Welcome to the Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) in Schleswig-Holstein!
We are happy to welcome young people from all over the world who are interested in environmental protection, sustainability, and learning about life and work in Germany.
Who Can Participate?
You can apply for an FÖJ in Schleswig-Holstein if you:
- Are between 16 and 25 years old when the FÖJ starts on 1 August
- Have German language skills of at least B1 level (B2 is strongly recommended)
- Can provide proof of your German language skills
- Are interested in environmental and sustainability topics
- Are willing to spend one year working at a placement site in Schleswig-Holstein
- Are prepared to work 39 hours per week
- Participate in at least 25 seminar days conducted in German
- Are open to sharing your experiences and culture with other participants
German Language Requirements
A German language certificate must be submitted with your application.
Accepted certificates include:
- Goethe-Institut
- telc
- ÖSD
- TestDaF
Minimum requirement: B1 level
Recommended: B2 level
Visa Information
If you need a visa to enter Germany, please make sure to apply early.
Your complete application must be submitted by 30 April at the latest. Applications requiring a visa cannot be considered after this date because of visa processing times.
Accommodation
Accommodation is usually organized together with your placement site.
Please note:
- We do not provide accommodation ourselves.
- We cannot arrange housing for you.
- Many placement sites support volunteers in finding a room or apartment.
We recommend discussing accommodation during your interview with the placement site.
Financial Information
During the FÖJ, you receive the regular FÖJ benefits, including pocket money and social insurance.
Please note that:
- No additional financial support can be provided.
- Travel costs to and from Germany must be covered by you.
- Visa fees must also be paid by you.
Further information: Voraussetzungen und Leistungen
How to Apply
Please refer to the Application section of this website for detailed information on how to apply, important deadlines, and the required application documents:
Questions?
We recommend contacting us as early as possible, ideally in January, if you have questions about:
- Language requirements
- Visa procedures
- Placement sites
- The application process
We are happy to help you prepare your application and look forward to hearing from you!