We've all experienced firsthand how cultural exchange and travel can change lives. This is why we’re passionate about helping more and more young people to have these opportunities and transform their world.
Welcome to AIFS
A message from our managing director
Over the past sixty years AIFS’ mission to foster cultural exchange and promote global education has remained steadfast, even as the ways we achieve it have evolved. Personally, having been part of this journey for 20 years, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of cultural exchange Quite simply cultural exchange changes lives. An AIFS program opens a window to other cultures and traditions, fosters acceptance, and builds empathy. It challenges preconceptions and offers an experience with lifelong returns.
AIFS is proud to have played a small but meaningful role in facilitating these life-changing experiences. Our commitment to nurturing curiosity in the world, encouraging global education, and supporting international travel for generations is never stronger. I am fortunate to play a small part in that mission.
Since AIFS’ inception over 1.6 million young people have participated on an AIFS program. I hope that I may welcome you to that growing AIFS family.
AIFS is built by a love of travel and human connection
Since it was founded in 1964, AIFS has grown through the passion and dedication of every person who has been able to call the organisation home. We all share a genuine love for worldwide travel, experiencing and sharing cultures and making new friends in far-flung places. Today in Australia our Sydney office has a core team of 12, with a further 40 dedicated people working across the country. Get to know just some of our amazing people below.
The AIFS Difference
Your journey, our shared passion
Wherever your path leads – from summer camps to ski slopes, classrooms to cultural exchanges – our team is dedicated to walking it with you. We believe travel changes lives, builds resilience, and creates global understanding. With decades of experience and countless stories of their own, our team is here to guide, support and inspire you, ensuring every moment of your journey is meaningful, safe, and unforgettable.
Need help with something?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
01Who is AIFS?
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) and its family of companies organises cultural exchange programs throughout the world for more than 50,000 students and young people each year. Since 1964 AIFS has been the leading provider of cultural exchange and educational opportunities for more than 1.8 million young people.
1972 was the first year we operated in Australia, recruiting young Australians to our Camp America program. In 2005 AIFS opened its Sydney office and student centre, expanding our outbound programs and offering inbound programs to Australia. Today AIFS’ programs include Au Pair, high school exchange, Winter Work in Japan and Canada, volunteering and Work & Travel. For more information about AIFS in Australia please visit www.aifs.com.au. For more information about AIFS around the world please visit www.aifs.com.
-
02What is an Au Pair?
An Au Pair is a young person who comes to Australia from another country to provide childcare and related in-home support in exchange for experiencing life with an Australian Family. As the Host Family, you will supply room, board and pocket money for the duration of the placement.
-
03What childcare experience do AIFS Au Pairs have?
Au Pairs must have a minimum of 200 referenced hours of childcare experience. This may include internships in kindergartens, work as camp counsellors, sports coaches, or doing regular babysitting or tutoring. The level and type of experience you require from your Au Pair can be chosen based on our three Au Pair tiers.
-
04How much does an Au Pair cost?
There are several costs to consider when using AIFS to find your Au Pair. AIFS will charge a Service Fee (non-refundable) and a Placement Fee, which is due 1 month prior to your Au Pair’s arrival.
Once your Au Pair has arrived, you’ll also need to cover the costs of weekly pocket money for your Au Pair, their completion bonus and leave and full board throughout their placement.
For more information about AIFS’ fees and the costs you will need to consider, please visit our fees page.
-
05Does AIFS have a Child Protection policy?
At AIFS Au Pair, we believe that adults in all aspects of children’s lives, whether parents or other carers have a moral and ethical responsibility to keep children safe and to protect them from harm and child abuse.
As Australia's only Child Wise accredited Au pair agency, AIFS Au Pair actively supports measures towards child protection and child abuse prevention. AIFS Au Pair always considers and acts in the ‘best interests of the child’ principle as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and this principle forms the basis for this AIFS Au Pair Child Protection Policy and Reporting Framework.
As an organisation in the Cultural Exchange sector offering in-home services, AIFS Au Pair has a place in ensuring that children are protected from harm and believes that all children have a right to be safe from abuse and neglect.
AIFS Au Pair child protection and safeguarding practices include:
- This Child Protection Policy and Reporting Framework, annually reviewed and updated
- A Code of Conduct for appropriate behaviour towards and around children
- Materials displayed at our offices, on our website and advertising about Child protection and safeguarding
- Child Safe recruitment and screening including a personal interview, reference and police checks, working with children check, arrival orientation containing a dedicated session on child protection and completion of an Australian paediatric first aid course.
- Supervision, support and performance monitoring of Au Pairs by the AIFS Child Safety Officer.
- Professional Development Training in the Child Protection field for both office representatives and Au Pairs, creating an understanding including legal responsibilities and Duty of Care to children in Australia
- An appointed Child Safety Officer
- Child abuse complaints/reporting procedures; and
- Quarterly and annual review of child protection policies, procedures and code of conduct, ensuring our company continues its child safe practices and has an appropriate continuous improvement process in place.
For a copy of our Child Protection Policy please contact us on 1300 889 067
