Entry Requirements for the BFD
The Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) is generally open to individuals of any age starting from 16 years old. There are no formal educational or professional entry requirements, making it particularly flexible and accessible. Older adults and retirees can also participate in the BFD, as there is no upper age limit. Interested individuals must apply through the respective deployment organizations or via central placement portals. An application typically includes a cover letter, a resume, and a motivation letter. The service can commence at any time throughout the year, which distinguishes the BFD from other voluntary services that are often tied to fixed start dates.
Possible Areas of Deployment in the BFD
The areas of deployment in the BFD are very diverse and include activities in social institutions such as kindergartens, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or facilities for people with disabilities. Additionally, there are deployment positions in cultural and ecological sectors, such as museums, theaters, environmental associations, or heritage conservation. Activities in sports, civil protection, or municipal institutions are also possible. The BFD offers volunteers the opportunity to choose from a wide range of fields that match their personal interests and to develop professionally or personally.
Advantages of the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD)
The Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) offers many advantages: it enables individuals to gain practical experience in a new field, discover personal strengths, and further develop social skills. The BFD is particularly well-suited for those looking to reorient their professional career or to make productive use of a transition period. Volunteers receive intensive support during their service and can participate in educational seminars designed for professional and personal development. Additionally, the BFD provides the opportunity to establish new contacts and networks that can be helpful in future job searches.
Disadvantages and Challenges of the BFD
One disadvantage of the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) is the relatively low compensation. Volunteers receive only a pocket money allowance, the amount of which varies depending on the deployment organization, which is significantly lower compared to a vocational training (Ausbildung). Therefore, the BFD is less suitable for individuals who rely on higher income. Moreover, the activities in the BFD can be physically and emotionally challenging, especially when working in care or with people with disabilities. Volunteers should thus be resilient and motivated to engage with the demands of a new and possibly unfamiliar work environment.
Seminars and Educational Support in the BFD
A key component of the BFD is the accompanying seminars that take place during the service. The number of seminar days depends on the length of the deployment: for a twelve-month BFD, it typically includes 25 seminar days. These seminars are organized by the sponsoring organizations and cover topics such as communication, conflict management, environmental education, teamwork, and political education. The seminars provide space for exchange, reflection, and further education, helping volunteers to process their experiences and expand their skills. For older volunteers, the seminars can be individually adapted to address their specific needs and life situations.
Compensation and Financial Support in the BFD
Participants in the BFD receive pocket money, which typically ranges between 200 and 400 euros per month, depending on the deployment organization and federal state. Additionally, social insurance contributions (health, long-term care, pension, and unemployment insurance) are covered, ensuring that volunteers are comprehensively protected. Many deployment organizations also offer accommodation, meals, or corresponding allowances. The entitlement to child benefit remains during the BFD, and other social benefits such as housing allowance can be applied for under certain conditions. This financial support helps to cover living expenses during the service, even though the overall compensation is lower than in a traditional vocational training (Ausbildung).
Career Perspectives after the BFD
The BFD can serve as a gateway into various professional fields. Many participants decide to pursue a vocational training (Ausbildung) or studies in the social or educational sectors, such as nursing, teaching, or social work, after completing the BFD. In ecological fields, volunteers can use the BFD as an entry point into careers in environmental education or conservation. The BFD also offers a way for career changers to discover new professional perspectives and gain initial experience in a new field. In some cases, there is the possibility to be employed directly by the deployment organization after completing the BFD.
Differences from the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) and Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ)
The BFD differs from the FSJ and FÖJ primarily in terms of age structure and flexibility. While FSJ and FÖJ are primarily aimed at young people under 27 years old, the BFD is open to all age groups. Older individuals who wish to engage after retirement or adults seeking to reorient their careers find a suitable option in the BFD. Additionally, the BFD can be arranged with more temporal flexibility: while FSJ and FÖJ usually have a fixed minimum duration of twelve months, the BFD can start after six months and be extended up to 24 months. This makes the BFD particularly attractive for individuals with personal or professional plans.
Application and Organization of the BFD
The application process for the BFD is flexible and is carried out through the sponsoring organizations that manage the deployment positions or directly through the deployment organizations themselves. Applicants should submit a cover letter, a resume, and a motivation letter. The service can begin throughout the year, so interested individuals are not dependent on fixed start dates. Selection is typically conducted through an interview, during which the deployment organization assesses the applicant’s suitability and motivation. As the demand for BFD places can be high, it is advisable to apply early and consider multiple deployment organizations if necessary.
Personal Development through the BFD
The BFD not only provides professional orientation but also room for personal development. Volunteers learn to take on responsibility, navigate new teams, and improve their social and communication skills. Particularly in social or caregiving deployment organizations, empathy, perseverance, and stress resistance are strengthened. Working with different target groups, whether in elderly care, disability support, or environmental protection, also fosters the ability to adapt to new situations and respond flexibly to challenges. These personal experiences are often as valuable as the professional skills acquired during the BFD.