South-North Exchange
Do you live in one of the partner countries of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity and would like to volunteer in Germany for a few months?
As part of the South-North Exchange Programme, you will spend twelve months in Germany. You’ll be living in a new environment, working as a member of a local team, and experiencing different ways of life. At the same time, you’ll be part of a church community, experiencing everyday life in Germany first-hand.
The programme is intended for young people in countries where the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity is active.
What to expect
You will spend a year living and working in the region where your placement is based, gaining lots of new insights and experiences. Most placements are located in south-west Germany. You will meet new people, immerse yourself in a different language and culture, and discover things that may be unfamiliar to you.
During your placement, you will be part of the team and, like most staff, you will work full-time, around 39 hours per week. From the verystart, you will have a designated contact person to support you. Helpful colleagues will also show you all the procedures and ensure you settle in quickly.
Through intercultural exchange, you will learn alongside people from different backgrounds, ask questions and gain new perspectives.
Possible placement locations
Placement opportunities are diverse and may vary from year to year. Placements are available in the following areas, among others:
- in a kindergarten
- supporting children and young people in social care settings
- Inclusive work with people with disabilities
- Assisting with church-based educational and community work
Whether you are working in a school, supporting children and young people, helping with inclusive programmes or getting involved in a parish, you will become part of a team and help shape everyday life on the ground.
Alongside your placement, you will also become part of a parish or Christian community where you can participate, contribute and experience fellowship.
What you should bring
You do not need any specific prior knowledge to take part in voluntary service. What matters most is an open mind and a willingness to embrace new situations.
- an interest in other cultures and ways of life
- a passion for interacting with others and learning together
- a willingness to work full-time (39 hours per week) at a placement
- a sense of responsibility
- an openness to new and unfamiliar experiences
- very good English skills and a willingness to learn German.
If you are interested in global issues and eager to engage with new ways of life, you are well suited to this programme.
Well supported – before, during and after your placement
Before your voluntary service begins, you will receive thorough preparation. During seminars, you will explore the context of your placement and get to know the other volunteers. The seminars cover a wide range of topics and offer insights into development cooperation, intercultural communication and global justice.
We will also support you throughout your international voluntary service. You will have contact persons both on site and behind the scenes who will accompany you and assist you with any questions.
Seminars and opportunities for exchange give you the chance to reflect on your experiences and make sense of what you are learning. You will not be left on your own, but will be part of a supportive community throughout your journey.
A German language course prior to your arrival will assist you in getting settled in day-to-day life.
General requirements
Hier findest du die wichtigsten organisatorischen Informationen zu deinem Freiwilligendienst:
- duration: 12 months (March to February)
- full-time voluntary service involving 39 hours of work per week
- accommodation, meals and insurance are provided
- monthly allowance
- language courses and seminars are part of the programme
Eligibility criteria
There are a number of formal requirements for taking part in the voluntary service:
- age: usually between 18 and 26 years old
- a school-leaver qualification (no vocational training or university degree is required).
- volunteering in a church or other civil society organisation.
- good command of English and a willingness to learn German
- openness and a willingness to adapt to new living and working environments
Volunteers are selected in collaboration with the member churches of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity.
Unfortunately, you cannot apply for this programme if there are no active member churches of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity in your region.
How the application process works
Applications are made in collaboration with the local member church of the EMS. Places on the volunteer programme are advertised on the relevant church’s website from March to September of the year before departure.
As there are a limited number of places available and many regions need to be considered, the programme cannot be offered in all regions every year. Applications can only be made through a member church in your home country.
Your next step
Speak to the people responsible in your congregation or at your EMS member church to find out what options are available to you. They will also provide you with all the necessary information and application forms.
Read everything carefully, complete the form fully and send all the required documents to the email address provided. Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered.
If you have any questions about the application process or would like to find out more about the general conditions of the voluntary service, you can contact us directly at any time.
Coordinator Ecumenical Volunteers Programme South-North
+49 711 636 78 -13
