Programmes
Federal Voluntary Service (BFD)
The BFD is a voluntary service run by the German government. For between 6 and 12 months, you can get involved in social, ecological and cultural areas or in the areas of sport, integration, civil protection and disaster relief. The BFD is open to people who have completed full-time compulsory schooling (usually from 15-16 years of age). The service usually lasts 12 months, but at least 6 and a maximum of 18 months. For your work, you will receive pocket money and sometimes accommodation and meals.
Voluntary Social Year (FSJ)
The FSJ is a voluntary service that you can do in Germany or abroad. An FSJ service lasts between 6 and 18 months, but usually a year. Organisations where you can do an FSJ usually deal with social, cultural or political issues. The service is open to people between the ages of 16 and 27. For your work, you will receive pocket money and sometimes accommodation and meals.
Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ)
Similar to the FSJ is the FÖJ - a Voluntary Ecological Year, in which you can support organisations and projects that focus on nature and environmental protection. An FÖJ lasts between 6 and 18 months (usually one year) and is open to people between 16 and 27 years old. For your work, you will receive pocket money and sometimes accommodation and meals.
Workcamps – short-term volunteer services
Work camps are short-term volunteer services where you live with an international group for 2-4 weeks and work on a non-profit project in the social, ecological or cultural field or help with renovation/construction projects. Accommodation and meals are provided and leisure activities are often financed. You only have to pay a small participation fee and cover your travel costs. Work camps are possible both worldwide and in Germany. For most projects abroad, you must be at least 18 years old.
More information and organisations active in this field
Out of homeInformation about stays abroad from Eurodesk Germany
Federal Voluntary Service (BFD)Information about the BFD.
Voluntary Social Year (FSJ)Information about the voluntary service FSJ in Germany.
Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ)Information about the FÖJ.
Interesting links
Last Minute MarktIf you want to go abroad at short notice, you can still find vacancies in the last-minute market that are (partially) funded.
Opportunities for U-18sMany volunteer services are often only available to people aged 18 and over. Here you can find out which programs are still suitable for you.
Returnee work. Back in Germany – and then?If you have already completed volunteer work, there are many ways in which you can continue to use your experience and further your education.
