One year of voluntary service in Germany

You are from abroad and would like to volunteer in Germany for one year? Then you have come to the right place. On this page you will get an overview of the incoming program, which is exactly for people like you from abroad. You will learn everything about the benefits, requirements, areas of work and information on how to apply. Have fun!

Reach out to us

You have questions or need more info? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to support.

Please note that data will get transmitted to YouTube as soon as you activate the player.

Charles from Madagascar, Curative Community, Kirchhain

Please note that data will get transmitted to YouTube as soon as you activate the player.

Prim from Thailand, Social Therapy, Village Community, Tennental

Incoming-Program: All you need to know

If you want to do a voluntary service in Germany, you certainly have many organizational questions. What are the requirements? When does the voluntary service begin? What benefits will I receive? We will clarify the most important questions here so that you can start your stay in Germany well prepared. Please read everything carefully. If something is still unclear afterwards, feel free to contact us.

Are you ready to take the big step and come to Germany? Here are all the formal and personal requirements you need to fulfill in order to participate in the incoming program:

  • You are at least 18 years old
  • You are not living in Germany at the moment
  • Your German level is at least A2 or even better B1 and you are willing to improve your German during your voluntary service.
  • You have done an internship of at least two weeks in your home country. The internship should be in the same field in which you would like to work in Germany. Please send us an internship certificate together with your application.
  • You are open to get to know the German culture and to take on new tasks.
  • You are willing to work full time in a social or educational institution for one year.
  • You need a visa for Germany if you come from a country outside the European Union (EU). Once we have accepted you for volunteer service, we will send you the documents for your visa application. Getting a visa can take two to three months, depending on the country, and is unfortunately often not easy. We will support you where necessary and where we can.
  • The incoming program starts twice a year: once in August/September and once in February/March.
  • Your volunteer service usually lasts 12-18 months and in exceptional cases two years.
  • The volunteer service in Incoming is a full-time position, which means that you work 38.5 - 40 hours per week.
  • You have a legal right to vacation
  • You have 25 days of educational seminars with your fellow volunteers. Read more about seminars here.

You'd like to go to Germany, but you're not sure if you can afford a volunteer service at all? Don't worry, there are some financial advantages for you:

  • You will receive a pocket money of at least 200 Euro per month.
  • Your organization will organize your accommodation for you: either you will live in a room in the volunteer center or with a host family.
  • You will receive meals (food and drinks) from your organization or financial support.
  • You have health insurance, accident insurance, liability insurance and possibly social insurance in Germany during your voluntary service.

Unfortunately, funding for travel to and from Germany is only available in some programs. In these programs we have only a few places. So most volunteers have to finance the travel to Germany and back by themselves. Financial support (scholarship) is possible.

Please note that data will get transmitted to YouTube as soon as you activate the player.

Francisca from Chile, Social Therapy, Camphill Village Community Hermannsberg

Please note that data will get transmitted to YouTube as soon as you activate the player.

Leandro from Brazil, Curative Education, Haus Tobias

Explore the world. Transform yourself.

Areas of Service

You have the opportunity to get involved in various Waldorf educational institutions. Here you will get an overview of all areas.

Five reasons to volunteer in Germany

Voluntary Service in Germany – Here's why it's worth it!

You get to know life, language and culture in Germany

 You will gain valuable experience abroad, get to know German culture, people and everyday life. You can also improve your German language skills.

You get involved socially and do good for others

No matter which area of work you choose one thing is clear: You become active and do something good for other people. Whether it's in kindergarten, at school, or helping the elderly - your support makes a big difference in the lives of others.

You get pocket money and accommodation

During your voluntary service in Germany, you will not only be provided (or financially supported) with accommodation and meals, but also get a monthy pocket money of at least 200 euros. In addition to that, you are covered by health, accident and liability insurance.

You discover exciting professions

There are so many things you could imagine doing professionally later on? But you have no idea what it really looks like and what to expect? With a voluntary service, you can get to know various occupational fields up close - you'll be right in the middle of it all, working hands-on. And who knows, maybe you'll discover your dream job?

We are here for you

We are at your side every step of the way: We will prepare you for your service in exciting seminars, where you will meet new people and get new impulses and keep being there for you throughout your voluntary service.

Which country are you from?

Contact our partners in your home country

If you are from Argentina, Brasil, Georgia, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Senegal or South Africa, you need to apply for a volunteer service in Germany at one of our partner organizations in your home country. Please contact the organization responsible for you to learn more about your individual requirements.

If you are from Cameroon or Tajikistan, unfortunately, we cannot offer you a volunteer service.

All others can apply here.
 

Get in touch with a local partner organization

Do you feel reassured and ready to do a voluntary service in Germany? That's wonderful. The next step is to fill out your application form. If there is no partner organization in your country (see list above), you can apply directly to the Friends now.


We are looking forward to meeting you!

Apply now!