A Parent's Guide to Working Abroad
Congratulations! Your son or daughter has chosen to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime with InterExchange Working Abroad. It’s natural for parents to be concerned and have lots of questions if their family member wants to spend time overseas on a work or volunteer placement. With InterExchange Working Abroad, you can rest assured that your son or daughter is part of a safe and established program with an excellent international reputation.
“As a nervous parent sending her daughter off to a foreign land for the first time, [I’m glad to say that] InterExchange has lived up to all my hopes and expectations. Caroline has experienced and learned so much while there!”
Barbara C. (Mother to volunteer participant in Costa Rica)
What is InterExchange?
InterExchange is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and delivering exceptional cultural exchange experiences through a variety of work exchange programs. We are also designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Visa sponsor. For more than 40 years, InterExchange has been providing cultural exchange opportunities to students, professionals, families, and employers from all over the world.
What is the Working Abroad Program?
The InterExchange Working Abroad program helps young Americans discover the world through a variety of work and volunteer programs. We offer teach English, au pair, work and travel, and volunteer programs. The InterExchange Foundation provides grants to motivated young Americans who want to contribute to worthy work or volunteer abroad opportunities.
Support in the United States
During the time the participant is in the application and placement process in the United States, he or she will have guidance and support from our experienced and friendly staff. We are here to help with any questions or issues applicants may have pre-departure and our goal is to place them with the best program that matches their goals and needs. Every participant receives handbooks and other materials specific to their placement as well as an online pre-departure orientation. We are also able to connect participants to others in the same program or with alumni.
Visa Assistance
Our New York staff are very experienced in dealing with different foreign embassies and understand all the visa requirements for each Working Abroad program.
In-Country International Cooperators
Our in-country agencies have all been carefully screened before signing a contract to work with us and they are all experienced cultural exchange agencies. Once the participants arrive at their destinations, they are greeted by either an international cooperator or a host family at the airport and are provided with transportation to their placements. Some placements also offer an orientation.
Safety
Our first responsibility is the safety and well being of our participants. Our thorough screening process ensures that our participants are placed with quality programs overseas and will be working or volunteering in a safe and secure environment. InterExchange arranges international accident and sickness insurance to ensure that all participants have access to quality medical care during their program.
Housing Abroad
Almost all InterExchange Working Abroad programs include room and board – often in a home-stay or dormitory-style environment – which are covered in the program fee. Most accommodation types are outlined in each program description you’ll find here on our website, and we’re happy to provide any additional details.
Program Fees
Our program fees vary from country to country, but as a non-profit organization, InterExchange is committed to keeping fees as low as possible for all our participants. Each program description contains a detailed listing of what the program fee covers.
Keep in Touch!
Don’t forget to keep in touch frequently with your son or daughter during his or her overseas experience. Depending on the program, participants should have regular access to the telephone and Internet. Skype videoconferencing is also free and a great way to communicate! Should you have any questions during the program, do not hesitate to contact InterExchange Working Abroad in New York.
Financial Aid
InterExchange is pleased to offer a limited number of grants to the most qualified working abroad participants through the InterExchange Foundation.
Questions? Contact Us
Our experienced and dedicated staff is happy to answer any of your questions regarding our Working Abroad program. Please email us or call 212-924-0446.
