The original cultural exchange organisation
For over 60 years, AIFS has been committed to helping young people around the world experience the life-changing opportunities of cultural exchange. As one of the oldest and most trusted organisations in global education and working travel opportunities, we work with transparency, honesty, and complete support and care for all participants, partners and staff. You’ll never experience any hidden costs or terms when you choose to travel with AIFS, and wherever in the world you go you can have peace of mind you’ll have 24/7 emergency support. Our experienced team all share a deep passion for international travel and the lifelong bonds it creates – we’re here to help you thrive wherever your journey takes you.
Find the Right Fit
Travel Opportunities
Life-Changing Travel
Why Choose AIFS?
Simple, straightforward application processes for all AIFS destinations
24/7 emergency in-country support for all destinations
Up-front costs – so you know exactly what you need to budget
Comprehensive screening, references, police and medical checks
Pre and post-departure orientations and support
Visit our walk-in bricks ‘n’ mortar centre close to Sydney’s Hyde Park
An industry leader with 60+ years’ experience in cultural exchange
Providing bilateral opportunities for young people around the world
Choose Your Adventure
Explore Our World
Take a closer look at all our opportunities in Australia and abroad. Planning a full gap year? Some shorter placements can be combined – and when you bundle them together, you may unlock a discount too!
AIFS Australia
Our Mission & Values
Our Mission
Leading cultural exchange opportunities since 1964
The American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS) provides the highest quality educational and cultural exchange programs to enrich the lives of young people throughout the world. Since 1964 we have been the leading provider of such opportunities, helping more than 1.8 million young people increase their global understanding in our diverse world.
Our Values
Committed to care, respect and honesty
Our mission can only be achieved through exceptional support and care for our program participants to ensure their safety and wellbeing. We always provide honest, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of program participants, our partners and employees, safeguarding teamwork and collaboration both within our organisation and with our partners.
Our Support
24/7 emergency support for all participants
Our support starts from the moment you apply. Our experienced team will help you through the application process so that you can have the working holiday adventure of a lifetime. Once you begins your travels, inside or outside of Australia, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing there’s 24/7 in-country support there for you if you need it.
Join an Info Session!
Latest Events
11
Nov
Online | 7PM - 8PM
Camp America Info SessionRegister for our upcoming CA Online Information Session to learn more about Camp America 2026.
Register
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.
AIFS Au Pair
AIFS Au Pair
Winter Work Japan
Camp America
Work & Travel Australia
Winter Work Canada
Work & Travel Australia
Au Pair in Australia
Camp America
Work & Travel Australia
