How it works
Your travel planning process starts here – but more personalized support is only a few clicks away. We can help turn your process questions into a solid plan.
Send us an email: workabroad [at] interexchange [dot] org. You can also schedule a free, no-obligation virtual call with one of our team for support or questions! https://meet.intercom.com/aragus/15min
Process
Here is a general overview of how it all works!
1. Sign up and submit
- Sign up and submit an application with InterExchange, paying a $100 deposit (this goes towards your final program fee). We’ll contact you with your next steps, including guidelines for completing the government of Australia application.
2. Obtaining the Australia Work and Holiday Visa
- Obtaining the Australia Work and Holiday Visa can be done online. It’s an important step in making sure that you’re able to work when you arrive, and stay in Australia for up to a year (with the possibility to extend). When applying you’ll need to pay a separate AUD $600 fee to the government.
3. Let us know once your visa is approved
4. Confirm your program preferences
Confirm your program preferences including start dates and whether you’d like the 4-day basic ($795) or the 10-day ($1295) upgraded travel package.
5. Pay the balance
6. Receive a booking confirmation and resources
Receive a booking confirmation and resources from InterExchange.
You’ll receive a packet on all the fine details of your arrival: transportation arrangement, hostel check in process info, and a few pieces of information to complete prior to flying out.
7. Book your flights
Book your flights and send us your itinerary. We’ll make sure everything is squared away with the local team for your airport pickup!
8. Arrive in Australia
9. Enjoy your arrival package
Enjoy your time! The local team is there to help take care of things while you are in Australia. They are experts, supporting hundreds of travelers just like you with finding work, housing support, and making travel excursions and booking adventures!
Don’t forget – the local team are also just a message away by text/WhatsApp or 24/7 emergency phone support – so you’ll never be totally on your own.
Documents
Upload the item below to your online application:
Passport Picture Page Copy
A copy of the passport photo page. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months past your proposed program end date.
After you apply, you will need to do the following:
Obtain your visa
Travelers on this program require the Work and Holiday Visa (462) for Australia, which makes it possible for U.S. citizens to live and work there for up to a year, with the possibility to extend. Should you have any questions regarding the visa application we’re here to help.
Obtain travel medical insurance
Before traveling, all participants must possess international accident and sickness insurance that includes evacuation/repatriation coverage.
Requirements
- 18-30 years old
- U.S. Citizen
- High school graduate
Costs
Program Costs
$795 for the 4-day package. You’ll get all the essentials – pickup from the airport, time to settle in alongside fellow travelers plus two days of orientation time. Best for people who want to meet people and get acclimated but want to hit the ground running for working, traveling.
$1295 for the 10-day package. This is a fantastic deal that includes all the essentials plus a 5-day surf camp with accommodation and meals during the camp.
$100 is paid as a deposit when you sign up. The remainder is due prior to finalizing your booking – at least 21 days before you fly. You can also view our payments and refund policy.
Optional extras
- Job pre-placement service: $155
- Additional nights of accommodation in Sydney (including breakfast): $40 per night
Included
- Airport shuttle upon arrival
- Four nights of accommodation including breakfast (additional nights can be added optionally)
- Orientation session covering the job search, traveling, and more
- Personal consultation regarding your job search
- Activities including a beach walk and city tour
- Members’ lounge in Sydney
- Resume review
- Help setting up your bank account, tax ID, and local phone service
- Mail holding and forwarding services
- Pre-departure and alumni support
Not included
- Airfare
- Travel medical insurance
- Personal spending money
- Work and Holiday Visa – This is obtained online via the Australian Government for a separate fee of $600 AUD.
Earnings
- The 2025-current national minimum wage in Australia (including Sydney) is $24.95 per hour, or $948 per 38-hour week.
- Based on Australia’s laws, workers under 21 can be paid less (around $22 an hour, $656 per week) but there is a high demand for seasonal employees so there are normally many opportunities more.
- Some jobs may adjust pay if accommodation is included, for example at resorts. In such cases, the accommodation provided is usually much more affordable than booking your own.
- Please note that it can take a few weeks to get set up with a job and you will want to have ample time to travel and enjoy Australia! Please budget accordingly.
- Information updated April 2026
