Esteban is from Colombia, South America. From this distant locale, he joined the Volunteer in Germany program for two months from December 2018 through January 2019.  He did not know what to expect at the Excellence Center in Halle, but he said that he was more than happy to discover that his experience turned out to be brilliant and distinctive.

He taught English to a number of refugees, and he had the unique opportunity to teach Spanish.  Meeting people from around the world made his sojourn in Halle even more happy and fascinating.

Live with a German family

Esteban lived with a German family which consisted of a mother, daughter, and son. He enjoyed the time he spent with them, he says, and describes the family as being “just wonderful”. They helped him to decide what important sites he should visit in the city, and they gave him advice on any number of things related to living in Germany.  

“It was great that they were speaking to me in German, which helped me develop my German language skills and felt that I no longer feared speaking German. The atmosphere with the family was nice and I felt at home during my stay with them in Halle”, Esteban told us.

Teaching English in a mosque

During his time in Halle Esteban worked for one day in the mosque where he had the opportunity to teach about 15 Arab children. This experience he described as helping him to learn how to be a teacher. He told them about his culture, how they learn English, and he engaged them in many educational activities. He said that “it was wonderful to know these children during the 45 minutes”.

Understand how people from countries can gather

He continued telling us that, “In Colombia, we are trying to establish an international school similar to the Excellence Center. This experience has helped me understand how people from countries around the world can gather here and talk about their culture and language, and how we can work together. It was one of the highlights of my experience here in Germany.”

Do not hesitate to volunteer in Germany

Esteban advises those who wish to come to Germany and volunteer at the Excellence Center to not hesitate. This experience, he says, will open their minds enabling them to learn about the experiences of others from different regions around the world.

Final remarks

Esteban also participated in the Volunteer Program for work with the refugees at the Excellence Center. Volunteers from around the world and refugees living in Halle are invited to learn about living in Germany, as well as hearing the stories of displacement that brought these refugees to Germany.  Volunteers learn the significant challenges that these refugees daily face.