What are the benefits of the Program?
There are many benefits to participating in the program. You will earn money. Your trip and orientation will be subsidized. Your German language skills will improve greatly. You will gain international experience and, depending on the job, gain job-related skills, increasing your marketability. You will be exposed to a different culture, food and customs. You will meet many interesting people and make new friends. Living and working in Germany or any foreign country is a very rewarding experience, and the memories you make will last a lifetime.

What are the costs?
You are responsible for all costs associated with the program. There is an initial application fee of $250 Canadian, $125 of which is a deposit and will be returned to you if you are not selected for the program or after you complete the program. This initial fee also includes a payment of $50 for the orientation session, which will also be returned if you are not selected for the program. For students who decide to apply for both a job and an internship, there is an additional $75 administrative (for a total initial application fee of $325 Canadian).

As well, you will be responsible for your flight to Frankfurt (round-trip) and transportation to your place of employment from Bonn. However, once you complete the program, you will receive a subsidy of between $650 and $750. To apply for this refund, you will need to submit a request and the form you receive at the seminar in Bonn, which your employer must sign in order for you to receive this subsidy. Subsidies will be sent only to students who have submitted the appropriate forms and have completed their contract once students have returned to Canada in the Fall and have submitted the signed form from their employer along with an evaluation form.

You will be responsible for your own room and board while working. Employers often help you to find and sometimes even provide reasonable accommodation. Other possible costs include getting health insurance,acquiring a valid passport and a visa (if required, see below for details). The type of job and length of employment will determine how much you earn and to what extent you can cover all of your costs or indeed earn beyond that amount. Be sure to make arrangements beforehand and read through your contract carefully to know what your salary will be.

What does the fee cover?
$75 of the fee covers processing your application and general administrative costs. The rest is in fact a deposit to demonstrate your commitment to the program once in Germany. It will be returned to you with your total subsidy when you return to Canada, having completed your work contract.

When will I know if I’m accepted into the program?
Job offers will come during late March, April and May, depending on when you indicate you wish to take up your job. The German employment office (ZAV) will send your application to prospective employers. Once a position is found for you, the employment office will forward your contract to the WSP program and we will send it to you. You will then have the option of accepting or declining the offer. Please bear in mind that if you decline the offer you might not receive another, although we try our best to accommodate all students.

What if I’m not happy with the work terms outlined in my contract?
You will have to contact your employer directly to negotiate any terms. Since they are hiring you, you have to speak to them directly. Many employers are willing to negotiate the terms of employment.

What kind of jobs are usually offered?
Some jobs will be in the restaurant or hotel trade where students help in the kitchen, with cleaning and as waiters/waitresses. Other jobs will include agricultural work , employment in offices, businesses, factories, companies etc. Your ability in German and your own requests will be factors in the type of job you can expect. At the work place you might be asked to do a variety of things not specifically described in the work contract. As long as they are reasonable you should be flexible and do them.

Can I choose the city I want to work in?
Unfortunately you are not able to request a specific city or region. On your application you can only mark what kind of job you prefer and the length of time you would like to work.

What are my working hours?
This depends on the job. Some are day jobs with hours beginning about eight and ending about five. Others will require work during evenings and weekends. Work days might exceed eight hours a day, but you will get paid for overtime or you will be offered time off instead. If you work in a Biergarten, your work is weather-dependent, meaning that you need to work long hours when the weather is nice and you might not work at all during rain.
If your contract says that you will work 8 hours a day, you might have to work a split shift, four hours in the morning and four in the evening. The time in between is not work time and will not be added to your pay. Break time is also usually unpaid.
If you work on weekends you will have time off during the week, but don’t rely on certain days or times and always ask your employer in advance about free time if you plan on traveling. Do not buy any tickets or passes for traveling without making sure that you will have these days off! Most students travel after the work term is completed. Remember that you are primarily there to work and not to travel, and your employer expects you to be there for the time stated in your contract. However, if you talk to your employer about your working hours beforehand, you will most likely find a reasonable solution for both.

Where is my work place?
Most work places are either in Bavaria in Southern Germany, or around Hannover in the north. Some jobs are available at the North or Baltic Sea and in other parts of Germany. Often the work place is in a small town. Check on a map when you receive your job offer to find out where the next bigger city is. Many towns have a web page. It might be helpful to have a look at it to get an idea of the place you will be staying for 2 – 3 months.

Where will I live?
Many employers provide housing, especially if you are working in a hotel. Sometimes there is a small surcharge, while others provide accommodation for free. Students might have their own room or share rooms or an apartment with other workers. Often the bathroom is shared. Read your contract carefully to find out what the employer offers. If the employer doesn’t offer accommodation, you may have to look for housing on your own. There are many websites on the internet where you can find information on short-term housing in Germany. Your employer may also be able to assist you in finding accommodation nearby.
Some jobs may offer accommodation with a family. Please make sure that this is what you want before accepting the offer. Living in a family gives you a great opportunity to practice your German as well as to learn about culture and life in Germany first hand. But it also means to be able to get along with the family and interact with them. Sitting in your room all the time or never cleaning up after yourself is not what they expect. Remember that although you will stay with a family you are still a worker and not on holidays.

Will I have to buy my own meals?
You will be responsible for your own meals. However, some employers will offer you meals as part of your contract. This is more likely the case if you will be working in a restaurant or a guest house. Some employers will deduct part of your salary to pay for the meals, but in most instances, this is a very small amount compared to what you may have spent purchasing your own food. Review your contract to see if you employer provides a “meal plan.”

When do I begin working?
Usually employment begins following the mandatory orientation seminar in Bonn. Some jobs may have a shorter work term (approx. 8 weeks), and students with those jobs are free to travel during the month of August. If you work for 3 months and would like to spend more time in Germany after that you might require a visa. Contact the Consulate General of Germany in Toronto for more information about visa requirements.
Read your contract carefully for the dates of your work term. Please notice that if you work with other Canadian students at the same place their contract might have different dates.

Who will be my co-workers?
Your co-workers may be other (Canadian) students or people from other countries, mostly from Eastern Europe, or Germans. If you work in a hotel or restaurant you might work with people who are learning that trade. They are usually very serious about their job and work very hard.

What happens if I’m fired or quit?
If you are fired or if you quit for good reason, the ZAV may be able to help you find another position. However, this may not always be the case. We strongly recommend you work out any differences with your employer if possible. You will be provided with a contact person in Germany who works with the WSP and who can advise you if you have serious difficulty with your employer.
Please remember that you are only eligible for a subsidy if you complete your full work term. In rare circumstances when you leave your employment early for very good reasons, which you have discussed with our representative in Germany, and if the ZAV cannot find another position for you, you will not lose your deposit.

When is the orientation in Bonn and why do I have to participate?
The 3-day orientation session usually takes place during the first two weeks of May. Participation is mandatory because the orientation covers important information about living and working in Germany. Accommodation, food and transportation to the seminar will be free of charge.
To view the May 2008 program, click here. The 2009 program will be available once details have been confirmed.

Do I need to obtain a visa?
Students should contact the Consulate General of Germany in Toronto to find out if they need to obtain a visa. Normally Canadian students staying in Germany for up to three months and working do not need a visa.

Do I need to obtain health insurance?
You should be sure that your Canadian health insurance covers you for Germany. Normally it does, but you might have to pay any medical bills there and claim a refund when you return. You can also buy separate or additional health insurance before you go to Germany, but that should not be necessary. Medical costs in Germany will not be covered by the program or your employer.

How much will I earn?
Your contract will state how much money you will receive either per hour or per month. If you have any questions concerning your pay please contact the employer directly.
Please note that, as it is the case in Canada, the amount of your salary stated on the contract might be higher than what you will actually receive since taxes have to be deducted, except in some cases (see next section).
You will probably receive the first pay cheque at the end of the month, so be prepared to pay for your first month there. In Germany salaries are normally paid once a month at the end of the month.

Will I have to pay taxes in Germany?
Students working less than 2 months and not earning more than 400 € per month will not have to pay income taxes (Lohnsteuer). Otherwise taxes and social contributions will automatically be deducted from your pay, as is done in Canada. For general questions regarding German employment law please contact the citizen’s helpline of the Federal Ministry for Work at +49 – ( 0) 180 – 5 67 67 13.