Internship in Germany: Refugee Resettlement Program: Angela Merkel stunned the world in September 2015, when she opened German borders and allowed hundreds of thousands of refugees to enter Germany. Over the past three years, more than 1.3 million people have sought refuge in the country. Refugees to Germany have come to escape war and internal conflicts in their own countries. Germany has offered a safe haven from the misery interjected into the lives of these people.
Because of their displacement, refugees have faced many challenges in their travels to safety and security, such as vulnerability to smugglers’ conditions, as well as passage through waters in ships lacking the most basic safety features. The deaths of many refugees have occurred due to dangerous conditions, and many others’ lives have been endangered. Refugees in Germany face several key challenges, including tough integration policies, racism, cultural differences, and adaption to the German life style.
The Refugee Resettlement Program at the Excellence Center is a great opportunity for those who want to understand the refugee resettlement situation within Germany. This month-long program will give the participant the chance to have a better understanding of the refugees’ situation in Halle, Germany, and the challenges they face on a daily basis. The program participant will learn about the refugees’ community. In addition, the participant will either study Arabic or German with one of our qualified teachers.
The Refugee Resettlement program is structured into four stages:
Week One: Learn German or Arabic
During the first week of the program participants will study the German or Arabic language from Monday through Friday. Participants will attend an intensive conversational German or Arabic course for 20 hours. All required materials for this course will be provided. The course will focus on discussions and will help the participants to communicate with refugees.
In addition, during this week participants will visit sites within the city of Halle. This will give participants the opportunity to become acquainted with the history and landmarks of the city. During their program time the participant will give a presentation to the Excellence Center students and staff that will describe the participant’s home country.
2. Week Two: Presentations on Refugee Affairs
Monday through Thursday of Week Two the participants will engage in open discussions, presentations, and lectures regarding the refugee situation. During this time participants will learn about the life of refugees in Germany and how they are adapting to a new society and culture. The information presented will come from people who have experience working with the refugees in various German cities. These presentations will cover the following topics:
- Syria, including Syrian history, political system, education, social structure, facts about the war in Syria, Syria’s relations with other countries, to name a few topics;
- Refugees in Germany maneuvering themselves through the web of laws, regulations, and requirements needed to establish a new life of safety and security.
- Challenges facing refugees in Germany, such as employment, education, housing, and integration into society and culture, among others.
During this week, the participant will have several meetings with refugees in Halle. Participants will also give a presentation on the refugee resettlement situation in their home country.
3. Week Three: Case Study
Monday through Thursday of Week Three participants will conduct a case study based on a specific refugee living in Halle. This case study will require the participant to meet the refugee, interviewing the refugee, particularly regarding the integration process, as well as the work, education, and cultural challenges the refugee faces. By the end of this week, the participant is expected to make a presentation and share what they have learned about refugee resettlement based on the person he/she has interviewed.
4. Week Four: Community and Educational Activities
During this week, Monday through Thursday, the participant will plan and carry out various activities or workshops. He/she will share skills that may be beneficial in some way to the refugee community in Halle. Some examples may include photo shop, video editing, academic writing, resume/cv writing, and so forth.
At the end of the week, the participant will be asked to give a 15-30-minute presentation on his/her experiences over the past month. The presentation will include knowledge that he/she has learned, and challenges that he/she faced. Additionally, participants will be asked to write one article about their experience.
Benefits of the Refugee Resettlement program:
- Study Arabic or German (20 hours) with one of our teachers and practice it with refugees and local Arabs;
- Understand the refugee situation in the German context;
- Connect, build friendships with, and listen to the stories of refugees;
- Participate in educational, social, and community activities organized by the Center; The aim of these gatherings is to provide a space where locals, refugees, and program participants can meet and get to know one another.
- Meet people from different countries and backgrounds, such as locals and people from Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt, and many other countries;
- Experience the hospitality of Arabs and the Arabic culture by being a part of the Excellence Center’s activities.
- Explore the beautiful city of Halle;
- Travel Germany each week during your three-day weekend (Fri-Sun);
- Live with a host family, local Germans or refugees, and build a relationship with them;
- Enjoy daily breakfast at the Center with the EC community; and
- Build friendships with other volunteers and interns.
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Day in the life of an EC Program Participant:
The participant starts his/her day with a breakfast at the Center at 10 a.m. On certain weeks the participant may be required to prepare the breakfast. After breakfast the participant will follow the program schedule (listed above).
Lunchtime will give participants the chance to either cook something at the Center, or go out to eat with the other participants/interns/volunteers. Additionally, participants are asked to assist in one cleaning duty per week.
Why Halle (Saale)?
Halle (Saale) is a German city that has received a large number of refugees. This makes the city a very diverse place to visit because of the many different cultures present within the city. International participants add to that diversity. Additionally, Martin Luther University in Halle is an educational destination that attracts many international students.
Refugees, immigrants, and foreigners all contribute to the beauty of cultures found in the city. During your time here, you will be able to meet and interact with many different people from different countries.
Besides teaching English and studying Arabic or German, there are many things to do here in Halle. Halle is a city full of cafés, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. With so many possibilities, you are bound to enjoy your time here.
Which airport should I fly into?
The easiest way to get to the Excellence Center in Germany is to fly to Leipzig/Halle Airport. It takes about 25 minutes to get from the airport to the Excellence Center via train.
If you are coming from one of the Berlin airports, then you have two ways to get to the Excellence Center. First is to come by bus. You can take a bus operated by companies such as FlixBus or Eurolines. The bus ride takes about two hours. The second choice is to come by train from the Berlin-Central Station. The train ride takes about an hour and a half.
What does the application process look like?
- The participant emails the Excellence Center to receive an application.
- The participant fills out the application and sends it back to us.
- We review the application with our team.
- We might invite you for a skype call to ask you some questions.
- If selected for the program, we will send you an acceptance letter and a contract.
- You sign the contract and send it back to us.
- You pay the fees.
- You are ready to come to Germany and join the program. Welcome.
Am I eligible for the program?
The Refugee Resettlement Program is open to all persons between 18 – 70 years old. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. Participation in the program does not require an academic degree.
When can I apply and for how long can I intern?
This internship is open year-round. You can apply at any time throughout the year. As a participant, YOU choose your start and end dates. The Duration of the internship is one month.
Traveling to Germany on your own?
You will easily meet many refugees, immigrants, Germans, and other internationals, as well as community members with a variety of interests.
Moreover, the Excellence Center in Europe hosts many international visitors from all over the world who will be studying, volunteering, visiting, or interning at Center. You will engage with them in educational and community activities organized by the Center.
Everyone at the Excellence Center in Europe in Halle (Saale) – students, international visitors, and staff – are like a family. There are always activities to enjoy together. Halle is a fascinating destination for international visitors to visit, and it offers a great social atmosphere.
Visa to Germany
If you are coming from a European country that has signed the Schengen agreement, then you do not need a visa to enter Germany, and you are permitted to stay in Germany for up to three months.
All other travelers will need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Germany. This visa will allow you to enter and stay in Germany for a maximum period of 3 months (90 days). It is important to note that this visa prohibits visa-holders from getting a job (even as a freelance) during their stay.
Getting the application
If you want to join this program, please send us an email at: info@eceurope.org . Type “The Refugee Resettlement Program” in the subject line. We will then send you the application form.
Find us Online
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