Our Team

My Story

My interest in cultural exchange started in the early 1990s when I headed overseas to work and travel in the USA, Europe, UK and Asia. 

After returning home, I continued my interest in cultural exchange by working with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and the Council on International Cultural Exchange (CIEE), before finally joining AIFS in 2005. 

I have had the privilege of serving as Chairperson of CAPAA (Cultural Au Pair Association of Australia), and more recently chaired the Backpacker & Youth Tourism Advisory Panel (BYTAP) from 2022 to 2024. 

To this day, my love for travel remains strong. I truly believe in the transformative power of cultural exchange; it enriches lives and challenges the way we see the world.

My Story

I hail from Malaysia but completed my final years of high school and university in Australia. I joined AIFS in 2011 and I look forward to celebrating my 15-year anniversary with AIFS in 2026. 

In addition to English, I speak several Chinese dialects and Malay and I have travelled throughout Asia and Europe.

My Story

I joined AIFS in 2012, and I oversee AIFS’ Outbound programs, including Camp America, Au Pair in America, and Winter Work. With a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from the University of Sydney, my journey in cultural exchange began with Camp America, where I spent four summers at NJY’s Round Lake Camp in Pennsylvania, a camp dedicated to children with special needs. 

I am passionate about the transformative power of cultural exchange, believing that travel, camp experiences and international friendships foster personal growth, awareness, and lifelong opportunities. With years of experience in this field, I love helping others embark on their own incredible travel adventures through one of AIFS’ programs. 

My Story

I joined AIFS in 2023 to manage the operations of its inbound Au pair program. Having had more than 9 years’ experience working in the Au pair sector and currently serving in my 3rd year as Chairperson of the Au pair industry association “CAPAA” (Cultural Au Pair Association of Australia), I am committed to supporting host families and Au pairs on our program. 

My own cultural exchanges started when I was young: I grew up in Germany, before moving to the UK when I was 15 to attend boarding school. After finishing high school, I moved to Italy to become an Au pair, returned to the UK, and then relocated to Sydney in 2016 with my husband and two boys in tow.

My Story

I joined AIFS in 2023 as an Outbound Coordinator after working in the youth disability sector as a support worker and program facilitator. After graduating high school in 2018, I took a gap year with Camp America and spent my summer working at a summer camp for people of mixed ages and disabilities in upstate New York. My time at camp ignited my passion for person centred care, advocacy and youth travel – it truly changed my life for the better.

In my current role as an Outbound Coordinator, which includes AIFS’ Winter Work Japan and Canada programs, I was lucky to travel to Niseko to visit some of our applicants in their placements and see a side of the world I otherwise probably would have never considered. Japan has been my favourite destination I’ve visited so far, but I’m itching to experience a Whistler Winter! 

My Story

My journey with AIFS began in 2021 when I travelled from Poland to the United States as an Au pair. After spending one and a half years living in New York, I decided to broaden my horizons and moved to Australia in 2023. In 2024, I joined the AIFS team and in this role, I focus on helping Au pairs and Host Families find the perfect match, ensuring a positive and fulfilling placement for everyone involved.

I firmly believe that being an Au pair can be a life-changing experience not only for the Au pairs themselves but also for the Host Families and their children. I'm thrilled to be able to share my own journey and help others achieve their goals through this unique opportunity.

In my free time, I love to travel, cook, and try new things!

My Story

After completing a comprehensive office management apprenticeship in Germany in 2020, which included international placements in Italy, Greece and Spain, I gained valuable insights into diverse cultures and work environments. Following this, I spent four years in an office role, developing my administrative and organizational skills. In 2024, I went into a working holiday in Australia, dipping myself in the local culture and gaining practical experience. Building on these experiences, I joined AIFS, using my global background to assist others in their cultural exchange journeys. My diverse experiences make me able to provide informed guidance and support to individuals doing similar adventures.

My Story

I recently joined AIFS as a Marketing Coordinator after moving to Australia from Italy, gaining experience in the marketing sector as a Social Media Coordinator. My journey with cultural exchange began after high school, when I took a gap year as an au pair in Australia. That year changed everything; It opened my eyes to new cultures, helped me meet people from all over the world, and sparked a passion for travel that has never left me. Since then, I’ve backpacked across Southeast Asia and continued to explore while working in Australia. I’m excited to now be part of the AIFS team and support other young people in discovering the travel and cultural exchange experiences that have meant so much to me.

My Story

After graduating high school in 2019, I decided to take a gap year and become an Au Pair in Los Angeles. Having to return home during the pandemic I knew there was so much more I wanted to experience aboard, as soon as travel was permitted, I signed up for my first summer camp which was an experience I knew I wanted so much more of. So, I continued my journey moving to Canada for the winter season. My life as a lift operator gave me the chance to be on the slopes everyday and learn to ski! These first three experiences gave me insight into the life I wanted more of, so I signed up for another two years of summer camp. Each year I added travelling in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. These experiences have changed my life, I have met so many people I call my closest friends, learnt so much about different cultures, explored more then I could have imagined and now I can share my experiences and passion to others who are about to embark on their on journey.

My Story

I joined AIFS in late 2024 as an interviewer for Camp America. I had participated myself in the Camp America programme in 2024 as a ropes course specialist in the Blue Mountains, Georgia. On top of my time in the States I also travelled a few months in Europe with some of the highlights being Spain, Germany, and Hungary. The experience was amazing, and I just knew I had to get involved in AIFS more. Since joining as an interviewer, I worked multiple career expos all around Melbourne, before eventually moving to the Sydney office as an Outbound Coordinator. AIFS is amazing and I can’t wait to see what other opportunities it provides me with.

My Story

I joined AIFS in 2025 as an Inbound Coordinator, bringing with me a diverse background in languages, travel, and event management. Prior to this role, I worked in Berlin at an NGO that promotes the German language abroad, where I was coordinator for Latin America projects. In this role, I collaborated closely with young adults, fostering meaningful connections and supporting their cultural experiences. A strong focus was on public relations and international relations. I hold a degree in Interpretation and Translation. During my studies, I lived, worked, and studied abroad, including time spent in France and the United States. I speak five languages and now can use them daily to connect with young travellers from around the world. Before joining AIFS, I spent five years working in event management and public affairs, including coordinating travel bookings for a major energy company in Germany. After taking a gap year to travel through Australia and Thailand, I am now based in Sydney, continuing my education in sustainability while working at AIFS. Exploring Australia—from road trips along the East Coast to discovering hidden gems in New South Wales and soon Western Australia—helps me create personalised travel experiences for the young travellers we support.

My Story

I joined AIFS in 2025 as a Recruitment and Support Coordinator for the Au Pair in Australia program. In my role, I help connect Australian host families with au pairs from around the world, supporting both parties throughout their cultural exchange journey. Although I’m new to the role, I’m passionate about creating meaningful international experiences and fostering connections that enrich lives on both sides. I’m especially excited to be part of a team that values cultural exchange, personal growth, and global understanding.