All that you need to know about volunteering or doing an internship in Germany:At some point in life, people are very eager to volunteer or intern abroad. It really doesn’t matter what the reason is, it can be just to have a new experience, helping other people, meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds, sharing skills and experiences and the list goes on and on.
Germany is a country filled with historical events throughout history besides having one of the strongest economies in the world. It is considered to be a very desirable destination to volunteer or intern. Young and older people are eager to come to Germany volunteer or do an internship. What makes it even more attractive is the big flow of refugees who come from various countries in the world, especially from Syria. The big number of Syrian refugees who fled war makes Germany an interesting place to help people and make a little bit of a difference and give a little help back to people.
In this article, you will get all the required information regarding the volunteer or internship programs offered in Germany and what your best option is. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Q: Where to find the best volunteer or internship program in Germany?
A: Your best option is the Excellence Center in Europe. The center is located in the city of Halle Saale. The centre is a meeting point for local Germans, refugees, migrants and internationals where they talk, discuss and exchange ideas.
Q: Is Halle Saale a good place to do a volunteer or internship program?
A: Yes, you might never have heard of it but the city has a lot to offer. The city of Marten-Luther and George Handel and many others would offer you more than what you think. Halle is a city located in the southern region of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. Halle is an economic and educational center in eastern Germany. The University of Halle-Wittenberg for example is the largest university in Saxony-Anhalt and one of the oldest universities in Germany. Halle city has an elegant city center, many green areas and many narrow streets where architecture has been preserved. There are many of beautiful places along the Saale River which runs through the city.
In addition, Halle is one of the cities that received a large number of refugees in Germany. This makes the city more diverse with different cultures. Not only this but the university in Halle is one of the educational destinations for foreign students to study with various educational fields.
Q: What volunteer or internship programs the Excellence Center in Europe offers?
A: The center in Germany offers various volunteer and internship programs. Volunteer and internship in Germany programs includes
- Volunteer to Teach English and Study Arabic
- Volunteer to Teach English and Study German
- Media and Journalism
- Volunteer to write about Germany
- Internship programs include Teach English and Study Arabic
- Teach English and Study German
- Internship in Germany and Community Management.
Q: How much are the fees and duration for a volunteer or internship program?
A: Volunteer programs can last from one week minimum up to three months and fees start from 250 Euro a week. The internship programs can last from one month minimum up to three months and the fees start from 1500 Euro a month.
Q: What the fees cover?
A: The paid fees cover the following: participation cost, daily breakfast, accommodation either in a host family or a shared room apartment, three hours of Arabic or German classes per week, participation in the Center’s social and community activities. The Center will also arrange visits to historical sites and other sites of interest in the city of Halle.
Q: Is there any age limit? Who can apply?
A: Anyone between the ages of 18 and 75 is welcome to apply to the centre’s volunteer or internship programs in Germany. However, those who are under 18 can also apply if they are accompanied by one of their parents or legal guardian or they have a consent from the aforementioned people to apply and come to Germany.
Q: Is there any deadline to apply?
A: Nope! The Excellence center in Europe is very flexible when it comes to times and dates. You can apply any time within the year but the earlier the better.
Q: Do I need a visa to come to Germany?
A: It depends. Regarding the issue of needing a visa to enter Germany or in order to join one of the internships offered by the Excellence center, you need to be aware of the following:
- If you are coming from a European country that has signed the Schengen agreement, then you do not need a visa to enter Germany.
- For those who come from countries that are a part of this program, 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.
Q: Do I need either to speak Arabic or German to apply?
A: Nope! During your time in Halle, you will be provided with three hours a week of either German or Arabic lessons with one of our teachers. This means that doing an internship or volunteer work in Germany at the Excellence center will give you the chance to learn a new language and also practice it with the locals, students and with the family members. All that you need to know is to speak English so that you communicate with the center’s staff, students and other international volunteers and interns.
Q: What the experience of living with a host family in Halle is like?
A: No doubt that living with a host family is a unique experience some might go through where you will be able to understand the culture of the family and how they live their daily life. In addition, you will be able to share great moments with the family and get involved in their traditions as well as practice your Arabic or German and improve your language skills.
Who normally comes and joins the Excellence center’s internships?
A: Excellence center in Europe has hosted many people who come from various countries in the world. The diverse environment of the center attracts many people to join one of the internship programs offered by the center.
Since the establishment of the center, it has hosted participants from 35 countries around the world mainly form USA and UK. Other participants who have joined the center came from countries like Italy, China, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, Japan, Singapore and many more.
Who the Excellence center’s internships or volunteer programs would be suitable for?
A: Joining one of the center’s internship or volunteer programs in Germany would be a great chance for the following target groups:
- College students
- Students who are in a gap year.
- University Students who wish to do a semester abroad (university credit).
- Those who are interested in understanding the issues regarding refugees and immigrants in Germany.
What a day at the center looks like?
A: The daily life of our interns at the center looks like the following:
- Breakfast at 10:00 am where all participants sit at one table. The breakfast is a great chance for our participants to get to know each other and have a fun time before their day starts.
- After that the participants start to do their tasks which include the chosen program. After that participants have their lunch where either they cook themselves at the center or they go out and eat outside at one of the nearby restaurants.
- After lunch, participants join their Arabic or German classes with one of our qualified teachers till the center closes at 6 pm.
Q: Does the centre offers online courses?
A : Yes, the Excellence centre in Europe offers an online platform called “Lets Learn Online”. The website has a large range of language and crash online courses. You can visit the website on: www.letslearnonline.org
Q: How to apply to one of the center’s volunteer or internship programs?
A: All you need to do is to send an email to info@eceurope.org. Please type “Internship or volunteer Germany” in the subject line. In the body of the email tell us of your interest, ask any questions you may have, and request an application form. The Center’s staff will be in contact with you shortly.
These are the most important questions and information one might have regarding the volunteer or internship program in Germany. However, if you have other questions you want to ask then you can easily write to us at info@eceurope.org and we will be very glad to answer all your questions or inquiries!
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