Voluntary Programs (SJ/FÖJ/BFD )
A voluntary year in Germany, also known as a “Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr” (FSJ)
or “Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr” (FÖJ), is a program that allows young people to take a year off between their secondary education and higher education or the start of their career to volunteer in a social or environmental organization.
The Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr was introduced in Germany in 1964 as a pilot
project in several social institutions in Hamburg. In 1965, the program was
launched nationwide as part of a government initiative to provide young
people with a meaningful opportunity to engage in social work. Since then, the
program has undergone several changes and improvements to make it more
attractive and accessible to young people.
The FSJ is now one of the most popular voluntary programs in Germany, with thousands of young people participating each year. The program is organized and funded by the German government, but the actual implementation and administration are carried out by various social institutions, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
How much does FSJ pay in Germany?
How much does a Fsj make in Germany? The estimated salary for a Fsj is €403 per month in the Germany area.
How do you qualify for the FSJ program in Germany?
- You need to be at least 18 years old.
- You need to be younger than 26 years of age to apply for FSJ or FÖJ.
- No age limit for BFD (up to 18 years of age).
- You need to accept 40 regular working hours per week.
- You need the language level B2 (according to the European framework of reference for languages).
What are the benefits of FSJ in Germany?
FSJ participants receive a monthly allowance, accommodation, and health insurance coverage. They also receive training and support from experienced professionals and mentors.
Objectives and Benefits
The main objective of the Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr is to give young people the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that benefits society while also promoting personal and professional development. The volunteers get various benefits for doing FSJ like:
Work Experience
FSJ participants gain valuable work experience and acquire new skills that can help them in their future careers.
Personal Growth
The program offers participants the opportunity to explore their strengths and weaknesses, develop self-confidence, and build interpersonal skills.
Social Responsibility
Through their work in social welfare institutions, participants contribute to the betterment of society and develop a sense of social responsibility.
Networking
FSJ provides participants with opportunities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, including other participants, mentors, and professionals.
Recognition
Upon completing FSJ, participants receive a certificate that recognizes their commitment and achievements during the program. This certificate can be helpful when applying for further education or job opportunities. FSJ is also recognized as a pre-study internship for many social training courses.
Training & Assistance
Throughout their placement, FSJ participants receive training and assistance. Obligatory workshops (25 days) on social work, health and safety, and other pertinent subjects are part of the training. A mentor or manager may also provide support to participants.
Specifications of FSJ
Hours of Work: Participants in the FSJ program often put in about 38 to 40 hours per week of full-time employment. However, the precise working hours may change based on the company and the job. There are also 24 vacation days.
Pay: Participants in the program are given a monthly stipend that typically ranges from €300 to €400. The purpose of the allowance is to pay the participant’s living expenses throughout the program. There are special cases where the amount may go up to €700 as well, like in nursing.
Program Length: Candidates can apply any time of the year but typically, the FSJ program starts in August or September and ends the following year. The typical time is one year but it can range anywhere between 6 to 18 months according to your program.
Child Benefits: Entitlement to child benefits up to the age of 25. Health Insurance: Participants receive paid medical insurance.
Branches of FSJ
FSJ has many different areas of operation and they are divided into the following branches:
- FSJ for social caring
- FSJ for cultural
- engagement
- FSJ for sports
- FSJ in politics
- FSJ for preservation of
- historical monuments
- FSJ for schools
- Areas of Service
The following is a list of the areas you can apply for under FSJ
- Services for people with disabilities
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Retirement homes
- Foster homes
- Preservation of historic monuments
- Ambulatory services
- Youth welfare services
- Church communities
- Emergency medical services
- Children homes
There is also the Environmental Social Year or FÖJ for nature conservation & ecology.
Specifications of FSJ
To be eligible for FSJ, you must meet the following requirements:
Age
You must be at least 16 years old and not older than 26 years old when the program starts. Foreigners 27 or older can apply for BFD, a Federal Volunteer Service program.
Education
You should have completed your mandatory school education or have equivalent qualifications. If you have already completed vocational training or have a university degree, you may still be eligible for FSJ, provided the program’s content and objectives differ from your previous training.
Citizenship
FSJ is open to both German citizens and foreigners. However, non-EU citizens must have a valid residence permit and a basic knowledge of the German language to participate in the program.
Placement After FSJ
Program participants can find employment in social or educational organizations like hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or kindergartens. Participants can specify their preferences for their job placement during the application process, and the program providers manage the placements. Another alternative could be vocational training.
For young people, the Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr is a fantastic opportunity to obtain useful work experience while simultaneously giving back to society. The program has a long history of promoting personal and professional development among its participants and is one of the most popular voluntary programs in Germany. FSJ participants receive a monthly allowance, accommodation, and health insurance coverage. They also receive training and support from experienced professionals and mentors. Additionally, participants can use their FSJ experience to improve their chances of admission to higher education programs or to enhance their career prospects.
If you are interested in social work, education, or healthcare and meet the eligibility requirements, consider applying for the FSJ to kickstart your career and make a positive impact on society.