Writing Workshop Reviews

testimonials + reviews

We asked a bunch of our previous workshop attendees to tell us what they thought a month with Astray was like. The general consensus is that people made lifelong friends; found the teachers experienced and accessible; learned more than they did in their journalism degree; found bonding with the host families who run the guesthouses a real highlight; and fricken loved the opportunity to spend a whole month immersed in another culture.

Video Reviews

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Submitted Reviews

Astray's Tokyo program is everything you could want out of an overseas experience, both professionally and personally.

The teaching staff were approachable wells of wisdom, so much so that you could get a dnm and pitching advice in one sitting. The teacher-student veil you get at uni is all but collapsed, which really creates a collaborative learning environment. Classes contained practical, useful skills taught by people who are actually out there in the industry making a name and living for themselves, so you know it’s legit.

I especially loved the immersive nature of the program. Between sleeping on tatami, taking rush-hour trains and learning Japanese, the program really forces you to live like a local.

A city as huge and unique as Tokyo is a lot to take in, so it’s a good thing you’ll be with a group of diverse but equally like-minded people to lean on. It’s actually uncanny how well you will get to know and love a group of strangers when you live and work in their pockets for a month. I’m happy to report we still have group chats going strong. And having a network of talented writers to refer to isn’t too bad on the professional front either.

Plus you know, there’s the cheap 7/11 drinks, karaoke around every corner, and enough gyoza and ramen for 10 lifetimes.

Kim Koelmeyer

Japan

I liked the classes and valued the critique from the group for our writing pieces, I felt like it gave me a lot of validation and helped me as a beginner writer.

I also liked meeting and befriending everyone in the program, incl. getting to know our teachers, professionally but also personally. The networking alone was worth it.

My favourite classes were Pitching, Starting a Publication, and the Business of Writing. I valued the lived and professional experience of our teachers, who provided practical insight and not just theory. Learning practical tips is so essential to build my confidence as a writer, so this is where I would differentiate this course from others. Having been a lecturer myself at RMIT, I was exposed to the lack of qualified (people with barely any professional experience) teachers teaching undergrad courses, so it was refreshing to sit in a classroom of teachers who have had recent experience and have no need to prove anything.

While I think some would find the 'Decolonizing your Writing' lessons to be uncomfortable or something to 'eye-roll' about, I think it's so essential to understand this, and it gives me something to always be mindful of and remind other content creators. Whenever I talk about this class to others, most particularly white men, I get a reaction from them that further validates why this needs to be drilled into those who have positions of influence.

I keep reminding people that privilege comes up in many shapes and forms, not just from white people, but even from people of color who perpetuate these ideas through their biases, use of language, and perspectives. The case studies that were shown are so essential and show the subtlety of problematic writing.

Honestly though, I slightly regret not taking the shared accommodation based on how the social factor played out for me. I also blame my timing and schedule on not building better connections with everyone, but it's okay, I got there in the end, especially with the group trip to Hakuba.

However, I wouldn't remove the own-accommodation option since it opens the doors for other customer types. During my time traveling, I've met a lot of people like me who would love to do this kind of course while going on a career break/sabbatical: especially people who've never written before but have always thought about it. I think those people would take the course more seriously, but they're just not into the whole 'living-in-a-hostel' thing. As long as there is a good group chat system, I think it solves that problem.

Rose Duong

Japan

My mum originally thought this was a scam, as it sounded too good to be true – it definitely wasn’t a scam, but certainly felt too good to be true when I was living in paradise.

I don’t throw around the phrase ‘best time of my life’ often, but this was honestly just that. Every day I was surrounded by like-minded people in a beautiful country, learning more valuable and worthwhile information than I ever did at uni.

It is hard to put into words how amazing it felt to be in such a supportive environment that pushed my writing to the next level, and now that I’ve been published, I feel like I’m on the right path towards my career.

The instructors are also some of the most intelligent, well-rounded and funny people you will ever meet, and not too bad looking either (I promise you I wasn’t forced to say that last part).

Billie Schwab Dunn

Bali

One of the best months of my life I can say I was actually ‘learning’ while on holiday. As much as it’s based around travel writing, it’s way more about learning how to network and present yourself as a freelancer – which is where most creative industries are headed.

These guys are current, they’re young and they know how the landscape is changing for young millennials in the working environment, so they can actually give practical advice for young 20-something idiots fresh out of college on how to get a job and make money while bumming from home (sorry Mum).

I definitely recommend getting on board with Astray even if you don’t study journalism (I studied fashion). It’s relevant to every working environment; learning how to adapt and work within new personalities, manoeuvring and directing conversation and how to actually prioritise and be efficient with your day. We were in Bali so of course, all we wanted to do was drink and surf, but we had to write pitch stories at the same time…

Gabby Neal

Bali

When I applied for the Astray workshop, I was three years into uni and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. My month in Japan re-motivated me, helped me to rediscover my passion for writing, and showed me that there are so many careers paths in journalism that they don’t teach you at uni.

Discovering the crazy, overwhelming Tokyo culture with such an inspiring, talented and diverse bunch of people was an amazing and eye-opening experience. One very important lesson I learned was that there is no better way to make friends than over hot okonomiyaki and a konbini bevvy.

I also learned valuable skills from all of the teachers, who are far more in touch with the modern media industry than many uni lecturers. Their main goal is to help you get published, and to start building your brand and portfolio. It’s a great opportunity to get a foot in the door of a highly competitive industry.

I left Tokyo with great memories, new friends, and valuable experience under my belt. All in all, I’d call that a pretty sweet deal.

Stacey Whitlock

Japan

The Astray Tokyo program was a great experience that I would definitely recommend to almost any writer at the beginning stages of their career. The staff were professional but not intimidating and Gemma did an amazing job of curating a group of participants who were very individual but simultaneously some of the most inclusive people I have ever met.

Coming from an editing background, the program allowed me to develop skills across writing styles in a supportive, collaborative and enjoyable environment. The group editing sessions are super valuable and expose you to a variety of methods for tackling conceptually difficult article topics.

The immersive style of the program also made it really easy to make friends and contacts in the industry.

Also, Tokyo is rad and you’ll have a blast bonding with everyone over shitty 2000s songs at karaoke.

Bonnie Stevens

Japan

After four weeks with the Astray gang I felt more confident about my writing and more positive about my future job prospects than I felt throughout most of my journalism degree. I realised that I have the capacity to direct my own work and writing and now, thanks to the teachings of Astray, I have the skills and knowledge to as well. I’ve learned how to pitch effectively, write in a variety of formats, collaborate with others and even kickstart a blog or website.

Being able to meet, live and work with a worldly bunch of writers left me in awe of their creativity and forced me to work harder and challenge what I thought I knew about journalism, travel and myself.

I’m currently in the midst of trying my hand at more freelance writing, with much of my work ending back up on the Astray page.

Do not hesitate to spend a month on the Astray program. Never has there been a more perfect balance of experiential learning, down-to-earth teaching, Bintangs and bike rides in the history of journalism and probably the world.

Amy Fairall

Bali

Prior to going on the Astray program, I thought I knew a thing or two about writing. With butterflies in my stomach I flew over to beautiful Canggu to meet a bunch of strangers that I was going to be living with for a month.

Over the four-week period I spent with Astray, I learned things about my own writing as well as the writing industry in general that I fear I wouldn’t have learned without enduring numerous fuck-ups in the real world. Making friendships I know I will have for a lifetime, we created hangovers together night-in, night-out, and the classes always kept everyone engaged, filled with info and pointers you would be (and probably currently are) lost without.

After leaving the 27-odd people that I now consider my family I have noticed less of my emails get ignored, more ideas come to my head and I feel 10 times more comfortable, not only in my writing, but on a scooter as well.

Jack Wills

Bali

Social Media Reviews

No one really uses Facebook anymore, but it’s probs worth sharing these older ones too for extra transparency. Note that some reviews refer to us by our previous and rather probbo business name, Global Hobo :”’)

     Excellent  
     Based on 37 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Sammy Burgess 
 2020-08-15
 
 
 recommends Having completed the Global Hobo Bali trip in 2019, reflecting on it now shows me how it was such a valuable learning experience and a great addition to my resume.
As a journalism student myself, I was never taught a lot of what the incredible teachers at Global Hobo taught us. From freelance writing and sensitivity training to in-depth storytelling techniques, we were given a wide variety of knowledge on how to be a feature/travel writer. 
I had my first article published by them which I am so thankful for and I also gained a new understanding about how to be a considerate traveller. 
I hope the program is able to work through Covid-19 because it was such a valuable experience for not only writers but also travellers and modern-day explorers.
  
 
       
   Tonesi Heyman 
 2020-04-17
 
 
 recommends Took Global Hobo's Tokyo course in June/July of 2018. I had no previous experience in journalism, and I had such an amazing time I decided to kick on and do a Masters in Publishing and Editing.
I've just gone through their online Freelance Writing course for a refresher; it's comprehensive and covers a lot of points that uni doesn't cover -- so, if you're looking to write and get paid without waiting to get to the end of your degree, this online course has all the information you need to get started. 
Run by a bunch of rad, intelligent humans -- definitely get around this. 10/10 both times.
  
 
       
   Emma Maidens 
 2020-04-03
 
 
 recommends I did the 2019 December Bali Global Hobo Workshop. It was by far one of the best decisions I've ever made! Gemma has managed to strike the perfect balance between structure and freedom, giving you purpose and the opportunity to choose-your-own overseas adventure. As someone who hasn't studied journalism as a lot of the other students had, there was no time where I felt out of the loop or left behind. The best thing about the teachers on the course is that they have current, real industry experience. I found this waaaaay more inspiring and useful that anything I've ever learnt in a uni classroom. 

I'm writing this a bit late (sorry Gem) but can now testify that since doing this course I've had my work published! Never thought I'd see the day.

Hunjy per cent recommend.
  
 
       
   Susi Neumayr 
 2020-02-25
 
 
 recommends The most incredible month that I will carry with me forever. I learnt so much, had unforgettable experiences and made forever friends. Since doing the workshop I've been published, which I never could have done without the wisdom from the teachers and the skills I gained along the way. 100% recommend this to anyone wanting to expand their experience of the world.
  
 
       
   Carly Cullen 
 2020-01-30
 
 
 recommends Global Hobo was my third internship - the only one where I learned skills worth having! The experience I gained also landed me a journalism job. A team of sweet industry professionals, and an excuse to travel. 10/10 would recommend x
  
 
       
   Zoë Victoria 
 2020-01-28
 
 
 recommends Spain '19 was the adventure of a lifetime! I learnt so much, made lifelong friends and had an absolute ball travelling around the country. Being a part of the global hobo workshop was one of the most empowering and inspiring experiences of my life and I'll be talking about it until I'm old and grey! 💃
  
 
       
   Sophie Nicolas 
 2020-01-28
 
 
 recommends I was a part of the first group to do Global Hobo's Tokyo internship and I thank my lucky stars I was able to have this experience. Not only did I learn about real journalism, I was able to define my skill set as a writer, learn to work as a team, made friends for life and learned about myself as a traveller and a human being. To this day, three years on, I still think about my time in Tokyo as the best month of my life. 
So if you're on the fence about applying - Just take the leap or you might miss out on a life changing experience!! ✈️
  
 
       
   Morgan Steven 
 2020-01-28
 
 
 recommends Such an Incredible experience learning and exploring with Global Hobo. The team of writers who mentor, teach, and show you the way are such an inspiration. I’d recommend this to anyone looking to travel write!
  
 
       
   Claudia Besant 
 2020-01-06
 
 
 recommends Had so much fun on the December Writing Workshop - met amazing people, learned Bahasa Indonesian with an incredible teacher, and gained so much confidence in my writing ability. An experience I will never ever forget.
  
 
       
   Isaac Freeman 
 2019-12-23
 
 
 recommends I recently did the Nov/Dec 2019 Bali workshop and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The classes where engaging, fun, and most importantly useful, our tutors where generous with both their time and knowledge. This course was also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and make great friends while navigating a foreign country. It was a unique experience and one that every aspiring writer or creative would absolutely love!