It’s well documented that here at the Volunteer in Germany classes are given to all ages and abilities of pupils and that one cannot be too old to volunteer. There are no barriers to learning and the students here come from all corners of the world. However, it is also very important to note that this works both ways as well with the volunteers. The team is incredibly international and various languages can be heard bouncing off the walls of the office. But more importantly, the center has a family feel to it, as people of all ages come to help and teach in Halle.
The Volunteer in Germany and Its Volunteers
For some potential volunteers a question that may be bubbling around their heads is “Am I too old to volunteer?”. This is perfectly understandable, perhaps it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that a stereotype exists for volunteering abroad is that students, on their gap years or breaks from university, are the only once doing it.
The Volunteer in Germany on the other hand, does not abide but that assumption. Many of our volunteers are 40+ and yet they still play an important role in the team and the culture of the language school. The support and maturity that they can offer compared to other volunteers is very important before even considering the impact in the classrooms.
Volunteering and the Real World
When teaching with the Volunteer in Germany or meeting refugees through the opportunities that the organization gives, experience is key. The important factor here is the fact that the families comprise multiple generations. This is why the ability to empathize with the older members of the family is a huge plus here.
Although the Language School does have a family feel to it, ultimately it is run professionally and efficiently. Any experience with office and business culture we see as valuable. This is why any skills you use in a professional capacity can be useful within the center.
The Volunteer in Germany’s Group
One of the integral aspects of the experience of volunteering in a group in Halle is sharing stories about home with other members of the team. Coming from a different perspective and presenting ideas from another point of view helps with tackling problems and creating solutions. This means that you cannot be too old to volunteer, and the age is only an asset. Additionally, it is also interesting and useful for the betterment of the other members of the team.
Diversity within the group is very important for ensuring that classes can be engaging and applicable for people who may not be from the same cultural background as the teachers.
Overall, the organization benefits greatly from having volunteers from all backgrounds and ages. Experience helps, and gaining insight from diverse perspectives on problems is vital for better understanding and problem-solving capabilities. We look forward to hearing from you and of course if you still have any doubts you can get in touch to discuss any questions about volunteering.
