
Learning German
Master the Language. Embrace the Culture. Embarking on the journey to learn German can be approached in various ways to suit your lifestyle and goals. Online platforms offer the convenience of flexible
Third country nationals between the age of 18 and 26 can apply for Au Pair positions in Germany.
If you are an EU citizen you can apply up to the age of 30.
The applicant does not need a formal childcare qualification, but a genuine interest in children and caring for them is important.
An Abitur equivalent qualification is preferred but not required.
An Au Pair does not earn a salary, but gets pocket money. The 2023 pocket money rate is €280 per month.
Board and lodging must be provided for by the host family.
The daily tasks of an Au Pair depend on the characteristics and lifestyle of the host family.
Master the Language. Embrace the Culture. Embarking on the journey to learn German can be approached in various ways to suit your lifestyle and goals. Online platforms offer the convenience of flexible
The applicant may be married.
According to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, the host family is responsible for arranging health, accident and liability insurance coverage and for bearing the costs.
Health Insurance in Germany: A Guide for South Africans In Germany, everyone must have health insurance. This means when you move to Germany, this is one the first things you need to
There are many benefits to working as an Au Pair.
The first point of contact in emergencies is the placement agency. When this is not possible, Au Pairs can contact the counselling service or the hotline of the Aupair Society e.V.
These numbers are intended for emergency calls only.
People from 3rd world countries can apply to do volunteer service in Germany. There are four types of Voluntary services in Germany, that you can apply for, they are: Federal Voluntary Service (BFD), Voluntary Social Year (FSJ), Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ), European Voluntary Service (EVS) Before you can apply for a visa, you will need a Contract/Arrangement for your voluntary service in Germany. Also, take note of the following as specified on the Germany Embassy website. Federal Voluntary Service (BFD): Your contract must be signed by you and the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA), as well as the placement department, headquarters and, where applicable, by the institution implementing the voluntary service. Voluntary Social Year (FSJ)/Voluntary Ecological Year (FOJ): Your contract must be signed by you and the respective institution, as well as, where applicable, the placement department. European Voluntary Service (EVS): Your contract must be signed by the National Agency for Erasmus+ Youth in Action and the coordinating organisation. The Volunteer Arrangement in which the tasks and planned participant achievements are described must be signed by the coordinating organisation and the volunteer. Where to find a voluntary service Here is a list of websites where you can search for a voluntary service Caritas Bundesfreiwillegendienst Friedensdienst Freiwillig JA Freiwilligenbotchaft Volunta ijgd (yes it is spelled correctly) AWO European Voluntary Service Additional information Deutschland.de – Volunteering in Germany Volunteering in Germany: a guide German Embassy in Pretoria – Volunteering Visa Federal Ministry for Family Affairs – Civic engagement Bundesfreiwilligendienst Jugendfreiwilligendienste Things to keep in mind The volunteer period can be between 6 and 24 months, but most are no longer than 18 months. For the FSJ and FÖJ, you must be between the age of 16 and 27 Accommodation, meals and an allowance are normally included in an FSJ and FÖJ. You can still volunteer if you are over the age of 27 Years. You need to then apply for a BFD. This is more complicated to obtain from outside Germany than the FSJ and FÖJ. Typical placings can be at Schools, Churches and Kindergartens. Special rules about hours may apply. Some institutions may require German language proficiency and/or some skill level Make sure you know what is included in your contract, and make sure you have it in writing Why do volunteering? Volunteering offers you a chance to make a social or ecological difference. Here are some additional perks You can meet new people in a new environment. You will learn more about the language and culture You will gain experience in different competencies You will gain references You will enhance your social skills Learn more about social welfare or ecological responsibilities You can learn more about a career if you are interested in social careers like teaching or nursing Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The thought of starting a new chapter in your life can bring a sense of thrill, while the idea of going through the process of moving can be daunting. Countless things need to be taken into consideration, and it can be tough to know where to start. Where will you find a suitable place to live? Should you buy or rent? What will be the cost of living? What about your belongings? What should you keep and what should you dispose of? How do you ensure that you don’t forget anything important or leave something behind? You need to make sure that you have everything you need to start fresh in your new home. To assist you in this process, we have created a page filled with useful information, tips, and recommendations to help you plan your journey smoothly and efficiently. Start by reading the information our “Good to know” page. There you will find helpful information about moving to and life in Germany, housing, electronics and much more To help you keep track of everything, we’ve put together a thorough checklist of things to consider before embarking on your move to Germany. Our checklist covers all the essential tasks you need to complete, such as finding a place to live, opening a bank account, and registering with the local authorities. Furthermore, we have created a list of essential documents you should bring with you to Germany. This list includes items such as your passport, visa documents, and proof of health insurance. With our comprehensive guide, you can be sure that nothing is overlooked and you are fully prepared for your new life in Germany! Children Moving your belongings The sleeping arrangements in Germany is a bit different from that in South Africa. The bedding sizes are also different. Plan accordingly and don’t bring bedding with you that will not fit on the beds.Make sure you know what you are allowed to bring into Germany.We also have a page about importing a used vehicle. Our advice is only do this if you really really cannot part with your beloved vehicle. We also have a list of Shipping and relocation companies that was suggested by members that used them. Pets It is only natural to want your furry friends to come along with you as well. After all, they are a part of your family and it would be unthinkable to leave them behind. However, moving pets can be a daunting task and requires careful planning and preparation, from choosing the correct mode of transportation, to obtaining necessary health certificates and complying with regulations. WE have to pages that we hope can assist you. It helps to start learning German as soon as you can. You can find a collection of tips, rules and suggestions for apps, or schools on our Learning German page Flights and travel tips Arriving in Germany Our team has created an informative online space to help you settle in Germany. You can find information on transport, accommodation, banking, language learning, and more. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
An Ausbildung is a form of vocational training or apprenticeship where a student attends school and works simultaneously. The student gains both theoretical and practical knowledge at the same time.The training usually starts in September every year, but can start at other times as well. Types of Vocational training Dual vocational training (“Duale Berufsausbildung”) This is taught at a Berufsschule. The student works and studies, and thereby obtaining practical experience. The Student earns a salary.Duration: 2-3 years School-based vocational training (“Schulische Ausbildung”)This is similar to the Technical Schools in South Africa.The student does not earn a salary (exceptions exists) Duration: 3-5 years Dual vocational degree (“Ausbildungsorientiertes duales Studium”)Dual programmes combine a university course with practical training or work experience with an employer. It is taught at Universities or Berufsakademie.The student needs University exemption (Matric /Abitur with exemption) The student obtains a degree and work experience.The student ears a salary. Duration: 3-5 years including on-the job-training period . See Hochschulkompass for more information. Where to find additional information https://www.ausbildung.de/ https://www.apprenticeship-toolbox.eu/germany/education-system-and-vet-system-in-germany https://www.germanguide4u.com/vocational-training-ausbildung/ http://blog.ausbildung.de/apprenticeship-in-germany/ Finding Vocational Training Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bibb) Bundesagentur für Arbeit- Jobbörse Related content
Long Term visas are seen as visits longer than 90 days and will typically be for work or study visits. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Germany. Once you are in Germany you will need to apply for your residence permit at the local Ausländerbehörde as soon as possible. You will always apply for your first long-stay German Visa at the German Embassy in South Africa.This might also apply when you change your type of visa e.g from study to work. The German Embassy in South Africa has offices in Cape Town and Pretoria.From now on, you will have the opportunity to apply for the following types of visa online via the Consular Service Portal of the Federal Foreign Office. Appointments for national visas can be booked online (free of charge). Residents of the following countries/provinces must submit their visa application to the indicated mission: Online appointments Embassy Pretoria: Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West, Lesotho, Swaziland Online appointments Consulate General Cape Town: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape. To sponsor someone’s visit for example your adult child who wants to study in Germany and does not qualify for the financial requirements, you need to apply for a Verpflichtungserklärung List of long term visas As rules and regulations can change on a regular basis, we provide the links to the German Embassy in South Africa. Where possible also links to additional information. We are not immigration consultants and can only refer you to the official pages. Blue Card (minimum salary and university degree). You can find additional information on Make it in Germany. You can also download this handy flyer about an EU Blue Card Employment Visa – for qualified professionals. Subcategories are : Skilled worker holding a University degree IT specialist with professional experience Research stay Skilled worker with vocational training qualification – As a skilled worker with vocational training qualification, you can be issued a residence permit to engage in skilled employment that your qualification enables you to perform. Have a look at the current professions in demand. Please note that some university degrees from foreign universities are classified as vocational training qualifications in Germany. Work in case of partial recognition of qualification – If your vocational training has not been fully recognised by the competent German agency, you can apply for a visa to complete the necessary training in Germany and at the same time start to work. After completion and full recognition of your training, you can apply for permanent residence in Germany. Intra-corporate transfer (ICT). Flyer from BAMF. Study Visa – General, Doctorate and German language studies. See also our page about studying German in Germany Au Pair Visa Jobseeker, vocational training or voluntary service visa Family reunification – Spouse – see also our page about this topic Family reunification – Parent to a minor German child Family reunification – Child to a foreign parent (In case a foreign child intends to move to a foreign parent living permanently in Germany) Legal basis Residence Act Aufenthaltsverordnung AufenthV Federal Act on registration Visumhandbuch Resources on the web What type of visa do I need? – Make it in Germany Federal Foreign Office / Auswärtiges Amt Federal Office for Migration and Refugees / Bundesamt für Migration und Flugtlinge Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territor from the Bundesministerium der Justiz. Visa Regulations Terminology Permanent Residence Permit Die Nierderlassungserlaubnis Residence Permit Der Aufenhalstitel Visa Das Visum Blue Card Die Blaue Karte Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
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