One-of-a-kind immersive, cultural and social experience

Having found the Excellence Center from just a Google search and a couple of review sites, I was excited but admittedly nervous when I showed up for my one-month stay in Halle. But the experiences and relationships that I cultivated in the following weeks were so impactful that I decided to extend my stay.

The teaching aspect of the program offers a chance to meaningfully help others while engaging with different cultures. Though I had no experience teaching ESL before coming to the center, the center’s staff did not train me to follow a rigid curriculum. Rather, they provided me with some initial resources and then encouraged me to develop my own unique teaching style. This type of freedom enabled a more creative and comfortable classroom environment for both me and my students.

This same teaching philosophy carried over into the German lessons I took with Muaz, who helped me to develop a more conversational vocabulary. His lessons kept me on my toes, ranging from interpreting music videos to going on excursions into the city.

Above all, my favorite part of my stay has been the people I have met and the sense of community that surrounds the center. Between other volunteers, local university students, and the long-term employees of the center (especially Ali), I felt incredibly welcomed and made friendships that will last a lifetime. I can’t recommend this program enough for someone who wants a unique experience abroad where you can teach, learn, and connect with people of all backgrounds.