An alternative to InterExchange: cultural adventures abroad

Are you looking for exciting cultural exchange programs in the US? Or are you a US-resident wanting to live amazing adventures abroad? You might have heard of InterExchange, a nonprofit organization that organizes exchange programs. In this article, we’ll explain what they offer and also present to you an interesting alternative.

What is InterExchange?

InterExchange is a nonprofit organization that's been promoting cultural exchange for over 50 years, aiming to connect young people from around the globe with life-changing international cultural exchange opportunities. They offer programs both for international students and young professionals to experience life in the United States, and for young Americans to travel abroad.

They claim they’re on a mission to “promote international understanding and make the world a little bit smaller, one exchange at a time”.

US residents can go on work and travel programs in Canada and Australia or embark on group tours in destinations like Costa Rica and the UK. Non-US residents can do Work and Travel programs (seasonal work during their university break) or work as a summer camp counselor or as an Au Pair (childcare professional living with a local family) in the US.

Au Pair programs with InterExchange

An au pair is a young person who lives with an American host family and provides childcare. It's a cultural exchange that allows participants to experience life in the U.S. while helping a family. InterExchange is a leader in au pair USA placements.

Being an au pair is a great way to immerse yourself in American culture. You'll live with a host family, care for their children, and have time to travel and study. It's a chance to form lasting bonds and gain valuable childcare experience.

To be an au pair with InterExchange, you must be 18-26 years old, have childcare experience, and speak English. You'll also need to commit to a 12-month program and meet health and background check requirements.

Summer camp programs with InterExchange

InterExchange works with different kinds of summer camps across the U.S. Participants can work as counselors, activity leaders, or support staff. As a counselor, you'll lead activities, supervise campers, and create a positive, fun atmosphere. It's a big responsibility, but also very rewarding.

Spending a summer at camp is a unique opportunity. You'll live and work in a beautiful setting, make friends from around the world, and gain leadership skills. Plus, your room and board are covered.

Work and travel programs with InterExchange

InterExchange's Work & Travel programs allow international students to work and live in the U.S. during their summer break. Participants secure seasonal jobs, explore American culture, and forge global friendships. It's a great way to fund your travels.

To participate, you must be 18-28 years old, enrolled in a university, and proficient in English. Citizens of certain countries are eligible based on visa agreements.

Work & Travel participants find seasonal jobs at places like resorts, amusement parks, and restaurants. InterExchange provides job search guidance, but you're responsible for securing your own position.

Volunteer programs with InterExchange

Want to make a difference abroad? InterExchange offers volunteer programs in education, conservation, community development, and more. Opportunities span Africa, Asia, and Latin America. You can teach English, work with wildlife, or support local initiatives.

Volunteer abroad applicants must be 18+, speak English, and meet any program-specific requirements like language skills or experience.

For more information on how these and other InterExchange programs work, contact the organization. The information provided above might have changed by the time you read this article.

Keep reading: 

• Cultural exchange programs for free
• How to find volunteer opportunities abroad
• Volunteer overseas: your guide to discover the world
  

An alternative to Interexchange: Worldpackers

As you’ve seen, InterExchange offers a few exchange programs, with some limiting criteria regarding age range, education, countries of origin etc. If you’re looking for a broader spectrum of opportunities for spending some enriching time abroad, check out Worldpackers.

This is a collaborative platform that connects travelers with more diverse volunteer and work exchange opportunities around the globe. It's open to travelers of all ages (over 18) and nationalities, not just students and young professionals. 

Worldpackers is all about creating meaningful travel experiences. Hosts offer accommodation and other benefits in exchange for your skills and time. This allows you to dive deep into local cultures while stretching your travel budget.

It’s one of the most affordable way to see the world. But more than that, it's a chance to gain valuable life skills and have an immersive cultural exchange.

The possibilities are endless with Worldpackers, from social impact opportunities to ecological programs or exchanging work for acommodation and other perks in small hospitality businesses. 

You could find yourself volunteering at an eco-lodge in Costa Rica, teaching English in Thailand, or helping out at a hostel in Europe. There are also opportunities for those interested in taking care of children, like an Au Pair, and working in summer camps and other similar events and projects.

With such a wide variety of volunteer exchange programs, there's an opportunity for every traveler's interests and skills. It's a great choice for your holidays, gap year or even for Spring Break.

Check out some examples of work exchange and volunteering opportunities available through Worldpackers and testimonials from travelers:

Explore rural New Zealand in the Southern Alps and learn a lot

You can do a cultural exchange program in New Zealand, volunteering in exchange for excellent lodging, all meals, and internet. This host is looking for energetic people to help with various tasks like gardening, eco-projects, feeding chickens and dogs, some household chores and general tidying up around the property.

“Simonetta and Gary are two very kind people willing to make the experience of all backpackers so good, they took great care of us and were very attentive to everything we needed, I highly recommend this experience!”, said Maria, from Spain.

Do an exchange program in Alaska helping with organic farming

Get free accommodation in beautiful Alaska and experience local culture while helping out at this organic farm. With this host, help varies by season. In the Spring they spend the time prepping the field, sowing seeds, growing transplants, cultivating those seeds in the field, weeding, and watering. In summer and fall, helpers will have the opportunity to harvest and sell the fruits and vegetables at the local farmers’ markets.

The only requirement is a beginner level of English and the willing to contribute and learn. They accept volunteers from 18 to 80 years old, including couples and friends.

"Couldn't have chosen a better place to start volunteering. Palmer is really cute and the farm has the most beautiful views. I could see the northern lights from my bedroom. The place is comfy and the food is delicious. Vern, Shane and Mu made me feel very welcomed and at home since the first day. They took me to every place I wanted and even let me use the car. This place has lots of love and good energy. Highly recommend it to everyone", said Caroline, from Brazil.

Help a permaculture oasis in a beautiful valley in Bolivia

This host in Bolivia needs general help feeding the animals, gardening, and with projects. All skills are welcome. Volunteers and staff take turns cooking and cleaning.

“Simon & Jessica were the most amazing hosts during our 3 week stay at their permaculture farm. Each day offered us a chance to learn something new, from tending to the animals (ducks, chickens, rabbits, and dogs) to learning about construction. It was a real opportunity for us to step out of our comfort zone and put in some real hard work! The 1 week course also offered an even deeper understanding of permaculture life, going into detail on subjects such as water management, creating an instant garden, holistic medicine and so much more. Thank you again Simon & Jessica for everything!”, said Kez, who volunteered with this host.

Help build a medieval Gothic building in France

What about living in a small French village while you collaborate with the remodeling of a medieval Gothic building? While you’re at it, you can also learn French, meet travelers from all over the world, immerse yourself in French culture and much more.

You can do all that by helping Mark, the host of Opus Gothique, a project that seeks to develop a construction that seems straight out of a fairytale, with artisanal techniques such as the use of hand-worked stones.

During your days off, you can take the opportunity to explore Nièvre, a region of France that few tourists visit.

“This was my first ever volunteering experience, and it massively exceeded my expectations! Sam is the most incredible host and meets your every need. Jim was an amazing teacher and a good laugh. Mark cooked the most amazing meals and took us on the most amazing day trips! It truly felt like a home away from home. The work is physical and can be hard at times, but Jim is flexible and if you're feeling exhausted he will switch up your job to suit your needs. I met some friends for life during my time here (including chippy the cat). I already have plans to return next year!”, said Kelsie from the UK.

Volunteer with a children NGO in Uganda

This host needs help with activities and programs for the wellbeing of the children and the community, such as using marketing skills to raise funds, building a school and digging wells.

“I had the most incredible experience in Uganda with Paul and his wife Promise and the other volunteers I met along the way who have become friends for life! This experience will completely open your eyes to a different world and show you how people in Uganda live day to day - we got to have so many experiences - not just at the school every day, but meeting locals, visiting the children's homes and families, a safari, the equator, going to church and so much more. Paul is the most amazing host and will make sure you have everything you need and you will feel completely safe and cared for.”, said Hannah, a volunteer from the UK.

Collaborate with a Meditation Center in Italy

Albagnano Healing Meditation Centre brings together a community of people who share an interest in spirituality and aspire to live in harmony with nature. This center, rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist Mahayana Vajrayana tradition, welcomes anyone interested in revitalizing and healing the energies of the body and mind.

Volunteers can assist with various tasks such as housekeeping and kitchen work, including cleaning. In return, they will receive free accommodation and all meals.

"A very special place not only in Italy but in the world. In Albagnano, there is a close-knit community that makes you feel at home from day one. It's ideal for deepening your Buddhist practices or getting started with them. A place surrounded by nature that truly connects you with it. From start to finish, an experience that's deeply etched in my memory with a strong desire to return”, said Julio, who did an exchange program there.

Learn new skills and make great memories in Canada

M-Montreal Hostel, in Montreal, welcomes volunteers to assist with daily tasks such as cleaning and organization in exchange for accommodation.

While there, you can experience cultural exchange and enjoy this amazing hostel with a bar, rooftop jacuzzis, and a variety of communal spaces that make it easy to meet people from all over the world.

"I had an amazing time in M-Montreal. The staff and establishment were great and the fellow interns felt like family. If you're sociable and looking to meet people from around the world, M-Montreal is a great place for that”, said the former volunteer Madeleine.

You might also like to read:

• Top fun places to volunteer and make a difference
• Volunteer abroad programs for adults: 15 amazing opportunities

Why choose Worldpackers for your exchange program

Still not sure if Worldpackers is a good pick for you experience abroad? Check out some of its advantages:

Cost savings

Traditional exchange programs can be pricey. Between program fees, accommodation costs, and other expenses, your travel dreams can quickly eat up your savings. But with Worldpackers, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by exchanging your skills for accommodation. That means more money for exploring and experiencing all your destination has to offer.

Flexibility and variety of experiences

One of the best things about Worldpackers is the sheer variety of opportunities available. Want to work on a permaculture farm in Australia? Teach yoga at a retreat center in Bali? Help run a hostel in Brazil? 

With this platform you have the flexibility to choose an exchange opportunity that aligns with your passions and goals, and even do several work exchange programs in a row. After all, the application is super easy and the platform’s fee is a one-time payment valid for a whole year.

Immersive cultural exchange

Worldpackers isn't just about saving money - it's about having a truly immersive cultural experience. Many positions allow you work closely with locals, so you'll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for your host country's customs, traditions, and way of life. 

You'll forge meaningful connections and create lasting memories that go beyond the typical tourist experience. And since many positions are open for more than one volunteer at a time, you might also make friends from other parts of the world.

Developing valuable life skills

Stepping outside your comfort zone and navigating new challenges is a surefire way to grow as a person. Through Worldpackers, you’ll develop valuable skills like adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. These are the kinds of life-changing, transferable skills that will serve you well long after your travels end.

How to get started with Worldpackers

If you're ready to embark on your Worldpackers adventure, here's how to get started:

1. Creating your profile

Go to the website and set up your profile. This is your chance to showcase your skills, personality, and travel goals to potential hosts. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience that might make you a standout candidate. If you don’t have so much experience, don't worry: let your unique voice shine through.

2. Searching for the perfect opportunity

With so many incredible opportunities available, finding the perfect match might seem daunting. But Worldpackers makes it easy with their intuitive search tools. Filter by location, type of work, length of stay, and more to narrow down your options.

 When a particular opportunity catches your eye, you can read the reviews from previous volunteers and even message them to find out more about the experience.

3. Applying and communicating with hosts

Found an opportunity that sets your wanderlust heart aflutter? Great. Now it's time to apply. Craft a thoughtful message to the host explaining why you're interested and what you can contribute. 

You can also ask questions through the platform's messaging system. Make sure you express your enthusiasm, and confirm it's a good fit on both sides.

4. Preparing for your Worldpackers journey

Once you've confirmed your Worldpackers exchange, the real adventure begins. Start by researching your destination and making any necessary travel arrangements. As your departure date approaches, stay in touch with your host and make sure you're on the same page about expectations and logistics.

For more information, read our guide on How Worldpackers works.

As you’ve seen, you can go on an exchange program through more traditional companies like InterExchange, which have a limited offer of programs and hosts, or through platforms like Worldpackers, where you’ll find dozens of different types of tasks and hosts in over 140 countries, with a smooth application process and fewer requirements.

Whatever you choose, get ready for experiences that will transform your life in ways you never imagined. You’ll dive headfirst into a brand-new culture, forging bonds with people from all over the world, and picking up skills that'll make your resume sparkle. And these adventures are likely to shape who you are and how you see the world.

So, what are you waiting for? Create a free profile on Worldpackers right now and start saving your favorite opportunities to your wish list!