"Hotline for Volunteer Social Service Year (FSJ) - BiZ!'s Telephone Connection!"
Are you a young adult in Germany looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your community? Consider participating in a voluntary social year. Here's what you need to know:
Age and Education Requirements
Typically, participants must be between 16 and 18 years old, depending on the program. For the Bundesfreiwilligendienst (BFD, Federal Volunteer Service), the minimum age is 18 years, but some programs may accept applicants as young as 16 years old, provided they have completed their full-time schooling (Vollzeitschulpflicht) [1][2][3].
Duration
The voluntary service usually lasts from a minimum of six months up to a maximum of 18 months; in exceptional cases, up to 24 months [2].
Work Areas
Volunteers work in various community-benefiting sectors such as social care (children, youth, elderly, disabled), health, cultural preservation, nature and environmental protection, sports, integration support, refugee assistance, civil and disaster protection, and more [1][2]. Deployment opportunities include children's and care facilities, sports clubs, museums, and more.
Motivation and Personal Qualities
Interest in nature and working with children and youth, enjoyment of outdoor life, enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to collaborate in a team environment are desirable personal attributes [1].
Legal Status and Benefits
The BFD is similar in scope to a full-time job; volunteers typically receive a monthly allowance (Taschengeld) up to a maximum of approximately 644 euros (as of 2025), with additional benefits sometimes provided for accommodation and meals, arranged individually with the hosting institution. The service includes pedagogical support and mentoring [2].
For Foreigners
For foreigners wishing to participate, they must have a residence permit allowing employment in Germany [1].
Application and Placement
Entry can occur at any time, and interested young adults can apply online via official portals. There are various postings and placements across Germany, including region-specific services like those offered in Baden-Württemberg [3].
Contact Information
For comprehensive information about a voluntary social year, contact the International Youth Community Services "ijgd" on August 4, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, via telephone consultation. Unfortunately, the location of the consultation is not specified in the text [4]. The telephone number to contact is 0228 / 22800-22.
The Voluntary Nature
The voluntary nature is a core principle, even with upcoming changes in related national service laws [4].
Young adults up to the age of 27 can participate in a voluntary social year, making it an excellent opportunity for those seeking a meaningful experience after graduation or those who need more time for career choice. By choosing to participate, you'll be joining a network of volunteers dedicated to making a positive impact on their communities.
- Engaging in a voluntary social year can be an ideal way for young adults, up to age 27, to contribute to education-and-self-development by gaining practical experience and making a positive impact in areas such as social care, cultural preservation, nature conservation, and more.
- By participating in a voluntary social year, young adults can also nurture their lifestyle choices and strengthen relationships as they collaborate with their team, engage with communities, and promote cross-cultural understanding, particularly for foreigners seeking to experience life and work in Germany.
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