FSJ

The FSJ program explained

The FSJ program (Freiwilliges soziales Jahr) is a social educational year for people aged 17 to 27. Youngsters get the opportunity for to volunteer in social sectors, for example in healthcare sectors such as in facilities for handicapped people, homes for the elderly or hospitals.

The volunteers spend up to one year in Germany in their desired social facility to learn more about Germany’s social services sector, improve their German, and gather valuable professional and philanthropic experience. Additionally, they will get invited to workshops that support the development of their personality.

A great opportunity for youngsters to gain first work experiences in their desired social working field along with making new friends abroad!

Plus, candidates are entitled to benefits such as pocket money, room and board, health insurance, 26 vacation days, and 31 seminar days with other German or international volunteers.

Additional aspects candidates tend to benefit from include:

  • Applying for easier and faster paperwork and visa procedure.
  • Gaining first work experience Germany in the desired working field
  • Improving German language skills
  • Possibility to change FSJ Visa to Study Visa after completing the FSJ
Please note:
The benefits of the FSJ can vary depending on the place of assignment and your personal situation
Start of training: the first of April or the first October of a calendar year The FSJ program usually starts twice a year. The first batch begins in April and the second batch starts in October.
Fees: no training fees
The FSJ program is free of charge for you! You do not have to pay any attendance fees! In addition you receive a monthly pocket money from the company that supports your FSJ.
Pocket money: 350 Euro – 500 Euro per month The FSJ Program Provider determines together with your employer the salary you receive during the period of your FSJ. As a rule ,you will receive approximately 350 Euro – 500 Euro per month depending on the company.
Working hours: 38 – 40 hours a week You will work between 38 and 40 hours a week in the company you have chosen

FSJ Company possibilities in the healthcare sector : Various Possibilities

You can complete the practical part of your training in the following Institutions:
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Retirement Homes/ Senior Residence
  • Assisted Living Facilities
  • Outpatient Care Services
  • Care Homes
Requirements: Various
You have to match the following requirements if you want to start this training:
  • High school leaving certificate (high school diploma ~ plus 2)
  • Sufficient German language level of at least B1 according to the requirements of the European framework of reference for languages (CEFRcefr), proven by Ggoethe, Öösd or Ttelc
  • FSJ contract
  • Proof of health condition
  • Further documents
Need Help?