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, the Volunteering in Germany organization in Halle (Saale), Germany is the place for you! The ViG operates as a language school and community center for refugees and migrants predominantly of Arab backgrounds, but also those 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).
The ViG’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, ViG also serves as a language school, catering to the language needs of the local refugee and migrant community in Halle (Saale). Because of ViG’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 ViG 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 ViG’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 the ViG, 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?
The Volunteering 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, the ViGdoes 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 the ViG in Halle (Saale), Germany.
Requirements
This being said, the ViG 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 Volunteer 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, but the Summer is the most popular time to join our family- and for good reason! The ViG 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. The ViG is for anyone searching for a teaching internship, community development internship, international relations internship, refugee internship, and any other sort of internship abroad.
Why Halle (Saale), Germany?
The city of Halle (Saale) is home to thousands of refugees and migrants who fled conflict in their home countries. Here they seek peace and security, and their presence here creates a diverse community. Because of the diverse community here, the city is a unique intersection of Arabic and German culture.
The refugees and migrants in Halle come from a variety of different Arabic and North African countries. These include, but are not limited to, Syria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. In recent times, ViG has also welcomed those more recently displaced by the war in Ukraine. We believe in helping anyone in need, so everyone is welcome in our home. This diversity allows interns to interact with individuals from all over the world, gaining new perspectives and dispelling any existing misconceptions.
Some Basic Information about Halle (Saale)
Halle (Saale) is located in Central Eastern Germany and provides quick access and world-famous transportation to nearby cities such as Leipzig, Dresden, Weimar, Magdeburg, and Berlin. While Halle itself is a small city, it is rich in culture and history. It is the location of Martin Luther University, where Martin Luther began his career before launching the Protestant Reformation. It is also the location of museums, art exhibits, historical sights, and some of the oldest standing buildings from before the Second World War.
A Day in the Life of an Intern
An intern’s day begins with breakfast at 10:00 AM (Mon – Fri) with the center’s staff and other volunteers. Breakfast every day allows the center’s members to connect, and discuss their plans for the day, as well as creates a positive atmosphere to springboard into their various activities. Following breakfast, interns will either participate in their language courses or conduct their own English language classes depending on what stage of the internship they are enrolled in.
At noon interns can go into the city and explore new places to eat, or they are welcome to join our staff for lunch. Further, interns will conduct interviews and historical analysis, plan lessons, and create templates for community outreach, building toward their final research project and communal activity.
During the evening interns are free to explore the city of Halle and its nightlife. There are also numerous historical and cultural sites across the city, including Martin Luther’s home, the temporary home of Napoleon Bonaparte, the Market Church of Our Dear Lady, the Moritzburg Castle, the Art Museum, and so much more! Volunteers and staff often organize personal events and go out to the many cafes and bars together, creating personal relationships on top of professional ones.
Benefits and Impact
There are many benefits to the Internship in Germany Program, chief among them being your close interaction with the international community here in Halle, and the knowledge that your volunteer services benefit a community in need. The ViG is a community center, and by volunteering here you will be actively making a difference in the lives of others and providing a valuable service to help refugees find future success.
When you come to our organization you become a part of our family and will be treated as such. This means participating in the center’s communal breakfast every morning, taking part in local activities, going out to restaurants with the center’s volunteers and staff, as well as forging deep and long-lasting connections. Even if you only stay a few weeks at the ViG, you will become a part of a one-of-a-kind community and family for the rest of your life.
Program Information Overview:
| Place of Internship Program | Halle (Saale), Germany |
| Program Fees | 1500€ /4 Weeks– Euro |
| 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 | One month = 20 Hours Two months = 40 Hours Three months = 60 Hours |
| 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 |
● Registration fee: 50€ paid once at registration
● Placement Test: Free
● Certificate of completion
● Fees include breakfast, accommodation, Arabic or German classes, as well as some visits to different institutions in the city of Halle.
Which Airport Should I Fly Into?
- Leipzig/Halle Airport: To travel from Leipzig/Halle Airport to the City of Halle (Saale) via train takes approximately 25 minutes. The really good thing is that the train station goes directly through the airport. It is important to make sure that you are choosing the train heading for Halle (West) and not Leipzig (East). The good news is that trains go often, so you can make sure that you are in the right one.
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport: To travel from one of Berlin’s Airports to Halle, volunteers will either need to come by bus or by train once they have unboarded from their flight.
- Frankfurt Airport: Both trains and buses are available to travel from the airport to the city of Halle (Saale). Both commutes take approximately 3 – 4 hours. Please see above for further information regarding travel from outside airports.
- To come via bus, volunteers will need to find routes available that are operated by either FlixBus or Eurolines. The commute from Berlin to Halle (Saale) should be approximately 2 hours by bus.
- For interns wishing to travel from Berlin to Halle (Saale) via train, they will need to depart from Berlin Central Station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof). This commute will take approximately an hour and a half. Train tickets can be bought ahead of time through Deutsche Bahn or conveniently at the train station and airport.
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 the Volunteering in Germany’s meaningful and unforgettable impact on the community of international travelers. Since then the ViG was 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.
The Volunteering in Germany organization continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs. Check out our many great reviews here:
- +746 Reviews (96.8%) on Gooverseas.com
- +100 Reviews (94%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants video testimonials
Summary
Volunteer in Germany in Halle (Saale) provides an opportunity to get to know Arabic and German languages and cultures. Through ViG’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 you 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 Volunteering 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!
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!
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