About IBG

Please note: the English version is different from the German version

What is IBG?
IBG is a German non-profit organisation founded in 1965 to promote voluntary work and international understanding. IBG is a registered charity and a member of the Alliance of European workcamp organisations (Alliance) and of the Unesco's Coordinating Commitee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS). IBG does not have a political or religious affiliation. IBG receives funds from the European Union and from the German ministry for Family, Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Youth.

What does IBG do?
IBG organises workcamps in Germany and Liechtenstein, in which it receives international participants sent by our partner organisations.
It also sends volunteers with a permanent residence in Germany to workcamps organised by our partner organisations abroad. Apart from that IBG organises some long-term voluntary work abroad.

What are workcamps?
Workcamps are voluntary services lasting between 2-4 weeks. There are usually 10-20 volunteers taking part in one camp.  Typically volunteers in one camp come from about 6 different countries. Volunteers are expected to work around 30 hours a week. The work undertaken at camps should serve the local community or benefit the environment. Free time can be spent relaxing, talking, and on activities and excursions. Accommodation in IBG camps is usually in a school, a youth centre or some other building like that. The language spoken in camps is  usually English. Food and accommodation are provided free of charge. You will only need money to cover travel costs,  your application fee to your sending organisation, and some pocket money.

How can you participate in a workcamp?
If you want to take part in a workcamp and you are not a permanent resident in Germany or Austria you need to apply through a partner organisation in your country. If there is no partner organisation in your country, you can apply directly to to the organisation responsible for the workcamp.
If you want to participate in a workcamp organised by one of our partner organisations and you are not a permanent resident in Germany you need to apply to a partner organisation in your country. If your country does not have a partner organisation you can apply directly to the organisation in whose camps you would like to volunteer.