Not bad

Recent grad Will Connors journeyed to Ethiopia, learned the language and suddenly found himself stringing for the New York Times

By Greg Lindsay – October 31, 2007
MediaBistro.com

Will Connors wanted to work as a foreign correspondent. After graduating from The University of Chicago with degrees in English and Sociology, he set out to find a way to fulfill his dream. Snagging an overseas reporting gig usually involves getting your foot in the door at a newspaper and then spending years climbing the ladder, covering things you don't want to write about. Patience becomes a virtue - since you could wait most your career before getting a shot at a foreign spot. Connors decided he couldn't wait. He headed for Africa after graduation, He landed in Ethiopia, learning the local language (Amharic, native only to the Christian population there), and worked his way up through the local papers before getting a break to string for the Times.

http://mediabistro.com/articles/cache/a9941.asp