11 Awesome Work Exchange Programs Abroad for Your Gap Year

Work for accommodation and food in these great gap year programs. Now that you have already decided you want to take a gap year, imagine its first moments: your passport is stamped, your bags are in tow, and you’re on the verge of an eye-opening, boundary-exploding experience. Your mind is abuzz with the potential and unknown. You’ve got 99 problems but money ain’t one. Perhaps your bank account isn’t as flush as you like, but by doing a gap year program where you can work for accommodation, you can sigh a breath of relief knowing that you’ve got your housing, food, and maybe even cultural activities or pocket money covered.

While some take off with just a full backpack and a sense of wanderlust, gap year programs that help you work for accommodation and food can dish up the same experience while making it slightly easier on the budget. But that’s not all—a working gap year provides opportunities to build a resume, gain professional references, and explore a field that interests you. All this while participating in local life or the expat scene because you will be meeting people on the job and developing your own community.

As the name implies, work exchange gap year programs abroad are built on the exchange of housing and food for work. Many programs center on agriculture or the hospitality industry, but the fields available for a working gap year are as varied as the destinations. Add to that the options for compensation and housing as well as visa requirements for employees and there is a lot to think about.

To reduce the stress of deciding where to go and what to do, Go Abroad has come up with some of favorite work exchange gap year programs all around the world. Need inspiration or a jumping off point, see what actual participants had to say about our picks for the 10 best providers for gap year work exchanges!

Spoiler alert: here are the work exchange programs abroad most loved by travelers on GoAbroad!

• Greenheart Travel
• InterExchange
• Auparia
• Paradise Interns
• OGVO Ghana
• USIT Work in Ireland Internship Program
• Volunteering With India
• Go Abroad China, Ltd.
• Oyster Worldwide
• Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs
• WorldTeach

The 11 best programs for a work exchange gap year

Editor’s note: This information on opportunities to live and work abroad was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Greenheart Travel — 9.39 rating

“I like the network of support and connectedness always available online, and still I feel like I can have the autonomy and independence that allow me to immerse myself with the local people in my country. I especially appreciated the cultural guidebook I received in the mail before leaving. I even still refer to it. I also appreciate the intentional approach of the Greenheart Travel Atlas. The SMART goal I made makes my stay here purposeful and diminishes the lost feeling that naturally comes with moving to a new country surrounded by unknowns. The Facebook group is also a great resource! Be willing to let go of the comfortable routine and mindset that you are used to, and jump into a rich, growthful experience that will fortify your perception of the world and yourself.” —Read more Greenheart Travel reviews here.

• Where? Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Czechia, France, Italy, Myanmar, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
• When? One month to a year with variable start dates.
• Why? Work and travel abroad for free with Greenheart Travel! Greenheart Travel provides a wide variety of options all over the world to suit anyone looking for meaningful travel. For work exchange gappers, the same kind of variety holds true. Work exchanges include placements in home stays as well as more traditional internships with housing provided and, while the job types mostly focus on education and hospitality, there are more general work abroad programs available. Plus, Greenheart Travel has dozens of reviews raving about the experience and the support offered to participants.
• Embark on the perfect gap year with Greenheart Travel

2. InterExchange — 9.34 rating

“I really believe I would have had an entirely different experience without the backing of InterExchange. They were always there for me, even at odd hours. James emailed regularly to check in while I was away, and Jiyeon was an absolute angel with me through the whole visa process. I had initially left for Thailand with a contract to teach for a single semester, but when I fell in love with my new school I decided to stay the year, and InterExchange was just as helpful then as they were at the beginning. I have met many many other teachers abroad who went to Thailand with other companies, and every time they told me of their experiences, I was even happier to have gone with InterExchange. You feel like you matter to them, and you're not just treated like a number on a page.” —Read more InterExchange reviews here

• Where? Australia, Canada France, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Thailand, The United States
• When? One week up to a year, with various programs starting year-round.
• Why? If you’re dead-set on a working gap year, InterExchange probably has something that will fit. InterExchange has programs on five continents and makes arrangements for au pairs, teachers, and others looking to work abroad—if you’re seeking work abroad programs for adults in Europe, look no more! InterExchange provides comprehensive pre-departure support that continues through your time in-country.
• Check out global opportunities with InterExchange

3. Aupairia — 9.1 rating

“In these past 3 months, I've had plenty of opportunities to learn more about myself and the world. I'm very glad I decided to come to China as an Au Pair - the program is great, the staff are all very kind and willing to help, my host family made me feel like I was part of their family and I think I have grown a lot. The people are genuinely interested in sharing their culture and learning about others. Helping Cherry, my host child, improve her English skills was very rewarding, not just for her, but for me too. I will always remember this experience and everyone I met here, thank you Aupairia!” —Read more Auparia reviews here

• Where? Some of China’s biggest and most exciting cities: Beijing, Dalian, Shanghai, and Shenzhen
• When? Year-round, with placements ranging from 3 months to a year, with the opportunity to extend. Benefits offered to those who work for 6 months or more!
• Why? Work in exchange for housing in historic, buzzing China! The Aupaira experience is comprehensive—the host families provide round-trip airfare, food, accommodation, and a monthly allowance, while Aupairia makes sure you hit the ground running by providing orientation, au pair certification, and Mandarin lessons. Urban Chinese families are looking for ways to immerse their children in English learning. For au pairs, this means becoming a part of the family and taking a deep dive into Chinese life and culture.  
• Find out if Auparia is right for you

4. Paradise Interns — 10.0 rating

“I am so so glad that I decided to do this internship. I learnt so much and had the time of my life. The month-long bootcamp was super intense and incredibly useful. Anna was able to teach us so many new concepts in a new and fun way. She was there for us during the entire internship with weekly check-ins after the bootcamp during our 5 month placement and she was always available to answer all questions. I had no knowledge of social media marketing before the bootcamp and now I feel confident with the skills that I've learned. The placement was perfect for me, Anna has an amazing skill of knowing exactly which intern will do well at which dive shop/hostel. I'd do it all again if I could. Do this internship if you want to become a digital nomad!” —Read more Paradise Interns reviews here.

• Where? Bali, Indonesia
• When? 6 months, with start dates throughout the year
• Why? For a chance to take your online marketing skills to new depths, consider Paradise Internships, which offers travel and work abroad programs for unlimited diving and courses or, for some positions, the more traditional housing and meal plan. At the beginning of the six-month internship, participants receive a month-long digital marketing course. The remaining time, interns continue gaining experience and building a professional experience while working in one of the world’s most sought after tropical destinations.
• Dive into a marketing internship with Paradise Interns

5. Our Generation Voluntary Program (OGVO) Ghana — 8.76 rating

“OGVO was very attentive throughout the volunteer process. I volunteered with my husband, and we had many questions before the program started and they always responded very quickly and attentively. We were well taken care of with travelling to and from our volunteer location and our weekend to Mole National Park, and it was reassuring to have the support from OGVO throughout the process. We worked at a rural orphanage, and had wonderful opportunities to interact with the orphans and other people in the community. We felt very well taken care of and this let us have a really positive experience in our time in Ghana.” —Read more OGVO Ghana reviews here.

• Where? Cities, towns, and rural areas across Ghana
• When? One week up to a year with placements year-round
• Why? OGVO Ghana has taken their mission to heart, providing affordable and meaningful work exchange programs abroad for your gap year with humanitarian, professional, and educational foci. The volunteer organization aims to connect interns and volunteers from all over the globe with each other while participants dig deep into the local urban and rural communities. Gappers of all ages will be able to work in capacities that fit their skills on flexible placements.
• Develop and share your skills with OGVO Ghana

6. USIT Work in Ireland Internship Program — 8.44 rating

"Five years ago I decided to leave everything behind – family, friends, job and home – to go on a life changing experience filled with highs and lows. The experience along with the support of USIT allowed me to not only reflect on who I was, but allowed me to know myself in a way like no other. Fast forward to today and after a year in Ireland and two years in London I continue to make new friends and memories that allow me to grow and evolve. I hope to take it all in while I live in a country that captured my heart so many years ago. I want to help others have the same experience and tell those wondering if they should do it that they will make connections with a country, people and themselves in a way that will change their life forever." —Read more USIT Work in Ireland Internship Program reviews here.

• Where? Ireland’s metropolitan areas, Cork, Dublin, and Galway, as well as some of its charming towns
• When? Three months up to two years with programs available year-round
• Why? Work and travel abroad for free in Ireland! For centuries, Ireland has enchanted and, today, the Emerald Isle, despite its charming nature, is a busy hub for many international companies. Gapping in Ireland is a peerless way to connect with the people and explore the many places that makes Ireland so unique. USIT makes it easy to find a work exchange abroad placement working in industries ranging from agriculture to the tech industry. 
• Experience the luck of the Irish on a gap year with USIT Work and Travel Ireland

7. Volunteering With India — 9.57 rating

"My experience volunteering in India with VWI has been the most powerful and most meaningful experience I have ever had! The pick-up service upon arrival was good. I arrived in Jaipur earlier that expected because incoming flight from Delhi left early, and even if I arrived earlier I only had to wait for ten minutes before my pick-up service came to get me. It was a joy to stay with my host family and I couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. My accommodations was fairly comfortable, the food was FAULTLESS! My host mother probably serves the best chaise and chapatis in the area! The transport service is very efficient and the staff at the project were nice and sympathetic." —Read more Volunteering With India reviews here.

• Where? Jaipur, India
• When? One to 12 weeks, year-round
• Why? All of Volunteering With India are based in and around the city of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan and nicknamed the Pink City because of the color of its buildings. Focusing on just one area, Volunteering With India has insider knowledge of local social and environmental challenges and its participants are immediately able to delve into meaningful projects. In addition to working in childhood development, education, women’s empowerment, and animal wellness, travelers from all walks of life are all but guaranteed adventure! Opportunities to live and work abroad like these don’t come along often.
• Find out more about meaningful travel experiences with Volunteering With India

8. Go Abroad China, Ltd. — 9.05 rating

“This experience have been the best of my life and I have learned so much during my work. From the moment I left home to take part in this program so far away from home I've felt so comfortable, happy and safe….My host family was amazing! They made me feel at home and took me everywhere I wanted and more. I even got to go to a traditional Chinese wedding… I've recommended this to all my friends who want to do internships abroad that don't know how to go about it as you are so well looked after. It has been the best couple of months and I look forward to no doubt be joining Go Abroad China for more internship opportunity in the future. I can't recommend it enough!” —Read more Go Abroad China, Ltd. reviews here.

• Where? Cities throughout China
• When? Year-round
• Why? China’s modern economy is fast-paced and dynamic but, for those looking to jump in, it can be tough to crack. Go Abroad China helps connect travelers interested in internship opportunities with employers from a wide swath of industries that will provide their interns with meaningful work. In addition to specializing in paid internships, Go Abroad China arranges local accommodations and their in-country support ensures that participants feel confident navigating life in China.
• Discover exciting career opportunities with Go Abroad China, Ltd.

9. Oyster Worldwide — 9.28 rating

“My experience with Oyster's Australian outback farming was outstanding. The help and organization I received from the project manager and the team was beyond helpful, made going abroad for the first time seem very realistic and safe - a peace of mind for my parents! … The job offer I took was for a remote Queensland cattle station and hay farm run successfully by a small family. I learned and improved my skills with tractors and irrigation mainly, and got over my fear of cows. It was hard work, long days that never seemed to end from breakfast to cleaning up after dinner, but putting it into perspective, it was a true experience of farming in the outback life...I recommend Oyster to anyone who is looking for a well organized project with room for independence and to explore.” —Read more Oyster Worldwide reviews here

• Where? Farming in Australia, ski instruction in Austria, and teaching, conservation, and professional volunteer programs in Europe, Africa, and Latin America
• When? Five weeks up to six months with the option to extend
• Why? Oyster Worldwide aims not just to provide amazing work exchange programs abroad for its participants, but to connect connect people through meaningful experiences. Among Oyster Worldwide’s wide array of paid work abroad programs are several work exchanges that even include pay. Benefits vary by program but include pre-departure and in-country support and relevant training.
• Connect with another country on an Oyster Worldwide program

10. Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs — 9.0 rating

"Living, working and studying at Castello Sonnino created learning experiences that transcended any traditional education. The experiential gains, internship work and community-living style taught me so much, and I will always be grateful to have matured culturally, socially, academically and personally in my semester in Montespertoli."—Read more Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs reviews here

• Where? Florence
• When? Fall 2019, 2020, 2021
• Why? Looking for work exchange programs in Europe? Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs, with its farm and retreat center located in Florence, provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in Italian culture and organic farming practices. Workers grow their own produce, assist with the production of olive oil and wine, and tend to livestock. In the afternoons, workers are allowed to explore the area and take part in activities in and around the farm, such as yoga, meditation, and cheese-making.
• Put your back into it with this farm work in Italy

11. WorldTeach — 9.0 rating

“Last summer, I had the opportunity of a lifetime to simultaneously travel and increase my global awareness while engaging in meaningful service. I served as an computer literacy teacher for three months at a small village school in Ongha, Namibia for about 800 learners (students) and their teachers. While there was definitely a language barrier (despite English being the national language of Namibia) and it was hard for the kids to keep focus when they were hungry, it was an incredible feeling to teach them a valuable skill set and hope they may be able to use it in the future. I still keep in touch with many of my students and my colleagues.” —Read more WorldTeach reviews here

• Where? Cities and rural areas in American Samoa, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Marshall Islands, Morocco, Nepal, and South Africa.
• When? Seven weeks to year-long, with start dates in the summer and autumn
• Why? For more than 30 years, WorldTeach has sought to empower people all over the world through education by creating opportunities where teachers are needed the most. The various programs have vastly different funding structure, ranging from completely self-funded to fully funded. Nevertheless, the organization provides teaching training, housing, and personal, on-call in-country support—it won’t even feel like you are trying to work in exchange for housing!
• Become a world citizen while empowering others with WorldTeach

Sign up for work exchange programs abroad on your gap year!

International work exchange programs will put you on a new and adventurous path (without making you go broke!).

Having chosen to embark on a work exchange gap year program abroad, you’ve already taken a big step in deciding on what gap year program to choose and you’ve made a smart choice! By exchanging your talents for accommodation and meals, it’s possible to have all the adventure and incredible experiences of a gap year but without breaking the budget while also building your resume and professional network. What’s more, many work exchange programs focus on socially- and ecologically-minded issues meaning that it’s possible to have an impact on the community around you while traveling!

Of course, between now and the moment you arrive in country to start work exchange programs abroad, there’s a lot to get done. Use GoAbroad’s helpful hints for preparing a gap year program application and before you leave home, be sure to check out our guide to make prep for your gap year easy.

Use MyGoAbroad to Find & Compare Work Exchange Programs Abroad for Your Gap Year