Are you a fluent English speaker looking for volunteer or internship opportunities for studying German and teaching English? Are you also endowed with a spirit of adventure, searching for volunteer opportunities? If so, then keep reading! If you would be interested in volunteering with refugees and migrants while gaining experience abroad with international cultures and making a real change in the world, then Engage in Germany in Halle (Saale) is the place for you!
Opened in 2018, Engage in Germany operates as a language school and a community development center for local refugees and migrants from all around the world, at all times of the year. Suppose you are looking for a Summer internship volunteering with refugees, or volunteer opportunities over Winter break, during your gap year, after graduation, or at any time in your life. In that case, we have programs for you. The program provides important services and resources for the migrants and refugees of Halle (Saale), Germany which prepares them for their professional and personal lives.
For example, serving the community with German, English, and Arabic language programs for little to no charge, as well as connecting people with new contacts, fostering relationships at the community level, and providing an opportunity for exposure to intercultural and international lifestyles. Refugees and migrants come to Engage in Germany organization to improve their lives, and as a volunteer English teacher, you can be part of that process, helping to make a real difference in the lives of others.
Your Impact During the Learning German and Teaching English Program
Volunteers taking part in our short-term volunteer projects in Germany will be responsible for teaching one-to-one conversational English courses to students at the center. On occasion, volunteers may also teach small groups of students (anywhere from 2 – 5) to help foster class unity and mutual learning.
As a volunteer English teacher, you will interact with students face-to-face and help them gain crucial skills for later in life. Students’ ages will range anywhere from 11 to 70 years old, as well as come from a plethora of backgrounds; most students will be migrants or the children of migrants, hailing from various countries that have been subject to difficult times. The majority of the families Engage in Germany serves come from various Arab countries such as Syria, Palestine, Yemen, and Iraq, but the center is not exclusive and accepts refugees and migrants from all around the world, including Ukraine.
Volunteers will not only serve as teachers but also as cultural diplomats, representing their home country to the community in Halle (Saale), as well as play an important role in helping with communal activities meant to increase cross-cultural exchanges. This positive exposure between members of different cultures is how we foster deeper understanding and respect for the many different cultures all around the world.
At Engage in Germany, we take quality and equality very seriously and ensure our teachers are equipped with teaching material from their first day in Germany. Engage in Germany is a place where refugees, migrants, locals, international travelers, volunteers, and professionals can all share a safe space to engage in learning together. While the center is small in size, it offers an opportunity to make a big difference in the lives of others!
Summer Volunteer Programs
For people looking for volunteer programs or internships over the summer in Europe or Germany, the Engage in Germany organization offers great volunteer opportunities that span from May to September.
These volunteer programs and internships are ideal for students, English native speakers, those doing their gap year, students, anyone with a summer break, and any individuals looking to volunteer on an extended visit. These summer volunteer programs in Germany combine Arabic language focus with learning, immersion, and engagement in culture and the Arabic community in the city of Halle, Germany.
Winter Volunteer Programs
We believe that the time to volunteer is always now, not only during a limited period of the year. So, for those who would like to volunteer in Germany during the winter months, Engage in Germany offers exciting opportunities also throughout the winter months.
Volunteers have the chance to engage with the local Arabic and German communities in Halle, during the winter months, while also participating in cultural exchange activities. These winter volunteer programs combine learning, immersion, and community engagement, allowing participants to gain valuable skills and insights while contributing to the vibrant multicultural environment in Halle. And you also get the chance to experience the famous German Christmas markets and warm holiday vibes.
What Does a Volunteer Do During the Program?
You may be wondering: what specifically would I be doing as a volunteer in the Learning German and Teaching English program? For our short-term internship program as well as our extended volunteer programs, in addition to teaching English, there is a wide array of organizational and community outreach opportunities that volunteers participate in. Furthermore, volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to put forward new ideas about methods of community outreach that relate to their particular field of interest. Some examples of additional community services volunteers can take part in are as follows:
- Aiding young students in their homework and coursework as needed.
- Helping other teachers prepare course materials, as well as designing additional course materials for our organization to utilize.
- Contributing to the resources and materials the program makes use of for lessons.
- Organizing different educational and cultural workshops for the Arabic community here in Halle (Saale). For example, professional writing workshops, CV and resume workshops, as well as art exchange workshops, and more.
- Organizing fun activities for the Arabic community here in Halle (Saale). For example, football/ soccer matches between volunteers and students, poetry slams, music concerts, etc.
- Performing administrative activities for the organization, such as writing reports and articles, creating schedules, and coordinating with Engage in Germany’s director to organize special events, as well as others.
- Summation and research projects including interviews, ethnography, and experience collection for primary source research.
Who Comes To Volunteer?
The largest proportion of our volunteers in Germany come from the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, Canada, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, Turkey, Singapore, Australia, and Poland.
We also host many volunteers from Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand. People of any nationality are welcome!
What Are The Qualifications For Volunteers?
Engage in Germany in Halle (Saale) accepts diverse volunteers. Almost anyone looking for volunteering opportunities abroad can join. However, to join our Volunteer for Learning German and Teaching English program, applicants will need to meet the following requirements.
What You Need To Volunteer In Germany:
- Be at least 18 years of age (unless granted special permissions by the organization’s director and the parents of the volunteer).
- Have a working, colloquial understanding of the English language and its grammar (even if it’s not perfect!)
- Have a positive, friendly attitude, as well as a willingness to learn about Arabic and German culture.
- Are enthusiastic to meet new people.
- Willing to be part of a host family here in Halle (Saale), Germany.
- Are willing to be their whole selves and join a diverse community.
- Be kind! There is no room for prejudice of any kind at Engage in Germany.
What You DO NOT Need To Engage in Germany
- Certification to teach English.
- Previous experience teaching English.
- Previous travel experience.
- An ability to speak either Arabic or German.
- An academic degree.
- To be a native speaker of English.
- To be a student (the program is open to all!)
Accommodation Options for the Volunteers
As a volunteer with Engage in Germany, you have three housing options in Halle, each tailored to different preferences. You can choose a shared apartment managed by the organization, offering an independent living experience alongside fellow volunteers and fostering a sense of community.
Alternatively, you may stay with an Arabic or German host family, providing an immersive experience of local culture and traditions. For those who prefer more privacy and flexibility, arranging your accommodation is also possible, with Engage offering support and resources throughout your stay.
Please communicate your accommodation preferences with the center, and we will inform you of the available options.
What Are the Benefits of the Program?
Participants in the learning German and teaching English program can expect their time with the center and in Halle (Saale) to be as rewarding for them as it is for their students.
Not only can you check the box of volunteering abroad with refugees for your internship, but volunteers will gain the following benefits from their time in Germany:
- Practical experience teaching English as a foreign language, planning classes, as well as devising new teaching strategies and lesson plans.
- Gain German language experience through offered weekly courses (3 hours per week or more).
- Take part in community outreach and educational activities as a member, not an outsider!
- Have the chance to meet people from all over the world with a wide range of backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas.
- Make new friends from all around the world, opening possible future connections.
- Meet other people interested in volunteering, foreign language, social work, and teaching,
- To be immersed in Arabic and German culture.
- Explore the beautiful, historic city of Halle (Saale), as well as other nearby German cities.
- Live with a host family (either Arabic or German).
- Complimentary breakfast at the office every morning.
- Can provide university credits as needed
- Fulfills Internship requirements.
- Upon the completion of the program, volunteers will receive a certificate of completion indicating their hard work and experience as a member of our community.
When Can I Apply to Volunteer?
The Teach English and Study German Program is available throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall). This means that there are no deadlines. With its duration from 1 to 13 weeks, the program caters to short-term internships or extended stays. This means that the volunteers have flexible start and end dates that they choose themselves. The adventure is truly yours! And Engage in Germany will be ready to accept you the moment you arrive.
What Does the Application Process Look Like?
- The prospecting volunteer will email Engage in Germany requesting an application info@eceurope.com.
- Engage in Germany will send you an application.
- We review the application with our team.
- We will request an interview; either via Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp.
- If accepted, we will send you a confirmation letter and a contract.
- You pay the program fees.
- You get ready to come to Germany and participate in the program!
Program Information Overview
| Place of Volunteer Program | The City of Halle (Saale), Germany |
| Program Fees | Click Here |
| Age Requirement | 18 – 75 Years Old |
| Program Duration | 1 – 13 Weeks |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Available Year Round |
| Program Language | English |
| Days Off | 3 Days per Week (Friday – Sunday) |
| German Lessons | 3 Hours a Week by default, with the option to add 3, 6, or 9 for an extra fee |
| Educational Degree | None Required |
| University Credit | Available |
| Suitable For | Students Those seeking Internships Recent Graduates New Teachers Experienced Teachers First-time Travellers Experienced Travellers Language Learners Retirees Researchers |
Engage in Germany charges a fee per week and the fee includes:
- A tour of the beautiful, historic city of Halle
- Breakfast four days a week
- Accommodation with a host family or shared apartment
- In-country and Pre-departure support with logistics, travel, etc.
- German classes (3 Hours a Week by default, with the option to add 3, 6, or 9 for an extra fee)
- Certificate of completion
Registration fee: Paid once at registration
Reviews and Awards
Engage in Germany has welcomed individuals from all over the world since 2018. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach, and develop individuals within the local and international community.
In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards”, recognizing Engage in Germany’s meaningful and unforgettable impact on the community of international travelers. Since then Engage in Germany has been recognized as the 3rd best Volunteer Abroad Providers in the World in 2021, and was rated 2nd Most Fun opportunity in 2021 according to Gooverseas.com.
Engage in Germany’s Volunteer for Learning Arabic and Teaching English program has a wide range of positive reviews; these include:
- +830 Reviews (96.8%) on Gooverseas.com
- +170 Reviews (93%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Summary
Many people can attest to the fact that there is one way to find true happiness: through selfless service to others. There is something incredibly unique about using the time and resources you have to help your fellow humankind succeed. If you have a desire to learn German or Arabic, if you want to help others by sharing a skill you’ve used your whole life (speaking English), and if you want to make a difference in the lives of others, then we are looking for you.
We accept all applications: whether you are a recent graduate, a student looking for an internship abroad, a retiree, or anyone in between looking to volunteer abroad with refugees. Come stay with us for 1-13 weeks in historic Halle (Saale), Germany, experience a life of service, connect with a unique and diverse community, and change the world one little bit at a time. We’re waiting for you!
Short-term Volunteer Programs in Halle
At Engage in Germany in Halle, we offer a diverse range of short-term volunteer initiatives across various fields. Whether your interests or expertise lie in teaching English, working with refugees, media, journalism, law, justice, education, environmental or humanitarian issues, or professional development, we are confident you will find a short-term volunteer program where you can excel and make a meaningful impact on the refugee community.
Our short-term volunteer programs and projects in the West Bank, Palestine include:
Find Us Online
Does this sound interesting? Do you have any questions for us? Please do not hesitate to contact us at Info@eceurope.org or via WhatsApp at +49 176 3935 3950.