Financing a gap year

Gap year options and their costs (from Germany):

Options that BRING IN money:

• FSJ/BFD (voluntary social year / federal volunteer service): pocket money €250–450/month + often free accommodation/meals. Child benefit continues
• FÖJ (voluntary ecological year): similar to the FSJ, but with an environmental focus

Options that COST money:

• Work & travel (Australia/New Zealand): €5,000–10,000 to start + flight. Earnings on site often offset the costs
• Au pair: flight + insurance (€500–1,500). Pocket money + accommodation/meals from the host family
• Language trip: €3,000–8,000 depending on country and duration

Financing:

✅ Start saving 12–18 months in advance (side job, holiday job)
✅ Child benefit continues during an FSJ/BFD/au pair year (€259/month)
✅ Plan money gifts for your Abitur (school-leaving exam) specifically for the gap year