InterExchange Review [2024]: Best Work & Travel Program?

Volunteer and travel opportunities abroad have been around for decades. It's an excellent opportunity for adventure seekers or young travelers seeking a culturally-immersive experience. 

You can add InterExchange to your list of organizations to turn to for exciting programs that fit your goals. But with so many travels and work abroad opportunities, choosing the best program can be overwhelming. For instance, various programs like GrowPro and Global Work and Travel exist. Of course, ensuring you're working with a legitimate organization is the most crucial consideration. 

Before you sign up for InterExchange programs, it pays to gather information to help you decide if the InterExchange work abroad opportunities are a good option.

That's why I've made this review! I hope it'll help guide your decision so that you can learn everything you need to know and how to make the most of these programs to earn, learn, or make a difference. 

What Is InterExchange?

InterExchange is a non-profit organization founded by Uta and Paul Christianson in 1968. The founders experienced profound growth through their experiences as travelers and adventurers. They envisioned creating a program connecting young people worldwide through life-changing opportunities and cross-cultural immersions.

They enjoyed exploring new food and drinks throughout their travels. But they're also visionaries, dreamers, and collaborators. InterExchange was developed from their belief that every young person, regardless of their background, must have the opportunity to travel abroad. 

They also believed that exposing young people to the world would spark more ideas and inspiration so they could make an impact. 

How Does It Work?

InterExchange is a non-profit organization connecting individuals with meaningful travel and work experiences abroad. The organization has been around for over 50 years. The opportunities provided via InterExchange are currently open to US and international citizens who want to travel, teach, learn, or volunteer abroad.

But there's more to InterExchange than that. Since its founding, over 300,000 people have joined the program to promote cultural awareness and engage in international exchange programs. 

Overview of InterExchange Programs

Does InterExchange have a program suited to your needs? I'll explore the different options available for you:

Camp USA

The InterExchange Camp USA program matches participants with the best US summer camps. The participants serve as counselors, and it's an excellent introduction to the American summer camp tradition for international participants. 

All participants acquire new skills, improve their language, and achieve cultural diversity through this camping program. The organization offers participants J-1 visa processing, insurance, orientation, and 24-hour support. 

It's an exciting opportunity for someone who loves spending time outdoors and working with kids! 

Career Training

Career Training is another program available through InterExchange. It's the ideal program for anyone seeking to make great strides in their career path. You also gain international experience to boost your resume while building a globally professional network. 

Another benefit of joining InterExchange's Career Training program is expanding your language skills and traveling abroad. So wherever you are in your career and professional journey, the experience and learning will surely give you that much-needed experience in your field!

Au Pair

The Au Pair is one of the unique InterExchange programs unavailable in other travel and work abroad opportunities. Finding a trusted live-in care provider for their children has always been challenging for many international families. That's why the Au Pair program from InterExchange stands out.

It ensures that families can access qualified childcare providers and that their kids enjoy a culturally-rich experience. The host families enjoy the flexibility and budget-friendly solution of hosting an au pair while promoting language learning in children. It's a life-changing experience for those involved in the program! 

Work Abroad

InterExchange working abroad opportunities allow young people to work and learn simultaneously. This program allows US citizens to travel and work abroad in 11 countries. 

Your work opportunities abroad vary according to your preference. For example, you can teach English abroad or become an au pair. It's up to you to pick your work experience based on the skills you want to hone and your working environment. 

Here's an overview of the work Abroad programs through InterExchange: 

• Australia – You can travel and work in Australia for 12 months with an income of 19.84 AUD per hour. The program costs $895. 
• Canada – Travel to Canada for work opportunities starting at $895 for the program. The program lasts for a year and is open to young professionals with the opportunity to earn 11.45 CAD hourly. 
• Costa Rica – You have many work abroad programs to choose from in Costa Rica through InterExchange. 

The program ranges from $195 to $2,195. You can do volunteer teaching in Costa Rica and partake in the Sustainable Action Costa Rica initiatives. 

• Guatemala – InterExchange offers work-abroad opportunities in Guatemala by volunteering to teach English for a week or 2. The program costs $685 and is available year-round.
• Italy – Travel to Italy to work at a summer camp teaching English. The summer camp lasts for a week, and the program costs 300 Euros. 
• New Zealand – Work abroad opportunities in New Zealand are available at a starting price of $1,095. This program enables you to earn 20 NZD hourly and is open for up to 12 months. 
• Peru – You can take on English teaching positions in Peru through the InterExchange program for $685. 
• UK – You can travel to the UK and work for the Theater & History in the UK for 7 days. It's an opportunity available in January and June for $2,945. 
• USA – Take part in the American Summer Exchange Program to earn a minimum wage and have the experience of a lifetime. This opportunity could last up to 16 weeks and cost $295. 

Work & Travel Program

The Work & Travel Program offered by InterExchange is open to international students and American businesses. It's an exciting opportunity for local businesses to hire internationally seasonal staff. The organization's advanced matching system enables you to employ qualified staff during the busy season.

On the other hand, international students can work for up to four months in the US to gain the essential skills and experiences to boost their resumes. They also get to travel within the US to learn about American culture while enjoying unparalleled support from the InterExchange team. 

Benefits of InterExchange Programs

InterExchange is an excellent option for young people who want various travel and work abroad opportunities. 

You can choose the program that best fits your needs and interests. But it offers more than variety since it focuses on meaningful cultural experiences and exposes young people to real-world learning.

When you travel abroad through their program, you will enjoy the benefits of not paying hiring costs. You'll also get full administrative support in visa processing and handling paperwork for the job placement. 

The organization has existed since 1968, so you can rely on its experiential international exchange programs to fulfill your needs. Whether you want to study or gain new work experience, there's something for you! 

Drawbacks of InterExchange Programs

The primary drawback of InterExchange programs is the cost. Each program costs at least $1,000, and it could be higher, depending on the program. 

Another major downside is the low compensation from work abroad programs. The compensation is inadequate to compensate for the program's costs, even though participants work long hours. 

What People Are Saying?

The reviews from InterExchange participants are generally positive, citing how they experienced the benefits offered by the program. But a few issues were also raised, such as the need for more support with handling paperwork and other essential documents for international students. 

Some program participants suggested choosing better camps for the Camp USA and international exchange programs. An improved vetting process would have delivered a better outcome for participants and worked out any kinks they've experienced. 

Another program is World Endeavors, which also focuses on providing meaningful cultural programs for work and learning. Feel free to explore if it's a better alternative. 

Is InterExchange Worth it?

Yes! InterExchange is a legitimate non-profit organization dedicated to helping students and young professionals in their educational and work pursuits. Whether you're seeking an adventure of a lifetime or a new experience, InterExchange unlocks these possibilities. 

Each program is developed with the participant's personal goals in mind. With the many programs, you can craft your desired experiences according to your personal or career goal. But it requires a sizeable investment for participants.

The cost of each program covers the travel and living expenses and program costs. So, you must be prepared to shell out the money if you want to partake in cultural exchange programs for study or work. 

Of course, there are plenty of work and travel abroad programs. So, if you're unsure about which one to sign up with, remember to do comparisons by looking at other guides or reviews!

My Rating: 3.9/5

Pros:

• Positive cultural exchange
• Develop meaningful life skills
• Unique job experience
• 24-hour support
• Solid growth opportunities
• Excellent for J1 programs

Cons:

• Low compensation
• Bad managerial support
• Long work hours

Live and Work Abroad with InterExchange!

Knowing what the organization offers for students and young professionals, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.