Protect animals abroad in the FSJ
As the name FSJ (voluntary social year) suggests, it is always about social projects, you will rarely have anything to do with animals. But there is the FÖJ, the voluntary ecological year, which is about environmental and species protection, where you can also help animals abroad.
Difference between FSJ and FÖJ
- All projects within the FSJ and FÖJ are regulated by the law for the promotion of youth voluntary services and differ in principle only in the areas of application.
- You are covered in the same way in the FÖJ as in the FSJ, the same rules apply to food and accommodation. The rules for receiving child benefit and pocket money are also identical.
- As part of the FSJ, however, you will only be able to be used in social or cultural projects of the FÖJ you can participate in many projects that deal with nature conservation and the protection of wild animals employ.
Working with animals abroad
- A FÖJ, which is legally identical to the FSJ, you can also work with animals in France, Estonia, Poland, Austria and Denmark. Unfortunately, there are very few places because there are not enough grants for the sponsors.
- An alternative is that International Youth Voluntary Service (IJFD), which offers ecological missions abroad. Here you will have to ask yourself specific questions. Sometimes projects go hand in hand, so an educational project can also have something to do with animals or species protection.
- You will certainly be able to help animals abroad if you participate in one of Projects Abroad's projects, but these are not subject to the Youth Volunteer Act. Unlike in the FSJ, you have to take care of yourself to be insured and to bear the costs of the stay yourself. In return, short-term stays around the world are possible with this organization.
- If your stay abroad is more important than animal or nature conservation, you can also take part in projects abroad as part of the FSJ.
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Important information about the FÖS / FSJ abroad
In general, you should meet these conditions:
- There should be proven ecological resp. social commitment be present.
- You should have advanced knowledge of the language of the host country; alternatively, fluent knowledge of English and a basic knowledge of the language of the host country or willingness to learn the language.
- You have to give a written confirmation that you will work abroad for at least one year.
- You have to take part in the relevant seminars of the FÖJ.
- You must also take care of the relevant visas and a work permit.
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