As The Asunción Times kicks off its new Writing Internship and Social Media Internship application period (apply before 8 September 2026), hear directly from our past intern Belén! She was an intern at The Asunción Times during the previous period and joined the team right afterward.
Each week a different challenge
Walking into my first internship, I expected to learn about writing and journalism from behind a desk. Instead, I found myself attending events, interviewing people and reporting stories in Asunción and across Paraguay. Each week brought a different challenge, pushing me to write faster, ask better questions and trust my own voice. For anyone considering applying to being an intern at The Asunción Times, here is what my experience taught me!
Starting with the basics
As I said, when I started to intern at The Asunción Times, I expected to just learn about journalism. However, I quickly discovered that the experience would extend far beyond weekly classes. Every Tuesday afternoon, we attended classes that introduced us to different aspects of writing and digital publishing. Then, our afternoons continued with The Asunción Times Tuesday Networking Events, creating opportunities to meet people from different professional backgrounds.
At first, learning the publication’s style felt like another challenge alongside my university studies. We discussed headlines, writing and interview techniques, and the importance of clear reporting. However, the lessons became easier to understand once I started applying them to my own articles. Each assignment showed me how small writing decisions could change the way readers understand a story.
Taking journalism beyond the classroom
The Asunción Times internship quickly moved from learning, to experiencing everything firsthand. Instead of just discussing reporting techniques, we received opportunities to attend events and find stories ourselves. This meant speaking with artists, athletes, business owners, and event organisers, asking questions and looking for details that could interest readers. As a result, every assignment became an opportunity to practise the skills we discussed during class.
Some of my most memorable experiences involved covering events like the 2026 World Cup, a Jagua Patriota event, Paraguay’s Independence Day, and an interview with artist María Lyakhovitskaya. Reporting on major events showed me how quickly everything I knew can change during an important story. I had to research carefully, identify the most relevant details and present them clearly. More importantly, I experienced the responsibility that comes with writing for a real audience.
Finding stories everywhere
Throughout the internship, I also covered events, interviewed people and reported on different aspects of life in Paraguay. These experiences introduced me to people whose stories I might never have encountered otherwise. Meanwhile, each interview taught me something about asking questions and listening carefully. Sometimes, the most interesting part of a story appeared during an unexpected answer.
Writing about different subjects also forced me to become more adaptable as a writer. One day, I could report on an event, while another assignment focused on culture, entertainment or business. Therefore, I could not rely on the same approach for every article. I had to understand the subject first, then decide how to tell its story effectively.
What surprised me most
Perhaps the biggest lesson was discovering how different professional writing feels from university assignments. At university, I often write with a specific academic purpose and audience in mind. At The Asunción Times, however, every sentence needs to communicate something useful to readers. The article needs a strong hook, a good angle, accurate information and a structure that keeps people interested.
I also learned that writing an article involves much more than putting information together. Research, interviews, editing and headlines all influence the final result. Furthermore, receiving feedback taught me to look at my writing more critically. Instead of becoming attached to every sentence, I learned to focus on what makes the story stronger.
What future interns should expect
For anyone considering applying, I would say that curiosity matters just as much as writing ability. You need to ask questions, accept feedback and remain willing to learn throughout the internship. At the same time, you should not be afraid of making mistakes because every assignment provides another chance to improve. The experience rewards people who actively participate rather than simply observe.
At The Asunción Times internship you should also expect to step outside your comfort zone and speak with unfamiliar people. Networking events make this easier because they create a relaxed environment for meeting professionals and your fellow interns. Meanwhile, reporting assignments give you practical reasons to approach people and start conversations. Over time, those experiences can make interviewing and networking feel much more natural.
Intern at The Asunción Times: More than an internship
Looking back, the internship has changed how I approach storytelling and communication. I learned to understand the importance of finding compelling stories. Journalism taught me to communicate those stories through research, interviews and carefully chosen words.
Most importantly, the internship showed me that journalism does not always begin with a dramatic headline. Sometimes, it begins with noticing something interesting and asking one simple question. From weekly classes to real reporting experiences, every part of the internship helped me become more confident. Ultimately, I learned that good writing starts with curiosity and grows through experience.
Want to find out more from of our previous interns? Read The Asunción Times Internship Open: This Is What An Internship With Us Feels Like!
How to apply?
Interested in applying for an internship at The Asunción Times? Find The Asunción Times Writing Internship application form here.
