Program Reviews

For anyone who wants to experience the truth of Palestine, and not a narrative spun to fit certain viewpoints and opinions, the excellence center is your single greatest tool.

You will start your journey in Hebron, at the Excellence Center's building near Hussein Stadium. Here, you'll take part in Arabic lessons (which can be scheduled and structured based on your needs/wants), and be taken on tours of the old city. You get out what you put in with the lessons. I was able to learn simple greetings, which can go a long way. Regardless, the staff is highly educated and always ready to help.

With the help of the center, I was able to visit Ramallah, and Bethlehem. As long as you plan ahead, they can help you go wherever you please. When not traveling, you can enjoy the low cost of living that Hebron offers, as well as homecooked breakfast at the Center.

If security is a concern, understand that the excellence center is located in the heart of the Palestinian controlled zone of the city, where there are not armed clashes or raids. Further, both Israelis and Palestinians live in proximity to each other in Hebron (and wherever settlements exist in the West Bank). This means there is little incentive to attack the area via airstrike. As with most everything in life, exercise common sense and listen to the advice of locals. For a comparison, I felt more in danger on vacation in Mexico than at any point during my time in Palestine.

By far, the most memorable and meaningful experience in Palestine is that of the people you'll meet. Kindness exists in abundance here, more so than anywhere I have visited before. You will be regularly invited to have coffee and dinner.

I can not put into words how much I recommend this experience offered through the excellence center.

For anyone who wants to experience the truth of Palestine, and not a narrative spun to fit certain viewpoints and opinions, the excellence center is your single greatest tool.

You will start your journey in Hebron, at the Excellence Center's building near Hussein Stadium. Here, you'll take part in Arabic lessons (which can be scheduled and structured based on your needs/wants), and be taken on tours of the old city. You get out what you put in with the lessons. I was able to learn simple greetings, which can go a long way. Regardless, the staff is highly educated and always ready to help.

With the help of the center, I was able to visit Ramallah, and Bethlehem. As long as you plan ahead, they can help you go wherever you please. When not traveling, you can enjoy the low cost of living that Hebron offers, as well as homecooked breakfast at the Center.

If security is a concern, understand that the excellence center is located in the heart of the Palestinian controlled zone of the city, where there are not armed clashes or raids. Further, both Israelis and Palestinians live in proximity to each other in Hebron (and wherever settlements exist in the West Bank). This means there is little incentive to attack the area via airstrike. As with most everything in life, exercise common sense and listen to the advice of locals. For a comparison, I felt more in danger on vacation in Mexico than at any point during my time in Palestine.

By far, the most memorable and meaningful experience in Palestine is that of the people you'll meet. Kindness exists in abundance here, more so than anywhere I have visited before. You will be regularly invited to have coffee and dinner.

I can not put into words how much I recommend this experience offered through the excellence center.

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 didn't know what to expect when I arrived at the ECE. I have studied abroad before, and while my previous experience was incredible, I was worried nothing could top it. I was wrong. It was everything I wanted and more.

I stayed for five weeks, which unfortunately flew by much too fast. The Arabic language instruction was perfect, as the classes were small enough to accommodate my level. Every single member of the staff was incredibly kind. Rafat makes great choices in his staff. Breakfast every morning was amazing. Healthy and delicious.

My teachers were not just my teachers; they quickly became my friends. They introduced me to the community in Halle, and I made even more friends. I became especially close to my teacher, Ali, and I have made a lifelong friend with him.

To end my review, I must say, TRY SHAWARMA. It is one of the best dishes ever created.

My three-month stay at the Excellence Center was nothing short of transformative. From the moment I arrived in Halle, I felt warmly welcomed by the staff and other participants. The center’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with its commitment to cultural exchange and community engagement, made my time there incredibly enriching.

Language Learning and Cultural Immersion:
One of the highlights of my experience was the Arabic language course. My instructor Muaz was not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about sharing his culture, along with the other instructors at the Center. The small class sizes allowed for personalized attention, and the immersive teaching methods made the language come alive. Outside of class, I had countless opportunities to practice with native speakers, which boosted my confidence and fluency.

Cultural Exchange and Social Connections:
The Center also organized a variety of cultural activities, from city tours and museum visits and social events. These activities were not only fun but also gave me a deeper understanding of Arab and German culture and history.

Supportive Environment:
The staff at the Excellence Center were incredibly supportive throughout my stay. They were always available to offer guidance, whether it was related to my projects, language learning, or navigating life in Halle. The friendships I formed with other participants from around the world were another highlight—together, we explored the city, shared our cultures, and supported each other’s learning journeys.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, my three months at the Excellence Center were a life-changing experience. I left with improved language skills, a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language, volunteer, or simply immerse yourself in a new culture, I highly recommend the Excellence Center. It’s more than just a program—it’s a community that fosters growth, understanding, and lifelong connections.

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 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 recently spent two weeks learning arabic and teaching english in Halle and I would say it was a great experience, especially as I have never done anything like it before! There were about 6 other people taking part in courses at the centre when I was there and everyone I got to know was really nice. The schedule from Monday to Thursday was quite relaxed which gave us plenty of time to explore the city. It was sunny every day so we spent a lot of time outside including in the park and a few of us even went on a boat ride on the river. Although it was a bit of a walk away, I would say the Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte is also worth a visit. Overall the programme was really enjoyable and Ali was also a great teacher!

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!

I spent 8 weeks at the Excellence Centre in Halle. It was my second summer doing an "Arabic Intensive" course. Last summer I was at the University of Wisconsin in Madison: two Arabic intensives, two very different summers. In Madison, the setting was academic: grades, exams, and hours spent at the campus library. In Halle, the setting was full of life. I went to the Excellence Centre to learn Arabic and am so grateful I did. At the Excellence Centre, Arabic is taken out of the textbooks. It's given life, it becomes full of colours, history, and emotions. It's in Halle that I felt, rather than merely knew, why I was learning Arabic. We did use a textbook to learn the grammar and studied the vocab sheets. But, and that's when I learned the most, we also translated songs, played games, made breakfast, and wrote love letters. We carefully listened to Muaz telling us about Al-Andalus, asked him to repeat himself when we got lost in the history or the Arabic. We went to the zoo, museums, coffee shops, and Arab restaurants. We travelled to Leipzig and Berlin. Muaz made Arabic fun, interesting, and beautiful. The Arabic I will learn after the Centre will have its roots in Halle.
At the Excellence Centre, I felt welcomed and encouraged to be part of a community. I have met such caring and brilliant people. Thank you for everything.