Refugee Internship Program in Germany for Students and Recent Graduates: For the students and recent graduates looking for practical experience through internships in Europe, looking to volunteer with refugees in Germany, gain knowledge in community development, and make a difference, all while immersing themselves in Arabic/German culture, the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany, is the place for you!

The Excellence Center operates as a language school and community center for refugees and migrants predominantly of Arab backgrounds, but also those displaced in Africa and Europe. Because of the Center’s dual roles as a language school and community center, it conducts numerous cultural exchange programs designed to build bridges between Arabic, German, and the general international community in Halle (Saale). 

The Excellence Center’s mission is to bridge the gaps between cultures, foster understanding, dispel misconceptions, and create constructive dialogues between diverse groups of people. Participants in the Refugee Internship Program in Germany for Students and Recent Graduates will take on various roles, helping construct, implement, and lead the Center’s community outreach programs and other organized educational events.

By participating in an internship based around volunteering with refugees, learning German or Arabic, and teaching English, you can actively contribute to community development while becoming part of a family deeply embedded in the international community and developing your practical skills.

Refugee Internship Program in Germany for Students and Recent Graduates Open for 2026-2027

We are excited to offer a meaningful opportunity for students and recent graduates to take part in the Refugee Internship Program in Germany, based in the diverse and welcoming city of Halle. This program for the 2026–2027 academic year invites participants to engage directly with refugee communities while gaining valuable professional experience and contributing to impactful social initiatives.

Participants will immerse themselves in a dynamic multicultural environment, working alongside local organizations to support integration, education, and community development efforts. This program is especially suited for individuals passionate about social justice, intercultural exchange, and working with diverse populations. In addition to the internship experience, participants can benefit from complementary opportunities such as volunteering programs and Arabic language courses, creating a well-rounded and enriching experience that combines professional growth with cultural learning.

Internship in Germany Program

An Immersive Program

Participating in the Refugee Internship Program in Germany for Students and Recent Graduates is a unique way to engage with the local Arabic community in Halle (Saale) while gaining first practical experiences. You will also be housed with an Arabic/German-speaking host (depending on their chosen language of study), immersing yourself further in German/Arabic language and culture.

You can expect to interact closely with the Arab community – this means not only attending and conducting class, but also house visits, family cookouts and barbecues, and more!

Teach Refugees English While Learning German or Arabic

In addition to operating as a community center, the center also serves as a language school, catering to the language needs of the local refugee and migrant community in Halle (Saale). Because of the center’s dual roles, interns will teach refugees conversational English classes and take on various leadership activities.

The intention behind interns instructing English courses is that it will also provide them with teaching experience – another valuable tool when trying to bridge cultural divides. But don’t worry, no teaching experience is required!

What is the Duration of the Program?

The Excellence Center offers both a long-term (2-3 months) and a short-term (1-month) internship program in Germany. The length of interns’ programs will determine the scope and scale of their chosen outreach and educational activities, as well as their level of language and cultural engagement. In reality, the duration of the internship can be decided by the participants, with approval from the center’s leadership.

Internship in Germany Program
Internship in Germany Program

Specific Program Details 

The Refugee Internship Program in Germany for Students and Recent Graduates is divided into four stages, the duration of which depends on the participant’s choice to enroll in a long or short-term program. Every stage of the program will provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in Arabic/German culture, as well as become more informed about the political and social circumstances of refugees in Halle (Saale). Each subsequent stage builds progressively on the last and ultimately culminates in a community outreach/educational program. 

Stage One: Study German or Arabic

During the first part of their program, interns will participate in an intensive language course (either Arabic or German) from Monday through Friday, so they may better understand and navigate the communities they are working within. The total number of language courses offered varies depending on the duration of an intern’s enrollment. The standard course load is 20 teaching hours per month.

  • For a month-long internship program, participants will receive a total of 20 language hours in one week. For a 2-month program a total of 40 hours of language instruction in two weeks will be provided, and for a 3-month program a total of 60 hours in three weeks.
  • The language courses offered focus predominantly on applicable conversation skills to improve participants’ ability to interact with the local community. 

Stage Two: Presentations on Refugee Affairs

Interns in Germany will participate, Monday through Thursday, in lectures, open discussions, and presentations regarding the circumstances of refugees in Halle (Saale) and Europe at large. This stage in the program will help you:

  • Become informed about how refugees in Germany are adjusting to a new society and culture.
  • Learn about the many barriers refugees face in their new homes, such as employment, education, housing, discrimination, and integration.
  • Learn about Syrian culture, history, contemporary politics, education, and social structures, as well as the journey of migration many made in 2014 and 2015, and how they now navigate the German legal system and laws of asylum. 
  • Interact with refugees seeking to understand their day-to-day experiences in Halle, as well as present on the resettlement circumstances of their home country. 

Participants will also discuss what they have learned, their opinions, and potential solutions in a seminar format. These discussions are meant to bring us together, share revelations, dispel misunderstandings, and use diversity to foster empathy for one another while discussing challenges bigger than any one of us.

Stage Three: Case Study & Teaching Skills

Participants will have the option to conduct a case study on a variety of topics: refugees’ resettlement, immigration, education, integration, or another topic of their choice. Flexibility is a strength of the Excellence Center, and projects can reflect your field of study. It is not uncommon for this section of the program to be treated as a journalism project, a media and communication program, or a political science case study. This is also when you will gain the skills necessary to teach Communicative Style English classes to refugees.

  • The case study will require the internship participant to conduct meetings and interviews with refugees, migrants, volunteers, and community leaders. 
  • Participants will take part in discussions and lectures about teaching methods.
  • Participants will give a presentation about their research and interviews to the Center’s faculty, staff, volunteers, and other interns and will lead an open discussion based on their findings. 
  • Participants will also be required to give a PowerPoint presentation on the best teaching methods for one-to-one lessons or small groups, to be used in their classes.

Stage Four: Community & Educational Activities

In the final stage of the internship, participants will assume a leadership role in the community, conducting classes, designing and executing workshops, and leading community outreach programs:

  • Participants will run workshops sharing marketable skills with the refugee community, such as CV writing workshops, how to operate photo and video editing software, academic writing workshops, and so forth. 
  • Interns will design and teach refugees and migrants personalized classes. 
  • Finally, participants will write a reflection about her/his experiences detailing their time in Halle, their main takeaways, their most memorable experiences, and any other insights gained that they wish to share.  

Previous examples of the Center’s community outreach programs include professional writing workshops, such as CV/resume writing workshops, organized sporting events and cookouts; art exhibitions and exchanges; as well as so much more! Participants are encouraged to utilize their creativity when thinking of potential ideas for outreach and educational activities. Interns make up a core part of the Center’s mission by bringing in new, creative ideas, fresh perspectives, and talent that help create meaningful change – the sky’s the limit!

Online Language Courses Before and After Your Stay in Germany

Potential participants coming to Germany can take online German or Arabic courses—or both—before arriving, helping them build a solid foundation in the language(s) of their choice. These online courses are designed for different levels and needs, making them suitable for beginners as well as more advanced learners. Starting early allows participants to feel more confident and better prepared when they begin their experience in Halle (Saale).

Participants may also continue taking online courses after completing their stay in Germany. This ensures that learning continues beyond the program, allowing individuals to further develop their language skills and maintain their connection to Halle and the wider cultural and linguistic environment over time.

Who Can Participate? 

The Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany, sees diversity as a strength; multiculturalism as an avenue to broaden understanding; and each individual person as a unique vessel of stories, thoughts, and life experiences. Because of these beliefs, the Excellence Center does not discriminate on any basis in regard to an individual’s nationality, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other quantifiable means.

A participant in an internship in Germany program may come from any number of backgrounds, and so long as they are kind, curious, and willing to learn, they will be welcome to the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany. 

Requirements

This being said, the does have a few requirements for those wishing to participate in the Refugee Internship Program in Germany for Students and Recent Graduates: 

  • Participants must be at least 18 years old (Unless special permissions are granted by the Center’s director and legal guardians) 
  • Have fluency in English, as well as a basic grammatical understanding of how the language functions. However, being a native English speaker is not required. 
  • A positive attitude and a willingness to learn. 

What is NOT Required

  • Any previous knowledge of Arabic or German. 
  • Previous Academic degrees or teaching certificates. 
  • Previous experience teaching English. 
  • Status as a current student.

Summer Internships in Germany 

The Refugee Internship Program in Germany offered by the Excellence Center in Europe provides a valuable opportunity for university students, recent graduates, and international learners who are seeking meaningful summer internships in Germany. This program is especially well-suited for students taking a summer break, gap year participants, or those between academic semesters who wish to gain practical, hands-on experience in the fields of migration, community development, and intercultural engagement. With flexible participation options, the program is designed to fit academic calendars, and in some cases, university credit can be arranged to support degree requirements.

The program welcomes students from all academic levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies, and is open to a wide range of disciplines. It is particularly relevant for those studying Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology, Migration Studies, Journalism, Media and Communication, Education, and the Humanities. However, the opportunities extend beyond specific fields, as participants can tailor their internship experience to match their academic goals and professional interests. Interns may engage in teaching, refugee support, community development initiatives, and media-related projects, gaining practical skills that complement their studies.

The Excellence Center offers one of the most impactful summer internship experiences in Germany, providing a structured and supportive environment where participants actively contribute to refugee-focused and community-based initiatives. Interns work closely with local communities while developing professional competencies, intercultural understanding, and real-world experience. This combination of learning and service makes the program a meaningful opportunity for personal growth and career development, while also supporting important social integration efforts in Germany.

Benefits and Impact

There are many benefits to the Refugee Internship Program in Germany for Students and Recent Graduates, chiefly among them being your close interaction with the International community here in Halle, and the knowledge that your volunteer services benefit a community in need. The Excellence Center is a community center, and by volunteering here you will be actively making a difference in the lives of others, and providing a valuable service to help refugees find future success.

When you come to the Excellence Center you become a part of our family and will be treated as such. This means participating in the Center’s communal breakfast every morning, taking part in local activities, going out to restaurants with the Center’s volunteers and staff, as well as forging deep and long-lasting connections. Even if you only stay a few weeks at the Excellence Center, you will become a part of a one-of-a-kind community and family for the rest of your life.

Refugee Internship Program in Germany for Students and Recent Graduates: Overview

Place of internship ProgramHalle (Saale), Germany
Program FeesClick Here for the Prices
Age18-75 Years old
Minimum Duration4 Weeks
Duration13 Weeks
Starting/Ending DatesFlexible – Anytime
Area of InternshipCommunity development
Refugees in Germany
Teaching English
TimeframeAcademic Year 
Fall J-Term 
Maymester 
Spring
Spring Break
Summer
Winter 
Year Round
Application DeadlineNo deadline
Program LanguageEnglish
Days offThree days a week (Fri – Sun)
Arabic or German LessonsOne month = 20 Hours
Two months = 40 Hours
Three months = 60 Hours
Educational DegreeNot Required
Reviews and Rating Reviews and ratings on Gooverseas.com
Reviews and rating On Goabroad.com
Participants video testimonials
University CreditAvailable
  • Registration fee: 50€ paid once at registration
  • Placement Test: Free
  • Certificate of completion
  • Fees include breakfast, accommodation, Arabic or German classes, as well as some visits to different institutions in the city of Halle.

Additional Services and Customization Options

Additional Arabic Language Hours: Participants can add extra weekly German or Arabic lessons for a more intensive learning experience.

Private Accommodation Options: Participants may choose a private room or an apartment located just 20 minutes from the center.

Combined Study and Practical Experience: Participants can combine German and, or Arabic language study with volunteer or internship programs for a more hands-on experience.

Online Arabic Lessons: Available before and after the program to support continued language development.

Which Airport Should I Fly Into?

  • 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 interns 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 tickets can be bought ahead of time through Deutsche Bahn or conveniently at the train station or 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.

Reviews from Former Participants

The Excellence Center in Europe has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards, including being recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.

Summary

The Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), Germany, provides an opportunity for you to study and immerse yourself in Arabic and German language and culture. Through the Excellence Center programs, you will better understand the circumstances of refugees in Germany, as well as how they relate to the politics of Germany and the Middle East. Participants will stay with an Arab or German host to maximize exposure to the target language and culture, giving you a chance to make the very most out of your stay. Through our learn-and-teach approach, you will gain leadership and teaching experience. You will use your valuable English skills to serve the local refugees and migrant population as a volunteer.

You will engage in discussions and projects relating to the status of refugees, all while working towards your personal goals. For students, this means a focus on specialization through custom projects and university credit for internship experience. You will make a real difference in the lives of others and your own. You will become a part of the Halle community, and you will join the Excellence Center family consisting of Arab migrants, German volunteers and residents, a multicultural staff, and fellow volunteers from all around the world.

The Internship in Germany Program offers participants an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines cultural and language immersion, personalized program material, as well as community outreach and aid, which time and again has been an unforgettable experience for all those involved. Come join the family!

How to Apply for the Internship in Germany Program?

If you are interested in participating in our Internship in Germany Program, please write to us at Info@eceurope.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within two business days. In the subject line of your email, please write “Internship in Germany Program”. Upon writing back to you, we will attach an application form, which you will fill out and return to us to begin the onboarding process. 

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Summer Internships in Germany Intensive & Non-Intensive German Courses

Find Us Online

Do you want to contact the Excellence Center in Europe? Please email us at info@eceurope.org or write to us at WhatsApp: +49 1763 935 3950

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