On 20 December 2013 the first semester of the 2013-2014 study year at the Chisinau School of Advanced Journalism ended.

During the first four months, the students gained theoretical and practical skills in journalism and press genres. CSAJ trainers focused on general notions in journalism, documentation, interviewing, source identification, the structure of a news story and a report. The first courses included: Introduction to Journalism; Media Ethics and Diversity; Media Law; Interview; Photojournalism; Radio Journalism; TV Journalism and other. Also during the first semester students learned how to use the dictaphone, photo camera and video camera, as well how to use digital programs for sound and image editing.  To support their professional journalistic development, the students were offered English language course and stylistics lessons.

CSAJ student, Patricia Dulgheru mentioned that “the first semester passed way too fast, that is probably due to engagement of CSAJ trainers and to the very diverse and interactive courses. I wish I could slow down the time, so it didn’t pass so fast, especially because I realize how much there is to learn. I enjoyed very much the practical aspect of the courses”.

Another CSAJ student, Tatiana Beghiu, said that “these four months of the School passed as a moment. We received a lot of information and we gained skills that will shape us as future journalists. It was a semester with a constructive atmosphere, professional and patient trainers who taught us truly interesting and new things”.

CSAJ trainer, Vitalie Dogaru said that “this year the School managed to enroll a group of very good students. This means that the provided studies and the opportunities opened by this institution created a positive image not only among the field specialists, but also among those who wish to join this area. Now, I hope that also these students will strive to further spread the good word about the School”.

School of Advanced Journalism is a project of the Independent Journalism Center, launched in cooperation with the Missouri School of Journalism, USA; The Center of Professional Training of Journalists in Paris, France; and Free Press Unlimited, The Netherlands.