Frequently asked questions

Requirements

What is Team works! Young Expert Exchange for Sustainable Development?

Team works! enables young experts to undertake a four-week assignment in a partner enterprise in Germany. The Senior Experten Service (SES) is responsible for managing the Team works! in Germany programme. Young experts from African countries spend a period of several weeks on assignment in Germany, with an SES expert from outside the enterprise on hand to provide support.

Who can take part?

The programme is aimed at young people who are training in a skilled trade or have recently finished doing so. It is open to young people between 18 and 30 years of age who are at the end of their training or just beginning working life. More specifically, participants must be at least in their third year of training or have initial work experience of relevance to the assignment in question. Team works! in Germany involves you spending several weeks on an assignment in Germany, with an SES expert from outside the enterprise on hand to act as your mentor.

Can I take part in the programme if I have a disability or impairment?

Yes. Contact us for advice on possibilities for inclusive assignments.

Getting in touch

Costs, welfare benefits and insurance cover

What costs does the programme cover for me?

The AGYO covers the main costs of your participation in Team works!, particularly flights, accommodation, meals and any preparatory seminars you attend.

Does my employer have to pay anything for my assignment?

Employers looking to send a young expert on an assignment with Team works! do not incur any costs. They can only benefit from your few weeks away. Employees return from international assignments revitalised, motivated and with a broader outlook. So, with the added value you’ll bring to your workplace at home, your employer has every reason to support your assignment with Team works! in Germany.

What insurance cover will I have?

The AGYO takes out accident, private liability and international health insurance for you.

Can I get help with the visa application process?

All participants on AGYO projects need a valid visa for the duration of their stay in the partner country. Information on current visa rules can be obtained from the countries’ embassies and consulates. African experts participating in the programme should contact the German embassy in their home country direct. The SES will provide you with information on the visa application process before you apply and help with any questions you might have.

Registration, selection and preparation

Who can take part?

The programme is aimed at young people who are training in a skilled trade or have recently finished doing so. It is open to young people between 18 and 30 years of age who are at the end of their training or just beginning working life. More specifically, participants must be at least in their third year of training or have initial work experience of relevance to the assignment in question. Team works! in Germany involves you spending several weeks on an assignment in Germany, with an SES expert from outside the enterprise on hand to act as your mentor.

Where can I register for Team works! in Germany?

Young professionals from African countries should use the registration form to apply. The SES matches your registration with assignment opportunities in companies in Germany and contact you directly as soon as there is something suitable. Please bear in mind, however, that there is no guarantee of an assignment being found for you.

To the registration form

How do I prepare?

The SES arranges an initial online meeting to enable you and the place of assignment in Germany get to know each other. Working with the SES mentor, you develop ideas together aimed at ensuring your collaboration is a success. You will also be offered various online preparation modules, dealing with intercultural aspects and language.

Yes, your employer must grant you leave or holiday for the duration of your assignment.

Your assignment

How long does the assignment last?

Assignments can last between three and six weeks. The aim is to plan assignments so that they run for around four weeks.

In which types of company can my assignment take place?

The SES mainly works with small or medium enterprises from all sectors, educational institutions and welfare/healthcare facilities. We ensure that there is a good match between the topic of the assignment and your knowledge and interests.

What support is available to me at my place of assignment?

In Team works! in Germany, you have a designated contact person at the host enterprise. There is also an SES expert who has good local connections and serves as a mentor for you.

Where do I live during my assignment?

You will stay near your place of assignment. The SES will organise accommodation for you.

What happens if I fall ill during my assignment?

If you fall ill during your assignment, you will receive the best possible medical treatment. The AGYO takes out international health insurance for you for your stay in Germany as well as accident and private liability insurance. You do not incur any costs.

In what form are the conditions of the assignment agreed on?

As soon as the SES has found a suitable enterprise or organisation for you in Germany, it (SES) puts the two of you in contact with one another. If you both agree to the collaboration, you sign an assignment agreement and define the tasks to be performed, learning objectives and how the assignment relates to one or more Sustainable Development Goals.

After my assignment in Germany

Will I receive a certificate of participation?

Yes, every young expert receives a certificate of participation at the end of their assignment. The certificate is in their language of choice (English, German or French).

How can I continue my involvement after the assignment?

By participating in Team works!, you will discover that each and every individual can have an impact. You can draw on this experience and your new friends and contacts to continue your involvement after the assignment. We can support you through our active alumni and networking activities and information about further funding possibilities. If you want to ask us something, feel free to use the contact form or contact Engagement Global’s Advisory and Networking Office for Development Activities for more detailed advice.

AGYO contact form

To the Advisory and Networking Office for Development Activities