Gap Year Association

Typical Itinerary

InterExchange program itineraries are many and varied, including one-year stays with host families abroad, open-ended work and travel programs, short-term education tours, and more. While there's no "typical" InterExchange itinerary, all programs at minimum include personal pre-departure support, orientation or meet-and-greet sessions and ongoing agency support when needed.

Au Pair
As a live-in childcare provider for a host family in Australia, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, or Spain, typical daily responsibilities will include getting the kids ready for school or other activities, helping with their meals, dropping them off / picking them up, keeping them on task with homework and chores, encouraging (and participating in) their hobbies, and light household work. Join an orientation program or join your host family directly and attend a meet-and-greet with your agency later on. Your host family will help you settle in during your first few weeks, showing you around their home, neighborhood, and the locations where the kids' activities take place. For programs in Europe you may take a language class where you'll be able to meet other participants. You can also join periodic activities with other au pairs such as cultural outings or play groups for the kids in your care.

Language Immersion
At the airport look out for your pickup person for your transfer to your host family or alternative accommodation (hostels and hotels available). On Monday attend an orientation and brief placement exam to match with the right instructor. Classes take place in the morning and afternoon, Monday - Friday. In the mornings and evenings enjoy a home-cooked meal with your host family, or gather with friends at your hostel. Cultural activities and language exchanges with local English learners are available and you're welcome to book weekend activities of your choice. Programs end the final Saturday or your program.

Language Homestay
After matching with a pre-screened host family you will arrange a meeting time/place for your arrival in France, Italy, or Spain. Your host families will help you adapt to their home and community during your first week, and set up a tutoring schedule with you. You'll be responsible for 15 hours/week of English tutoring for their children. This can include lessons derived from school texts, English practice through hobbies like sports, arts, or games, or a combination of both. Typically weekends are free to explore the region. Tutors are encouraged to engage with their hosts informally, take a language or visit local cities with other participants.

Sustainable Action Costa Rica
Pre-program you'll be given suggested readings to help enrich your experience on the program. Upon arrival you'll meet your traveling peers (typically a combination of gappers and college students) and join group leaders for a welcome dinner and orientation. You'll hit the ground running from day two with visits to local organizations who have undertaken a range of creative initiatives supporting Costa Rica's sustainable development. Hiking, swimming, and other adventure activities round out the week. The group will meet daily for debrief and reflective activities.

Work & Travel
The beauty of the Work & Travel programs is that you get to choose where and when you travel and work, with local teams available for support in the background, when you need it. Your first week includes orientation with information on finding jobs, accommodation, and sorting out other logistics like getting a local phone plan, bank account, and tax number. Most participants join a Welcome Week including activities an excursions with new friends. Thereafter you'll be able to take on a range of seasonal jobs working in places like restaurants, retail stores, ski mountains, farms, offices, and more.