Volunteer in Germany
At very heart of Europe and surrounded by nine other countries, the fairy tale Germany of lederhosen and beer steins today exists side by side with forward-thinking, 21st-century cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.
Away from the towns and cities, the countryside has a spectacular natural beauty; you can explore the vast Black Forest in Bavaria, walk in the Mosel Valley, ski in the Alps, or cruise down the Danube, Elbe, and Rhine rivers.
Despite its reputation as one of the world’s economic powerhouses and its advanced educational, welfare, and healthcare systems, Germany is not without its social problems. As both a top destination for refugees from conflict in the Middle East and North Africa and a country with an increasingly aged population, social services are stretched to capacity.
You’ll find that there are many volunteering opportunities in Germany, from working with immigrant families to leading summer activity programs for disadvantaged youngsters.
There are many disciplines and destinations to consider when you decide to volunteer in Germany. Are you happier dealing with people? Would you prefer to work with your hands? Are you a city dweller or do you want to stay in the countryside? Consider all your options before committing yourself to a particular program.
Youth work
Ramp up your German language skills as you spend the summer at a sports camp, where you could direct events or work as a language coach or counselor. You’ll enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing or climbing and receive invaluable training as a youth leader.
Teach English
Spend two or three months living with a German family and teaching them to speak conversational English; you’ll be amazed how much of the language you acquire along the way while you’re experiencing a total immersion in German family life and culture.
Short-term help
If you’re time-short but keen to learn a new practical skill, why not volunteer for a month-long project in Germany? You could be assigned to trail building, park maintenance, or organic farming, and more community-orientated options include the chance to help the elderly or work with physically handicapped children.
Volunteering in Germany could mean working on an inner-city community-building project in one of the country’s vibrant, multi-cultural metropolises such as Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, or Dusseldorf.
If city life’s not for you, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in education or healthcare in rural towns and villages, giving you the chance to explore the beautiful regions of Bavaria or the Alps.
Wherever you choose to volunteer in Germany, the fast and efficient highway and rail systems can quickly transport you to any destination across the country.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into Germany.
Visas
US citizens with valid passports can spend 90 days in Germany without a visa as part of the Schengen zone visa policy.
If you’re volunteering for more than three months and your home country is outside the European Community, you’ll need a permit called an ‘electronic residence title’ (eAT, elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel), which is a biometric chip card the size of a credit card. You can apply for the permit before traveling to Germany at the German Embassy in Washington and local consulates, or after arrival by appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (Aliens Authority) office in your local town.
Housing & Accommodation
As a volunteer in Germany, your accommodation may well be provided by the organization you travel with. Otherwise, your best bet is to stay with a local family, in which case your language skills and knowledge of German family life will improve dramatically.
If you need to look for a flatshare, a small studio, or a hostel, give yourself a couple of months to find somewhere suitable. Accommodation can be expensive and hard to find in the major cities, so be prepared for this process if you're relocating for your volunteer work.
