The FSJ is an educational and orientation year for young people who have completed compulsory schooling but are no older than 27.

As a special form of civic engagement for society, the FSJ offers opportunities in many social areas as well as in sport, culture, heritage conservation and, since 2009, politics. Three organizations in Lower Saxony also offer an FSJ abroad.

The FSJ is accompanied pedagogically in seminars and also in the places of assignment on site. Volunteers are also entitled to an appropriate amount of pocket money as well as food and accommodation - where this is possible - or corresponding cash benefits.

As a rule, the FSJ lasts for a period of twelve consecutive months. An extension of a further six months is possible. Within the framework of special educational concepts, volunteers can also commit themselves for up to 24 months. The minimum duration of an FSJ is six months.

The city of Salzgitter offers the Bundesfreiwilligendienst instead of the Voluntary Social Year. This is essentially structured in the same way for volunteers. Older people can also take part (part-time if they wish).