loved exploring more about Bolivian cinema and art. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to get feedback on your articles, both in terms of content and style. The internship’s flexibility also allows plenty of time for travel around this beautiful country.’
-----------
George Fearnley
September - December 2019
‘Being an intern at Bolivian Express gives you the opportunity to get articles published and live in a vibrant country with a sense of security. Having a press pass gives you access to interesting people you wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to meet. The one on one spanish lessons organised with the institute were a personal highlight. Without language there is no culture!’
-----------
Lauren Minion
September - December 2019
‘Writing for the Bolivian Express gave me the opportunity to really delve into Bolivian Culture during my time there. Not only was I more aware of cultural events and happenings in the country (in search of article ideas), but I also had the chance of meeting so many more Bolivian people through interviews and classes with the magazine. The internship was an unforgettable experience for sure, and I’ll remember how much I learned and my breathtaking travels forever.’
-----------
Silvia Saccardi
September - December 2019
‘Being part of the Bolivian Express experience has been amazing. I would not have learnt nearly as much about Bolivian culture had it not been for the articles I have written. My Spanish has vastly improved due to the Spanish lessons and travelling across Bolivia. Although my time is nearly up here, it is hard to imagine going back to a place without chaotic micros, colourful markets and hills that take your breath away both because of the views and the altitude. Above all I will miss the kindness and warmth of Bolivian people.’
-----------
Rinalda Aay
November - December 2019
‘My time with the Bolivian Express has paved the way for me to spend time in and learn about a beautiful country full of rich cultures, wonderful people and beautiful scenery. It has been a great opportunity to explore my own interests in a Bolivian context, and has allowed me to dedicate time to writing, researching, interviewing and learning Spanish. Above all else, it’s an experience that I’ll never forget.’
-----------
Rhiannon Matthias
August - December 2019
‘I came across Bolivian Express in my final year of university thanks to a sign I saw from the corner of my eye in the language department. I’ve always dreamt of living and working in South America and interning with the magazine has been a great way to dip my toes in. It has given me such great insight into Bolivia, journalism and most importantly- myself. I definitely see myself coming back to Bolivia and feel so grateful to have come across many of the people I did.’
