Work in Germany for students on vacation: answers to questions

The German language level must be at least A2, and the English — Intermediate. For work in large cities the German level must be no lower than Intermediate.

Participants in the program with a good knowledge of German have a chance to receive a job offer for a higher position. And those with a basic level of the language mostly work as cleaners or maids.

One of the steps in applying for the Working holiday in Germany program is a Skype interview with the program sponsor. The interview is conducted in an informal format, on general,simple topics — where you study, why you want to go on the program, your hobby and other things.

After signing the contract at the Center, the entry fee of €300 is paid within 7 calendar days. The second part of the program fee is paid within 14 calendar days after, the sponsor finds a job offer and the participant confirms this offer.

The work program in Germany does not have a «travel period», as, for example, the Work and Travel USA program does. Therefore participants travel around the country on weekends. Also, you can speak with the employer in advance; maybe he will give more days off or arrange the work schedule differently.

You can participate in the program once a year — either during the summer holidays or the winter holidays.

It is essential.
Upon arrival in Germany, program participants are advised to have with them at least €900- €1150.
Participants may incur expenses for food, accommodation, and public transportation.

The program sponsor sets the optimal arrival date 2-4 weeks before departure. Program participants must purchase tickets only after the sponsor sends the arrival dates.

Usually participants in the program work 38-40 hours per week, but some employers offer 30-35 hours per week. Also, you should be prepared to work overtime, which is quite common in the service and tourism sector.

Many employers offer accommodation, but not always for free — the employer may deduct the cost of rent from the salary.
If the employer does not provide housing, the program sponsor in Germany will help find accommodation — the participant can live with a host family, in youth hostels, or rent an apartment (prices — from euro 500 per month; in large cities — from euro 500 to euro 800).

This option is available but not guaranteed. When submitting an application for processing, you will need to provide the first and last name of the friend you will be traveling with.

Participants in the program need to be sufficiently ‘flexible’ regarding location — an offer may come from any city.

The minimum wage in Germany is €9.35 per hour.

All work permits will be issued only for one specific employer, so it will not be possible to work for two employers.

Salaries are usually paid at the beginning of the month. That is, participants receive their first salary at the beginning of the second working month.

Most employers pay salaries to a credit card, but opening a bank account in Germany for program participants is quite difficult. Don’t worry — the IEC office will provide information on the best way to proceed in this situation.

The employer pays taxes on behalf of employees that are deducted from their salaries. These taxes can be refunded next year.