Voluntary social year and federal volunteer service

In short: The voluntary social year (FSJ) and the federal volunteer service (BFD) allow volunteering socially for six to eighteen months while receiving pocket money. Both are good for orientation after school.

In more detail: The FSJ is mainly aimed at young people up to 27, while the BFD is open to people of any age.

In detail

• Fields of work: Care, nurseries, schools, culture, sport or environmental protection depending on the host organisation.
• Pocket money and benefits: Accommodation, meals or an allowance are often part of the compensation.
• Social insurance: Full social insurance usually applies during the service.
• Credit: Can count as a waiting semester or make a positive impression in applications for training and study.
• Education days: Accompanying seminars promote personal and professional development.
• Applying: Done directly with host organisations such as welfare associations, schools or cultural institutions.
• Abroad variants: An FSJ abroad combines social engagement with international experience (auslandssemester-planung).