Menu
Expat.com

Volunteer and Learn German?

Post new topic

bookholm

Hello,
I am enrolled in an intensive course learning B1 German. I have a good grasp of grammer and can have simple conversations but need to practice speaking more. Also I have always volunteered and helped out in the community where I lived. What are some good volunteer opportunities in Berlin where I could practice speaking German while also helping others? If it helps, my background is in English and career education, professional writing, and social service industries.
Thanks!

TominStuttgart

There are of course many social projects that can use volunteers; animal shelters, Green Peace or other environmental groups, Amnesty International etc. And many social projects say helping the homeless will be organized through either the Catholic or Protestant (Evangelisch) churches. Maybe some refugee centers as well although they might be more in need of people speaking good German and/or knowing how to get along with the German bureaucracy. I don’t know the specifics of what is going on in Berlin so you should probably Google it – or use the ecological supporting search engine alternative ecosia.de

beppi

You could also volunteer as basic English teacher in a kindergarten (possibly one for socially disadvantaged kids). That way you'd utilize your teching capabilities and deal with (small) people who are likely to use simple German that you can understand.
Another possibility would be old age homes - some of the seniors there are lonely and have lots of time and patience to talk with you.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Berlin

  • Universities in Berlin
    Universities in Berlin

    Studying in Germany is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, which may open many doors to professional ...

  • Student life in Berlin
    Student life in Berlin

    Living in Berlin as a student will probably be one of your most rewarding life experiences, as the city offers ...

  • The work culture in Berlin
    The work culture in Berlin

    When starting out in a new city, it's really important to understand the work culture before your first day at ...

  • Buying property in Berlin
    Buying property in Berlin

    Buying property in Berlin is easier than in most European cities when it comes to the bureaucracy and formalities ...

  • Berlin's neighbourhood guide
    Berlin's neighbourhood guide

    Berlin has 12 official boroughs and 96 localities, which, for the most part, are self-sustained, offering ...

  • Accommodation in Berlin
    Accommodation in Berlin

    Finding accommodation in Berlin (or any other city for that matter) will be your first step towards settling into ...

  • Discovering Berlin
    Discovering Berlin

    Berlin, the capital of Germany, is an enchanting city full of culture, history, great food, diversity, and nature. ...

  • Berlin's labour market
    Berlin's labour market

    Berlin is the largest city in Germany, with over 3.7 million people. Eighty-nine thousand new individuals became ...

All of Berlin's guide articles