Future plans - Abi and then? - How it goes for graduates in Berlin
With Abitur certificate in hand, thousands of Berliners, both male and female, leave school this month. However, what comes next is a difficult decision for many, according to career counselor Corinna Schwendrau of the Youth Employment Agency Berlin. "Keeping an overview is, in my opinion, impossible." In her counseling sessions, she often encounters students or young people who are focused on university studies. "There are many opportunities for dual courses of study, but also vocational training programs that are particularly interesting for Abiturians," she explains.
Abiturian Paul can imagine an apprenticeship and would like to do something craft-related, as he told the German Press Agency. However, he has no concrete plans yet. "My plans are, for now, just to find out what I actually want to do," says the 19-year-old. The same goes for many of his friends. "Some are traveling."
Foreign travel often too expensive
For many Abiturians, trips to popular backpacker countries like Australia or New Zealand, according to Schwendrau, are simply not an option. "Most of them can't afford it or can't imagine leaving Berlin for that long." Some have decided on a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) or a Federal Voluntary Service, as these options also increase the chances of acceptance for courses with high NCs, such as medicine.
According to the International Youth Volunteer Service (IJGD), which places volunteers in Germany and abroad, English-speaking countries and countries in the global south are particularly popular. Due to the Corona pandemic, no volunteers were sent abroad in 2020 and 2021, explains the deputy managing director, Peggy Coburger.
In the previous year, the demand was significantly higher and is also expected to be large in the next cycle 2024/2025. In general, volunteers usually complete their service in their hometown. According to Coburger, there is currently increased interest in projects in cultural institutions, monument conservation, or in hospitals as preparation for a medical studies.
Naomi Sawadogo, a Berlin Abiturian, has decided on something completely different. "I'm doing an orientation program at the Free University," she says. The 18-year-old had thought about it for a long time and was unsure what to do with all the time. She doesn't want to start a full-time study yet, the orientation program is a good solution. "I think I need a little structure. But the pressure is gone, to pass exams or always be there," she explains.
At the orientation program, interested parties can participate in seminars from various degree programs. They are accompanied by mentors. According to a spokesperson for the Free University, the offer is in high demand. For the upcoming semester, around 750 people have applied for the 190 places.
Before the program starts, it's first vacation time for Naomi. Her destination: the Ivory Coast, her father's homeland. "A little break from the everyday will do me good," she says.
- Corinna Schwendrau mentioned that some Abiturians considering vocational training programs, such as Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) or Federal Voluntary Service, as they can increase the chances of acceptance for competitive courses like medicine, especially in German cities like Berlin, as mentioned in the text.
- The German Press Agency reported that some Abiturians are considering participating in voluntary service programs in English-speaking countries or countries in the global south, as suggested by the International Youth Volunteer Service, to broaden their horizons and gain new experiences, like Berlin's Naomi Sawadogo who decided to spend her vacation in her father's homeland, the Ivory Coast.
- According to Peggy Coburger, the deputy managing director of the International Youth Volunteer Service, the demand for volunteers to complete their service in English-speaking countries or countries in the global south has been significantly higher in the past, and it's expected to be high in the 2024/2025 cycle, as many Abiturians see these opportunities as a stepping stone for their future plan, which can include international exposure or further academic studies.
