Volunteer to Teach English and Study German (1-13 Weeks): If you are a fluent English speaker looking for volunteer or internship opportunities to improve your German in Germany while you teach English abroad, you are in the right place. If you are endowed with a spirit of adventure, searching for volunteer opportunities, keep reading! If you would be interested in volunteering with refugees and migrants while gaining experience abroad with international cultures, making a real change in the world, then the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany is the place for you! 

Opened in 2018, the Excellence Center in Europe operates as a language school and a community center for local refugees and migrants from all around the world, at all times of the year. If you are looking for a Summer internship volunteering with refugees, or volunteer opportunities over Winter break, during your gap year, after graduation, or anytime in your life, then we have programs for you. The Center provides important services and resources for the migrants and refugees of Halle (Saale), Germany which prepares them for their professional and personal lives.

For example, serving the community with German, English, and Arabic language programs for little to no charge, as well as connecting people with new contacts, fostering relationships at the community level, and providing an opportunity for exposure to intercultural and international lifestyles. Refugees and migrants come to the Excellence Center to improve their lives, and as a volunteer English teacher you can be part of that process, helping to make a real difference in the lives of others.

A Language Trading Opportunity

In addition to teaching, volunteers will also enroll in German language courses (3 hours a week). The German classes are personalized to the level and needs of individual volunteers. The Excellence Center provides immersive German lessons as well as lessons in a traditional classroom style.The advent of additional language courses is meant to further immerse volunteers in local Arabic/German culture, allowing them to better communicate with their students, as well as locals in Halle.

The Volunteer to Teach English and Learn German language program spans anywhere from 1–13 weeks, with volunteers staying in the city of Halle (Saale). Options for housing range from a shared apartment, to student living arrangements, to staying with local host families during their time in Halle (Saale). Being housed with a host family provides volunteers with even more opportunities to learn about local culture and further practice their language skills. What better way is there to learn a language than being in-country, speaking every day with natives and other language learners?

Your Impact

Volunteers taking part in our short term volunteer projects in Germany will be responsible for teaching one-to-one conversational English courses to students at the Center. On occasion, volunteers may also teach small groups of students (anywhere from 2 – 5) to help foster class unity and mutual learning. As a volunteer English teacher, you will interact with students face-to-face helping them gain crucial skills for later in life. Students’ age will range anywhere from 11 – 70 years old, as well as come from a plethora of backgrounds. Most students will be migrants, or the children of migrants, hailing from various countries which have been subject to difficult times. The majority of the families the Excellence Center serves come from various Arab countries such as Syria, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq, but the center is not exclusive, and accepts refugees and migrants from all around the world, including Ukraine. 

Volunteers will not only serve as teachers, but also as cultural diplomats, representing their home county to the community in Halle (Saale), as well as play an important role helping with communal activities meant to increase cross-cultural exchanges. This positive exposure between members of different cultures is how we foster deeper understanding and respect for the many different cultures all around the world.

At the Excellence Center we take quality and equality very seriously, and ensure our teachers are equipped with material from their first day in Germany. The Excellence Center is a place where refugees, migrants, locals, international travellers, volunteers, and professionals can all share a safe space to engage in learning together. While the center is small in size, it offers an opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of others!

Summer Internships- Volunteer Abroad

While the volunteer program in Germany is available all year, the Summer is the most advantageous and exciting time to apply for. With a team that comes from all around the world, the Excellent Center is rife with students throughout May, June, July, and August, making it the perfect time to Intern after graduation.

The program includes a language course (3 hours of German per week), responsibilities as an English Teacher, housing, logistic help, breakfast 4 days a week, and an immersive experience in our community in Halle. The program can last anywhere between 1-13 weeks- as you decide for yourself. If you are looking for a Summer internship volunteering with refugees, teaching English and learning German in Europe or Germany, this is the program for you.

It’s All About People

When you volunteer to teach English in Germany, it means not only serving a good cause, but becoming a member of the community here in Halle (Saale) itself. At the Excellence Center we forge communities and personal ties with every single person who comes through our doors. During a volunteer’s stay it is common to be invited to student’s family gatherings, workplaces, homes, garden-plot cookouts, and so much more.

To every person with tolerance, a sense of adventure, and a desire to be a part of something so much larger than themselves, this is the perfect opportunity to experience something that is hard to find in other places in the world, given the unique convergence of international cultures. This irreplaceable part of volunteers’ time in Halle (Saale) is eye opening and will, undoubtedly, change perspectives. It is these X factors that make volunteers’ time in Germany unforgettable and life changing.

A Unique Crossroads of Community

In addition to becoming important members of the community here in Halle (Saale), volunteers’ work as English teachers will prove to be irreplaceable to them and their students. Often, it is the case that volunteers’ students will have little to no previous English language experience. As an English teacher, you will see your students’ language skills develop and get better over time, and you may find yourself amazed at just how fast students can learn.

You could be the person to truly open opportunities up for other people as they gain an irreplaceable skill of learning a new language. This process is perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences life can offer – knowing that you are helping someone in a constructive way that will make a difference in their life. For many, learning a new language can be a serious advancement in a competitive world, where those affected by war and strife have been dealt a disadvantage. It is these things that make volunteers’ time at the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale) unique and unforgettable through selfless service.

Areas of Volunteering

You may be wondering: what specifically would I be doing as a volunteer? For our short-term internship program as well as our extended volunteer programs, in addition to teaching English, there is a wide array of organizational and community outreach opportunities that volunteers can participate in. Furthermore, volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to put forward new ideas about methods of community outreach that relate to their particular field of interest.Some examples of additional community services volunteers can provide are as follows: 

• Aiding young students in their homework and coursework as needed.
• Helping other teachers prepare course materials, as well as designing additional course materials for the center to utilize. 
• Contributing to the resources and materials the Center makes use of for lessons.
• Organizing different educational and cultural workshops for the Arabic community here in Halle (Saale). For example, professional writing workshops, CV and resume workshops, as well as art exchange workshops, and more.
• Organizing fun activities for the Arabic community here in Halle (Saale). For example, football/ soccer matches between volunteers and students, poetry slams, or music concerts. 
• Performing administrative activities for the Center, such as writing reports and articles, creating schedules, coordinating with the EC’s director to organize special events, as well as others. 
• Summation and research projects including interviews, ethnography, and experience collection for primary source research.

Why Is This An Ideal Opportunity?

Volunteering with the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany is an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to start teaching English, gain more experience teaching English, interact with diverse cultures, volunteer in a community, and aid refugees as they search to improve their lives. It is also perfect for people looking for internships, volunteering opportunities, or a fulfilling experience abroad.

• Volunteers are not required to have any previous teaching skills or certification! 
• It is an immersive volunteer program, meaning that volunteers will interact closely and personally with Arabic and German communities here in Halle (Saale). 
• This volunteer program is available throughout the year, and applications are taken year-round without deadlines.
• Volunteers are not required to carry any teaching certificate such as CELTA, TESL, TESOL or others. 
• A teaching manual, as well as other necessary teaching materials will be provided by the Center. 
• Our knowledgeable staff is friendly and will be ready and willing to help volunteers with professional development as needed.
• Classes will either be conducted in one-to-one courses or in small groups of 2 – 5. 

Who Can Join This Volunteer Program? 

Building a diverse community in the Excellence Center is of the utmost importance; for it is through the center’s diversity that we channel constructive cross-cultural communication, as well as help break down barriers and dispel harmful misconceptions. Therefore, there are practically no restrictions on who may apply to our program. The Volunteer to Teach English and Study German volunteer program is available to a wide audience, including: 

• All people between the ages of 18 – 75, as well as all religions and nationalities. 
• University and college students; including those taking a gap semester or year, looking for an internship, as well as those looking to complete a semester abroad (University credits offered). 
• Those looking for short internships into Germany.
• Those looking for longer volunteer opportunities with refugees in Germany. 
• Those who are interested in teaching, education, foreign languages, intercultural experiences, community building, and community building. 
• Unqualified or beginning teachers.
• Qualified teachers with CELTA, TEFL, TESOL, as well as other teaching certificates (thought this is NOT required).
• Native English speakers
• Those who are fluent in English, but are not native speakers.
• Those who have interest in the German language and engaging with German and Arabic culture. 
• Those who are interested in working with refugees, immigrants, and local Germans. 
• Those looking for volunteer teaching abroad experience. 
• Those who are looking to make a real difference.
• Anyone with an open mind and kind heart!

What Are The Requirements For Volunteers? 

As previously stated, the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany accepts a diverse range of volunteers. Almost anyone looking for volunteering opportunities abroad can join. However, to join our Volunteer to Teach English and Study German program, applicants will need to meet the following requirements.

What you Need to volunteer in Germany:

• Be at least 18 years of age (unless granted special permissions by the Center’s director and the parents of the volunteer). 
• Have a working, colloquial understanding of the English language and its grammar (even if it’s not perfect!)
• Have a positive, friendly attitude, as well as a willingness to learn about Arabic and German culture. 
• Are enthusiastic to meet new people. 
• Willing to be part of a host family here in Halle (Saale), Germany. 
• Are willing to bring their whole selves and join a diverse community.
• Be kind! There is no room for prejudice of any kind at the Excellence Center.

What you DO NOT Need to Volunteer in Germany

• Certification to teach English.
• Previous experience teaching English. 
• Previous travel experience. 
• An ability to speak either Arabic or German. 
• An academic degree. 
• To be a native speaker of English.
• To be a student (the program is open to all!)

How is this Program Beneficial to Me? 

Participants in the Volunteer to Teach English and Study German program can expect their time with the Center and in Halle (Saale) to be as rewarding for them as it is for their students. Not only can you check the box of volunteering abroad with refugees for your internship, but volunteers will gain the following benefits from their time in Germany: 

• Practical experience teaching English as a foreign language, planning classes, as well as devising new teaching strategies and lesson plans.
• Gain German language experience through offered weekly courses (3 hours per week or more). 
• Take part in the Center’s community outreach and educational activities as a member, not an outsider!
• Have the chance to meet people from all over the world with a wide range of backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas.
• Make new friends from all around the world, opening possible future connections.
• Meet other people interested in volunteering, foreign language, social work, and teaching,
• To be immersed in Arabic and German culture. 
• Explore the beautiful, historic city of Halle (Saale), as well as other nearby German cities. 
• Live with a host family (either Arabic or German). 
• Complimentary breakfast at the Center every morning.   
• Offered University Credits
• Fulfills Internship requirements.
• Upon the completion of the program, volunteers will receive a certificate of completion indicating their hard work and experience as a member of our community.

What are the General Responsibilities of Volunteers? 

The General responsibilities of volunteers include: 

• Teaching 2 – 4 conversational English classes each week. 
• Writing a review about their experience in Germany.  
• Developing and honing effective teaching methods through hands-on experience. 
• Creating, running, and organizing English based workshops that can be either recreational or intended to teach students marketable skills, such as CV and resume writing. 
• Volunteers are expected to create and present two presentations: one focusing on the Teaching Manual provided by the Center, and the other about their home life, country, and culture. 
• Participate in a weekly meeting with the director of the Excellence Center to measure progress, discuss new ideas, possible issues, professional development, and so much more.

Day in the Life of an Excellence Center Volunteer

A Volunteer’s day at the Excellence Center begins at 10:00 AM with a hot breakfast. Volunteers will eat together to start their day, and are expected to either help with cooking breakfast or with cleanup afterwards. Breakfasts are held either inside or outside, depending on the weather, and are always fresh and hot. All volunteers have breakfast together at the center along with the staff to enjoy each other’s company, build a stronger connection, and prepare to have a productive and enjoyable day. 

For lunch participants will have the time to either cook at the Center or go out and eat with other volunteers/interns at one of Halle’s many restaurants. Halle is a small, easily walkable city with a wide range of options when it comes to food. Within just a few meters of the Center one can find bakeries, grocery stores, Arab food restaurants, Asian food, Currywurst, vegetarian options, and more!

Volunteers will either have courses in the morning or afternoon depending on their schedules and student’s availability. Volunteers are also able to build much of their own schedules in tandem with the students they teach, creating a schedule that works best for everyone. Volunteers will communicate directly with their peers and pupils to provide an experience that suits the individual needs of the student as well as remain workable for teachers. Although volunteer’s schedules can be quite busy, there should still be plenty of free time to explore the city of Halle, perform recreational activities, prepare for presentations, meet with new friends, and relax. 

In the evening, volunteers will usually either return to their host family or go out and explore the night life of Halle! Volunteers are encouraged to explore the city together and visit the many recreational activities in Halle. Aside from the dozens of Cafes and Bars in Halle, there are also cultural activities including a museum of modern art, a city history museum, community gardens, activities offered by the local university, city arranged events, and the ever-changing Marktplatz in the heart of downtown that always has something interesting to offer. 

When can I Apply and for How Long Can I Volunteer? 

The Volunteer to Teach English and Study German Program is available throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall) with no application deadlines. The program is perfect for short term internships or extended stays. Volunteers can choose their starting and ending dates down to the hour, with program durations lasting anywhere between 1 – 13 weeks. The adventure is truly yours! And the EC will be ready to accept you the moment you arrive.

 What Does the Application Process Look Like?

• The prospecting volunteer will email the Center requesting an application info@eceurope.com.
• The Excellence Center will send you an application. 
• We review the application with our team. 
• We will request an interview; either via Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp. 
• If accepted, we will send you a letter of confirmation and a contract. 
• You pay the program fees. 
• You get ready to come to Germany and participate in the program! 

Program Information Overview

The Excellence Center in Europe charges a fee of 300 a week, the cost includes

• A tour of the beautiful, historic city of Halle
• Breakfast four days a week
• Accommodation with a host family or shared apartment
• In-country and Pre-departure support with logistics, travel, etc.
• German classes (3 Hours a week)
• Certificate of completion

Registration fee: 50€ paid once at registration

Which Airport Should I Fly Into? 

The Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany is most accessible through the following: 

• Leipzig/Halle Airport: To travel from Leipzig/Halle Airport to the City of Halle (Saale) via train takes approximately 25 minutes. The train station is connected to the airport, and one should take good care to board the train heading for Halle (West) and not  Leipzig (East).  
• Berlin Brandenburg Airport: To travel from one of Berlin’s Airports to Halle, volunteers will either need to come by bus or by train once they have unboarded from their flight. 
  • To come via bus, volunteers will need to find routes available that are operated by either FlixBus or Eurolines. The commute from Berlin to Halle (Saale) should be approximately 2 hours by bus. 

• For volunteers wishing to travel from Berlin to Halle (Saale) via train, they will need to depart from Berlin Central Station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof); the commute will take approximately an hour and a half. Train rockets can be bought ahead of time through Deutsche Bahn or conveniently at the train station and airport.
• Frankfurt Airport: Both trains and buses are available to travel from the airport to the city of Halle (Saale) with both commutes taking approximately 3 – 4 hours. Please see above for further information regarding travel from outside airports.

Traveling to Germany on your own? 

You’re Never Alone: Although volunteers may have to travel to the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany on their own, once they arrive, they will be the furthest thing from alone. Part of the EC’s mission, in addition to aiding refugees and migrants, is to connect individuals from around the world and unite them behind a common purpose. 

As a volunteer in Germany, participants will meet people from a wide variety of Arabic cultures, as well as from a diverse range of nations across the World. The Excellence Center hosts on average 50 volunteers per year, ranging all the way from Denmark and Norway, to Australia and Japan. Whoever you are and wherever you come from, as long as you are positive, driven, and eager to make a difference, the Excellence Center is ready to take you under its wing. Volunteers in Germany can forge new connections that last a lifetime, and open up doors to new opportunities to travel abroad beyond Germany.

Furthermore, by the end of their service, volunteers will feel as if they are part of a family, making strong bonds with other volunteers, their students, and the Center’s staff. Every volunteer that comes through the Center offers something unique to those around them, creating strong teams and lasting friendships. We embrace this diversity because we see it as a strength, not a weakness. Together we can learn and grow together, we can foster understanding and acceptance as a community. So, even though volunteers will need to travel to the Excellent Center alone, they will never feel alone as they will forever be a part of the EC’s family, and will earn a special place on the walls of the EC, covered in the smiling faces of past volunteers, students, staff, friends and family.

Reviews From Former Participants 

The Excellence Center in Europe has welcomed individuals from all over the world since 2018. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach, and develop individuals within the local and international community.

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards”, recognizing the Excellence Center’s meaningful and unforgettable impact on the community of international travellers. Since then the Excellence Center was recognized as the 3rd best Volunteer Abroad Providers in the World in 2021, and was rated 2nd Most Fun opportunity in 2021 according to Gooverseas.com. The Excellence Center’s Volunteer to Teach English and Study German program has a wide range of positive reviews; these include: 

+500 Reviews (95%) on Gooverseas.com 

+100 Reviews (93%) on Goabroad.com

Volunteer to Teach English Abroad and Study German participants’ video testimonials. 

Summary

Many people can attest to the fact that there is one way to find true happiness: through selfless service to others. There is something incredibly unique about using the time and resources you have to help your fellow humankind succeed. If you have a desire to learn German or Arabic, if you want to help others by sharing a skill you’ve used your whole life (speaking English), and if you want to make a difference in the lives of others, then we are looking for you.

We accept all applications: whether you are a recent graduate, a student looking for an internship abroad, a retiree, or anyone in between looking to volunteer abroad with refugees. Come stay with us for 1-13 weeks in historic Halle (Saale), Germany, experience a life of service, connect with a unique and diverse community, and change the world one little bit at a time. We’re waiting for you!

Applications, Questions and Concerns 

If you are interested in participating in our Volunteer to Teach English and Learn German Program, please, write to us at Info@eceurope.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1 – 3 business days. Do not hesitate to ask our friendly staff any questions or concerns you may have.

When you are ready to apply, write in the subject line of your email, “Volunteer to Teach English and Study German.” Upon writing back to you we attach an application form, which you will fill out and return to us to begin the on-boarding process. We are waiting for your application!

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@eceurope.org

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