Excellence Center in Europe

I was initially anxious going into the program since I didn’t have any previous experience teaching English, but my experience turned out to be truly amazing! The program is very flexible and open-ended, which allowed me to develop a teaching style that suited me and adapt to the needs of the students. I really appreciated how supportive and welcoming everyone at the Center was — from the teachers to the students, everyone made me feel at home from day one. Halle itself is a charming city with beautiful streets and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a joy to explore in my free time. I also had the opportunity to take beginner Arabic lessons for two weeks, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I learned in such a short time. It was a fun and rewarding challenge, and it added another layer to my experience. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in teaching or learning a language, immersing themselves in a friendly and supportive community, and discovering a unique part of Germany. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or an experienced teacher, there is so much to gain from this program.

As a Japanese, I was very anxious about volunteering in Germany. However, the members of the Excellence Centre dispelled my anxiety within a minute of meeting them! They are so cheerful and friendly. I had a wonderful time with my friendly colleagues and cheerful, hard-working students. And I could also go on a wonderful city tour and Arabic Course. Regarding the Arabic Course, they teach us with the first step of learning new language step by steps. I have finally could introduce myself and make a small talk in Arabic. From above, I highly recommend this programme to anyone who wants to volunteer in Europe for a short period of time!

I wasn't sure what to expect with the Excellence Centre but I felt so welcomed as soon as I arrived. Rafat is wonderful, considerate, proudly Palestinian, and treats everyone like family. I loved getting to know him and hearing about Palestine. Rafat would also make breakfast for everyone every morning, it was very homey. Muaz was my teacher for intensive Arabic, as a result, I spent around 3 hours a day with him for 5 days a week and became very fond of him. He's known for being very funny, but he is also very very compassionate, and as a refugee from Syria incredibly strong. I learned more in 2 weeks with him than I had for an entire year of studying Arabic. I can't really put into words how incredible he is at teaching, he has a gift for it, and the 3-hour classes always felt like 5 minutes. There were times when I used to sit beside the heater because it was warm and he would come sit next to me on the floor and teach me there, no questions asked. Another time when I wanted to try cooking Ful, so he came early in the morning and taught me Arabic whilst cooking with me. He would also always offer to make me tea which is really sweet. The classes are tailored around you. Everyone who works here is so lovely, and I'm going to struggle to find a teacher like Muaz again. The classes aren't like being in school/university, they are a lot more relaxed and personal, and the time goes by quickly. We took a class going around Halle and meeting Muaz's friend's shop who speaks Arabic and is very funny, we also took a class whilst touring around Leipzig, which was a lot of fun. Rafat also takes everyone out to dinner the day someone is leaving, we went to a beautiful Yemeni restaurant that is hidden away and you can't find it online. I was really sad to leave the Excellence Centre, I've made so many core memories there.