One Year of Voluntary Service in Germany
Are you from abroad and are interested to volunteer in Germany for a year? Then you have come to the right place. On this page, you'll get an overview of the incoming program, which is especially for people from around the world. Learn more about the benefits, requirements, fields of work and how to apply. Have fun!
You have questions or need more info? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to support.
freunde-waldorf.de
Incoming-Program: All you need to know
If you’re thinking about doing a voluntary service in Germany, you probably have lots of practical questions. What are the requirements? When does the voluntary service begin? What benefits will I receive? Here, we will clarify the most important questions so that you can start your stay in Germany well prepared. Please read everything carefully. If anything is still unclear, feel free to reach out to 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 Programme:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are not currently living in Germany.
- 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 completed 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 include an internship certificate with your application.
- You are open to get to know the German culture and ready 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 are from a country outside the European Union (EU). Once we have accepted you for volunteer service, we will send you all the necessary documents for your visa application. Please note that the visa process can take two to three months, depending on your country, and is unfortunately not always easy. We will support you as much as we can throughout the process.
- The incoming program starts twice a year: once in August/September and once in February/March.
- Your volunteer service usually lasts 12 to 18 months and in exceptional cases up to two years.
- Volunteering in the Incoming Programme is a full-time position, which means you will work 38.5 - 40 hours per week.
- You are entitled to legal vacation leave.
- You will also take part in 25 days of educational seminars together with other international volunteers.
You'd like to go to Germany, but you're not sure if you can afford a volunteer service? Don't worry, there are some financial benefits for you:
- You will receive pocket money of at least 200 Euro per month.
- Your accommodation will be arranged for you: you will either live in a room at your placement site or with a host family.
- You will receive meals (food and drinks) or financial support from your hosting organisation.
- You will be covered by health insurance, accident insurance, liability insurance and possibly social insurance during your voluntary service in Germany.
Unfortunately, funding for travel to and from Germany is only available in some programmes and these programmes only have a few places. This means most volunteers need to cover their travel costs to Germany and back themselves. However, financial support (scholarship) may be possible.
Which country are you from?
Contact our partners in your home country
If you are from Argentina, Brazil, Georgia, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tanzania or Uganda, you need to apply for a volunteer service in Germany through one of our partner organisations in your home country. Please contact the organisation responsible for you to learn more about your individual application requirements.
If you are from Cameroon, Morocco or Tajikistan, unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer you a volunteer service.
All others can apply here.
Explore the world. Transform yourself.
Areas of Service
You'll have the opportunity to get involved in various Waldorf educational institutions. Here you'll get an overview of the different areas of work.
Social therapeutic facilities are communities in which adults with disabilities (and with assistance needs) live and work together with people without disabilities. The goal is for each person to live as freely and self-determined as possible. You will help in the areas of care, assistance in daily activities, in the household and help organize parties, theater and concerts.
The remarkable thing about Biodynamic Agriculture is that fact that it is integrated into the ecological cycles and cycles of nature. In the voluntary service you spend a lot of time outdoors - in summer and winter, you do a lot of manual work, without large machines, you help with planting, harvesting and storage and feed and care for the animals.
Curative education is dedicated to children and adolescents with disabilities (and with assistance needs). You accompany students throughout the school day, in leisure activities as well as in care and nursing. Or you help with practical learning in various workshops, home economics, agriculture or horticulture.
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?
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!
