Voluntary Ecological Year

Volunteers who have completed their compulsory full-time schooling but have not yet reached the age of 27 and would like to be actively involved in nature and environmental protection work can complete a Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) at environmental associations and centers as well as in public authorities and other institutions that can offer environmental and nature conservation work.
Fields of work can be found outdoors in nature (landscape conservation work as well as practical nature and environmental protection measures), but also in the institutions themselves. This includes environmental education with children and young people as well as traditional environmental information and public relations work.
It is a concern of all volunteer organizations to bring good examples of environmental protection to the public in various forms (via print media or radio and television).

Money:
FÖJ participants receive a monthly allowance and are registered for social insurance (health, pension, long-term care, unemployment and accident insurance). The costs are covered.
In addition, the places of assignment provide free accommodation and/or free meals or financial compensation.

The amount of pocket money can be found on the website of the respective organization.

Information and everything you need to know about applying can be found on the websites of the organizations and also on the website of the Voluntary Ecological Year Hessen.