Blurbs from the RIAS Berlin fall program 2018

CNN New York “I am thankful for all the journalists, politicians and everyone who took the time to speak with us. The RIAS fellowship allowed me to walk through neighborhoods and newsrooms to gain insight on life in Germany“.

MSNBC, New York “The RIAS Berlin Kommission has been a life changing experience. I now have a much more in depth understanding of how my German counterparts in the field of journalism do their jobs. I also am now intimately familiar with the German political system and the current challenges and opportunities the country faces. I have formed bonds with Germans that that will last forever. I cannot speak highly enough about this incredible program.“

„I had an amazing opportunity with RIAS to connect with talented journalists and make new friendships! I learned a lot about the current political system in Germany, the rise of the AfD party and integration of immigrants. This experience has helped me see how important transatlantic relationships are when it comes to building bridges between two countries and simply understanding different cultures. Thank you RIAS!

Chicago “My Rias experience was jam-packed with fascinating dialogues about Germany, the pressing issues facing Europe today, and the role of journalism in our fractured times. I’ve made some great friends and professional contacts, and I’ve gotten something valuable out of every activity my organizers planned. The fellowship on the whole is very accommodating and respectful of people’s time. I hope many more American journalists will have the opportunity to experience what I have here.”

Oregon Public Radio, Portland “Getting the chance to travel to Germany with RIAS was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m so grateful to have had the experience. I loved the combination of learning about European and German politics, as well as the way journalists here work and think about their jobs. This is an especially important time to be thinking hard about the role of media in our society, and I’m thankful to RIAS for providing that opportunity. Thank you so much RIAS for the amazing adventure and the lifelong friendships!”

Freelance ABC, CBS, Littleton, Colorado “I spent much of my childhood in Germany, but seeing it through the RIAS adventure as a learning adult was an enriching experience which I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The friendships and work contacts which I made here are invaluable.From meeting a Syrian refugee who risked his life and his heart to leave his homeland for a better opportunity in Germany to the Iraqi painter who turned the Berlin Wall into art expression to meeting with NATO officials and learning about media in Europe, the RIAS trip is one I would recommend to anyone who is curious about the world.“

WVLA TV, Baton Rouge, Louisiana:

“RIAS was an incredible experience! You meet so many important people. From high ranking NATO officials to Peter Keup, who tried to flee the GDR in the early 80s, then was imprisoned by the Stasi. Any journalist looking to learn more about Germany, politics and media should take this trip. You’ll make lifelong connections!“

Voice of America, Midwest Corresondent, Illinois “This RIAS experience has been more than rewarding, enriching both my personal and professional life with unique exposure to European and specifically German culture, politics, history, and people. With fresh perspective and insight into current German thought on issues ranging from refugee resettlement and migration to international tariffs, I am now better equipped to report on these topics with real international insight that is current and relevant. Perhaps most importantly to me personally, this experience has reconnected me to the culture and country of my grandparents, and has given me a deeper sense of what my own family living here is experiencing. The connections made with colleagues on this trip and RIAS Alumni around Europe will be the best, and everlasting, souvenir of this incredible experience. It motivates me to be increasingly active in the RIAS alumni network and encourages me to give back to the organization that has given me so much these weeks here in Europe. Thank you for this wonderful experience.“

WTOP News Radio, Washington DC “Rias was one the best experiences I have ever had. It’s rare for behind the scene folks to get an opportunity to go out, explore the world and gain more knowledge to help them become better without it being strictly a personal trip. This trip allowed me to that and more and I am forever grateful. Everything I’ve learned and everyone I’ve meet on this trip will help me become such much better in the media industry. Thank you Rias!“

WUWM Radio, Milwaukee, Wisconsin “I expected the RIAS Berlin Fellowhip to show me how journalism in Germany works. And it did that superbly. What I didn’t expect was the level of access we were granted to politicians, artists, and policy makers. Not only did I get to listen and ask questions, in many cases I was granted an on the record interview to share with my audience at home. These two weeks have been an experience for which I will be forever grateful.“

CTTV, Tampa, Florida “My experience with the RIAS German-American Exchange Program exceeded my expectations! I’m leaving with more knowledge about German and European politics and media, and am now inspired to pursue international reporting projects.”

Union Docs Center for Documentary Arts, New York (formerly PBS News Hour)

“Exploring Germany with fellow journalists from the RIAS network was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had this year. From tours of ZDF’s virtual studios, to meeting politicians and reporters, to learning about the fraught but mesmerizing history of Berlin, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.“

contractor, Washington DC “Thank you for a phenomenal experience. From the first appointment at Politico EU to the last at Berner Strasser, RIAS delivered. You put together newsmakers and journalists for insightful conversations on contemporary issues. I am grateful to the RIAS alumnae community who gave us behind the scenes access and for the guided tours that added historic context. After two weeks of boots on the ground, I leave with a new appreciation of the German media sphere, valued contacts and new friends.