As The Asunción Times kicks off its new internship application period (Writing Internship, Social Media Internship, Researcher Internship, and Events Internship – apply before 6 September 2025), hear directly from past interns! Dive into their stories and discover the experiences that await you.
This is the beginning…
For three months, a diverse group of promising writers experienced a transformative journey as part of the writing internship programme at The Asunción Times, Paraguay’s leading English-language newspaper committed to close-up, positive writing with an international outlook.
The internship programme was much more than a professional placement. It involved weekly in-person meetings with ongoing training and feedback, remote work activities, and real opportunities to create content. From interviews with artists, athletes, baristas, and cultural figures, to the adrenaline rush of a week on the News Desk. Each intern found a space to explore, make mistakes, learn, and create.
Between curiosity and a desire to write
For some, the internship was a logical step in their academic or professional path. For others, it was an unexpected opportunity to reconnect with a long-lost vocation.
“What motivated me most was the opportunity to gain practical experience in journalistic writing, especially in developing a style that is accessible and engaging for readers,” says Sol Orrabalis (27).
In Thaís Pujol’s (25) case, curiosity and overcoming doubt played a key role: “I felt my writing in English had stagnated, and was not sure about applying for the internship at first. But thanks to a friend who encouraged me, I decided to do it.”
Cynthia González (45), with over a decade of professional experience, found something different at The Asunción Times. “I saw a vibrant and multicultural community. Although my background is in marketing, this is what truly inspires me.”
Although each person’s journey into the internship was unique, they all shared a common thread: a desire to write, to learn, to challenge themselves, and to find in the written word a meaningful path. The internship did not merely represent a professional or academic opportunity; it marked an emotional and intellectual starting point for those who dream of telling stories that matter.
Storytelling, and stepping outside the comfort zone
The daily tasks of the internship spanned a wide range of practical experiences: article writing, in-depth interviews, event coverage, original photography, and teamwork within a real editorial setting. Yet beyond the technical aspects, what left the most lasting impression were the stories the interns encountered, and the people they met along the way.
“Each interview became a unique story. Being able to tell it authentically was one of the most rewarding parts,” shares Cynthia.
For Valeria Villalba (21), key takeaways included: “Learning to manage my time, improving my English, and facing the real pressure of journalism, especially during my week at the News Desk.”
Feeling safety under pressure
Samara Langley (18), the youngest intern of the group, described how overcoming anxiety became part of her journey. “I struggled to express myself, but at The Asunción Times, I felt safe, even while stepping outside my comfort zone.”
Through consistent practice, real challenges, and the close guidance of the editorial team, each intern gradually honed not only their professional skills, but also their voice, style, and confidence. Writing became a tool for personal transformation. In telling the stories of others, they discovered new ways to tell their own.
“This experience helped me to find my own writing style, something that says, ‘I wrote this,’” says Thaís.
And Valeria: “It is not only about writing well. It is about connecting, investigating, and communicating with integrity. I learned to see journalism as a form of social service.”
Recommend the experience?
The completion of the internship was celebrated at the Internship Graduation party at the Civis Alpha building in Asunción. When asked there, whether they would recommend the internship at The Asunción Times, there was no hesitation: yes. What they experienced was a deeply human, collaborative, and formative process.
“It is an ideal place for continuous learning. You do not just write articles, you build connections, and gain confidence,” affirms Cynthia.
The internship at The Asunción Times was not perceived as an academic obligation, nor merely a step on a career ladder. It was a space where making mistakes was not only allowed, but essential to growth. A place where guidance, respect, and trust made way for real development.
For many, it was the first step forward. For others, a reconnection with their calling. But for all, it was an experience that left a lasting mark.
How to apply?
Interested in applying for an internship at The Asunción Times?
Find The Asunción Times Writing Internship application form here.
Find The Asunción Times Social Media Internship application form here.
Find The Asunción Times Researcher Internship application form here.
Find The Asunción Times Events Internship application form here.
