Learning for life!

Whether as career orientation, personal development, bridging a waiting year, a practical year between A-levels and university or as a substitute for civilian service: the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) provides an unforgettable time, an incredible broadening of horizons and an important line on your CV.

FSJ - What is it?

It is mostly young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who are interested in the FSJ. Their motivations are varied: bridging the time between school-leaving exams and training, taking time out after a long period of learning, gaining experience in the social sector, checking their suitability or vocation for a job in the respective social field, replacing civilian service, ...

In 2018, around 1,000 young people applied for an FSJ position, and around 600 of them were placed in an assignment.

Following an application and selection process, the young adults start their voluntary service in either September or October for ten or eleven months respectively. The social institutions in which they volunteer work with people with physical or mental disabilities, the elderly, children or young people.

Interviews are currently underway for the 2019/20 FSJ cohort. Applications are possible at any time!

A voluntary social year is more ...

... than just providing services in social institutions. The pedagogical and professional support of the volunteers by the FSJ instructors, supervisors and specialists from the various fields of activity is essential. In self-awareness groups, seminars and excursions, the young people reflect on their experiences and have the opportunity to learn new things. There are 18 seminar days available for this during the ten- or eleven-month placement.

Win - win - win situation

Ideally, everyone involved benefits from a voluntary social year. Firstly, there are the people in the respective institutions, who appreciate being accompanied by young and motivated volunteers. Then there are the social institutions, which not only gain committed young people, but in many cases also future employees. Finally, there are the volunteers themselves, who discover and develop their skills during their assignment, grow through challenges and learn what makes a good workplace through their work in teams and groups.

Last but not least, our society benefits from the commitment of young people, as it is often people with these experiences who later become involved in social causes. During their voluntary year, they have learned that it makes sense to do something for others.

FSJ as a qualification

On average over many years, around 80% of volunteers decide to train in a social or educational profession after the FSJ. Many universities of applied sciences or courses of study, for which relevant practical experience is important to their students, see the FSJ as an essential additional qualification when making admission decisions.

What alumni say about the FSJ ...

As I didn't get a place at university last year, I decided to do the FSJ, which was a great experience and confirmed to me that the social sector is just right for me (Maria H., 19, Steyr)

The FSJ certainly gave me a lot of advantages, knowledge and experience when applying for the physiotherapy course. I also learned so much for life, for which I am very grateful and happy. (Jakob T., 22 years old, Linz)

I experienced competent support and met great, exciting and helpful people (Anna M., 23, Ried)

It was a great team. I had great experiences and grew as a person. (Martina W., 18 years old, Freistadt)

Factbox for interested parties

Duration of assignment: 10/11 months (incl. 18 seminar days, 21/23 days vacation), max. 34h/week

Pocket money: 245 euros/month net

Social benefits: Social insurance, family allowance, youth ticket, meals & accommodation

Creditable as civilian service

Gain: Experiences and encounters with people, institutions, ... and myself.