InterExchange

The IEC Working Holidays process can be daunting when you are first researching it. Ashley Ragus and the rest of the team at InterExchange made the whole process so seamless and easy to understand, from start to finish. Ashley is so supportive, kind, and extremely communicative. We met with her a number of times and she and the rest of the team guided us through every step of the process so we never felt confused. The instructions that InterExchange provided were super clear and easy to follow. Deadlines and triple-checking everything in your application is super important. It's also important to take all of pre-border crossing prep work seriously, and do it right – you will thank yourself later. It's been a dream of ours for a long time to live and work in Canada, and it feels surreal to be experiencing that now - thanks to InterExchange. I highly recommend InterExchange – 10/10 experience. Thank you Ashley and team!

When I first looked into acquiring a IEC Working Holiday visa I as admittedly a little overwhelmed by what seemed like an overload of information and documentation that would be required from me in order to successfully immigrate in Canada. From the very first time we spoke, Ashley Ragus made what felt like a very daunting process at the start feel incredibly seamless and simple by the end. I am so appreciative for her support along the way, and I am looking forward to working with her again when I reapply for 2027. Thanks for everything Ashley, you rock!

I am one of the person who like travelling Becouse this is one of my hobby. My adventuring to different part of the world is eneygezied or inspired by the love of embracing the diversity of culture. So fur i filled or i enriched with diverse culture due i have travel a cross the country, further my studies in Ugandai had also travel to the Philippines as a missionary teacher with the youth and community epowerment programs.

As a youth leader passionate about Quality Education (SDG 4), I have actively worked to create inclusive learning opportunities in my community. I organize community study groups and skill-building workshops, especially for girls and marginalized youth, to bridge educational gaps. By collaborating with local schools and NGOs, we provide mentorship and access to learning materials, fostering a supportive environment that empowers young people to reach their potential. Moving forward, I plan to launch digital literacy programs to equip youths with critical skills for the future workforce, ensuring no one is left behind in our fast-changing world. Through these efforts, I aim to inspire sustainable growth by nurturing informed, confident young leaders who will drive positive change in Kano and beyond.

I am from middle class family so exploring the world is tough for me and also god lend a help by giving some bless to my dad and went to Dubai its one of the favourite and capturing moments in lyf so i wanted to travel and explore also engage in activities and full fill my dreams

It is rare that you have a customer service experience that feels so special it makes you want to go out of your way to get other people to experience it. It is even harder to make a customer experience feel special when there no face to face interaction, but Ashley from interexchange seemed to have no problem at all. From the jump she was responsive, helpful, and kind. Whenever I had a question or concern about the process she either answered it thoroughly, or pointed me in the direction of someone who could. Deadlines are super important when it comes to visas as well as attention to detail and these guys know their craft! Not only were the application instructions clear and thorough, but the staff followed up when there were changes or questions asked to make sure that everything was done correctly and I had all of the information that I needed. Someone give Ashley a raise!

I had a great time working with different type of people, increased my ability of multi-cultural environment and adaptability. Developed my collaboration and be ables me to learn new things in my life.

Ashley was extremely helpful and supportive throughout the process. As many that are possibly looking into this program that are brand new to this process, as I was. She was very helpful, informative, patient, and supportive throughout the process. If there was a question I had, if she didn't have the direct answer, she at least was able to steer me into the right direction to find one. I recommend this program to all but especially those who are new to looking to work, temporarily live, have extended vacation, etc within Canada. Their program makes it very simple to go through this process. Cost is a factor as well. As the program is cheap to me due to the simplicity, helpfulness, patience, and guidance. So it may be expensive to others but I feel like the service you get is definitely worth the cost.

Honestly speaking, I've never been abroad or anywhere outside South Africa, and that's my goal,to explore the world,to be adventurous and grow in learning more about the world and people from different parts of the world.

Ashley has been such a huge help in guiding me through the work visa application process. the process can be a bit confusing and complicated and im so glad i had her support. she was so kind and patient and made the whole procedure so much less stressful! im very grateful for her assistance and highly recommend her to others in the InterExchange program if you're looking for help with the work visa application process! :)

I had a fantastic experience! All of my questions were answered quickly and thoroughly. The whole team made an overwhelming process very smooth and manageable. The helpful team was absolutely the highlight of the program for sure. I went through the process to live and work in Canada from the United States. I was able to move to a town that I had already been to and had connections in the community. I didn't utilize any of the housing resources but it was nice to know that it was an option.I would highly recommend!

Libby and James at Interexchange have made the whole process as smooth and clear as possible. They answer emails quickly and take the time to explain what needs to be done for the applications for work holiday and what happens afterwards. I appreciate their help so much!

I have been waiting to go abroad for three years—since COVID-19 shut down borders—and I can happily say that my experience with InterExchange was exactly what I hoped it would be. It was fun, informative, our guide Colin was great, my fellow travelers were fun, and of course Costa Rica was gorgeous.

With obvious skepticism at first with not knowing anyone or much of the itinerary prior to the trip, the trip ends up exceeding expectations about it all. For future travelers, you should not worry despite how you feel at the beginning. I learned more than I would’ve expected and will remember this trip forever

Best trip of my life. Everybody was awesome. Collin was amazing. Living with the Bri Bri community was awesome. Made good friends. I liked how full the schedule was. There was never a dull moment and we were always doing something.

This was one of the best travel abroad programs I've been on. The group was one of the best and our group leader was amazing. I was really able to experience new things in a way that I would have never been able if I had traveled independently. Everything seemed well organized and everyone was accessible. As someone who often has trouble getting out of their comfort zone this was a really supportive trip and I would definitely do a program like this again.

I was so pleased with this program’s balance between educational and adventurous activities. I grew a closer relationship with the earth, which is what I hoped to gain from this trip, while feeling like I was on vacation as well. Each organization/group/person who spoke to us about local environmental issues showed genuine enthusiasm for what they do and taught us immensely valuable information that I will be able to carry with me forever. Our trip leader organized all activities in such a way that made me feel like a traveler rather than a tourist. I could tell that Colin, the trip leader, wanted each of us to get the most out of this experience and he definitely helped us achieve that! From casual bike rides along the coast to planting trees within an indigenous community, everything served its purpose of connecting me more deeply to this beautiful world we live in.

I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to do this trip. Personally for me this trip was life changing. I feel so accomplished and can’t wait to travel in the future. This program really does a good job of combining education and fun!

I really enjoyed the experience of traveling to Costa Rica. It was a great way to learn more about Costa Rica and the ways in which the country is working to increase sustainability and environmental awareness. I enjoyed the different activities. They were both fun and educational. Also, I met a wonderful group of people and had an amazing leader that made me feel comfortable and excited! The housing, travel, and food were all of a good standard and made the trip even better!

This trip was so well done and I throughly enjoyed every moment in Costa Rica! We were able to see & do so much and learn a lot about the culture of Costa Rica! I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to have the experience of a lifetime.

The trip was great! I loved all the stuff we did and it was a diverse range of activities that covered a lot of different areas. Colin is a great leader and you can tell he’s very knowledgeable both as a traveler and academically.

This was an amazing trip. The amount of knowledge that I learned surpassed all my expectations. There was so much that I didn’t know and now I feel so empowered to spread it to others. Our group and group leader made the trip so much better. Everyone was flexible so we got to create the experience we wanted. I’m a vegetarian and all food was accommodating. We did so much out in the jungle and got to connect with wildlife and nature in many different ways. The trip is ultimately what you make out of it. The culture was beautiful to experience and be a part of and something I’ll cherish. Some tips: bring lots of bug spray and sunscreen, bring a backpack/say bag that you can carry around (there are also points where we’d have to carry our luggage too so a backpack over suitcase definitely makes it easier), bring snacks, stay flexible when it comes to plans, and ask a lot of questions because there is so much to learn

I just finished the entire process start to finish with InterExchange! I am a US citizen and they helped me get through the Working Holiday program for Canada. They were by far the most helpful, prompt, and knowledgeable organization I found. My primary contact was James Bridge. He did an outstanding job. He helped me navigate through getting this done with all the covid complications, job offer requirements, changes, etc. He was able to answer any and every question I sent his way. He is an amazing employee, and already got back to me right away. I would highly recommend this organization. The cost was 1/4 of everything else I saw. They are in it for the right reasons. James was one of the best employees I have ever had help me with anything. Cheers! Thanks for the help everyone!

The best decision and experience I've had was having the opportunity to be an au pair in Ibiza, Spain! I was nervous at first to start the application and travel/work on my own, but Interexchange and the great people working there helped me through every step making the process easy and fun. I loved it so much I decided to au pair again. The family that I matched with was so loving and kind, they made me feel right at home from the time I arrived to the time I left.

I was paired with the best family--so open, kind and fun! I was able to work with the mom and her oldest daughter on their different levels of English (while also occasionally practicing my own Italian). They truly made me feel a part of their family and in our down time we went on neighborhood excursions and weekend trips to different towns--a truly immersive experience. We still keep in touch and I cherish the time we spent together!

My cultural exchange experience through the InterExchange Program was transformative. I was able to improve my French language skills, develop new friendships, and I returned to the United States with a new perspective on health and wellness. In France, people eat a lot of fresh foods and they eat smaller portion sizes. This greatly improved my health outlook. Additionally, I walked away with a greater appreciate for aspects of American culture that became more apparent to me because of my global experience in France. In addition to tutoring English, I was able to visit 16 cities in the South of France. During my one month stay, I even had a chance to visit Monaco. If you are open to new learning experiences, I would recommend considering the Interexchange Program.

If you're looking to switch things up in your life and experience a new culture, this is the best way to do it. What I was expecting from this experience was that I would be put into a foreign country and have to figure things out on my own. In reality this was far from what I was expecting, InterExchange has many elements in place to help you along your journey. To start, They give you a guideline to make applying to the government simple without having to worry about missing any documents, they have dedicated people who respond to any questions you might have, fun activities to help you meet people and experience Canada and even help with job opportunities. In my experience as someone who finds it hard to put themselves out there, this was the best way to engage me to venture Canada.

I would say the best part of my experience in a Thailand was meeting people from all over the world. One of the two main reasons I joined this program was to learn about a new culture and make friends. I most definitely archived both of these goals! I didn’t just make friends from Thailand, but from South Africa, Philippines, Ukraine, England, India, USA, China, and Bhutan! So I after my contract is finished I will have some more travel to do and visiting all their countries. As for the Thai culture it is so beautiful. Such as the festivals, dancing, fashion and delicious food! I love how the people are so family oriented and will treat you so kindly. This trip was definitely a life changing one and I will be coming back to visit again!

Working as an au pair in the Netherlands has been life-changing. I have been with my host family as an au pair for over eight months now, and I can safely say that I will have had the best year of my life with them. I will always remember my days here with the family and the new friends that I have made. Interexchange gave me this opportunity and I am so grateful. They have been very helpful and informative, I've never had an issue with them and I don't expect any in the future. I would recommend the au pair program everyone reading this. It is not something anyone would regret.

My Au Pair experience through Interexchange was quite an interesting journey. I was placed in a town 30 minutes West of Paris called Maisons-Laffitte with a family of 3 young girls. The placement was great at first and seemed like things were going well, but after a month or so, it was clear that the communication between the host parents and I was compromised. It became obvious that our communication styles were very different because the mother of the family relied on passive aggressive gestures and subtle manipulations as opposed to face-to-face conversation. We were unable to problem solve effectively when issues arose and I felt that it began to undermine my authority with the children. I reached out to the Interexchange team in Paris and they helped me express my concerns to the parents. We collectively decided I would stay for two more weeks with the family and then assess the situation. Unfortunately, after two weeks had passed, I felt that nothing had changed and I still didn't feel welcomed in their home. I was disappointed that it did not work out with the first host family, especially because I indicated in my application how important clear and open communication is to me. The 3 girls and I became close and I was very sad to leave them. It ultimately came down to whether I valued my own mental stability or was comfortable pushing my own feelings aside and sticking it out for the sake of the family. This was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make because there were so many factors that played into both options. When I finally made up my mind to change host families, Interexchange was right there to back me up. This was the moment I knew I had made the right decision choosing Interexchange for my Au Pair experience. The situation with the family could have been much worse and I might not have even tried to take initiative to find a new host family had it not been for the support system that is Interexchange Paris. They paired me with a new host family almost immediately, and I was able to meet them in person before moving in, since I was already in Paris. The meeting went very well and I was able to move into the new family's home later that same week. I found out from an Au Pair friend who also lived in Maisons-Laffitte, that the first host family that I was with already had 3 Au Pairs that year with which the exchange program did not succeed. This was a relief to me and a lesson in trusting my gut. My exchange experience took a drastic turn for the better when I moved in with the new family. I felt that the parents supported my decisions, heard my concerns, and enjoyed helping the children and I problem solve together. I was able to relax in the home and felt happy to put in a little extra work. The team at Interexchange regularly checked in with me for about a month after the move which made it a lot easier knowing I had that supplemental support. I began to enjoy Paris to the maximum - learning French, visiting museums, and making friends. I had several opportunities to go on weekend excursions with friends and during one of the vacation breaks I participated in a work trade in central France through Workaway. I would not change my experience in France in any way. It informed me about families and the immense variety of dynamics around the world. It also gave me a new perspective of myself because I considered myself a very dynamic and open person. Experiencing a conflict like this allowed me to reevaluate what it means to actually be those things, especially in unfamiliar situations. If you are feeling a lack of guidance when it comes to being an Au Pair, I would highly recommend the Interchange to any first-time Au Pair. The support provided by the Interexchange team was a priceless asset to me during my time abroad and I look forward to being involved in another one of their amazing programs someday in the future!

I’ve been living in Roquevaire, Côte d’Azur, France for close to three months now on my 6.5 month placement. I absolutely love it; the family is an amazing match for me, and my living situation couldn’t be better. Ashley at InterExchange has been extremely helpful during my adjustment period and I’m so glad that I still have her and all of InterExchange as resources while I’m here.

I had a wonderful time during my teaching experience in Thailand through InterExchange. I felt very supported by the program, and also was able to be very independent during my time in Thailand. I was THRILLED with my placement, found the orientation at the beginning of the program to be very useful, and generally would recommend this program to anyone looking to teach and travel abroad.

I had the opportunity to Teach Abroad as a Home Tutor in France for the summer last year, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I lived with a wonderful family in and taught their children for roughly three hours a day, and the rest of my time was free to do what I wanted. The family was so kind and included me in all their outings, even introducing me to other English speakers they knew in the area. I loved getting to branch out and do something new and live abroad for a short while. I made friends with au pairs that were in the same city and it was great to have people my own age to spend time with, and I now have friends all over the world. I highly recommend this program as it is a very immersive way to learn about a new culture, and a great way to get teaching experience.

Being an Au Pair with Interexchange has allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture and travel all around Europe. Interexchange has been very helpful throughout the entire process and continues to be an indisposable resource while I am here in the middle of my program. If you are interested in being an Au Pair or any of their other programs, I highly recommend reaching out to Interexchange for information!

My year abroad as an Au Pair in the Netherlands has been amazing so far! The country and its people are very nice and I have loved getting to explore other countries in Europe. My host family is the best family I could have asked for and I have met some great friends in the program as well! I would defiantly recommend this program to anyone who loves working with children and want to travel!!!

I chose to work and live in Moncton NB Canada. The help and guidance I received getting here was great. Everyone was so friendly and willing to help. Moncton is an awesome city. Not too big and not too small. It has everything you need and it’s constantly growing. The people are friendly and the atmosphere is nice! I still have almost a year left here and I’m excited to take advantage of everything there is here!

I had a great experience with InterExchange. Melissa in New York was so helpful and always picked up the phone when I had a question about my work visa, and the staff in Vancouver was so helpful and friendly when I arrived in Canada. I had the opportunity to manage a restaurant at the 5 star Post Hotel and Spa in the Canadian Rockies. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything as beautiful as those lakes, rivers, and mountains. I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend a year hiking and camping on my days off. InterExchange was always there if I needed them for anything and was able to answer questions about extending my visa after my year had passed. Definitely a great experience and well worth the price to have InterExchange on my side.

Traveling and volunteering abroad with InterExchange was fantastic. They were an incredible resource leading up to my departure and handled multiple scheduling challenges with ease. I volunteered as an English teacher in Costa Rica and did a six-week language immersion in Cusco, Peru. Highly recommend!

Thailand has truly changed me. It's given me confidence in areas where I thought I had no talent in. I'm my best self because of this decision. I live in Lampang, Thailand in the north. It's hot, there are a lot of bugs, and the birds might poop on your head, but other than that it's great. The people here are extremely helpful. When I don't know where to go or don't know what to do, the language barrier hasn't stopped anyone from showing me the way. Everyday is a good day even when it's a bad day. Is teaching over 600 7th graders a week easy? Absolutely not. The kids will drive you nuts but then you hear in the middle of the hallway, "Teacher! I love you!" and that's when you know it's all been worth it.

My time abroad in Italy as an English Camp Counselor was amazing. I learned so much about myself and my self confidence and independence grew immensely. I also really enjoyed immersing myself in the Italian culture and meeting different people and experiencing new things. My camp kids were the best and I feel like I really made a connection with them. I would recommend this program to anyone :)

I decided to be an au pair because i needed a break from school, family, and my social life in America. I thought me coming to Spain to take care of Carmen would be doing the same daily activities while just living with my host family. To my surprise it is so much more. Everyday is different, we can stay inside, go outside, go to the parks, or just explore Sevilla. She has captured my heart and made me care for another human being a way nobody else has. And as for the family, when i first moved here i was scared that i wouldn’t like them or that it would be awkward, but instead it’s the most welcoming and kind family I’ve ever met. They make me feel so at home and comfortable with anything and everything i do!

The program Work & Travel Ireland was really great. They have meetups every month in Ireland and lots of people keep going to them so you get to know and hang out with others that are new to Ireland. They made sure that I knew what I needed to get done to work and live there. They helped explain how to get a bank account and find places to live. The Work & Travel in Ireland even has a short term flat that you can live in while trying to get set up in Ireland. They have connections with temp agencies and hotels to help you find a job. They are also just such nice people, I was allowed to have packages sent to their office for me & I could store my bags/luggage their anytime I needed. Like when I was heading to the airport from my workplace but didn't want my boss to know I was actually catching a flight that night...... maybe because I was sick (cough cough) the next day for work. Getting a job in Ireland in Dublin in specific was not that hard, just be able to speak English fluently, dress nicely when handing out applications, and actively show that you are interested in the job. There are some temp agencies around that can find you work pretty fast (depending on your resume). Housing is interesting, you just need to be already in Ireland to find a flat or something. The people renting out their places always want to meet in person (if they don't, don't rent the place). You just need to show you are interested in the place, some say you can put down a deposit and they will hold the place for you. Most times they will need to contact you later (1 week after viewing or so) before they offer. The main thing is PPS card, just sign up with a temp agency & have an address to mail it to if you can't find a job that is willing to hire before you have received it. Socializing, there are so many groups on Meetup.com and just meeting up. Finding people to hang out with is no problem, just go to a pub crawl. Maintaining friendships with the Irish natives might not happen though. Most people that get together are going to be the other expats (foreigners) especially the English students here since they are the most active group in Dublin.

I have been loving my stay in Montreal, QC! There is a lot to do here, the buses/subways are easy to take, and there are plenty of nature parks around the city. I have made a number of friends through various extracurricular activities (soccer, dancing, bird-watching, etc.). When I had to update my visa, SWAP and IEC were very helpful--thanks for that! My only issue is that I don't have regular (i.e. non-emergency) health insurance, and I do not qualify for the universal healthcare here because I have an open work visa. But assuming I find a job (currently a graduate student focusing on her studies!), I should have access to good healthcare.

For as long as I can remember I had wanted to travel to South America and to see the mountains. When I still hadn't gone when I was about to be done with college I found this program. I chose it because it allowed for me to be able to go whenever and stay for as long or as short of a time period as I wanted. The three weeks that I spent in Peru were ones that I will never forget. Being able to hike up mountains and to explore the city and the surrounding areas was absolutely incredible. Climbing Machu Picchu Mountain was extremely painful and difficult but was absolutely worth it. Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Zip-lining over the sacred valley and so much more. My time spent in Peru was better than I could have dreamed as terrifying as it might have been to get on the plane initially I am so happy I did because it not only let me experience the culture of Peru but it helped me to grow as a person and to improve my Spanish as well.

My experience through InterExchange has been the single most amazing experience in all my 24 years. And that's even an understatement. I've met 100s of people from across the world, learned how to navigate through Sydney and other destinations in the country and have made friendships that are close to my heart. I've not only learned how to live and thrive on my own but also how to communicate with others of all different backgrounds. I've seen more during my time here than I ever thought possible.

I came to InterExchange as a recent college graduate trying to find my next step in my professional life. With interest in teaching English, but also a desire to see more of the world, I decided to do a Teach Abroad program. With InterExchange, I was able to do a short-term program, live with a host family, and experience life in Europe for two months. InterExchange, as well as the French agency they are paired with, takes care of all of the logistics, is very organized, and always keeps in touch with participants throughout the entire process. They make things easy for us. Over these two months, I have not only gotten invaluable experience working with English teachers in the classroom, but I have learned about French culture, worked on my French skills, and traveled throughout Europe (as my school placement happened to include a two-week vacation period). Because the InterExchange program requires only about 20 hours of work per week, there is always time to get to know the area and explore your surroundings. Being with a host family, you get to become immersed in the culture much more easily. One of my favorite experiences was being around for the birthday party of one of the children in my host family. Friends, family, and neighbors came to the house and spent the whole day with us. It was wonderful to see how another culture celebrates such an occasion. Thanks to InterExchange, I have grown as a person, becoming more and more independent, while also becoming more open to sharing with others. The experiences I have had will shape my professional and personal life for the foreseeable future, and probably for the rest of my life!

My time in Guatemala has been absolutely phenomenal!! My Spanish class is taught by a fantastic teacher, Antonio, and the four hours absolutely fly by! I have learned so much in just 5 weeks. Not only are the Spanish classes great, my homestay, meals, school activities, and activities around Guatemala are equally as fantastic. There are so many things to do in Antigua and surrounding whether you like to take part in a free salsa class with the school, spend the weekend taking on the feat of Acatenango (It's phenomenal!!), spend a night out on the town or just walk around the city. I highly recommend choosing Learn Spanish Guatemala! It will be one of the best experiences of your life!

This experience was better than I could have ever imagined. The group leaders were very inclusive, informative, friendly and open minded. The itinerary was followed almost exactly as it was written but there was also flexibility for changes and suggestions. This experience opened my eyes to the amazing sustainable action initiative taken by Costa Rica and has left a lasting impact on personal growth and change. Im amazed at the numerous educational and FUN activities we got to enjoy. 10/10 in my book! I definitely want to participate in more interexchange programs, and recommend them to anyone who is interested.

A beautiful experience with so many great opportunities and wonderful people. A very great choice as an introduction to traveling abroad within a sustainable context. Wonderful visits with great organizations.

I had an unforgettable experience on this trip with Interexchange! As a group we were able to make connections with NGOs and environmental organizations that I would not have been able to make without this trip. This experience left me inspired and excited for future travel and sustainability. I know I will be back to Costa Rica to work with some of the organizations I saw here. Also, Amelia and James, my coordinators and leaders on this trip, were truly amazing and this trip would not be the same without them.

I had always wanted to go to Latin America and this trip surpassed my expectations. From the large picture of hiking around a volcano and going zip-lining to the small and genuine happiness experienced during several parts of the trip, everything was very very fun. The group was very nice and open to new experiences and the tour was expertly guided. Accommodations were equal to what can be expected in the USA. It was also very educational and informative about the conditions in Costa Rica and some challenges that are to be overcome. Good balance between education, physical work, and fun. Overall one of the most fun experiences of my life and I am excited to return to Costa Rica in the future.

This trip was absolutely phenomenal. Interexchange does an excellent job of blending culture, adventure, and knowledge while simultaneously being conscious of their traveling impact & how the learning experience can be utilized for daily life. I highly recommend this escapade to anyone who is ready to learn new things while connecting with amazing people. Pura vida!

I wanted to do a Spanish Immersion experience for a long time. I had to wait for my Spanish to be "good enough" to make the trip worth while. I also had to be able to get away for a long enough period of time to be worth while. Perhaps both of my conditions were wrong. The program is excellent for anyone wishing to move their Spanish to the next level. Also, while I was able to get away for two weeks, any period of time would be beneficial. I strongly recommend InterExchange. From the moment I contacted them, they were there for me. They helped with any questions I had about preparing to go, what to pack, what the arrangements were, etc. I called several times, including on the weekend and a real person answered the phone every time. Once in Antigua Guatemala, the staff and instructors were excellent. They were constantly asking how I was doing, if I had any questions, etc. Accommodations were typical of what I expected in Central America... I have been there a few times before. It was the first time I was ever able to take a hot shower in Central America. The food was excellent in the house I stayed in. People throughout Antigua were very kind and helpful. I felt very safe in Antigua using normal precautions and would happily return and take my wife along. My Spanish certainly improved a great deal on my trip, and I would love to be able to go again... for 1 week or 5. The longer the better but it is amazing how much you can cover in just one week when Spanish is all you are working on.

I chose Costa Rica because I wanted to practice my Spanish and to be close to the beach. My stay in Quepos exceeded both expectations! I chose to stay with a host family in a private room. My host "mom" picked me up at the bus station, showed me around town, and went with me to COSI, the language school, so I would know exactly where I was going the following day. At first, I was nervous because she didn't know any English and I didn't speak any Spanish. By dinner, however, I was already learning Spanish while eating a delicious Costa Rican dish. Throughout the rest of my stay, dinner with other travelers and my "Mama Tica" became my favorite part of the day - the food was always delicious, and I got to learn so much about life in Costa Rica while practicing my Spanish! The Spanish classes were done through the Costa Rican Spanish Institute in Manuel Antonio, and my Spanish teacher was great! She taught grammar and vocabulary, of course, but also about the daily lives, religion, history, and politics of the area. I was in a group class, but I took a few private lessons as well with another teacher. While some of the instructors are better than others, but I learned a lot from all of them. The recreational possibilities in Quepos/Manuel Antonio alone are almost unlimited. Within a 5-10 minute bus ride of your hostel or host family's home, there are places to do water sports, parasailing, zip lining, cliff jumping, hiking, biking, surfing - you name it! The wildlife is breathtaking. Manuel Antonio National Park is close by, inexpensive, and has so many different species in such a small park, in addition to two beautiful beaches. If nature isn't your thing and you just want to lay on the beach while sipping from a coconut, there are many equally-beautiful free beaches on which to do that. If you want to do a whale watch or other day cruise, there is a marina surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops nearby. It's also very easy to rent a car or take a tour bus to many other excursions around Costa Rica. I am absolutely doing another Spanish immersion program with InterExchange. The only thing left to decide is: Guatemala or Peru?

Living this experience has generated a great change in my life. At first it was hard for me to be the first time speaking English and reach the United States. It was getting to another world for me. Here is very different from my country the culture, the people, the food, everything is different. It was a challenge in the first instance to be able to communicate. Today I understand more and every day I can talk more. In a special needs camp I learned how valuable it is to be able to communicate, to be able to walk, breathe or wear a shirt. I feel blessed to be able to do all these things for myself and to help others to do them. I have fallen in love with my camp and everything that happens here, the energy that I have to express is exhausting but all day it is summed up to the smiles of my campers when they smile or thank me, everything makes sense at that moment. This experience has changed my life and has made me stronger. I still have months left in my camp but I will give my all to continue learning the language to do my excellent work and above all to grow as a person.

This program is a great way to try something new. It's a great way to experience living and working in the US. Australians and New Zealanders are lucky they get a full year for the visa, rather than a few months. Interexchange were very helpful with all the questions I had in preparation for the program, and have been readily available for any questions during my stay here.

The Aupair program with interexchange was one of the best experience in my life. The organisation guide you and help you all the way from the begining to the end. The are always here to answer your questions, doubt, down moments etc... The also set up a lot to male sure you get in your experience the best way possible : event, meetings, tips, advices, etc. You never feel alone with them and they work closely with you and your host family. Its a high quality job that they do. If you like traveling, learn about new culture, like kids and be involved in a foreign family. I advice you the aupair program with Interexchange. Thank you very much for this amazing experience !

Teaching in Thailand will have it's challenges and make no mistake its a real job in an unfamiliar culture, but the Interexchange network and support not only made the transition manageable it made it fun. - The orientation introduces you to dozens of fellow teachers around Thailand and prepares you for potential issues - The compensation is more than fair especially considering the low cost of living in Thailand - The international work experience is invaluable - If there is ever a problem, you can contact your support staff and get friendly help immediately This is an outstanding opportunity for both professional and personal growth!

I am absolutely loving my time in the Le Marche region! I am currently in the middle of my placement (March 2018) and I couldn't be happier with the program or the opportunities. First of all, the family I am with is wonderful and fully accommodating. They always go the extra mile to make me feel welcome and included in their day-to-day activities, and they are very willing to try and communicate even through the language barrier. Their friends and extended family are aways kind and encouraging as well. I have built a great relationship with both the parents and the children through tutoring, family dinners, and group trips around the country. Secondly, working at the school has been a wholly unique and fulfilling experience. I teaching English in the United States, so I was excited at the challenge of teaching children in a different language, and even though I don't speak any Italian I have been able to foster great connections with students and teachers alike. I expressed my willingness to take on larger groups of kids during in-class work time, and the teachers I am paired with have allowed me to develop my own lesson activities. It has been a rewarding challenge and has opened my eyes to how I can better assist my EL students back in the States. Finally, I have also had the chance to do a bit of traveling while I am here. Italy is a truly beautifully and entirely unique country, and I am grateful for the chance to see some of the places I have always dreamed of visiting. InterExchange has provided me with one of the most remarkable and unforgettable experiences of my life. Italy and it's inhabitants will forever hold a special place in my heart. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a chance to not just tour Italy, but become immersed in it's culture and history, and to take part in all it has to offer.

Inner exchange provides me with an amazing experience. They made my trip so easy. From setting up my cellphone and bank account before I Gorbachev to NZ, to walking us through different seasonal jobs, places to work and over all what each region in NZ was known for. This information was invaluable for finding a job. Besides the amazing job help, the community is mainly what makes this special. The built in commjnkth you come into when you get there is amazing. Everyone’s coming alone from around the world. It’s great to know that you have a community being so far from home. I met my best friends my first day in NZ thanks to them and ended up traveling/working with them for the next year! Their knowledge and community is what made this year of working abroad so special an memorable.

Being able to au pair in such a beautiful place with such an amazing family has beyond exceeded all on my expectations, and having a great company, InterExchange, to help you through has made it even easier. I would 100% suggest this to anyone who loves children and seeing the world.

I had an absolutely amazing time in Australia! However I received a lot less guidance than was promised. While staff was very kind and tried to help, the temp jobs try offered were few and far between. I was not satisfied with the money I paid for this company, but I will say that being able to partner with someone was a big reassurance when moving across the world. So for that, I say thank you. Thank you for giving me the little push I needed to get out and go!

I really liked InterExchange and their help getting me to New Zealand but once I got there I wasn’t a huge fan of the program actually in New Zealand called IEP. It seemed like a really busy week when I got there but it was a bit disorganized and it took a long time to figure out the bank and I ended up having to be at the bank for a long time. Overall I’m glad I did the program but it was a bit overpriced.

My experience abroad in France is one of the most memorable and unforgettable experiences I have had so far in my life. I was an au pair for a French family for three months during the summer, which was the ideal situation for me while I was on summer break from university. I was placed in a wonderful host family who was more than happy to welcome me into their family and show me their beautiful country. Certainly, the experience was not without challenges, but this is perhaps the most rewarding aspect of it all; overcoming all of the difficulties and coming out a stronger, more understanding individual. I would do it over again a hundred times. The process leading up to my arrival in France was very well organized, and I always felt comfortable with all of my trip planning and support, thanks to InterExchange. It would not have been possible without them!

This past year I've spent in Canada has been incredible. I've seen so much beauty here. I've met many incredible people and made friends for life. InterExchange made the process and transition to work and travel in Canada smooth. I would definitely go through the program again. It has been a year that I will never forget!

Before I left for my year abroad everyone I spoke with said it would change my life. I felt intimidated by the prospect of having to change my life in a new country over the course of a year. I shouldn't have worried. The changes were small and subtle and took place without my noticing. I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in a year abroad. The Netherlands is a beautiful and underappreciated country in Europe. I spent many weekends exploring its wonderful cities and learning more about its culture. On top of its own incredible countryside it is also centrally located in Europe. During my year I was able to visit 15 countries. Many of those were by a short train ride or even shorter plane trips. I met interesting people in each city I visited and I made memories that I will cherish forever. Some of the most important memories I made were with my host family. They made me part of there family. I spent countless hours laughing and celebrating each day with them. Even with all of the travel and new experiences, they are what I miss most of all. This year was incredible. Travel changes you.

My experience as a Teaching Assistant in Llica d'Amunt, Spain was undoubtedly one of my life's best. I lived with a host family who completely matched my personality and interests. They showed me around Catalonia and the surrounding areas, and took me on adventures that I have never attempted solo. I was nervous for teaching because my degree is in writing, not education, and my work experience involved mostly elementary-age children, while I was placed at a high school. However, in the end, I was very grateful to work with teenagers because I bonded with many and felt that I had a significant impact on them. My work schedule was light, so I had abundant time to take day trips, go for runs in the nearby woods, and spend time with my host family. Overall, I would highly recommend the Teaching Assistant program to anyone interested in travel, teaching, and learning.

Lets start by saying, this was my first experience with the work and travel aboard program with InterExchange. The representatives were super helpful and guided me throughout the process. There were times when I would call to find out about when my work permit would arrive and they never hesitated in answering my questions multiple times. I would definitely recommend them to family and friends.

Working as an au pair in Australia was one of the best experiences of my life. The family that I lived with was amazing. They were so warm and welcoming from day one and the kids were absolutely adorable. I could not have enjoyed my experience more. The company did a wonderful job making me feel safe and secure during my travels and they had great opportunities to meet other au pairs and make new friends. I lived in Sydney, Australia for a year and I just absolutely loved it. I am hoping to return for graduate school next year. I had no idea I would fall so completely in love with the country and I can't wait to get back!

Being a camp counsellor is one of the most challenging but rewarding ways you could spend your summer. Not only is it perfect for working on your tan, you will meet the most incredible people, both campers and staff. Having done two summers at a non-profit camp I've had a great deal of challenging kids, but what got me through the hard times was knowing the support I had from my new friends and that I was making a difference, even if only small, to this child's life. You forget the hard days and end the summer with a whole range of fun memories, when you arrive home it's hard to not find yourself looking back at what an amazing summer you have had. It is also a really good way to learn English if it is not your first language as you are submerged into American culture. I would highly recommend this to anyone, you don't have to be the best person with children, you will learn and develop these skills. Coming from the UK, I study Primary Teaching at University and I learn more about children from spending every waking minute with them! If you are wanting an amazing summer, then I would recommend this program in a heartbeat!

My stay here in Quebec has been the most interesting thing to happen so far in my life. Being immersed into a Francophone community has been very challenging, but rewarding at the same time. My level of French has improved little by little, and the people here are so patient with whatever level of French you speak, as long as your TRY to speak with them. I would have to say that would be the number one key to having fun and getting where you want to go here. Try to speak French, even if you feel vulnerable, stupid, or afraid, and good things will happen. I promise. The food is another thing here. Croissants, baguettes, chocolate, strawberries from Ile d`Orleans and yes the infamous almighty... Poutine. Food is pretty fantastic here, and I highly suggest going to as many markets as possible for the best vegetables and fruit. As for the Interexchange program, I would highly suggest anyone wanting to work/travel in Canada to do your business with them. Very professional and extremely fast at replying to emails! Every time I had any questions, they were attended to within the hour. Very impressed with the overall punctuality and friendliness.

Spending some time living and working in a different country has been something I've always been interested in. However, as you may know, it's not as simple as choosing a place to go and packing your bags. You need approval to work in a foreign country and InterExchange makes the whole process quick and painless. The Working Holiday Visa program InterExchange is connected with through the Canadian government is ideal for those young travelers looking to experience something new and different. My experience so far has been fantastic connecting with other travelers and experiencing life in Canada. The hosting organization coordinates many social events to connect with others on the same program and you'll be sure to make connections with those from all over the world with a similar interest in world travel. These events are generally more tailored towards Toronto and Vancouver, however, ad-hoc events in other areas across Canada do occur. I was able to secure a job in my professional field within the first month. It's an opportunity that will greatly support my career goals and diversify my resume with international experience working not only in Canada but also collaborating with our global offices elsewhere across the world. Toronto is where I'm employed and the city has many economical ties globally. It's relatively expensive to live in if you want to be centralized so I chose to answer the cost of living question as n/a as I don't believe Toronto represents rent costs you'll see across the rest of Canada. The staff at InterExchange themselves are very friendly and quick at responding to any questions or problems you may run into along the way.

My experience abroad was better than I could have ever imagined. Interexchange in the US and the partner organization in Spain were both some of the best organizations I've worked with in providing clear assistance and checking in with me during my time abroad. The absolute best part of my experience was being placed with an excellent host family that gave me a home away from my home.

I came to Canada in late June. I found a job within the first week on an island in the French River in Ontario. I worked there and went swimming, hiking, and fishing daily. After the summer season I headed to Montreal, Quebec for two weeks and stayed with my coworkers from Ontario and went sight seeing. After that my coworkers traveled through Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. We stayed in Alberta for 2 weeks and went hiking and sight seeing. Then we traveled to Vancouver Island for a month and now I am living in Whistler, BC. This is has been an experience I will never forget and I plan to use this program to travel the world. Truly a dream come true! It didnt take long at all for me to get the visa and the paperwork and process was super easy and Melissa helped me the whole way. Everyone should try this at least once!

I spent three months living in Madrid, Spain working as an Au Pair for three lovely children. The overall experience was absolutely fantastic. Like any aspect of life, there were ups and downs but nothing life-changing is ever easy. It took a little bit of time to adjust to new family-dynamics, a new city, a new culture and a new language. It pushed me to step further outside my comfort zone than I've ever had to and changed me for the better. I ended up making life-long friendships with wonderful people and developing a relationship with Spain itself. I worked Monday through Friday from around five to nine pm. I was responsible for picking the kids up from school almost every day and then working to improving their English skills through conversation and activities. We did an array of things from playing football, listening to music, cooking, baking, playing cards, playing WII, working on school projects, doing arts and crafts and just talking. I had Saturdays and Sundays off and traveled almost every weekend. I used my days before work to explore the city, read, draw, find new cafes and hang out with friends. I traveled all around Spain and to Portugal and The Netherlands. My host-parents were very kind, patient, flexible and understanding. They helped with the transition and I asked them for help all the time. I really did start to feel like a member of the family and saying goodbye was not easy. I will most definitely miss the kids and the laid-back Spanish way of life has a way of pulling you in and not letting you go.

With this program, I became sort of an expert problem solver. Mostly this has to do with living abroad, where everything is different and you make mistakes all the time or run into problems that you are forced to find a solution to. So not only is this program good for gaining work experience, but it also has made me more independent and confident in daily life.

My Thai coordinator was much more than a gracious host. She fed me, introduced me to coworkers, students, local shops, attractions, and events. She helped me pay my bills, figure out how to get around on the weekends, buy a motorbike, and take care of me when I got sick. Tanitta Soong was basically my Thai mom. She is one of the nicest, most caring people I have ever met. Having such a supportive coordinator really made my transition to life in rural Thailand so much easier than it would have been on my own. That was difinitely the most important aspect of my life in Thailand. The next most important part was the network of friends that I made during the introduction week. Being able to form such a tight bond with an amazing group of people over just one week was an incredible experience. Once we went our separate ways, every one of us had a friend in nearly every corner of Thailand. We had a place to stay and a local tour guide to show us around. We had a reason to explore even further out of our comfort zones. I will say, however, that after an amazing first week with the InterExchange program, their followup interaction was nearly nonexistent. After the bombings in southern Thailand, nobody received any information from the program. Only after several people frantically reached out for advice did someone send a half-hearted, uninformed reply. The sudden death of the king was a very sudden and powerful transition right in the middle of my program. I did get an email, but that was the extent of the outreach I received. Overall, I had an incredible experience teaching and traveling in Thailand. It was the most rewarding year of my life. My Thai mom provided me with immeasurable love and support. I made life-long friends with whom I traversed the country. I taught students important lessons they would have otherwise never had. I loved my experience in Thailand and I can't wait to go back!

I planned on going to spend time in a mountain town learning Spanish, but I got so much more. The culture in Cusco, Peru is heavy, and it will stay with you for a very long time. Every weekend, I was able to do an activity that was life changing. The Incan Jungle and rainbow mountain trips were my favorites. I highly recommend spending time in Cusco, Peru. I learned a lot from Maximo Nivel, the Spanish school. They provide a straightforward yet effective curriculum, and I learned a lot.

I had a wonderful time doing the Spanish Immersion program through InterExchange at Maximo Nivel. I did a week but wish I had been able to stay for longer. The instructors were all very energetic and dedicated, and the Maximo Nivel office staff was always upbeat and accommodating. They also made sure you knew how to find your way to the school from your host family's house and that you were fully informed about how to navigate the city safely. My host family was also very kind and helpful. I had a private room and my host mother helped me with my Spanish, cooked two delicious meals for me each day, and made me feel like I was part of the family. I really felt like I was fully immersed in the Guatemalan culture. I hope to do this again soon.

It’s hard to believe my 8-week InterExchange experience here in San Lorenzo Al Mare, Italy will be coming to an end next week. Before applying to the program about six months ago, my only expectations were to learn about a new culture, teach adorable Italian children English and travel throughout Italy. I had no idea what an impact this experience would have on my life. From the beginning, InterExchange was easy to communicate with, via phone and email. My main contact was Ashley, and she was a pleasure to work with! In the application process, I had to submit a number of documents, make a down payment and have a Skype interview (to help with my host family and school match). Whenever I had a question, Ashley quickly responded, providing detailed answers and helpful resources. Without any teaching experience, and only speaking English, I decided to go for it and apply to be a Student Teacher Assistant in Italy. I taught in two schools, four days a week, for four hours a day, as well as tutored children outside of the school (which was not part of the program). The teachers I worked with spoke excellent English, and I was never left to teach alone in the classroom. The kids were a pleasure to be around, as they were so loving (endless hugs throughout the day) and always eager to learn new English words and grammar. InterExchange matched me with the best family. I’m an only child, but in Italy I had two little brothers, Umberto (10) and Giuseppe (11). They treated me like their big sister, spoke great English and taught me new things on a daily basis. My host family was so welcoming and always treated me like their own. I will not only miss them, but also miss the delicious home-cooked meals! On the weekends, I traveled by myself where I had the chance to meet people from other cultures, see jaw-dropping sights and eat delicious cuisine (especially gelato). My host mom helped me with my solo travels by navigating transportation (train/bus) beforehand, where to stay and what to do while I’m there. I not only explored Italy, but the French Riviera in France, as well. I’m definitely ready to see more of the world after this experience! I highly recommend InterExchange program. I learned new skills through teaching and tutoring, gained more confidence traveling by myself being thousands of miles away from home, and met a family who I will truly never forget. Thank you, InterExchange, for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.

I am currently in my second year of au pairing in Paris so obviously I liked it a lot but I think it is too early to say much about au pairing this year so I will talk about last year. Interexchange was very helpful in finding me a family and helping me all of the difficult stuff about going abroad AKA the visa. Although once I was in France I mostly talked to their partners in France when I have contacted InterExchange has been very quick to respond and tried to help me as much as they can. I lived in an apartment with the family they were very nice and made me feel very welcomed. My host mother was extremely generous, in addition to my pay she also gave me an additional 20 euros to buy myself food items even thought I could eat anything in the house. I had twin boys who were not always the easiet children but the family was still great. Overall I found Paris to be less different from my life in upstate New York than I thought it would be, the only big difference is they speak French. I always felt very safe in the suburb my host family lived in. I was able to take French classes but I did find it a lot harder to learn French than I thought it would be because most people speak English. The best thing I did to help myself learn French in addition to my classes was to do a language exchange. Overall, I found it much easier to make friends than I thought it would be because they are tons of au pairs in the Paris area. The agency in Paris had a meeting soon after I arrived where I met some of my friends. Occasionally the agency here in France also has social events. Although I can say au pairing is alway perfect I would definitely recommend it.

It was a wonderful experience and I was able to live in the mountains and wake up every morning to see Mont Blanc. The food was awesome and I was also able to visit Paris while I was there. The family was nice and I was able to get to know the children really well. I also made good friends with the housekeeper and she took me every week to the grocery store with her. I also was able to go to a French wedding, which was fun, where I ate escargot for the first time. I also tried so many different kinds of cheese!!!!

I've been living Toronto freelancing as a web developer. I love this city! I've also traveled to Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal. Planning more adventures for the winter. InterExchange was amazingly helpful during every step of the application process. They made getting the visa super easy and it didn't even take that long.

I always knew I wanted to visit Canada, and I'm so thankful a program like InterExchange exists. My time abroad has been spent developing my resume, increasing my cultural awareness, and having the time of my life. Canada has so much to offer and I feel lucky to be here on a work visa. I have to say, the highlight of my time abroad has been Montreal. In fact, I plan to spend the rest of my time abroad here. I found an amazing job at a start up marketing firm, and my commute to work across this gorgeous multi-cultural city is truly a blessing. The cost of living is low and the quality of life is high-- it blows my mind that more people don't think to come here. This city is also the most artistic city I've ever been to, and that's coming from someone who is from Los Angeles. Every corner of every block has either some spectacular street art or a beautiful cathedral that looks straight out of a magazine. The French aspect of this city is to die for... I literally live above a boulangerie that has the best bread I've ever had. I've also learned a lot of French just by walking around town and speaking to the locals often! It's such a lovely place because not only does it have that French European feel, it has the stereotypical friendly Canadian vibe-- which makes being far from home even easier. I love it here, and the only thing I would change is the fact that my visa is only one year long!

My experience as an Au Pair was incredible! I got along great with my host family. I was very comfortable from the very beginning and learned so much about Spanish culture. I even picked up the language and was able to practice it with my host family and new friends I made. I met so many people from different countries and they have become great friends for life. My time in A Coruña, Spain was so special to me and it’s a place where I’d like to go back to visit or possibly move. I still talk to my host family every couple days and have been invited back for birthdays. I learned so much about myself and the word by getting to experience another country. I would recommend any abroad program!

Interexchange was overall a great program to work with. They maintain contact throughout the extent of your trip and make sure you have everything you need. I would only say that I wish I was better prepared for the cultural differences between me and my host family, particularly in regards to child-rearing since most of the program materials provided are designed for au pairs going to the US to work. That being said, I found interexchange a safe and reliable means to find work abroad and would recommend it to first time au pairs.

Great program! Expensive and time consuming to applying and get in but completely worth it. The freedom to work and travel is amazing! Would recommend to any wanting to check out another country, or maybe just someone with some free fund so and time!

My experience with InterExchange was positive, I had all of my questions answered and was helped through the process when necessary. They helped me make my dreams of living in Canada come true and I am definitely applying for a second year with InterExchange !

Leaving to teach for a year was scary and there were many new kinds of experiences that forced me to grow as a person and pushed me to be more comfortable with myself. I loved my coworkers, supervisors, fellow transplanted teachers, and students (I miss my babies!). I wouldn’t trade that year for the world.

Overall this was an amazing experience. I was able to aid a family in practicing their English and give lessons to a 12 year old Italian. Then, on top of that I got to practice my Italian whenever I interacted with friends of the family or people around. My family was welcoming and supportive and my living conditions were beyond excellent (to be honest, who gets to say they spent six weeks at a beach house?). The area I was placed in, Le Marche, Italy, is an absolutely beautiful area. It is both on the Adriatic Sea, and has the typical picturesque farmland Italy is so well known for. Plus, an hour drive and you can visit the mountains (which are easily viewed from wherever you are, adding to the beautiful scenery.) The only downsides were that nothing was really within walking distance. Perhaps a few restaurants or gelaterias, and of course the beach, but any shopping centers or other things were pretty far and required a car. So sometimes during the day if my family was busy and I'd finished the lesson, I could find myself bored. Though of course, when my family was available, they took me around or made plans and brought me along. I went to a number of different places and restaurants and it was a wonderful experience. As for the lessons themselves, it was usually improvised. I didn't know what level of English my student had so I had to talk with him and try a few things and see what worked and what didn't. In all, I feel like just being there was a big help and outside of the lessons talking to him and his family in English. I've bonded with my host family so much that I expect to cry when I leave tomorrow. Being abroad this six weeks has been amazing, and I'm sad to see it come to an end but so grateful for the experiences I've had.

My time in France was short, but exciting! I was able to go to a French wedding, I tried so many different types of cheeses and other food. I was able to visit Paris and visit the Alps as well. I had a good time with the children and family and will miss the children so much. I was able to improve my French and was able to add new words to my vocabulary. It was definitely a different experience, one I had never experienced before and it was totally worth it!

I honestly had no idea what to expect, I just knew that I wanted to teach abroad. Since, I had just graduated I knew that it was going to have to be though the Internet that I found an opportunity, and because of that, I was unsure of how well the places and the people could truly be vetted. But I knew just from my contact with Interexchange that it would be fine enough-little did I know just how fine. I could not have been placed with a better family or school, and my time there was everything I could've hoped for. My family was a very active, but down to earth family, that did their best to make me feel truly at home. While my head teacher literally took me by the hand on the first day and showed me around to all the kids who were so excited to see this new, foreign person. I stayed in a small little, untouched town called San Lorenzo al Mare, and it was fantastic. Without a doubt, I would recommend this program to anyone who thinks their interested in doing something out of their comfort zone and wanting to meet people that are impossible to forget.

The whole process was easy and the trip was the best traveling experience ever. The staff at Interexchange and Maximo Nivel are helpful and friendly. I had a wonderful experience in Guatemala and would highly recommend the program. I really enjoyed living with a host family and living with them; they felt like my real family. The classes were extremely rewarding, learning Spanish is fun and I was impressed with how dedicated the teachers are. Overall great experience.

If it hadn't been for the assistance provided with InterExchange, I wouldn't have been willing to pack up and move to New Zealand for a year. It was great having them as a resource--especially since it allowed me to live in a beautiful country.

I had an amazing experience teaching English in Italy. First of all the company I went through, Interexchange, was amazing. They had everything organized and responded to all my questions immediately and effectively. My program manager was so supportive even when I was nervous. Their professionalism really helped everything go smoothly! Second I had a great host family! They were very welcoming and wanted me to feel as comfortable as possible. It was a perfect balance of keeping a normal routine, like me going to the gym, and being exposed to a new culture. Working in the schools was great! The students and teachers were so welcoming! I did have one rough situation with a classroom but when I told the teacher in charge she was extremely understanding and came up we a solution right away. On the review I gave the school an 8 because the schedule was confusing and I often had a lot of transition time in between my days that made my days unnecessarily long. In the overall experience even the few complaints are very insignificant. I loved being a part of the community but also being able to do fun touristy things!

This program exceeded my expectations! Ashley was very helpful answering questions before I left the US and the Italian camp coordinators made us feel right at home from the second we were picked up for Macerata. I had no previous teaching experience nor a TEFL, TESL, etc. We were given a guide with lessons and activities, but also the flexibility to incorporate our own ideas to make English fun for each age group. It was very rewarding at the end of each camp to see the progress and hear positive feedback from parents. On our off time, we explored our cities, took day and weekend trips and spent time with our host families. I made great friends from all over the world and I can't wait to visit my host families again. If I have the opportunity, I hope to participate in this program in the future!

I took a year between my undergrad and grad school to live and work in Canada. Throughout the summer, I worked at a marina. I had a great experience working with boaters and cottagers around the area. As winter approaches, I plan to begin applying to other jobs for the remainder of my stay. As for InterExchange, the program is amazing. It is so difficult to get a work visa because of sponsorship requirements. InterExchange made the process quick and easy. Their staff is extremely helpful and is always available to answer questions about the application process. Additionally, they have made themselves available to me even after I've moved with various questions I've had. Everything about my experience with InterExchange has been great. They simplify the process of being able to live and work in a different country and give you the opportunity to travel while also having a means to support yourself.

I absolutely had a blast in New Zealand. Inter exchange helped out it more way than I thought! They also taught me a lot. Great service and definitely worth it! I know now that I will retire in New Zealand one day :)

This was an experience of a lifetime! I met a lot of people from the program that I still keep in touch with. I also have met locals who I still keep in touch with. The best advice I can give is to be open to the Thai culture. Keep in mind you are a visitor/tourist and not from USA. Assimilate yourself and you'll have a great time!

I have been living it up in Canada since getting approved for my visa through InterExchange. I found myself living Whistler, BC. They call it "never-never land" because people seem to stop aging here. There have been days that I have been snowboarding and sunbathing in the same day, followed by drinks with friends. The nightlife and wildlife leave nothing to be desired. I have been very please with my experience overall. Most people are shocked when they find out I am American and I got a work visa for Canada. Even though we share a huge border, it takes a little research to the visa. I chose InterExchange because of their rates and availability to help out and answer questions. If you meet all of the age and school requirements the rest is easy. James at InterExchange helped me along the way and has always been friendly and prompt to answer all of my questions. I am looking forward to traveling through their services in the future.

Working and living in New Zealand is a great opportunity as it is a beautiful country full of kind and generous people. Finding work is easy upon arrival and there are many useful tools available to help. Within the first weeks I was able to receive multiple job offers as well as find suitable accommodation. There are many amazing sites to see and places to travel, whether it be a quick weekend trip or longer-term. The support through interexchange has been very helpful in the transition to a new country and they are always quick to respond and assist.

Going through Interexchange was the best decision I could have made in regards to my au pair experience. From the very first steps of filling out applications, I felt supported and guided in a way that made moving to another country incredibly less daunting. While in France, I was in regular communication with interexchange and the french agency they are connected with, and I felt incredibly supported and protected. Furthermore, everyone I have worked with has been absolutely lovely and helped me to feel personally taken care of. I would recommend to anyone interested in any kind of abroad program to go through interexchange, if anything to have the peace of mind that they will be supported and protected by a lovely group of people while exploring unfamiliar territory and seeing the world.

I'm so happy to have gone through this program for my work abroad. I've heard horror stories from other au pairs about their program and am glad to have had only a pleasant relationship with Interexchange. They were extremely helpful throughout my year. I was quite nervous and had many questions before my program began and Interexchange (Jiyeon Glass especially) answered every question I had. The New Zealand based program, Dream au pair, that Interexchange paired me with was great as well. I felt comfortable knowing that I had support not only back in the states, but in New Zealand as well. Thank you Interexchange, my year was amazing!

This was a magical experience. I would do it again if I had the time. The staff were very supportive, and the family was amazing. The culture is rich, and there are many opportunities to travel once you have been placed.

I cannot say enough good things about my experience in Italy. I have never been pushed so far outside my comfort zone, but it had payoffs in ways I never imagined. The Marche region is so beautiful and the staff at the Convitto school will always hold a very special place in my heart. I always felt cared for, valued, and loved by the students and staff. It pushed me to become a better educator and human being. If you are looking for an opportunity to learn about diversity, experiencing a beautiful culture, and tasting the most amazing food of your life while also building relationships that will last a lifetime then this is the experience for you!

I have been placed with a fantastic family who suits me perfectly. Jiyeon was crucial in guiding me through the entire process, She was patient and prompt and kind and reassuring. She helped me make sure i had all of the documents necessary and was fully prepared to move to another country. The only complaint I can voice is that Jiyeon contacted someone (I am not sure who handles this portion) multiple times regarding the Working with Children Check, and no one ever followed through with information for me. I arrived in Australia without it completed, but it was an incredibly easy process to complete so it was not a huge concern. Also, when I paid my initial fee to use Interexchange and Smart Au Pairs a $1000 scholarship/grant was available, but when I went to apply for it, it was no longer offered. I had counted on those monies to supplement my stay so that was rather disappointing. I felt as though they should honor it for those who had signed on when it was available still.

I was a conversation coach for a family in Toulouse, France. Beautiful weather there. From the stages of application filling all the way to being in France, Interexchange did a wonderful job guiding me throughout the process and answering my questions. I was also assured I had a proper in-country supervisor who would be my safety net if there had been any problems. My family went above and beyond my expectations. They were kind, helpful, and invited me to come along with them on vacations and nights out. That made me feel very comfortable. The kids were good, too. They were middle school age and were easy to work with. Due to their tight schedules, I only taught them for about an hour each day with conversation in english throughout the house. Interexchange provided me with many resources available to set up english lessons. It does take some thought to organize and develop a teaching structure, but I got the hang of it in about a week. I drastically improved my french as well. It's very important to be proactive in signing up for french classes and going out to meet new people anyway you can. This will make or break your experience. I was very lucky to have made various friends by putting myself out there and this led to me having the greatest experience of my life. 10/10! Highly recommend this program to anyone interested, just make sure to do your research on where you're going and be prepared.

The help through InterExchange really provided the support to sort through the logistics of moving/traveling abroad. Can't thank them enough! It's comforting to know I have someone to contact if I have any questions or need any support along the way, throughout my travels.

During my time as an au pair, I grew much in my perceptions of myself, pushing myself past my limits of patience, language comprehension, and gratitude. My time with my family really put me out of my comfort zone in a way that makes me grateful for the opportunity to grow. If you desire to experience growth while learning from a different culture, then consider becoming an au pair. It's the kind of experience you can't describe until you've actually done it! Though not everyday abroad felt like the adventure of a lifetime, I firmly believe that both the straining and rewarding times are necessary - not only do you get to see another part of the world, but you learn so much about yourself!

Paris may be my favorite city in the world... being an au pair was an amazing way to experience French culture and live abroad without paying tens of thousands for college tuition. My host family immediately welcomed me into their family, and while times such as Christmas were difficult they have been more than accommodating and I anticipate they will always be in my life. Paris is an ideal city to live in for a year; there is always something to do, traveling abroad is easy, and the Parisian atmosphere is continuously inviting. Interexchange was always available throughout this whole process, and extremely helpful with the process of moving abroad. They matched me with a perfect host family. I have no doubt a year in Paris would be the best of your life!

This program has given me such a great way to see the world and not have to worry about where I'll stay or how I'll support myself. I love that I have a home base here in NZ and a really supportive host family. There's also a great au pair community with people always looking to meet up and try new things. I highly recommend this program!

I've been an Au Pair for almost 3 months now and I love it. My host family is super supportive and the mom and I get along great. I don't work all the time though, I've had plenty of time to travel and to do things. Both InterExchange and Dream Au Pair (my NZ company) have been incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. And both provide a constant support system.

My time in Canada just recently started roughly two months ago, so I can't exactly write anything about the country, but as for how I got here, that was quite the task on its own. I signed up just before the cut off for 2015 and my cooperators were nothing but helpful! They all helped answer any questions and fill out any applications. And, throughout all of it they helped keep me calm and assure me this would happen. I'm incredibly thankful for all that they did.

My experience at Brookwood was a wonderful opportunity through which I was able to make friends, Gain experience, learn new things and make money. It enabled me work with interesting people and gain experience in a new environment all while earning money.

I had the time of my life, it was a great experience to pass my last summer at a summer camp and I would love to go back again, american people is amazing, everybody was friendly with me and with whole international crew, the camp director was always amazing and everybody of staff too. thanks for giving me the chance to live the experience of being in a summer camp!!!

This experience has been the greatest adventure so far. From the day I arrived to Hostel international, our train trip with all my co-workers the whole camp, my adventures after camp...everything went amazingly fine. Im really thankful for the Bolivian cooperator, interexchange and mi camp stonewall for everything they did for me. Definitely I have grown a lot as a person, I have developed my skills and I learned some new as well and I gather memories and friends that will last for ever!

I had the time of my life spending a summer in Spain! I feel head over heels for the two boys I looked after and the family was always welcoming. I made amazing friends and improved my Spanish greatly. 10/10 would do again!

To those of you who are curious about exploring the world around you and trying out the Conversation Coach program, I would say go to it with out a doubt in the world. The program itself isn't incredibly expensive and the people are there to guide you every step of the way. The family I lived with was amazing and gave me the most well rounded experience I could have had that summer. I had already been backpacking around Europe so being able to live in Madrid and experience it like a local was probably on of the best part of the summer. The families chosen for you are so amazing and seem to go out of the way to make you the most comfortable that you can be. I hope you consider this program and give it a shot. It changed my life.

Excellent placement in a beautiful part of Italy; surrounded by rolling hills and former hilltop garrisons-turned-towns. My host family was amicable, welcoming and loving, and I couldn't have asked for a better primary school. The students were relatively well behaved, wanted to learn, and the teachers tried hard to make me feel comfortable. My Italian dramatically improved (mostly because my host family spoke no English and most of my teachers neither), and I really got to experience daily life in Italy and Italian culture like never before. Not to mention Marche's proximity to amazing locations like Loreto, San Marino, Venice, and Bari. Would definitely reccommend this program to anyone with any level of teaching experience!

I loved this program and everyday thank InterExchange for giving me this opportunity. I was placed in Cita de Asti, which is between Torino (45 minute train) and Milano (75 minute train). The family I was placed in was so kind and provided me everything I expected and more. Italy was so beautiful and learning the language was a nice plus because most non-tourist places are really nice to you. Also who wouldn't love living next to Alba, the city that created Nutella! This experience was nothing short of amazing. I got to explore Italy, gained experience and mad everlasting bonds. Thank gosh i threw 1 euro in the Fontana de Trevi because I surely will be returning back. Just a little advice! Get to know Italo/ Triene Italia real fast and cities like Firenze and Torino, to me, were way more exciting then Roma and Milano because I had no expectations compared to the others!!!

I truly loved my experience as an English teacher in Italy. I chose to live in a small town and was sent to an amazing city along the sea, Civitanova Marche. Marche is known for its beautiful country side. Moreover, the people there are just as amazing as the food, culture, and everything else. My host family was amazing and became my second family. As for the school, the students were so sweet and curious to learn. The teachers there helped me out, and I even became close with one of them. Teaching wasn't a job, but an adventure that I was excited to experience. Outside of the classroom and lesson planning, I made two great local Italians, both who are my good friends. We text on an almost-daily basis and maintain the friendship that we started. I am glad that I found such a great opportunity as this. I've grown so much as an individual and I would not take back this opportunity for anything. If you seek family and friend oriented relationships, and appreciate food, culture and language, then the teach abroad program in Italy is definitely an option for you to consider!

I did not know what to expect when I first decided to embark on this journey, but it definantly beyond amazing and the best experience I have ever had! The children made my experience so rewarding and my weekend trips allowed me to see more of the beautiful country! I would completely recommend this program for anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zones and live in another country!

It was the most beautiful, rewarding and excellent experience of my life. I wish it never ended. The kids I tutored was perfect and my roommates have become my sisters. I wish I could go back and experience it all over again.

I am extremely happy that I decided to do this program. I have been back in the states for about 6 months and still think about my experience over there all the time. It truly let me see what it's like to live in another culture and has given me life-long friendships. I thoroughly enjoyed the Marche region—a little-known, gorgeous area of Italy. I could not have asked for a better school placement. I loved my school, the students, and the teachers. The students were respectful, ready and willing to learn; the teachers, who couldn't have been more supportive and nice, became dear friends. There were tears on my last day. The only issue I had was my location. My school was in Fermo, but I lived in Campiglione, which is a little city at the bottom of the hill. I didn't actually live where I taught, so I had to commute by bus since the school was not within walking distance. The location was also inconvenient because the nearest train station is in Porto San Giorgio, about a 15-20 minute drive from Fermo/Campiglione. I took the bus to the station when I could; however, the bus schedule to and from the station on weekends was a bit rough, so I was compelled to rely on my host family for rides when they were able. I loved my host family. They were very kind people and tried to make my experience memorable; however, I'm not sure if they were completely ready for something like this considering personal issues they had going on at the time. This could have been better researched by InterExchange. But overall, I look back on everything with overwhelming fondness. The country of Italy is beautiful, every inch of it, and the people are warm, generous, and full of life. Take advantage of this opportunity to see as much of it as you can! If you're seriously contemplating this program, I encourage you to just do it! You will learn so much about others, but also about yourself. You absolutely will not regret the memories you make, the intercultural and education experience you gain, the people you meet, and the places you see. This is truly the experience of a lifetime.

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.

I spent a year au pairing in Brisbane, and it was the best experience of my life. InterExchange was a great program - they matched me with two great families (each whom I lived with for about 6 months), dealt with the visa process so I didn't have to, and acted as my support system before and while I was in Australia. The year I spent au pairing was hands down the best year of my life. Yes, sometimes it was hard being so far away from home, and the job was exhausting at times, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. My Aussie family helped me embrace Australian life, I had a beautiful home to live in with some of the sweetest kids, lots of time to travel, and there is a HUGE community of international au pairs, so I made lifelong friends from all over the world.

This program is very safe! I had a wonderful time abroad in Australia. Everything went smoothly :) I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience living in another country but also travel safely.

I was an Au Pair in Melbourne for 6 months, as well as Brisbane for 6 months with 2 wonderful families. I had an incredible time with each family- they were very different from each other and gave me a diverse view of Australia. It was the best experience of my life and I still talk to both families weekly.

I had the best year of my life as an Au Pair in Australia. I am so happy I went through InterExchange, they helped me every step of the way from the application process, to selecting a host family, to obtaining my visa. I had a great host family in Sydney, Australia I would not have found without InterExchange. I definitely recommend their services!

I had an ABSOLUTE blast! My family that I was placed with were incredible! They had 2 teenage daughters and I basically hung out with them and their friends the whole time! They were all amazing! We got along SO well! The food was amazing, the people were so kind and welcoming, I LOVED being in Civitanova! I couldn't be more grateful for the kindness and generosity of my host family! I'm hoping to raise money and visit them again next year! I HIGHLY recommend the conversation coach program and I'm so glad I took the leap of faith to go! I was able to find transportation to my church each Sunday and travel and visit Rome for my birthday! The only challenge was not really having any guidance on what to teach my girls. They had a few games online. But my girls were older and much more advanced so I wasn't sure what to teach them. Plus the previous tutors in the program knly taught younger children so they didn't have any experience teaching advanced lessons either. But luckily my family was super patient with me and I feel I helped make a difference :)

I had an unforgettable time during my placement in Rome. I was hosted by an extremely nice and generous family. I taught an 8 year old girl, a 9 year old boy, and an 11 year old girl for an hour each per day. I had the weekends free to travel, and oftentimes my host family invited me along with them :) It was an amazing experience!

I lived in a condo owned by my host family which was located next door to their condo. I taught a 3&4 year old girl and boy English from 3-9 nightly. And weekends I traveled. While the children were difficult to teach, it was a great experience to be surrounded by Italian culture.

I had a wonderful experience with interexchange! All the coordinators are very helpful and flexible, and really helped me out when I was having troubles. This is such a great way to see another part of the world in a way that you cannot get from mere travel. You get to live the day to day life of a family in another country, and the experience is such a rewarding one. I highly recommend this to someone who is not a professional teacher, nor are they looking for a very long term commitment.

I recently returned from 3 months as a conversation coach through InterExchange's Teach English in France program. It was really a great experience. Basically, InterExchange acts as a facilitator by working with an agency in France to match you with a suitable host family. You are not paying for them to regulate your relationship with the host family and they cannot ensure that you will enjoy the experience as that is mostly up to you. However, you are paying them to match you up with a host family and guide you through the process. They also provide support along the way should you have any problems. For me, the staff members were very helpful at each step and I would definitely recommend InterExchange to anyone interested in travel, teaching, or cultural exchange. This program provides an amazing opportunity. Just make sure you read all the details in advance, ask a lot of questions, and understand fully what you are getting into. There are definitely ups and downs but the personal enrichment you receive along the way is absolutely worth it.

I've had a wonderful time living with my host family in a small city south of Lyon. They are incredible hosts and I'm so thankful that I've had this opportunity to live here. I've had plenty of good food and spare time to relax, while learning so much about the country and the culture!

I'm so happy here! My family is a really good fit for me. They treat me like their own daughter. I was expecting to be homesick by now but they have made me so comfortable. It would be nice if I was closer to Madrid but being placed with this family makes up for it. It has been great meeting other tutors. I also went on a trip with the program Be Madrid and met many people through that too. This has been a wonderful experience so far and I'm very glad I decided to take this chance.

InterExchange was life changing for me. I knew I wanted to travel before I headed off to college (I'm 18), but I needed a little help getting me out the door. InterExchange provided modest pricing and stellar customer service. They were eager to answer all of my questions, sometimes in as little as 15 minutes via email! In addition, they were informative and friendly over the phone, making me feel completely safe and comfortable. They provided excellent tips and tricks for navigating a foreign country alone. The host family I was paired with was magical. Two parents, a 16 years old and an 11 year old. The parents were fluent in English, and the children were always willing and eager to learn. I stayed with this family in Paris for 3 months. I was fairly nervous about teaching English, as I had never done so before. However, InterExchange seemed to read my mind, sending me an informative booklet to answer all of my questions and help me plan my lessons. I cannot possibly recommend this program enough! Because of this adventure, I have become self reliant and confident in myself. This was such a growing experience for me, I highly encourage each and every one of you to consider applying. I think that traveling is a must, and I can think of no better program to help you get out the door!

For those of you considering live-in situations, let me tell you that staying with a family means that they will begrudge you any life outside of their home. I was an unpaid volunteer and they treated me like I was abusing their generosity. I planned activities with the kids, spent more than my required hours, and put up with both verbal and physical abuse from their kids as well as the psychological abuse from the cold, sneering parents. I resigned early, upset that I had paid $800 for the program and another $1100 for my plane ticket. The only reason I give it any credit is that the coordinators were prompt and helpful when I needed to contact them.

This was the best experience of my life. I have always wanted to travel to Spain and InterExchange provided me with the opportunity to do so. I made new friends and became apart of a new family. I was able to make an impact on the children that I worked with, improve my Spanish and tour other parts of Europe. I am still in contact with my host family, so that one day I will be able to go back and visit. I will never forget the summer that I lived in Madrid.

This was the best experience of my life. InterExchange matched me with the perfect family, assisted me with every step of my applications and offered a safety net for me on the other side of the world. The rest was left up to me. I had to make my own friends, learn my own way around, pay my own way. I would always suggest an organisation like this if you're considering being an au pair. It's just too risky without it. But really it's only there during your application and if anything should go wrong during. It's not a full support system. Which was perfect for me. I learned a lot.

I had an amazing experience living with a Spanish family and teaching English in Madrid for three months. I made life-long friends from around the world, enhanced my Spanish speaking skills, and visited many cities throughout Spain and Portugal. I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in travel, open to experiencing a new culture, and has 1-3 months to spare.