The InteRussia fellowship offers journalists something few programs can — full accreditation and hands-on reporting at Russia’s leading international platforms. At the center of this experience is the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the country’s flagship economic event. Ahmed Sherif, Senior Editor at Egypt’s Sada El-Balad with 15 years of media experience, joined the first InteRussia × RT Arabic fellowship for TV journalists — and returned home with improved professional skills, high-level contacts, and a profoundly revised perception of Russia.
Main Reason for Joining the Program
Ahmed was motivated to apply after a colleague strongly recommended the program. What made it especially appealing was that this was the first ever InteRussia fellowship designed exclusively for television journalists, organized in collaboration with RT Arabic.
"I wanted to experience Russia firsthand, to discover the reality of life there and see how the media really works," Ahmed explained. "That was the main reason I applied—to gain new experiences and fresh ideas that would help advance my career."
From Theory to Real Reporting at SPIEF
From the very first days in Moscow, participants were immersed in learning at professional workshops led by acting journalists and editors of the RT Arabic. They covered key aspects of television journalism: from on-camera reporting and correspondent techniques to newsroom operations and strategic storytelling for broadcast and digital platforms.
The practical component was equally substantial. Together with RT camera crews, the fellows recorded television reports and short-form social media content from various locations across Moscow. One of the central projects was a documentary segment focusing on the Moscow Cathedral Mosque.
“We also brainstormed ideas and created a number of Instagram reels about different places like Moscow City, Arbat Street, and the Moscow metro. We published them and it encouraged many people to discover Russia for themselves,” added Ahmed.
The core part of the fellowship is covering the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) — Russia's flagship international economic event, where global leaders discuss trends, investments, and geopolitics.
In just a few intense days, the fellows conducted more than 15 interviews with prominent officials and decision-makers. Among them were interviews with Maria Zakharova, official spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hala Helmy El-Said, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development; Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary; Bashar Al-Jaafari, Syrian Ambassador to Russia; Yusuf Haji Adam, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia; Kamel Moula, Chairman of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA).
“Interviewing Maria Zakharova was unforgettable,” Ahmed recalled. “I felt real pride and excitement speaking directly with such high-level Russian officials and decision-makers.”
They also met with ambassadors from Syria and Brazil, and religious figures such as Mufti Albir Krganov.
Russia as It Is: Culture, People, and Harmony
Beyond the work, Ahmed was deeply moved by Russia’s everyday life. He loved the vibrant cultural scene—music, cinema, and theaters—and was struck by the balance between historical heritage and cutting-edge modernity, from Moscow City’s towering skyscrapers to ancient churches, and the European architecture of St. Petersburg.
What impressed him most was the peaceful coexistence of diverse peoples, cultures, and religions, and especially the warmth of people he met.
"People were incredibly kind and helpful—total strangers stepped in whenever I got lost or needed something," he shared. "This completely changed my view of Russians. They have so much in common with Egyptians: a strong sense of tradition, community, and genuine kindness that truly touched me."
Professional Growth and Lasting Connections
The fellowship delivered clear professional advancement. Ahmed refined his storytelling skills, mastered new technical tools and strategic approaches in media production, and significantly expanded his expertise in photography, video content creation, and digital storytelling.
"I grew a lot professionally—it sharpened my skills and opened my eyes to many aspects of media I hadn’t fully understood before," he said. "But it also changed how I see my entire field. I learned so much about Russia’s rich history, modern life, and culture—not the one-sided picture often shown in Western media. I discovered a safe, welcoming country with incredibly warm people."
The networking was equally powerful: fellows from various countries quickly became like family and remain in close contact. Ahmed built strong professional ties with Russian colleagues and hosts, leading to concrete follow-up opportunities. After the program, he was invited to cover major events such as the World Youth Festival and Russian Energy Week, and collaboration between his Egyptian media outlet and Russian partners has grown stronger.
Final Advice
Ahmed’s advice to future applicants is clear:
“Don’t hesitate to apply. It will change your mentality and open your eyes in many ways. Like me, you might fall in love with Russia. See for yourself what this country is really like. It is a truly great opportunity. Take your chance”.
If you’re a journalist eager to level up your skills, build international networks, and experience authentic Russia, look out for the latest InteRussia announcements. New fellowships, including those for journalists from the Arab world and beyond, open regularly — check interussia.com for details and applications.