Au Pair Australia

If you have experience and enjoy working with kids and you want to gain experience travelling, being an au pair is an incredible opportunity, and I'm so glad I seized it. You really get to immerse yourself in the culture by living with an Australian family--much more than you would just traveling as a tourist. There are definitely days when the kids drive you crazy and life feels mundane--and for some people they realize working with children really isn't their thing--but I've found myself well-suited to the work.

I was placed with a great, supportive family in a small town in Western Australia. It was a bit isolating at times, but it was certainly a unique way to experience Australian people and culture. It also made it easy to settle early on, as the community was so close and friendly. I explored nearby Perth on the weekends, went on trips with my host family, and made friends both with other au pairs and other Australians my age. - Making friends with people from the country is also a great way to get to know a place!

Since I'm American, I didn't have the same language barrier that some au pairs have (other than the notorious Australian slang), which made it a bit easier to settle in as well. But I have much respect and admiration for some of the people I've met who just jumped in not speaking a lot of English. In addition to Australians, I've met people from all over the world who have either moved or traveled a lot. My friend group is now global, and I feel like I can have even more courage trying new things in the future.

Moving to a new place--especially a new country--can seem difficult and scary, but InterExchange and their in-country partner were there to help me with every step--even my rambling uncertainties over email. I would consider taking another opportunity with InterExchange, and I would recommend them to anyone wanting to live in another country who isn't sure how. (In fact, I already have recommended them to some friends who have asked me about my experience!) I feel they've provided me with a foundation for exploring future travel endeavors, and I'm grateful that I discovered their program!

Hard to grasp one of the best years of your life into a short review. Getting the chance to go abroad, meet people, see the world, and experience a new culture.. helped me see that there is more to life than just going to school, getting a job, and starting a family.
I got to see and do things most people would dream of and that was with the help of InterExchange. With programs like InterExchange, it gives people the chance to find themselves while experiencing a different part of the world.

I loved my experience so much that I actually decided to spend a year in New Zealand as well because I wasn't quite ready to go home just yet. I only have three months left and i'm already trying to plan my next adventure.

So... With a heavy Heart, thank you to Interexchange for giving me the chance to live out my dreams.

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 had the best time in my stay as an Au Pair in Melbourne. Adjusting to a new family's schedule can be really difficult. I had a really hard time the first 3 weeks. When you are in another country (not knowing anyone), and trying to assimilate your lifestyle to the family you are living with, things can get overwhelming quickly. My time in Melbourne was really overwhelming at first. I had a lot of support from Au Pairs in the area, and Interexchange helped me join groups to help me meet people. I had a great experience with my family. I ended up extending my stay and moving to another family in another state to get more out of it. It's true, travel changes you. And traveling with a family and kids changes you in an even better way than traveling alone would.