In the heart of Halle, there is a unique and thriving community built on fostering intercultural connections through teaching, volunteering, and internships. This is The Excellence Center. About a 10-minute walk from the vibrant downtown of Halle, over 70 local students come to study a variety of subjects and several volunteers cycle through each year to teach, learn, and connect. One of the first things you’ll notice about the center is the medley of languages spoken as soon as you walk through the door. Volunteers and students come from all over the world to experience the atmosphere built and sustained on diversity.
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Where do Participants come from/ What do they do?
Participants at The Excellence Center travel to Halle from all over, but here is a quick profile on three of the most recent volunteers/students that worked at the Center. Camila, 34 years old, is from Singapore, but is working on her masters degree in Poland. She is doing the Teach English program while learning German for a degree credit in order to graduate in October. Jose, 19 years old, was born in Brazil and is now doing an undergraduate degree in the United States. Though he already speaks over 8 languages, he came to the center to study Arabic and teach English as well. Lastly, Marko, a 56 year old high school teacher, came to the Center from the Netherlands to complete the Intensive Course in Egyptian Arabic.
Why did they come to The Excellence Center?
The Excellence Center offers a variety of programs, each of which can assist participants in various goals and motivations. Camila shared that her goal was to improve her German, so that she is able to find a job after she completes her masters program. This language skill will also make it easier for her to work and retire in Europe. Jose’s goal for his work here was to leave a lasting impact for migrants and refugees in Germany. A special part of his work was also that he learned how to grow an organization that supports the community. As a high school teacher, Marko meets teens who have moved to the Netherlands and need to learn Dutch. His goal here at the center was to learn Egyptian Arabic in order to better relate to his students.
What is there to do in Halle?
While many of the participants spend hours at The Center itself, there is also a beautiful opportunity to explore the city of Halle, a smaller but still active city. When I asked about their favorite parts they discovered, Marko highly recommended the Art Museum Mortizburg and the State Museum of Prehistory. Halle is also a very green city, with many parks and places on the river to sit and relax. Out of all of those places Jose found the Ziegelwiese as the best place to chill out on a hot summer day. One more part of Halle to appreciate at the suggestion of Camila, is the architecture of Halle. Much of the City Center of Halle was spared from bombing in the Second World War, so while walking around it is worth a moment of appreciation to see what remains.
What makes The Excellence Center excellent?
Overall, the people make The Excellence Center. Whether you stay for a week or for 3 months, you will feel like you have found a second family and make lifelong connections. The atmosphere is energetic and friendly, with a good natured banter to be found at the breakfast table on weekdays. The Excellence Center is a special place, and the director, Rafat, as well as the staff, are a large influence on that spirit. Once you step into The Excellence Center you cannot help but feel welcomed and embraced.
