InWEnt - Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung gGmbH - ASA-Programm - Basisprogramm (6 Monate)

What the ASA-Programme gives you

Whilst working on your project abroad, you will receive a monthly grant of 400 EUR. The exact amount depends on the country and city where your project is based. With the six-month option, you will first spend three months on a project in Germany, where the grant amounts to 855 EUR per month, and then three months abroad. You will also receive a travel allowance: 300 euros for Europe, 800 euros for Africa, Asia or Latin America. Health, accident and third-party liability insurance for your stay abroad is included. You will also take part in preparatory seminars and become part of a network of former participants with whom you can stay in touch. There are no participation fees. The programme is run by Engagement Global on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). You can choose from more than 100 projects in around 45 countries, covering the fields of the environment, education, IT, renewable energy, health, culture and crafts.

Who can apply

• Age: You must be between 21 and 30 years old by the application deadline (20 January).
• Level: You are enrolled on a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programme, or are currently undertaking vocational training, or have already completed it. If you have completed a Master’s degree or a state examination, you are ineligible, unless you are undertaking a second degree programme or a PhD. A completed Bachelor’s degree must not have been obtained more than 18 months ago.
• Field of study: Any field of study or profession is suitable. The key thing is that you’re a good fit for a project.
• Where you live: You live in Germany or are a German national living abroad.
• Languages: For the seminars, you will need a level B2 of English and a level B2 of proficiency in the project language. Formal or informal proof of this is sufficient.
• Experience abroad: Not required.
• One-time only: You may only take part in the ASA programme once.
• Background: Applicants from diverse social backgrounds, those with a migration background, people of colour and LGBTIQ+ applicants are expressly welcome.

How to apply

You apply online via the project search function between 1 December and 20 January. You select one project and up to 15 alternatives, and then upload your documents to your profile. There is no interview. A selection panel will review and assess the written applications in February.

How realistic are your chances?

The programme is open to a wide target group: students and trainees from all disciplines aged between 21 and 30. As a result, it attracts many applicants. The real challenge lies in finding a suitable project and understanding its language requirements, which narrows down the choice for each call for applications. If you select several alternative projects and write a convincing, well-structured application, you’ll improve your chances.