Voluntary services at the IOW

For a few years now, a new type of a Voluntary Year has been offered in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and a few neighbouring federal states: the Voluntary Year in Science, Technology and Sustainability. Since 2011, the Institute has been offering several sites which give you the opportunity to gain an insight into marine research, work with scientists and gain work experience for a whole year.

Duration, procedure, organisational matters

Young people aged 16 to 26 can apply for such an opportunity. The Voluntary Year usually begins on 1 September and lasts 12 months, but shorter periods are possible, too.

In order to participate in the programme, you must first address your application to the executing agency ijgd (Internationalen Jugendgemeinschaftsdienste Bundesverein e.V.), which will take care of the organisational framework and the accompanying educational programme. The latter consists of five one-week seminars, which take place throughout the year and deal with various topics. The seminars take place at different locations throughout Germany and give you the opportunity to get to know the other volunteers from your region. Seminars are part of the working hours.