If you’re thinking about heading overseas during or after school, you’ve probably realised there are a lot of different options out there. Exchange programs, gap years, volunteering, study abroad – they all sound appealing, but what’s actually different about them? And more importantly, which one suits your goals, timeline, and circumstances?
This guide breaks down the main types of overseas student experiences so you can figure out what might work for you. We’ve organised them by when they typically happen – while you’re still at school versus once you’ve left – and listed them from shortest to longest duration within each section.
Want to find out more about your travel options? Check out our other articles here.
Experiences available while you’re still at school
If you’re currently in high school, there are several ways to get international experience without waiting until you finish Year 12. These programs are designed to fit around your studies, though some do require taking time out during the school year.
Summer programs and camps (2-8 weeks)
These are intensive programs that run during school holidays, typically over summer break. You might attend an academic program at a university overseas, participate in a sports camp, join a cultural immersion experience, or take part in leadership development programs.
Summer programs work well if you want international experience but can’t commit to missing school. They’re often run by universities, educational organisations, or specialist providers. Costs vary widely depending on the program and destination, but expect to pay anywhere from a few thousand to over ten thousand dollars when you factor in flights, accommodation, activities, and meals.
Popular destinations include the USA, Canada, Europe, and the UK, though programs exist worldwide. Some focus on specific interests like STEM, arts, or sport, while others offer broader cultural experiences.
International volunteering (1 week to 12 months)
Volunteering overseas can happen during school holidays or, for longer commitments, by taking time out from school. Programs range from week-long projects during your term break to multi-month placements that might require deferring part of your studies.
You could work on environmental conservation, teach English, support community development projects, help with animal welfare, or assist with construction and infrastructure projects. The experience varies enormously depending on where you go and what you’re doing.
It’s worth noting that many volunteering programs charge significant fees to participants, which can feel counterintuitive when you’re donating your time and labour. These fees typically cover accommodation, food, support staff, and program administration. Research organisations carefully and look for those with genuine community partnerships and sustainable approaches rather than “voluntourism” operations.
Common destinations include developing countries in Africa, Asia, South America, and Pacific Islands. Some students volunteer closer to home in places like Papua New Guinea or Timor-Leste.
Language immersion programs (2 weeks to 6 months)
If you’re studying a language at school, immersion programs let you live in a country where it’s spoken while attending classes and staying with a host family or in student accommodation. Most programs for high school students run during holidays, though some longer options exist.
You’ll attend language classes, usually in the morning, then spend afternoons and weekends experiencing the culture, exploring the city, and practising your language skills in real-world situations. The improvement in your language ability can be remarkable when you’re using it constantly rather than just in classroom settings.
You can find programs wherever your target language is spoken – France and Spain are popular for European languages, Japan and South Korea for Asian languages, and various Latin American countries for Spanish immersion.
School exchange programs (3 months to 1 academic year)
A school exchange means attending school in another country, living with a host family, and fully immersing yourself in a different education system and culture. Unlike summer programs where you’re clearly a visitor, exchanges put you in the daily life of a local student.
These programs typically run through your own school’s established partnerships with schools overseas, though you can also arrange exchanges independently through organisations. You’ll need your school’s support either way, as you’ll be missing normal classes – though many schools incorporate exchange grades into your academic record.
Most exchanges happen in Years 9-12, with Year 10 or 11 being common timing since it avoids final year exams. Some exchanges are reciprocal, meaning a student from the overseas school comes to stay with your family as well, while others are one-way arrangements.
Common destinations include the USA, Europe, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand, though options depend on what your school or chosen organisation offers. Costs vary significantly – some programs are heavily subsidised while others require substantial family contribution.
Cultural exchange programs like Rotary (3-12 months)
Organisations like Rotary Youth Exchange run long-term cultural exchange programs where you live with host families overseas and attend local school. These differ from school-to-school exchanges because they’re organised through community organisations rather than educational institutions.
Rotary exchanges are well-established and include significant support networks in both your home country and destination. You’ll typically live with multiple host families during your exchange, giving you different perspectives on life in that country.
The program runs worldwide through Rotary’s international network. You don’t need to have any connection to Rotary to apply, though having a Rotary club sponsor you can help. These exchanges are generally more affordable than commercial programs because Rotary clubs subsidise costs, though you’ll still need to budget for flights, insurance, spending money, and program fees.
Experiences available once you’ve left school
After finishing Year 12 or while at university, you have access to longer-term options and more flexibility in timing. Many students use these experiences during a gap year before starting university, between undergraduate and postgraduate studies, or during breaks from their degree.
Language immersion programs (2 weeks to 6 months)
These work the same way as the school-age programs but with more flexibility in timing and often more intensive study options. Once you’ve left school, you can choose when to go and how long to stay based on your own schedule rather than school holidays.
Many post-school language programs also include internship or work experience components, cultural activities, and accommodation options beyond homestays. Some universities offer language preparation programs for students planning to study abroad later.
International internships (6 weeks to 6 months)
Internships let you gain work experience in your field of interest while living overseas. These can be paid or unpaid, and typically happen during university studies or immediately after graduating.
Some internships are formal programs where you apply through an organisation that places you with a company. Others you arrange independently by applying directly to companies overseas. Industries like business, engineering, science, medicine, hospitality, and creative fields commonly offer international internships.
Major cities worldwide host international interns, though opportunities vary by industry. Tech internships might be concentrated in places like Silicon Valley, Singapore, or Berlin, while hospitality internships exist anywhere with significant tourism.
Visa requirements can be complicated for internships, so research this early. Some countries allow internships on student visas, others require specific work authorisation, and some have special intern visa categories.
Study abroad (4-6 months or full academic year)
Once you’re at university, study abroad programs let you spend a semester or year at a partner institution overseas while remaining enrolled at your home university. Your grades usually count towards your Australian degree, and you keep your domestic student status.
The big advantage of study abroad is that you’re making progress on your degree while living overseas, rather than taking time out. Many degrees now build in or encourage study abroad opportunities, and some courses even require international experience.
Universities have established partnerships that make this process relatively straightforward. You’ll pay fees to your home institution, and they handle the academic side of things. You’re responsible for living costs, flights, and insurance, though scholarships often help cover these expenses.
Where you can go depends entirely on your university’s partnerships. Most Australian universities have connections in Europe, North America, and Asia. The Fulbright Program offers prestigious scholarships for study and research in the United States, while the Rhodes Scholarship funds exceptional students to study at Oxford University. It’s worth checking out what study abroad opportunities and scholarships your institution offers.
Gap year experiences (3-12 months)
Gap years have become increasingly popular, and they can take many different forms. You might choose structured programs, independent travel, or a combination of both. The common thread is taking time between finishing school and starting university (or between undergraduate and postgraduate study) to do something different.
Structured gap year programs offer organised experiences that might combine volunteering, work experience, skill development, and travel. These programs handle logistics, provide supervision and support, and create a framework for your year. Costs vary widely but expect to pay thousands for programs lasting several months. Organisations like Global Work and Travel can help you find and organise these experiences.
Some programs focus on specific areas like environmental conservation, teaching, community development, or adventure activities. Others offer a mix of experiences across multiple countries. The advantage is having structure and support; the trade-off is less flexibility and usually higher costs than organising things yourself.
Independent gap year travel, often called backpacking, means planning and funding your own travels. This gives you complete freedom to choose where you go, how long you stay, and what you do. You’ll need to be more self-reliant, but you’ll also develop considerable independence and problem-solving skills.
Popular backpacking routes include Southeast Asia (generally the most budget-friendly), Europe, and South America. Many people combine countries into longer trips, moving between places as their interests and budget allow. You might mix tourism with short-term work, brief volunteering stints, or language learning.
Independent travel requires thorough planning around visas, budgets, safety, and logistics. However, you’ll find established backpacker trails with good infrastructure, plenty of other travellers, and countless online resources. This option typically costs less than structured programs, though expenses vary enormously depending on your destinations and travel style.
Au pair programs offer a middle ground between structured programs and independent travel. You live with a host family, provide childcare for set hours each week, and receive accommodation, meals, and pocket money in return. This gives you a home base in another country while experiencing daily life as part of a local family.
Most au pair placements last 6-12 months, though some extend to two years. Popular destinations include European countries (France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain), the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. You’ll typically work 25-30 hours per week with children, leaving you free time to explore, take classes, or socialise.
The lifestyle suits people who enjoy working with children and want to experience living in a country more deeply than typical travel allows. However, you’ll need to be comfortable with the sometimes challenging dynamics of living with a family and being responsible for children. Research families carefully and ensure the program offers proper support structures.
If you’re considering a gap year and want something truly unique, the Australian Defence Force Gap Year offers a different kind of experience. You’ll earn money while gaining skills, though you’ll stay in Australia rather than travel overseas.
Working holiday visas (up to 1-2 years)
Working holiday visas let you live and work in another country for extended periods, typically up to two years depending on the destination. Australia has reciprocal working holiday agreements with many countries including Canada, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and various European nations.
These visas give you the right to work legally, which means you can fund your travels as you go rather than needing all the money upfront. Many people combine several months of work with periods of travel, moving between different cities or regions as opportunities arise.
Common jobs for working holiday makers include hospitality, fruit picking, retail, tourism, and seasonal work. Some people find work in their field of study or career interest, though this varies by location and qualifications. The work often isn’t glamorous, but it funds your travels and provides insight into working life in another country.
To be eligible, you typically need to be aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries), though exact requirements vary by destination. You’ll need to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself initially, and you may face restrictions on how long you can work for any single employer.
Working holidays work well for university graduates who want to travel before starting their career, or as a break during your degree. They’re also considerably more affordable than other long-term options since you’re earning as you go.
Choosing what’s right for you
With so many options, how do you decide? Start by considering your goals. Are you looking to improve language skills, gain work experience, challenge yourself, explore different cultures, or simply take a break from formal education? Different programs serve different purposes.
Your timing matters too. Some experiences work better during school holidays, while others require taking time out or waiting until after you finish Year 12. Think about how much time you can realistically commit and when that time is available.
Budget plays a significant role in what’s feasible. Structured programs typically cost more but offer support and organisation. Independent options require more planning but can be more affordable. Working options like au pair programs or working holiday visas let you fund yourself as you go.
Consider your comfort level with independence and uncertainty. Some people thrive on organising everything themselves, while others prefer having support structures and clear frameworks. Neither approach is better – it depends on your personality and experience.
You don’t have to choose just one type of experience, either. Many students combine different options over time – perhaps a short volunteering trip during school, followed by a working holiday after graduation, and study abroad during university. Your overseas experiences can evolve as you do.
Whatever you choose, make sure you research thoroughly, plan carefully, and ensure you’re physically and mentally prepared for the experience. International experiences offer incredible opportunities for growth, learning, and adventure, but they require realistic expectations and proper preparation to make the most of them.
