DW Volos in Brussels
Hauwau Mohammed
What has surprised you the most since you started the internship?
I was quite surprised to learn how busy it can get. My first month here, so many things were happening. The US capturing Maduro, Trump and Greenland, Davos 2026, etc.
What has been your most intense moment?
I have been trying to wrap my head around all of it. I went from not knowing a lot about European politics to reporting from the heart of European politics. It’s been a journey, but one that I am very grateful for. I cannot think of any other scenario where this opportunity would be presented.
Which hands-on skills have you learned so far?
Everything that I have learned in Bonn gets sharpened the more I use it. I have done more interviews since I have gotten here, pitched some stories, and kept an eye out for developing ones. Just watching the correspondents work has been a learning experience, seeing an idea become a full-blown story is interesting. And also learning to make social media videos with Adobe, to make them more interactive.
Which projects will you be working on over the next few weeks?
I have just published an article about Europe considering assigning a special envoy to the Russia-Ukraine peace talks. I am currently on the lookout for a new story but open to whatever I may be assigned. Sometimes stories just pop up.
What's on your bucket list before leaving?
I want to do a live training with one of the correspondents who has decades of experience in the area. I think that would be a rare and great opportunity.
Daniela Melissa Escarria Parra
What are your main tasks in Brussels?
During my time here, I have focused on writing online pieces. I’ve covered topics such as war crimes related to Belgium’s colonial past, human trafficking, and European defense. I also learned how to adapt content for different formats. For instance, when creating a written piece on the case of Patrick Lumumba, I collaborated with DW's Content Hub, News 24/7, and French for Africa. We produced various products, including Instagram and TikTok carousels, online articles in English, French and Spanish, and radio soundbites for French-speaking audiences in Africa. Seeing your content being adapted into different languages is very rewarding.
What has surprised you the most since you started the internship?
The people in Brussels are very friendly and always smiling. But also how quickly everyone works here. I'm impressed by my colleagues' professionalism and the wealth of information and contacts they have. The best part about working with them was that they were willing to share their knowledge and experience. It was a great experience and I would love to work again with them in the future.
What has been your most intense moment?
Covering Patrice Lumumba’s case, because I did not know anything about Belgium’s colonial past. Despite the short deadline, I was able to cover the case and find good interviewees.
Which hands-on skills have you learned so far?
During my time here, I attended two press conferences: a daily one at the European Commission and a second one at the "Informal EU leaders' retreat 2026" in Alden Biesen. This gave me an insight into how the workflow changes depending on the event and location.
The press conference at the European Commission was easy to attend since it was close to the office. There, every journalist had a microphone and enough space to ask questions, and everyone could clearly hear the questions and answers, so it makes our work easier.
By contrast, the second conference was more challenging as it was an open-air event and it was freezing outside. We were also almost two hours away from Brussels. We had to split into groups in the hope of finding a place where we could at least hear the leaders speaking in their native languages. It was very challenging and fast-paced.
Which projects will you be working on over the next few weeks?
I am working on a social media video about the upcoming hearings in the Lumumba case.
What is on your bucket list before leaving?
The Beer-Museum, definitely.
