For those looking for internships in Europe such as our Internship in Germany Program, as well as looking to volunteer with refugees in Germany, gain experience in community development, and make a difference all while immersing themselves in Arabic/German culture, Engage in Germany organization in Halle (Saale), Germany is the place for you! Engage in Germany operates as a language school and community center for refugees and migrants. These are predominantly of Arab backgrounds, but also others displaced from Africa and Europe. Because of the organization’s dual roles as a language school and a community center, it conducts numerous cultural exchange programs designed to build bridges between the Arabic, German, and international communities in Halle (Saale).
Engage in Germany’s mission is not just to bridge the gaps between cultures, create further understanding, and dispel misconceptions- we also aim to create constructive dialogues between different and diverse groups of people. Participants in the Internship in Germany Program will take on various roles during their time with us. Some of these will be helping construct, implement, and lead the center’s community outreach programs and other organized educational events. By participating in an internship based around volunteering with refugees, learning German or Arabic, and teaching English, you can actively contribute to community development while becoming part of a family deeply embedded in the international community.
An Immersive Program
Participating in the Internship in Germany Program is a unique way to engage with the local Arabic community in Halle (Saale) while volunteering for personal reasons or interning for academic ones. You will also be housed with an Arabic/German-speaking host (depending on their chosen language of study), immersing yourself further in German/Arabic language and culture.
You can expect to interact closely with the Arab community – this means not only attending and conducting class, but also house visits, family cookouts and barbecues, and more!
Teach Refugees English While Learning German or Arabic
In addition to operating as a community center, Engage in Germany also serves as a language school. The goal is to cater to the language needs of the local refugee and migrant community in Halle (Saale). Because of Engage in Germany’s dual roles, interns will teach refugees conversational English classes in addition to taking on various leadership activities.
The intention behind interns instructing English courses is that it will also provide them with teaching experience – another valuable tool when trying to bridge cultural divides. But don’t worry- no teaching experience or certification is required!
What is the Duration of the Program?
The Engage in Germany offers both a long-term (2-3 months) and a short-term (1-month) internship program in Germany. The length of interns’ programs will determine the scope and scale of their chosen outreach and educational activities, as well as their level of language and cultural engagement. The duration of the internship can be decided by the participants with approval from Engage in Germany’s leadership.
Specific Program Details
The Internship in Germany Program is divided into four stages, the duration of which depends on the participant’s choice to enroll in a long or short-term program. Every stage of the program will provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in Arabic/German culture, as well as become more informed about the political and social circumstances of refugees in Halle (Saale) and Germany at large. Each subsequent stage builds progressively on the last and ultimately culminates in a community outreach/educational program.
Stage One: Study German or Arabic
During the first part of their program interns will participate in an intensive language course (either Arabic language or German language) from Monday through Friday, so they may better understand and navigate the communities they are working within. The total number of language courses offered varies depending on the duration of an intern’s enrollment. The standard course load is 20 teaching hours per month.
- For a month-long internship program participants will receive a total of 20 language hours in one week. For a 2-month program, a total of 40 hours of language instruction in two weeks will be provided, and for a 3-month program a total of 60 hours in three weeks.
- The language courses offered focus predominantly on applicable conversation skills to improve participants’ ability to interact with the local community.
Stage Two: Presentations on Refugee Affairs
Monday through Thursday, interns will participate in lectures, open discussions, and presentations regarding the circumstances of refugees in Halle (Saale) and Europe at large. This stage in the program will help you:
- Become informed about how refugees in Germany are adjusting to a new society and culture.
- Learn about the many challenges refugees face in their new homes, such as employment, education, housing, discrimination, and integration.
- Learn about Syrian culture, history, contemporary politics, education, and social structures, as well as the journey of migration many made in 2014 and 2015, and how they now navigate the German legal system and laws of asylum.
- Interact with refugees seeking to understand their day-to-day experiences in Halle, as well as present on the resettlement and immigration circumstances of their home country.
Participants will also discuss what they have learned, their opinions, and potential solutions in a seminar format. These discussions are meant to bring us together, share revelations, dispel misunderstanding, and use diversity to foster empathy for one another while discussing challenges bigger than any one of us.
Stage Three: Case Study & Teaching Skills
Participants will have the option to conduct a case study on a variety of topics: refugees’ resettlement, immigration, education, integration, or another topic they have a strong interest in. Flexibility is a strength of Engage in Germany, and projects can reflect your field of study. It is not uncommon that this section of the program becomes a journalism project, a media and communication program, or a political science case study. This is also when you will gain the skills necessary to teach Communicative Style English classes to refugees.
- The case study will require the internship participant to conduct meetings and interviews with refugees, migrants, volunteers, and community leaders.
- Participants will take part in discussions and lectures about teaching methods.
- Participants will give a presentation about their research and interviews to the organization’s faculty, staff, volunteers, and other interns and will lead an open discussion based on their findings.
- Finally, the participants will also be required to give a PowerPoint presentation on what they deem to be the best teaching methods for a one-to-one lesson or small groups, to be used in their classes.
Stage Four: Community & Educational Activities
In the final stage of the internship, participants will assume a leadership role in the community, conducting classes, designing and executing workshops, as well as leading community outreach programs.
- Participants will run workshops sharing marketable skills with the refugee community such as CV writing workshops, how to operate photo and video editing software, academic writing workshops, etc.
- Interns will design and teach refugees and migrants personalized classes.
- Finally, participants will write a reflection about her/his experiences detailing their time in Halle, their main takeaways, their most memorable experiences, and any other insights gained that they wish to share.
Previous examples of the center’s community outreach programs include professional writing workshops, such as CV/resume writing workshops, organized sporting events and cookouts; art exhibitions and exchanges; as well as so much more! Participants are encouraged to utilize their creativity when thinking of potential ideas for outreach and educational activities. Interns make up a core part of the organization’s mission by bringing in new, creative ideas, fresh perspectives, and talent that help create meaningful change – the sky’s the limit!
Who Can Participate?
Engage in Germany program in Halle (Saale), Germany sees diversity as a strength, multiculturalism as an avenue to broaden understanding, and each person as a unique vessel of stories, thoughts, and life experiences. Because of these beliefs, Engage in Germany does not discriminate on any basis regarding an individual’s nationality, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other quantifiable means.
A participant in the Internship in Germany Program may come from any number of backgrounds, and so long as they are kind, curious, and willing to learn they will be welcome to Engage in Germany in Halle (Saale), Germany.
Requirements
Engage in Germany does have a few requirements for those wishing to participate in the Internship in Germany Program:
- Participants must be at least 18 years old (Unless special permissions are granted by the organization’s director and legal guardians)
- Have fluency in English, as well as a basic, grammatical understanding of how the language functions. However, to be a native English speaker is not required.
- A positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
What is NOT Required
- Any previous knowledge of Arabic or German language.
- Previous academic degrees or teaching certification.
- Previous experience teaching English.
- Status as a current student.
Summer Internships in Germany
To be clear, you do not have to be a student to enroll in the Engage in Germany programs. Still, a refugee internship program can be beneficial to a university student taking a gap year or semester. The same goes for international students seeking an internship in Germany. Our Summer Internship in Germany programs are perfect for students seeking international experiences, even in between semesters. There is also university credit available for those looking for an internship to fulfill school requirements. Our organization accepts international volunteers all year long, with Summer being the most popular time to join our family. Engage in Germany provides one of the best-rated Summer internships in Europe (see the Reviews section below).
The experience is open to students of all kinds – bachelor, master’s, or doctorate- and open to all fields of study. International students looking for something relevant to Political Science or looking for teaching internship programs may be most drawn to this program, but that is not where the opportunities end! Projects can be made to fit the requirements of Journalism programs, Communication and Media internships, Sociology and Anthropology studies, the Humanities and Arts, and so much more. Engage in Germany is for anyone searching for a teaching internship, community development internship, international relations internship, refugee internship, or any other sort of internship abroad.
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.
Benefits of the Program
- You will gain valuable experience in teaching English as a foreign language
- Additionally, you will also learn creative teaching techniques and learn how to wisely plan English classes to achieve the best results.
- One of your Arabic teachers will teach you Arabic for three hours per week, and you will practice it with local Arabs.
- You will participate in educational, social, and community activities organized by us. These gatherings aim to provide a space where locals, refugees, and program participants can meet and get to know one another.
- Volunteering here will enable you to experience the hospitality of Arabs and Arabic cultures by participating in the Engage in Germany’s activities.
- You will explore the beautiful city of Halle, Germany. During your three-day weekend, Friday through Sunday, you can travel throughout Germany.
- You will live with a German or refugee host family and build a relationship with them.
- We will share a daily breakfast at the office with the Engage in Germany community.
- You will build friendships with other interns and volunteers.
- After the program, you will receive a participation certificate and a recommendation letter.
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.
A Great Impact
Volunteers in Germany play a crucial role in contributing to local well-being and building pathways to understanding within the community. As we encourage volunteers to interact with locals and with members of the refugee community, many opportunities are offered on volunteer projects to support education and community development.
Our Volunteer and Internship programs in Germany are well-researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into the daily of Arabis and immigrants in Germany. We aim to make a long-term difference for the local community through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. Volunteering and interning is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as others including youth, women, refugees, and community members in Halle, Germany.
Program Information Overview:
| Place of Internship Program | Halle (Saale), Germany |
| Program Fees | Click Here |
| Age | 18-75 Years old |
| Minimum Duration | 4 Weeks |
| Maximum Duration | 13 Weeks |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Area of Internship | Community development Refugees in Germany Teaching English |
| Timeframe | Academic Year Fall J-Term Maymester Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round |
| Application Deadline | No deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Days off | Three days a week (Fri – Sun) |
| Arabic or German Lessons | 3 per week, more can be added for a fee |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| Reviews and Rating | Reviews and ratings on Gooverseas.com Reviews and ratings On Goabroad.com Participants’ video testimonials |
| University Credit | Available |
â—Ź Registration fee: Paid once at registration
â—Ź Placement Test: Free
â—Ź Certificate of completion
â—Ź Fees include breakfast, accommodation, Arabic or German classes, as well as some tour visits
Reviews from Former Participants
Our organization has been working with the Arabic-speaking community in Halle since 2018. In that time we have built a positive relationship and developed our lessons to be as effective as possible. We continue to strive towards “excellence”, so in 2019 we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards”. This award proved 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 Provider in the World in 2021. It also rated 2nd Most Fun opportunity in 2021 according to Gooverseas.com.
Engage in Germany organization continues to rate highly as a traveling organization across its selection of programs. Check out our many great reviews here:
- +830 Reviews (96.8%) on Gooverseas.com
- +170 Reviews (94%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants video testimonials
When Can I Apply And For How Long Can I Volunteer?
This volunteer opportunity is open year-round. You can apply at any time throughout the year. YOU choose your start and end dates. The minimum period of participation is one week.
How to Apply?
If you thinking about participating in our Internship in Germany Program, please, write to us at Info@eceurope.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1 – 3 business days. In the subject line of your email please write “Internship in Germany Program”.
In our response to you, we will send you the application form. You will need to fill this out and return it to us to begin the onboarding process. We are waiting for your email!
Summary
Engage in Germany in Halle (Saale) provides an opportunity to get to know Arabic and German languages and cultures. Through Engage in Germany’s programs, you will better understand the circumstances of refugees in Germany, as well as how they relate to the politics of Germany and the Middle East. Participants will stay with an Arab or German host to maximize exposure to the target language and culture, which will provide them with the valuable opportunity to interact with the culture directly. Through our learn-and-teach approach, you will gain leadership and teaching experience. You will use your valuable English skills to serve the local refugees and migrant population as a volunteer.
You will engage in discussions and projects relating to the status of refugees, all while working towards your personal goals. For students, this means a focus on specialization through custom projects and university credit for internship experience. You will make a real difference in the lives of others and your own. You will become a part of the Halle community, and you will join the Engage in Germany family. And what a big family this is, as it consists of Arab migrants, German volunteers, residents, a multicultural staff, and fellow volunteers from all around the world.
The Internship in Germany Program offers participants a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It combines cultural and language immersion, personalized program material, as well as community outreach and aid. So far it has proved to be time and again an unforgettable experience for all those involved. Come join the family!
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.