The FÖJ is an educational year that offers you the possibility of becoming active in environmental protection. Furthermore the FÖJ is a good opportunity to find or confirm your career. The year gives you the chance to contemplate your ideas and have new experiences. The offer is available to all young people who left school and are between the age of 16 and 27 years.

The FÖJ starts in August or September and lasts 12 months. During this time you will be active in a hosting project concerning the protection of nature and environment. At 5 seminars distributed over the year you will meet FÖJ-participants from the other projects and deal with various environmental topics.

For your work you will receive a pocket money, full social insurance and 26 days holiday. Possibly you will also receive free boarding and lodging or a food and accomodation allowance.

FÖJ for foreign participants

Guests from foreign countries are very welcome in the FÖJ!

Conditions for participation are:

  • proven ecological interest and commitment

  • the willingness to get involved in the german culture and to integrate in the local community

  • the willingness to contribute actively and sensitive to the activities of the host country

  • advanced knowledge of the german language (certificate about at least 2 years language courses in a Goethe-Institut or comparable language school)

  • a written agreement that you will take part in the FÖJ for 1 year

  • the participation at at least 25 FÖJ-seminar days

  • willingness to represent your country and to support further partnership relations also after the voluntary service

  • the obtaining of a one-year-visa at the embassy