The 11th Journey: Journalism Bootcamp to explore the full spectrum of contemporary Journalism

The Bakala Foundation has opened applications for the next edition of its journalism summer school. The unique Journey: Journalism Bootcamp offers university and college students from the Czech Republic and abroad a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of renowned professionals from leading global newsrooms.

For the eleventh time, the family foundation is opening the doors to its established international program—not only to Czech students, but to aspiring journalists from 15 countries worldwide. Participants will have an exceptional opportunity to build professional connections and lasting friendships with ambitious peers from diverse cultural and media backgrounds.

“We want to give aspiring journalists the chance to learn from world-class media leaders they would not ordinarily have access to,” says Václav Pecha, Director of the Bakala Foundation. “We believe that sharing experience across newsrooms and borders is one of the pathways to high-quality, responsible and confident journalism—something more important today than ever before. This year again, distinguished figures from contemporary journalism will share their expertise with participants.”

In previous years, guest speakers have included Evan Pérez (CNN), a long-time reporter covering U.S. justice and national security, and Adam Entous (The New York Times), a Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalist. This year’s edition will expand its practical workshops, allowing students to develop not only their writing skills, but also gain experience in photojournalism, video reporting, podcast production and the fundamentals of radio journalism.

The Journey program is built around an intensive combination of lectures, workshops and hands-on exercises. Participants will work on their own reporting projects, strengthen their skills in research, source verification and story structure, and receive direct feedback from experienced editors and reporters.

“The opportunity to engage in small-group discussions with leading journalists and hear their personal stories is a formative experience students remember for years,” says program manager Paulína Horenská Turisová.

Applications for Journey: Journalism Bootcamp are open from 9 February to 13 April 2026. The program is fully funded for successful applicants. Bakala Foundation covers accommodation, travel expenses and meals. The eleventh edition of the program will take place in Prague from 31 July to 9 August 2026.

Since its launch in 2015, more than 250 participants have completed the Journey program. Alumni now work in prestigious media outlets across 17 countries worldwide.

Further information and the application form are available on the program website.