Refugee Relief Volunteering in Germany

Had a great trip to Italy. I met a ton of people from all over the world and we worked together educating about issues around refugees. We worked during the day and had fun at night and on the weekends. I am still in touch with many of the people I volunteered with. Thanks

I enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

I came to the Excellence Center for two weeks at the start of December to take part in their media programme. Immediately when I arrived, I was welcomed warmly by Rafat who made a lovely home cooked breakfast for me and the rest of the volunteers. The atmosphere at the center is incredible: welcoming, supportive and friendly, so it is very easy to settle in at the start of your time in Halle. In my time here I met loads of amazing new people, and learned so much as a person and about the language. During my time in Halle the center ran their first Erasmus project, welcoming a huge number of people from 6 different countries for a workshop on diversity and discrimination. I was initially nervous at the prospect of meeting so many new people, but but there was so much support from the center and regular check ins to make sure I was doing well. I ended up having an amazing time, learning a lot and meeting lots of amazing new people to the point where the project was the highlight of my trip. At the excellence center there is an amazing atmosphere where you will meet lots of amazing new people from many different places, incredible language support and teaching from Muaz who is an amazing teacher and the opportunity to be a part of a community doing incredible work all across the world and help so many people.

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!

The week I spent this summer at the Excellence Centre in Europe teaching English and studying German and Arabic was fulfilling from an both an academic and interpersonal perspective. Rafat and Muaz are wonderful mentors and helped me improve both my technical skills and confidence in my ability to speak German, and gave me a solid foundation to continue studying Arabic. In just a week, the different people I met and connections facilitated by the centre have made this a unique and special experience, which feels truly important.

It was an absolutely amazing and rewarding experience to teach English and Study German at the center. I really enjoyed being able to plan and tailor lessons to my students needs and abilities. It was great to meet people from all over the world and learn about each others cultures, language and traditions. I also enjoyed learning German and appreciated the mix between written lessons and interactive lessons out in the community. Sharing breakfast together every morning at the center was another highlight that made me feel supported and welcomed. Sincere thanks to Rafat, Muaz, Dusan and team for your meaningful work, friendly community and this fantastic experience. I will remember it fondly forever.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

The team is amazing! I spent two incredible weeks in Halle, where I had the chance to deeply explore Palestinian culture, traditions, and more. Everyone is extremely welcoming—you will feel at home from day one! The experience was truly enriching, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested. A huge thank you to Rafat, Muaz, Dusan, and the whole team for their kindness and support. 100% recommended! If you’re looking for an experience that combines learning, cultural exchange, and great people, this is the perfect place. Don’t hesitate to join—you won’t regret it!

At first I was hesitant to commit to the program, since I had never traveled outside of the states. After experiencing two weeks in Halle, I wish I was had more time to stay. Everyone at the center has such kind hearts with nothing but positive intentions. Everyday I looked forward to having breakfast with the others at the center and laughing about our life experiences. I truly learned an immense amount about different cultures and myself during my two weeks at the center. If you are deciding whether or not to commit to the program, this is your sign to go to Halle and experience how amazing the Excellence Center truly is.

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

I wasn't sure what to exactly expect when I signed up for 2 weeks of learning German and Teaching English at the Excellence Center in Halle. Being a slower season, the program wasn't as intensive as I had anticipated in either learning or teaching, but what I hadn't anticipated was how enriching it turned out to be in other ways. I did love the German lessons with Muaz and the other volunteers, knowing what I know now I definitely would have signed up for extra hours. I also absolutely loved working one-on-one with the students teaching English and wish I could have continued to see their progress! Most surprising was how I was able to bond with the other volunteers, even with such an age difference, I found getting to know them, and sharing my stories, as well as the connections we made with Rafat and the staff at the Excellence Center helped to make me feel like a part of something special and in such a short amount of time! And, Halle! What a beautiful city! Great people, food and culture. It is a warm and diverse city, with many great museums and historical sights to fill any extra time I may have had. The program and the city have a special place in my heart and I hope to return one day.

I had a wonderful time at the Excellence Center in Halle! I experienced something not only of German culture, but also of cultures from around the world, hearing the stories of staff, volunteers and students. It's a place where everyone is made to feel welcome. A typical weekday begins with a tasty communal breakfast, providing a chance to get to know other volunteers and staff at the centre, then perhaps one or two teaching sessions and a German lesson. This leaves plenty of time to explore Halle, as well as to prepare for lessons. We would also go out for lunch or dinner together to say farewell to anyone leaving! There's a real sense of community, but you also have a lot of independence. It is largely up to you to organise your own teaching once you've been allocated pupils. I had 4 (including a pair of siblings, so 3 classes), each of whom I saw 2-4 times a week. Having no prior experience, I was a bit daunted by the prospect of teaching, but soon found myself really enjoying it! I did feel that the centre could provide more teaching resources, guidance and records of what pupils have covered, but I picked things up from talking to other volunteers and Rafat was always more than happy to answer any questions! Teaching one-to-one also made things a lot easier and I planned a range of activities according to age and ability, as well as simply conversing with students. Overall, I really enjoyed teaching, and felt I learnt a lot in return! German lessons with Muaz were also great. They were fun and relaxed whilst teaching me a lot and helping to increase my confidence speaking. Mine were one-to-one, though they could also be in a small group. Muaz was very creative and activities ranged from discussing issues in Germany to a mock job interview, and from reading and writing exercises to a walk around town! My accommodation was an apartment shared with other volunteers, just 10 mins' walk from the Excellence Center. I'd hoped to be with a host family so that I could practise more German, but was actually happy that I ended up in the apartment as it meant I had more freedom and time to socialise with other volunteers. The apartment itself was quite nice, with plenty of space and a view right across the city from the balcony! The city of Halle definitely exceeded my expectations. It's really beautiful, with lots of historic buildings and interesting shops and museums, as well as green areas by the river. Its relatively small size means you can easily get around on foot. I also went on a trip to Leipzig (only a 30 min train ride away) at the weekend. In conclusion, I have no regrets about having come to Halle! It's definitely worth doing at least two weeks, or longer, so you have time to settle in and develop more meaningful relationships with your students and other volunteers. I would thoroughly recommend this program to anyone who'd like to meet some amazing people from many different backgrounds, get involved with the local and immigrant community and explore a beautiful part of Germany!

I recall the moment when I first walked upstairs into the Excellence Center, having just arrived from Berlin. An incredibly friendly, long-haired man by the name of Muaz welcomed me to the center, followed by Rafat himself. How should I describe Rafat? If I had to use a singular word I would use unique. Unique in the sense that he’s a Palestinian living in Germany, unique in that he had a dream to create a center where English speakers could teach their mother tongue to refugees. However, what is most unique about him is his unbridled and unrestricted kindness. Rafat is the type of guy who, never having met you before, will offer you tea the moment you step into the center. Personally, I had to split up my stay into two separate segments due to unforeseen circumstances, and Rafat assured me that he would accomodate my needs. As for Muaz, he’s a teacher whose talents know no limits. I am half-German myself and therefore I know the elementary components of the language. Muaz, within our first lesson, grasped my proficiency level. From then on, he continued to teach me parts of the language related to my desire to study at a German university. We talked about anything and everything within our lessons, and it was honestly the first time I had fun while learning a language. A small shoutout to Dušan, who is the one of the workers at the center. He’s from Serbia and the conversations we had in Serbo-Croatian made me feel at home. He’s an incredibly affectionate and intelligent individual whose presence lightens up the place. Ali, one of the Arabic teachers at the center, is someone who intrigues you upon first sight. His outfits will convince you that you’re in Paris rather than Halle, and his fluency in 4+ languages will always serve as an example for the volunteers and students alike. At first, I felt very frightened by the prospect of teaching given my lack of experience. However, I would say at this point that teaching English was my favorite part of the whole experience, as not only did it improve my German (most of the students speak at least some German), but it allowed me to have a deeper glimpse into the struggles that Ukrainian and Syrian refugees go through in their desire to live a better life in Germany. My students were excellent and I would say that the learning was reciprocal. They learned from me as well as vice versa. There are several living quarters. I stayed at the “dream house,” where there are three bedrooms and six beds total (two per each). There’s two bathrooms (only one with a toilet, though), a kitchen, and a living room. It’s quite nice and I would say it allowed me not only to see Halle from above (it’s on the fourth floor of an apartment building), but also socialize with the other volunteers. The only thing that I want to put out a notice for is the organization of one’s stay here. Depending on whether one is doing an intensive learning course will determine whether one also teaches. The methodology and scheduling of teaching are entirely up to the volunteers, although just ask the workers for a little help and they will certainly give it. Overall, Halle beat all of my expectations and I would highly recommend my stay here. I would particularly like to thank everyone I volunteered with. P.S. You’re my brother Hugh (I like this guy) !!!

I love helping the old people , and I love those who do this because it gives them a spirit of life and enhances their psychology for the better. I also love animals and playing with them gently and I hope that I will enjoy this volunteering because it will have a great impact on my psychological state

I was with the Excellence Centre for 2 weeks studying Arabic and teaching English. I would say the best thing about my experience was the fact that everybody was super friendly - from the teachers, to the volunteers and everybody that I've taught. I've made some good friends who have made the experience really enjoyable and have learnt a lot about myself as well as other cultures. The schedule was really relaxed so I had plenty of time to explore Halle also. Would definitely recommend this program for people of all ages and from all backgrounds!

I applied for the Excellence Center in Europe’s ‘Teach English and Learn German’ volunteering programme with a view to maintaining and improving my German. The opportunity to be part of a community also appealed to me, as I would be travelling alone and am quite shy. I found the application process fairly straightforward and was accepted to stay for four weeks in May/June. Before arriving, I had some contact with Rafat, the director of the Center. Emailing him was somewhat frustrating as his answers were often very vague; this is an area which could definitely be improved. I arranged my own train travel from the UK. When I arrived in Halle, a housemate and fellow volunteer met me at the station and showed me to where we were staying, which took off the pressure of having to navigate through an unfamiliar city with big bags. The accommodation was a flat only 5 minutes’ walk from the Center – amazing location. The flat belonged to a local, but due to her working hours and also her staying elsewhere some of the time I didn’t see her very much. Instead I had a lot of contact with the two other volunteers in the flat, one of whom I shared a room with. For the first week I didn’t do much in terms of lessons as I didn’t have a schedule yet, but I found it useful to have a bit of time to settle in. Ali, a teacher at the Center, gave us a tour of Halle, which was great for getting to know the city. I’ll give an outline of a typical day at the Center. First we would have breakfast all together in the Center or just outside (delicious fresh Levantine cooking which was very veggie-friendly!). A couple of people would help to wash up after breakfast while others started their lessons. I would teach and be taught as scheduled for that day, as well as planning lessons, doing homework and eating lunch in between. After I was done at the Center for the day I would sometimes visit somewhere in Halle with the other volunteers (e.g. a museum) or do some cleaning/washing. I had brought my violin with me and was thankfully also able to do some practice in the flat. Then I would get some dinner – sometimes eating out, sometimes there would be food at a social event (barbeque/picnic), or I could cook for myself in the kitchen in the flat. There was something social on pretty much every evening – we went along to quite a few Erasmus events so also met a lot of international students. In addition, I went to a few concerts in Leipzig – easily reachable on the S-Bahn, which is included in the Deutschlandticket. In terms of teaching, I had three students (one of whom I taught beginner German – a bit of a challenge but lots of fun!). The lessons were one-to-one, with activities based on their level and aims. Lessons in which I was learning German were a bit different – volunteers were split into two groups based on level (beginners and those who had studied before). I especially enjoyed the ‘outside’ lessons, learning the language around Halle or Leipzig rather than in the Center. Lessons weren’t at a fixed time regularly, but organised individually based on people’s availability. For my teaching, this was typically once or twice a week for each student; frequency of German/Arabic lessons of course depends on how many hours are included in your programme. I didn’t have to work on Fridays – it is supposed to be a day off – but I did anyway because it was best for one of my students in terms of availability. At the weekend I did a couple of day trips to Berlin and Hamburg (to use up my interrail ticket!) as well as exploring the area around Halle and hanging out with friends. A particular highlight was helping out at the Eid al-Adha celebrations in Halle – I had a lot of fun painting kids’ faces and watching the dabke! In the week before I left Rafat organised a goodbye brunch for me and the other volunteer leaving, which was really lovely. I was glad to know who would be teaching my students when I was gone, so was able to tell them what we’d been doing. Thinking back to my aims, I can definitely recommend the German teaching at the Center – Muaz is an incredible teacher and has given me invaluable strategies for independent learning as well. However I had thought that I would have more contact with my host family; if I could do one thing differently I would definitely be more proactive in talking to Germans. The community aspect was more than I could have asked for – everybody was so welcoming and friendly, and as I say there was no shortage of social events for volunteers to go along to. If you’re unsure about affordability, I would make sure to take into account food/drink costs. Social events were often at bars, and the drinks costs add up… In addition, it’s probably a good idea to get the Deutschlandticket while you’re in Halle, which covers all public transport except intercity trains (but make sure to check!). As of writing, this costs €49 per calendar month. However, Halle is a small city, so it was possible for me to walk between the most important places. Overall, the Excellence Center is an amazing place and I would definitely go back given the chance. It was truly wonderful to be able to talk to and exchange knowledge with people from different cultures with such mutual respect. I perhaps would have appreciated a bit more help with how to teach, but generally if you have a problem the staff will give you all the help and advice they can. I am so grateful to Rafat and the other staff for this incredible opportunity!