Larry Miller, anchor, WUSA9, Washington DC

“As a self-described ‘thrill-seeker,’ I found my latest and most exciting adventure in my two-week RIAS Fellowship in Europe. Over the course of 14 days, my colleagues and I traveled to three countries, five cities and interviewed countless newsmakers and journalists in Europe.

By far, the most exciting opportunity was talking with Beatrix von Storch, Co-leader of Germany’s AfD party. We discussed immigration, climate change, and the rise of far-right politics. Few journalists have had to opportunity to engage the party on real policy issues affecting Germans. We were granted such an opportunity. I also developed a real connection to history—touring the East Side Gallery and visiting the Germany Embassy in Prague that was once home to thousands of East German refugees. Its one thing to read about past events in history books. It’s another to trace those important moments in time with your own feet. RIAS is committed to widening the knowledge and skills of journalists, both in Germany and the United States. I am truly grateful for the opportunity, the knowledge, the experiences, and new lifelong friendships.”