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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) concerning the FSJ
 How does the FSJ work?
Once your FSJ-Organisation (regions) has made the arrangements for the placement you have chosen, an agreement about the conditions of your FSJ is being set up by both of you.
In your placement you will be working a maximum of 38.5 hours per week in Western Germany and 40 hours per week in Eastern Germany.
You will meet the people in your placement and you will get to know the work. You will gain experience and grow personally and you will be taught new skills in the area of your work. In case you have further questions and problems, there will be a contact person available for you.
During the FSJ, you will take part in seminars with other volunteers (min. of 25 days in the 12-months-period of your stay). Your active participation in the seminars and their preparation is expected of you and highly appreciated. This is the best way for you to see your desires met and to share your experience with others. The seminars are your opportunity to work and learn with the group and thus to be active and have fun at the same time.
Once your FSJ comes to an end, you will receive an official certificate. You may also ask for a reference. 
Is there somebody for me to turn to during the FSJ?
The pedagogic staff of the FSJ-Organisation is available to you. They will keep in touch with you and you can also contact them yourself.
At your placement, you will receive individual instructions from a qualified staff member.
Do I have to do a whole year?
If you want to do an FSJ that is officially acknowledged, you need to take part for at least 6 months, usually a whole year. Please turn to the FSJ-Organisation (regions) of your choice for additional information.
Is there a minimum and a maximum age?
You can apply when you are 16 years old or after having completed school. The maximum age is 26 years.
Is the FSJ acknowledged as practical training?
The FSJ may be acknowledged as practical training. If you already know what you will study or train for after finishing the FSJ, please contact your future employer, school or university for information about the requirements for practical training before starting the FSJ.
Is the FSJ acknowledged as official community service as alternative to military service?
If you are already acknowledged as conscientious objector, the 12months-long FSJ is acknowledged as community service.
Do I have to be a church member?
Your participation in the FJS is not bound to a church affiliation or a religious membership of any kind, but you should be ready to tackle issues of the Christian faith.
Do I need to be a German citizen?
Your nationality is of no significance. You can also apply for an FSJ in Germany (regions) if you do not live in Germany. We are a member of the European Network of the Diaconal Year (EDYN) which unites our European partners. (http://www.edyn.org/).
What requirements do I have to meet?
Your educational background is of no importance to us. However, we expect you to be ready to interact with other people and to get involved with them. You should also be ready to take over responsibilities.
Do I get money?
You will receive pocket money. The amount differs from one organisation to the next.
Will I be insured?
During the FSJ, you will be a member of the German insurance system. This means that you are insured in the following areas: health, pension, unemployment, accident and personal liability. All insurance contributions are being paid in total by the FSJ-Organisations or the respective placements.
Do I receive board and lodging?
In case you need accommodation, you will, as a rule, be given accommodation. In general, all meals will be provided by the FSJ placement. Some FSJ-Organisations will pay a certain amount of money instead.
Will I be able to take vacation?
With a 12-months-period of the FSJ, you are entitled to 26 workdays of vacation.
When can I start an FSJ?
Usually, the FSJ begins between August and October. Some FSJ organisations offer a beginning in spring.
If you feel like doing an FSJ and want to apply for it, please contact an FSJ organisation (regions) and ask for further information and advice.
May I do an FSJ abroad as well?
If you are interested in a placement abroad, ask for information about the "Diakonisches Jahr im Ausland", the fulltime Christian voluntary service which offers possibilities of service in ten European countries for young people between 18 and 25 years of age. DJiA is run by the Protestant Church in Germany. It is a member of the European Diaconal Year Network, which connects all partner organisations of the different countries. For further information contact:
Ev. Freiwilligendienste für junge Menschen
FSJ und DJiA gGmbH
Otto-Brenner-Str. 9
30159 Hannover
Tel. 0049-511/4500083-40
Fax 0049-511/4500083-31
e-mail: djia@ev-freiwilligendienste.de
homepage: www.djia.de
The structure of the "Diakonische Jahr im Ausland" is similar to the one of the FSJ.
However, since it does not follow legal regulations in detail, it is not being acknowledged as FSJ. Therefore, the legal privileges like i.e. continued payment of child benefits are not granted.
Where can I do a "Diakonische Jahr im Ausland" (DJiA)?
At present, we are co-operating with partners in Belgium, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Sweden and Hungary. Please send your application to our office. If, however, you are looking for information about the Network, please click here: http://www.edyn.org/.
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