Impressions of American journalists after RIAS program to Germany

The RIAS program provided an experience I didn’t know I needed. I think hands- on interactions teach the best lessons and this was filled with countless examples. Hearing from politicians and journalists about issues prevalent for people in Germany and Europe are similar conversations we are having in America (energy, economy, immigration, war). Because of this program, I am heading back to the United States as a changed person with new viewpoints that I hope will give viewers more perspective in my reports.

I had high expectations for the RIAS Berlin fellowship, and my two weeks in Belgium and Germany exceeded them all. The opportunity to have dozens of off the record, substantive conversations with a wide range of officials, journalists, activists and thinkers from across the political spectrum in Germany and the broader EU was invaluable to my understanding of the world. Sharing this experience with a diverse group of American journalists from across the country was something I will always remember and treasure. Thank you, Erik Kirschbaum and the entire RIAS family!

I think this was a once-in-a-lifetime program. The behind-the scenes access and off-the-record conversations with international, German, and U.S. officials will resonate with me for the rest of my life. The conversations had during the program has provided clearer context when consuming German/international news. I would recommend this program to anyone with the slightest interest in German journalism.

When people heard I was going on the RIAS Berlin fellowship, a common response was “That sounds like a fun vacation.” But their comment couldn’t be further from the truth; the fellowship is much more. It is an opportunity to connect with journalists and officials from across the nation and Europe, learn about German and Belgium institutions and government agencies, and deepen your understanding of world politics and people. The learning really starts before you board an airplane. As you answer a list of questions in advance, you learn what you didn’t know you needed to know, which gives you a background for what is to come. It truly is a life-changing program, and despite the exhausting pace, I wouldn’t change one thing. I will cherish the knowledge and the friendships for the rest of my life. Thank you, Erik Kirschbaum and the rest of the RIAS team!

This trip was not a vacation. It was actually better than that. This was an incredible opportunity to learn about journalism and the political system in Germany. With each conversation with a top diplomat, news anchor, or foreign correspondent — my world expanded ever so slightly. I return to the states, with a more comprehensive worldview. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn to be a better journalist and world citizen.

I’m beyond thankful for the student who recommended me for this program. To say that these intensive 2-week experience & 40+ meetings changed my life is an understatement. I take with me rich knowledge about Germany’s history, immigration issues, TV news production/reporting skills, diversity & inclusion in newsrooms, foreign policy, transatlantic relations, climate change & more. I look forward to implementing everything into my professional & personal life in Arizona. Thank you for the learning & the beautiful friendships.

The RIAS program for journalists proves that old dogs can learn new tricks. I arrived in Brussels with a blank slate, without preconceived ideas or expectations of the program and it paid off. From day one it was obvious the quality of the guest speakers and topics of discussion and the enthusiasm of the RIAS alumni that joined us and made us feel at home at every stop along the journey.

The visits with NATO, EU and U.S. gave us access to places not many of us get to visit during our careers and the talks with the officials gave us a good insight of the importance of transatlantic relations. The visits to local broadcasters allowed us to see how our German colleagues do their job, compare notes and pick a few tips on how we can improve our daily routine back home.

I particularly appreciated that the program included political voices from several points of views from the Left and Right who talked to us openly and didn’t shy away from our questions. I leave with a new perspective on US-Europe relations, how that partnership can be extended to other parts of the continent, and a new perspective in how to approach international stories taking in consideration how it might be seen both at home and across the Atlantic Ocean.

As a newscast producer who often deals with international stories, especially news from Europe and, more specifically, Germany — I often ask myself what sort of context I might be missing when I see some stories hit the wires and read through similar coverage in other outlets. It was this desire to better understand the Transatlantic dynamic, to experience and engage with German and EU politics, culture, history and news media that drew me to the RIAS program. To put it simply: I got what I asked for and a whole lot more. Thanks to a tour of a former Stasi Prison, a look at where the Berlin Wall once stood, discussions with spokespeople from the EU and NATO, meetings with German politicians and dozens of other leading journalists and other experts — I’m now a proud alumnus of the RIAS program, with ten times the knowledge and understanding I had before I arrived.

I never thought that having a life in Europe would be possible for me until this trip. Having the opportunity to meet so many people and learn about their lives in Germany caused me to realize it’s something I could have too. I’m grateful to have been able to sit in rooms and hear the stories of other journalists as well as see how news operates in Germany. More than that I’m grateful that I learned all of this with nine other people who I can walk away from this experience calling my friends. It was a busy, but worthwhile experience that has bonded us together and I’m so glad I was able to learn and grow with a great group of individuals.

The RIAS program provided an exchange of ideas, professionals and experiences that are not available anywhere else. The in-depth program leaves no stone unturned and journalists will return with a broad perspective and cultural understanding. From speaking with parliamentary members from different backgrounds to feasting with radio legends, RIAS fellows will be bring back important insights that will benefit newsrooms across the US.

More than 40 high-level meetings over 12 days in 4 cities in 2 countries with speakers from dozens of different nationalities, interests and backgrounds might be daunting for anyone to digest. But these 10 American journalists from across the USA came to Europe well-prepared and ready with their pens, blank notebooks and open minds to learn as much as possible in less than two weeks. From a former Palestinian refugee who is now a successful political leader and book author to a west German member of parliament for the far-right AfD party and to the conservative mayor of Berlin, the Americans seized the chance to learn as much as they could from their guest speakers — and in that respectful style of as-neutral-as-possible American journalism they got so much out of their talks with scheduled and unscheduled speakers. Hats off for their stamina, curiosity and their flexibility to adjust to last-minute changes in the schedule.