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Frequently Asked Questions about Working Abroad
International Volunteer Programs
General Information
Q. What kind of international jobs are available?
A. Americans work all kinds of different overseas jobs in every part of the world. InterExchange Working Abroad provides a variety of programs, including opportunities to teach English, work as an au pair, work and travel, and volunteer.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Fees can vary from program to program—we have specific program fees listed on the program overview pages throughout the site. In most cases, you’ll also need to cover the costs of transportation to and from your host country, visa processing fees, your personal expenses while abroad, and your insurance costs. (We can provide participants access to an affordable insurance option.)
Q. What kind of visa will I need?
A. This depends on the program, but you will usually enter your host country on a 90-day visitor's visa. Most of the opportunities we offer are considered cultural exchange programs, therefore work permits are generally not required. Please note that you will not be allowed to seek paid, non-program related employment while on a visitor's visa.
Q. Can I apply again if I've already participated in a program?
A. In most cases, yes. Some programs do not allow you to repeat participation in a certain country, but if that’s the case, we can assist you I finding a similar program that suits your needs and interests. We look forward to helping you experience as much of the world as possible.
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Au Pair Abroad
Q. Where can I work as an au pair?
A. We offer international au pair placements in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. View all of the au pair opportunities available through InterExchange.
Q. What will I earn?
A. As an au pair, you’ll receive room, board, and a weekly stipend. Depending on the country in which you serve as an au pair, you may also receive paid vacation time and an educational stipend.
Q. What does an au pair do?
A. An au pair provides up to 30 hours of childcare per week to a host family in exchange for room, board, and a small stipend. Your responsibilities will all relate to taking care of the children. Duties may include dropping them off and picking them up from school, playing with them, taking them on excursions, helping them clean their rooms and preparing meals for them.
Q. Will I have to do a lot of housekeeping?
A. No. Au pairs are not domestic employees; they are welcomed as extended members of the host family. While you may be asked to do some light housekeeping, you will not be expected to do heavy cleaning, cooking, and other such chores on a regular basis for the whole household. Any housekeeping duties you have should be related to the children’s care (such as helping with their laundry, cleaning their rooms, etc.)
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Teaching English Overseas
Q. What countries can I work in?
A. We offer a variety of teaching opportunities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. View all of the teach English opportunities available through InterExchange.
Q. How much will I earn?
A. Compensation varies from program to program. Depending on the program, you may receive a stipend, a salary, and/or room and board in exchange for teaching.
Q. Do I need a teaching certificate?
A. In most cases, no. Most of our programs provide all of the necessary training and orientation upon your arrival in the host country. Several of the programs also allow you to earn a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Check the program overview on this site for details.
Q. What age ranges will I be teaching?
A. It depends on the program. We offer teaching opportunities for everything from pre-school students to teenagers.
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Work & Travel Programs
Q. In what countries do you offer programs?
A. We currently offer Work & Travel programs in Australia and New Zealand. We also offer several supplemental programs that you can participate in when you’re there. View all of the opportunities available through InterExchange.
Q. Why should I apply for a program when I can just go abroad on my own?
A. Our programs are designed to make your experience living and working abroad better and easier. With our programs, you have the benefit of job placement and housing referral services, assistance with understanding visa issues, and continual in-country support throughout your time overseas. Learn more about the benefits of our programs
Q. Can I apply again if I've already been on a Work & Travel program?
A. You may only participate in Work & Travel Australia and Work & Travel New Zealand once. However, if you have participated in one of the programs (ex: Australia), you may apply to participate in the other (ex: New Zealand).
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International Volunteer Programs
Q. In what countries do you offer programs?
A. We currently offer international volunteer opportunities in Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, India, Namibia, Peru, and South America. View all of the opportunities available through InterExchange.
Q. If I’m volunteering, why do I need to pay a program fee? Where does my money go?
A. As a non-profit organization, InterExchange is very diligent about keeping program fees as low as possible for all of our programs, including our international volunteer programs. Some of the most important features of our international volunteer programs involve providing support and assistance with visas and documentation, volunteer placements, and housing. Your program fees help cover those services. We recognize the selfless contribution that our volunteers make when they participate in our programs, and InterExchange only works with international volunteer organizations that have solid reputations for effective resource allocation. Learn more about the fees for our programs.
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Application Information
Q. How do I apply?
A. The first step is to download and complete our General Application Form and send it to us with your $75 Application Fee. Upon acceptance, we will mail you a program-specific application with instructions on submitting supporting materials (e.g., letters of reference, self-introductory essays and medical statements).
Q. When should I apply?
A. For Au Pair Abroad and Teaching English Overseas, you should plan to apply at least 3 months prior to your desired start date. That allows us enough time to arrange your placement and assist you with pre-departure logistics. For International Volunteer Opportunities and Work & Travel programs, you may apply 6 – 8 weeks prior to your desired start date.
Q. How quickly will I find out about my international job placement?
A. Once we've received and accepted your complete second application, we will contact you and keep you posted on your placement status. We try to provide placement details as early as possible and no later than 2-3 weeks prior to desired start dates. Placement is contingent upon many factors, including the number of available international jobs or volunteer positions, your experience and skills, any preferences you may have requested, and the overall strength of your application.
Q. What if I do not receive a placement?
A. In most cases, we’re able to match our applicants with outstanding opportunities; however, we can’t absolutely guarantee that we’ll find you a placement. If you do not receive a placement 2-3 weeks prior to your desired start date and you applied within the application deadline, we will issue a full refund of your Program Fee.
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Support During the Program
Q. What if I encounter problems during my placement?
A. One of the benefits of our program is the support and guidance we provide throughout your placement. We encourage you to contact InterExchange or our international cooperator in your host country if you ever encounter a problem. We will be happy to help you with anything you need.
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