Teach English and Learn German in Halle by Violet

By The Excellence Center In Europe / In Internship in Germany

First Impressions

I was a little nervous before arriving in Halle (Saale), Germany on Friday evening but the minute I met my host family I felt at home. We had a lovely meal together and spent the weekend seeing the city together – I even went to a dance class at the local theatre. Halle is beautiful and just the right size – big enough to have everything you need but it is still cosy. The whole situation has been great for my German practice.

Not only do I only speak German with my host family, but it is the only language in the city. In Berlin, Munich or other international cities you hear so much English but not here. The Excellence Centre, where I work, has also been wonderful. I’ve only had two days, but I feel so welcome there too. We all have breakfast together and then I teach English and have some German lessons. I am looking forward to my weeks here and also exploring the surrounding area of Leipzig, Dresden and Hamburg.

Looking back:

My general opinion of Halle and the Excellence hasn’t changed, and I still love it here! I am really going to miss being part of the community when I leave, and I am already planning a return trip. My German has drastically improved because of my exposure to the language in the city and with my host family but also because of my wonderful German teacher. We spent some time in the classroom but lots of time walking around the city and also chatting in cafés. I now feel so much more confident talking and coping in public situations in the language.

As well as being a student I have also been teaching plenty of English in the center in Halle. I have four classes, stretching from individual teaching to small groups and various levels. I have found this equally challenging and rewarding but I received lots of guidance and support from Rafat and his team throughout. It has been wonderful getting to know so many different people at the center – it is truly amazing to see all these different languages and cultures come together. I have even been invited to share a meal with my students outside of the classroom and I have made some great friends. The best meal of the day is definitely breakfast when we all sit together to chat and share food before the day begins – I look forward to this every day.

Teach English and Learn German in Halle by Violet

I have got into a real routine here including morning runs in the park and ice skating at the local ice rink and it was super easy to get stuck into life here. My German host family has also been wonderful welcoming me into their family, sharing their meals and making sure that I am happy in Halle. I will have to come to visit them in the future because I feel so at home here.

I am very sad to be leaving the Excellence Centre but I have gained far more than just better German from all my experiences in Halle. This article was written by Violet Mackintosh, 19 (United Kingdom)