The Latin American News Digest is seeking qualified students for a limited number of internships for Spring 2020. Because the goal of the Digest is essentially a didactic one, to spread the word about news from Latin America, they feel strongly about providing the opportunity for students to participate in this process.

 

Student writers and researchers contribute to weekly issues by aggregating and writing condensed versions of news articles found in Latin American sources. Ideally, internships happen in tandem with an independent study led by a faculty member of the appropriate department, but this is not a requirement. The result is an enriching experience for students who discover a variety of perspectives within the Latin American media. 

 

Students will also have the opportunity to research and write their own aggregations, with their own bylines. 

 

Interns must be able to write brief aggregations in English that summarize multiple perspectives from newspapers written in Spanish, and sometimes in Portuguese or English. Typically, interns write 1000-1200 words per week (3-5 section articles or News in Brief items). Interns generally work approximately five-six hours per week with most of that work falling on Wednesdays and Thursdays since submissions are due on Fridays. This internship does not require onsite work.  Interns work remotely, but need to be readily available via email, cell phone, or skype.

 

Spring 2020 internships begin on January 4 and end in the first week of May, 2020. Interns are expected to be available during that time; however, consideration will be given to “breaks” in the schedule if they are arranged with sufficient prior notice.

 

Interns must possess excellent writing skills in English and advanced reading skills in Spanish and/or Portuguese. Familiarity with Latin American civilization and culture, as well as general current events, is essential, as is the ability to meet deadlines.

 

Prospective interns should submit a letter of interest as an example of their writing skills to Dr. Jana M. DeJong (jdejong@hsc.edu). The letter should outline the intern’s experience (coursework, travel, etc.) as it pertains to language skills and knowledge of Latin America. The names and contact information for two references must be included. One of the references must address the applicant’s ability to write in English, while the other should address the applicant’s reading ability in Spanish and/or Portuguese. One of the references should also speak to the applicant’s familiarity with Latin America. The letter of interest and contact information for two references must be submitted by November 22, 2019.

 

If you have any questions, please contact wjohngreen@latinamericannewsdigest.com.