Hi Prospective Volunteer! Here is your quick guide to frequent questions that come up about our programs and working at The Excellence Center. Another helpful resource to peruse before you arrive at the center is the Orientation Booklet for Volunteers.
Table of Contents
Application Process
How do I apply?
Complete the Online Application Form
Start by filling out the application form available on our website. This form includes information such as background, interests, goals for volunteering, and preferred program dates. Please complete this section as thoroughly as possible to help us enhance your experience.
Initial Review
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed to ensure that your goals align with our program’s objectives. This process usually takes a couple of days, so you should be hearing from us within a week of application submission. We welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds and of all ages, so please don’t hesitate to apply!
Schedule a Meeting
After your application is reviewed, we will arrange a meeting with you via WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet. This meeting is an opportunity for you to learn more about the program and ask questions, as well as for us to learn more about your interests, experience, and goals.
Confirmation and Next Steps
After the meeting with the program director, you will receive a contract and confirmation of your acceptance into the program. At this stage, we will provide further information on preparing for your trip, including accommodation details and any required documentation.
When can I start?
The Excellence Center accepts applications year round for our Volunteering Program. It is possible to set your own dates and make arrangements with the Director, Rafat Shantir. Individuals applying for programs during the summer should ensure that they apply in advance to secure a spot because of limited availability during the busy season.
Teaching English
How much prior experience is needed to volunteer?
- Participants from various educational backgrounds and ages are welcome to apply for an Internship position at The Excellence Center in Europe.
- Experience is not required to take part in the program, as volunteers are selected based on their being a good fit for The Center.
Should my English be perfect? Do I need a certificate to teach?
While a good grasp of the English knowledge is necessary, no formal qualification nor native speaking standards are required.
What level of languages do I need for the classes? (Is prior knowledge of a language required for the courses?)
When applying to learn German or Arabic, all levels are welcome! Once you arrive at The Center, you will take a short placement exam in order to place you into a course. It is recommended that you start self-studying the basics, such as the alphabet, before you arrive just so we can make sure to maximize the benefits you get from your time here at The Center.
How many people usually volunteer at The Excellence Center?
The amount of people at The Center ranges based on the season. Summer is our busiest season for volunteers, and there can be over 20 people at The Excellence Center at once. A more average estimate would be around 10 people volunteering at once.
What teaching responsibilities can I expect as an Excellence Center volunteer?
When teaching English, the classes will typically be one-to-one with students, although sometimes you could have two students at a time. In terms of lesson planning, everyone is in charge of their own lessons, which you can structure how you wish based on the needs of the student. If you need support while lesson planning, we have resources available for you at The Center. You will meet with students 1-3 times per week, depending on scheduling availability with each student. Furthermore, we offer classes online for disadvantaged people from Syria, Palestine, and Turkey, so there is a possibility for teaching both in person and online.
Travel Arrangements
How do I travel to Halle (Saale)?
The closest airport is the Leipzig/Halle Airport, which is only about a 20 minute train ride from The Center. Another option is the Berlin Airport, which takes about an hour to reach Halle with the ICE trains. If you are flying into another airport in Germany or a neighboring country, the extensive train system is not hard to navigate with the Deutschbahn (DB) App and will be able to get you to the Halle Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station) with little issue. If you need help coordinating travel, please reach out to us for more information.
What do I need to bring?
In terms of required items, please bring a laptop in order to complete projects and homework. We would also like you to bring a memento from your hometown or country so we can remember your time here at The Center!
While there are many things provided at the accommodations, here is a list of suggested items to bring:
- Reusable water bottle
- Pen/pencils and notebook
- Umbrella
- Walking shoes
- Portable charger/German plug adaptor
- All-weather jacket (even in the summer, the weather can be variable!)
- Portable fan (in the summer as well, there is no AC)
Where should I go when I arrive in Halle?
- If arriving on a weekday, please go directly to The Excellence Center where we will help you get settled in with keys for the accommodations.
- If arriving on a weekend, please go directly to the accommodation, information for which will be provided a few days before your arrival.
What happens when I arrive at The Center on my first day?
On your first day, you will come to The Center for community breakfast at 10am. Afterwards, depending on the program you are participating in, you will speak with Rafat to set up a schedule for language courses as well as your teaching English course, if applicable.
Living in Halle (Saale)
Where will I stay?
There are three options for accommodations, for more information, please see the Orientation Booklet.
1. Female-only accommodation
2. Male-only accommodation
3. Host family (Availability dependent)
What is provided at the accommodations?
- Here is a list of what is provided at the accommodations:
- Washing machine/Laundry detergent/drying racks
- Stove/Oven
- Dish/silverware & cooking utensils
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Trash cans/bags
- Vacuum/Broom/Mop
- Beds/Bedding
- Desks/chairs
- Towels
- Iron/Ironing board
- Hair dryer
- Heater
- Closets/hangers/storage
- Please note that there are many volunteers who come through the accommodation, so oftentimes there will be leftover food and/or hygiene products that are free to use. Before purchasing anything, it is recommended that you check in the apartment once you arrive to see what is already there/has been left behind.
How much free time will I have?
Outside of class time and teaching hours, your time in Halle is your own! This time requirement varies depending on the program, usually a couple of hours a day, with plenty of free time to explore Halle and surrounding areas. Workdays are Mondays-Thursdays, and volunteers have Fridays-Sundays off.
What does breakfast have?
Breakfast has an assortment of fruit, vegetables, bread, jam, and spreads as well as coffee and tea for everyone at The Center.
How long is the commute from the accommodations?
From each accommodation with the tram, it takes about 30 minutes to arrive at The Center.
How long will I be in class/what do they look like?
In the Intensive Language Program, you will have 4 hours of class (3 teaching hours with 15 minute breaks each hour) each day. Otherwise, it will depend on how many hours you paid for when you confirmed your program. 3 hours is the included class time, and you can add on up to 6 hours per week or 9 hours per week of instruction.
What is there to do in Halle? What’s close by?
There are several fun things to do in Halle! The nature here is abundant with plenty of green spaces and parks to relax in, and in the summer the river Saale is also fun to dip in during the hotter summer months. There are many museums here, including the Handel Museum, the Moritzburg Art Museum, and a Beatles Museum! Leipzig is the next big city, only a 20 minute tram ride away, that has tons of activities and places to explore. Other close cities include Dresden (2 hours away by train) and Berlin (3 hours by train).
How do I use public transport?
For local transport, Google Maps is a reliable source for the trams and buses. In terms of longer distance travel across Germany, the Deutsche Bahn App (DB) is best for finding trains and connections.
Does The Center have community activities?
Yes! Volunteers at The Center usually hang out during their off times and explore the city together. Once a week, there is typically some sort of Center Activity, such as a dinner, a picnic, or a quick tour of Leipzig.
How long is a working day at The Center and do I get holidays?
- The working day begins for volunteers at 10am when the community breakfast is served at The Center, and hours are usually flexible depending on the program you have chosen. During the day, volunteers are welcome to take breaks in the kitchen, use the wifi for personal use, and enjoy coffee or tea provided and brewed throughout the day.
- During public holidays, The Excellence Center is closed and volunteers will not work those days.
Additional Questions
Can I get University Credit from studying at the Excellence Center?
The Excellence Center is certified by the Ministry of Education to award university credit to students. Upon completing a level, students also receive a personalized certificate for use as evidence of achievement.
More questions? Contact Us:
- WhatsApp:+49 1514 2022 224
- Email: Info@eceurope.org
- Address: Ernst-Toller Straße 15, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
