AIFS Australia
Choose Your Destination
For over 60 years, AIFS has provided transformative cultural exchange experiences to young people around the world. Ready for your own work and travel experience? Let us help you find it!
AIFS Australia
Choose Your Destination
For over 60 years, AIFS has provided transformative cultural exchange experiences to young people around the world. Ready for your own work and travel experience? Let us help you find it!
Have the experience of a lifetime - travel with AIFS
AIFS is one of the world’s longest standing and most respected cultural exchange organisations. Since sending our first Australian overseas in 1972, we’ve grown to offer a wide range of programs and destinations that help young people experience the world (and Australia!) through transformative work and travel opportunities.
Our passionate team of travel lovers bring firsthand experience to everything we do. From Camp Counsellors and Au Pairs to ski season staff, we've been there! We understand the excitement, challenges, and rewards of working holidays and extended travel, but most importantly, we know how crucial it is to have the right support from day one. Let us take the hard work out of your next working holiday!
Find the Right Fit
Travel Opportunities
AIFS Destinations
A Little Inspiration
Want to take a gap year or plan a working holiday but not sure where to start? We've got some suggestions...
Try Winter Work Canada to experience a Canadian winter filled with every winter activity you can think of
Mission & Values
Our Promise to You
There’s a reason we’ve been world leaders in cultural exchange since 1964. When you choose AIFS, you can always guarantee:
Upfront and honest information about all our services, with no hidden costs or conditions
Global understanding and respect for all participants, partners and staff
Your safety is our number one priority – every AIFS program comes with 24/7 support
Find Your Adventure
Latest Events
06
Jan
Online | 7PM - 8PM
Winter Work WebinarLooking for winter resort work? Our free online Webinar will walk you through our two popular options for Canada and Japan.
Register
13
Jan
Online | 7PM - 8PM
Camp America Info SessionRegister for our upcoming CA Online Information Session to learn more about Camp America 2026.
Register
Explore a world of travel possibilities
Don't just take our word for it – here’s a snapshot of the amazing experiences our past participants have had, and the reasons why many keep coming back to us year after year.
When I realised my travel plans weren't going to work, AIFS sat with me and worked out a plan to suit my budget. I was really happy how it worked out.
Went with AIFS to the US and stayed for two years. Couldn’t ask for a better team to support me and help find the best Host Family!
My favourite thing about being an Au Pair was my relationship with my Host Family. It was always so rewarding when the children were excited to see you.
The Canadian people are so friendly. I have fallen in love with Canada. I'm definitely going back next year!
I loved orientation training with AIFS. We took a bus tour of New York City and I met so many other Au Pairs from all over the world.
I am an anime fan so working in Japan with AIFS was the next step. I visited places I had only seen in manga. It was such an amazing 6 months.
Need Some Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
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01Who is AIFS?
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) and its family of companies that organises cultural exchange programs throughout the world for more than 50,000 students and young people each year. Since 1964 AIFS has been the leading provider of cultural exchange and educational opportunities for more than 1.8 million young people.
1972 was the first year we operated in Australia, recruiting young Australians to our Camp America program. In 2005 AIFS opened its Sydney office and student centre, expanding our outbound programs, and offering inbound programs to Australia. Today AIFS is one of the largest cultural exchange companies as well as being the largest Au pair agency of its kind in Australia.
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02What travel opportunities does AIFS Australia offer?
AIFS facilitates both outbound and inbound opportunities for gap years, Au Pair programs, volunteer and adventure travel, as well as high school exchanges. Our most well-known placements are with Camp America, Au Pair in America, Winter Work Japan, Winter Work Canada, Work & Travel and AIFS Au Pair.
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03Does AIFS have an office or centre I can visit?
AIFS’ head office in Australia is located near Sydney’s Hyde Park. The centre is open during standard business hours, and all are welcome to drop by!
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04Why should I use an agency?
AIFS supports every customer from application until placement. We offer 24/7 emergency support for all participants and have comprehensive policies and procedures. Our team are passionate about cultural exchange with an extensive experience and firsthand knowledge. We are always transparent about our fees, so you know exactly what you pay for and what services you will receive in return.
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05What happens if there is an emergency?
AIFS offers excellent level of support 24/7 in Australia and overseas.
