FSJ, BFD, BuFDi – your volunteer service

You have your diploma in hand, are about to get it, or want to try something new? You're helpful, interested in supporting others, and want to implement this right after school? Then a volunteer service is just right for you.

Why should you do a volunteer service?

Your decision can have many different backgrounds. Maybe social engagement is new to you, but everyone has started somewhere. ;)

If you're coming straight from school, this is also a great opportunity for you to get your first real taste of the working world.

During your “service time,” you will also develop personally, meeting many new people, life realities, and challenges. Depending on your ideas about your future career, you can take some time here to check or even discover your wishes and personal goals.

If you already know what you want to study but can’t or don’t want to start immediately, a volunteer service can serve as a meaningful bridge. So it’s doubly good – you help others and don’t have to worry about your further career path getting off track.

But even if you are already well-established in the workforce after your education or studies, a volunteer service gives you the chance to take a meaningful break. You’re doing something for the community and can get to know new worlds of life, possibly even outside your current profession.

What does it involve? Requirements, Process, Costs

The voluntary social year (FSJ) and the Federal Volunteer Service (BFD) are generally very similar. The difference lies in the funding of the positions, i.e., whether the (federal) states are responsible or the federal level is in charge.

Your service usually lasts for 12 months, but it can start with a duration of six months and go up to two years. While the FSJ can be completed once by individuals up to the age of 27, the BFD allows adults to participate multiple times.

In a volunteer service, you assist with tasks, much like a “regular” job, for 35 to 40 hours per week – just like a full-time job.

For this, you receive a so-called allowance, which ranges from €360 to €426 (as of 2021). Your service provider may also provide accommodation, a travel allowance, or a meal stipend in addition.

Similar to your student ID, certain discounts are also available to you during your voluntary service. You can find more about this at fuer-freiwillige.de.

At the end, you will receive a certificate of your service in the organization and a certificate for your commitment.

BFD or BuFDi – the Federal Volunteer Service

Each year, over 35,000 BFD positions are funded in Germany. In addition to your work at the placement site, you’ll attend five educational seminars, one of which is a political education seminar organized by the BAFZA.

Your fields of work can be very diverse – from schools, daycare centers, and youth work to positions in the cultural sector, e.g., in music schools, elderly care, or even refugee work.

No matter where, you support people! You can also contribute with technical or manual assistance.

FSJ – the voluntary social year

The fields of work are similar to the BFD. The focus is on social, charitable, or non-profit sectors. Here, you can also participate in free seminars.

A few years ago, the FSJ was expanded to include additional fields: sports, monument preservation, politics, and culture. So you can look for ways to contribute with your strengths to the community in your own unique way. With the IJFD, you can also spend your service abroad.

Curious about what’s available in your area or another city? Together with BAFZA, we’re happy to help you explore the exciting opportunities and find the perfect placement site! You can also get a first impression of what fascinates, moves, and excites others during their time by reading experience reports.

Have fun from your scoolio team!

Author: Team Scoolio

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