Tandem attracts volunteers to Bavaria, offering placements in Munich and Regensburg

Developing language skills, independence, and teamwork while gaining experience abroad. Volunteering offers young people valuable opportunities between studies and a career. Tandem’s Czech-German programs at the University of West Bohemia rank among the best in the Czech Republic.

A so-called “gap year” – a break from formal education – does not have to mean simply pausing one’s studies. Those who choose to spend this time volunteering can enrich their education with practical, international experience. This is also how Lucie Tarabová, Director of the Czech office of Tandem Coordination Centre for Czech-German Youth Exchange, sees it: “Experience from volunteering abroad strengthens independence, adaptability, and the ability to work in an intercultural environment. In this sense, a gap year can be seen as an investment in further academic and professional development.” Tandem is currently offering opportunities to go abroad in September to Regensburg and Munich.

The main focus of the volunteer programme in Regensburg is preparing educational activities for young people. Volunteers also create content for social media, the website, podcasts, and other communication channels. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, offers placements in Tandem’s partner organisations focused on Czech-German relations. There, volunteers work with topics related to shared history and present-day issues, contribute to educational activities, publishing, and the organisation of various events. Both programmes are open to people aged 18 to 30. Detailed information and application contacts can be found on the Tandem website.

The Czech-German volunteering project under the Tandem umbrella was selected this year by the Czech National Agency for International Education and Research (Dům zahraniční spolupráce – DZS) as one of the best projects in the country. In the “Internationalisation” category, it was shortlisted among six nominees for the DZS Award. The award highlights outstanding practice in international education and confirms the programme’s benefits for both participants and society. More details, including an overview of all nominees and winners, are available on the DZS website.

Tandem is part of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. Since 1997, it has been supporting, connecting, and developing diverse forms of cooperation and friendly relations between young people from the Czech Republic and Germany. It provides counselling, facilitates exchange programmes and partnerships, and offers training in youth work. Its volunteering projects are implemented within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps.