Teaching People to Tell Stories That Matter
Started in early 2024 after realizing too many talented writers were stuck writing corporate emails when they wanted to do real journalism. Not the glamorous kind you see in movies—the actual work of talking to people, finding truth, and writing it down clearly.
We work with folks in Taiwan who want to break into journalism but don't know where to start. Most come from unrelated fields. They've been teachers, office workers, translators. Some studied literature but never touched reporting.
The program runs over several months because learning journalism isn't about memorizing style guides. It's about developing judgment, building interview skills, and understanding what makes a story worth telling.
What We Actually Do
Practical Reporting
Students go out and talk to real people. They cover local events, interview business owners, attend council meetings. Then we tear apart their drafts together and rebuild them into something readable.
Ethics Without Preaching
Journalism schools love abstract ethics discussions. We focus on real situations—when sources ask you not to publish something, how to handle conflicts of interest, what to do when your editor pressures you for a certain angle.
Building Networks
Getting your first journalism gig in Taiwan requires knowing people. We introduce students to working journalists, editors, and media professionals who remember what starting out felt like.
How Students Learn Here
No lectures about the importance of a free press. We skip the theory and get straight to work. The program combines hands-on assignments with regular feedback sessions where nothing is sugar-coated.
Start With Small Stories
First assignments are deliberately simple—profile a local shop owner, cover a community event. Students learn structure and interviewing basics before tackling complex investigations.
Weekly Newsroom Simulations
We recreate deadline pressure, editorial conflicts, and source management challenges. Students pitch stories, defend their angles, and learn to rewrite under time constraints.
Real Publication Opportunities
Strong pieces get published through our media partnerships. Seeing your byline for the first time teaches you more than any classroom exercise ever could.
What Makes This Program Different
Most journalism courses are taught by academics or retired reporters nostalgic for the old days. We're taught by people still working in newsrooms, dealing with the same challenges our students will face.
No Guaranteed Jobs
We won't promise employment because that's not how media works. What we offer is real experience, portfolio pieces, and introductions to people who might eventually hire you if you're good enough.
Honest Feedback
If your lede is buried, we'll tell you. If your interview questions were weak, you'll hear about it. Encouragement is great, but clear critique actually helps people improve.
Taiwan Media Context
Understanding local media landscape matters. We cover how Taiwanese newsrooms operate, which outlets pay freelancers decently, and how to navigate the specific challenges of reporting here.
Long-Term Support
The program might end after several months, but former students can still reach out for advice, story feedback, or help navigating career decisions. Journalism is too tough to figure out alone.