How to Do an FSJ in Germany

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Looking to do an FSJ in Germany but don’t know where to start? Check out this post for a step-by-step guide on how to do an FSJ in Germany.

As an Au pair in Germany, I’ve been researching the many different ways foreigners are able to stay in Deutschland after their Au pair year. One of those ways includes doing an FSJ in Germany which is something that’s not so common in the U.S.

So, if you’re coming to the end of your Au pair stay and you’re thinking about doing an FSJ, you’ve come to the right place! This post breaks down everything you need to know about an FSJ in Germany as well as how to find one.

Table of Contents

Au Pair in Germany Series

P.S. This is a post in my Au Pair in Germany series. Here is the complete series:

Au Pair Origin and History: What is an Au Pair: The Origin and History

Au Pair Tasks: What Does an Au Pair Do: Au Pair Tasks

Au Pair Agencies: The 7 Best Au Pair Agencies for Americans

German Language Learning Apps: The 10 Best Apps for German Learning as an Au Pair

Au Pair Guide: How to Become an Au Pair in Germany

Au Pair Visa: Au Pair Visa Germany: Requirements for Americans

Au Pair vs. Nanny: Au Pair vs. Nanny: What is the Difference?

Au Pair Salary: German Au Pair Salary: What to Expect

Au Pair Rematch: The Top 10 Reasons Why Au Pairs Rematch

Au Pair Driving: The Au Pair Guide to Driving in Germany

German A1 Exam: How To Pass Your German A1 Test To Become An Au Pair

Host Family Interview: Here Are 100 Host Family Interview Questions You Need To Ask

Host Family Red Flags: 10 Host Family Red Flags You Should Watch Out For

Packing List: Au Pair Packing List: Germany Edition

BFD: BFD in Germany: What Americans Need To Know

FSJ: How to Do an FSJ in Germany

Ausbildung: Ausbildung in Germany: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

What is an FSJ?

An FSJ or Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr is a voluntary social year in Germany where young people have the opportunity to volunteer for the common good of Germany. The purpose of the FSJ is to give young people the chance to develop real-life skills and valuable work experience while also promoting personal and professional development.

What are the different types of FSJ?

An FSJ has many branches that vary based on the field of work. These branches include: social caring, cultural engagement, sports, politics, preservation of historical monuments and schools.

In fact, you can expect to see these following areas of service when you’re looking for an FSJ:

Hospitals
Nursing Homes
Retirement Homes
Foster Homes
Children Homes
and etc…

What are the basic requirements for an FSJ in Germany?

To be eligible for an FSJ in Germany, you must meet the following requirements:

Be between the ages of 16-27 years old
Must have basic knowledge of German (B1 or higher but some FSJs may take A2)
Must have completed mandatory school education or have equivalent qualifications (this could be a high school or university degree but it depends on where you apply)
Must have a valid residence permit if you are a non-EU citizen

What are the benefits of doing an FSJ in Germany?

There are many benefits to doing an FSJ as a volunteer. These benefits include:

Work Experience: through FSJ volunteers are able to acquire valuable work experience that can help further their career later on in Germany
Networking: through FSJ volunteers are able to connect with different people from diverse backgrounds such as other volunteers and other working professionals
Training: through FSJ volunteers are trained on social work, health and safety as well as other pertinent subjects related to their field of work
Recognition: volunteers will receive a certificate upon completing an FSJ in Germany. This certificate can be helpful when it comes to applying for higher education or other job opportunities.
Personal Growth: through FSJ volunteers are able to explore their strengths and weaknesses while developing self-confidence and interpersonal skills at the same time

How do I find and apply for an FSJ in Germany?

Finding an FSJ in Germany is pretty similar to finding any other job in the U.S. You just have to go through some online job boards to see what’s available or go to the host organization’s website. These host organizations include but are not limited to: Volunta, German Red Cross, Friends of Waldorf Education and IJGD.

In fact, Ausbildung.de is another website you can use to find the right FSJ for you. Google is also another option if you just search “FSJ jobs” in your browser. All in all, it’s best to explore all your options when you’re trying to find a perfect match.

Furthermore, when it comes to applying for an FSJ, the application process involves a written application, an interview, and a trial period depending on the organization. Once that’s all said and done, if the organization likes you, they’ll send you a contract. This contract needs to be signed and copied before you apply for a resident permit at the Auslaenderboerde which will allow to stay in Germany for the duration of your stay.

How much are volunteers paid for an FSJ?

Volunteers can expect to be paid around 300-700 euros a month to do an FSJ in Germany but this depends on the area of service and the host organization. The monthly stipend is supposed to help pay for the volunteer’s living expenses and it comes with free accommodation, meals, and health insurance depending on the program.

How long is an FSJ in Germany?

The average length of an FSJ in Germany varies between 6-18 months according to your program. Typically, it’s usually a year but different organizations offer some flexibility when it comes to the duration. In fact, when it comes to the volunteering hours, participants can expect to work 38-40 hours a week of full-time employment but this all varies depending on the program. Vacation days are also included with FSJ that participants use to explore Germany.

What happens after completing an FSJ in Germany?

After completing an FSJ in Germany, participants usually start applying for a full-time job or pursue higher education.

If you plan on applying for a full-time job after your FSJ, please note that participating in the program does not guarantee you a job offer. Although doing the program may increase your chances of finding a job, you still have to go through the job application process and compete with other applicants.

If you plan on pursing higher education after your FSJ, make sure to add your experience to your application. The FSJ program is recognized by many universities since it’s organized and funded by the government. In fact, since it’s a valuable part of the German education system, it’s no wonder why so many universities view it in such a positive light. Doing an FSJ helps you stand out from a pool of applicants as you catch the eye of multiple college admissions officers.

Overall, I really hope you enjoyed reading this post on everything you need to know about an FSJ in Germany. Please let me know in the comments down below which fact about it surprised you the most. I would love to hear from you! 🙂