About

Overview and History

MatadorU is an online education center for the advancement of new media professionals, particularly travel writers, photographers, and filmmakers. We launched in August of 2009, and have had hundreds of students graduate from our travel writing program, many of whom have become independent writing professionals.

The creation of MatadorU was an organic process that formed out of our worldwide travel community and independent travel publication.

As the size of our audience and community took off (in 2009 we became the biggest independent travel publication online), we found potential contributors sending work that made the same kinds of mistakes over and over.

Instead of continuing to simply reject submissions that weren’t right for Matador, we recognized an opportunity: through offering online classes, we could provide students the same kind of feedback and interaction that’s always been part of our editorial process.

As various members of Matador’s editorial team shared their experiences and perspectives, this early vision of MatadorU evolved into its present form, where not just beginners, but writers, photographers, and film-makers at any level of their careers could find resources and education, as well as a supportive community of both teachers and students.

With the help of the first MatadorU students in the summer of 2009, a new kind of educational experience was born.

Instead of just receiving instruction, participants would be immersed in the life of a new media professional, actively engaging in everything from social media, branding, pitching, and publishing to building their skills as writers, photographers, and filmmakers.

Our courses

A note on “Making the Leap”

Although the vision and scope of the U has grown, at its heart is still the idea that for the right student–he or she who has the motivation and willingness to make certain sacrifices–it’s possible to make a leap from whatever career or job you feel trapped in, to the life of a working travel writer, travel photographer, or other uniquely skilled new media pro.

Those of us at Matador who have made this leap or are in the process of making it, were part of the inspiration behind MatadorU. We literally created a blueprint of the steps they took to make the leap, added the steps we’ve taken to grow Matador into a powerful and sustainable new media publisher, and then remixed it all into an online community that’s waiting for you.

Keep exploring:

  • How Does It Work?- Learn about our dynamic and unique curricula.
  • Success Stories - Read about some Matador members who have become successful travel writers.
  • Pricing - Review what you get with your enrollment.
  • Register Now - Get instant access to your first lesson and the student forums.

Future Plans

MatadorU has several new features planned in the upcoming months, beginning with the expansion of our course catalog to include various continuing education modules on everything from branding to interviewing.

There are several technology upgrades and new social networking features also planned. We are in the preliminary stages of creating a filmmaking curriculum, and are in talks with various orgs and academic institutions.

Groups or orgs interested in partnering are welcome to contact us.