You may have read how you can live with a host family in Australia and have a life-changing experience. But how exactly does the program work?
1. Apply to the program.
Simply go to our application page and fill out the form. To do the program, you’ll need the following requirements:
- be between the ages of 20-29
- have experience working with children
- have a US (or other valid) passport — the full list is on our application page
- be willing to start a new adventure
*Bonus if you have a drivers license and you’re willing to drive on the other side of the road!
2. Pass initial screening and fill out the assessment.
We evaluate each and every application by a human. If you are a good fit for the program, you’ll receive an email from us that you’ve passed the initial screening! After that, you’ll just fill out a final assessment. Since the program involves working with children, this quick questionnaire is like a background check. The assessment includes questions about your criminal history, physical and mental health, and childcare/professional references.
3. Get accepted and attend onboarding with us.
Shortly after we’ve heard back from your references, we’ll let you know if you’re accepted to the program. (🤞Hopefully you are!) Upon acceptance, you’ll book your onboarding meeting with us. We host virtual onboarding meetings each week, which you can book online. At this meeting, we help you start setting up your profile for families to look at. We also help with other things to prepare you for your adventure abroad. At this point in the process, you’ll make a $100 deposit for the program payment. (The rest is due before you leave.) After the meeting, you’ll finish up your profile, add photos, and write a letter to your future host family.
4. Start meeting potential host families.
When there is a host family who likes your profile, we’ll send their profile to you for review. If you’re interested to meet them, we’ll connect you and you can have a brief video chat with the host parent(s). Our Outbackers usually have the chance to look at quite a few family profiles and meet more than one before making a decision.
5. Get matched.
Once you and a host family agree that you’re a good fit for each other, we’ll send out documents for signature. You’ll sign an agreement with your host family as well as one with Australian Adventures. The documents will have clear responsibilities outlined such as your schedule, pay, and program duration so you can know what’s expected.
6. Book your flight and finish up any visa work.
One of the requirements to live and work in Australia in this type of program is to have a valid 462 Work and Holiday Visa. Hopefully you will have already finished your visa application by this point, but if not this is a good time for it! You also have the green light to book your flight as soon as your agreement is signed with the host family. We’ll help you find the best deals available. We recommend keeping in touch with your host family at regular intervals after you’ve matched and before you arrive.
7. Attend your departure meeting.
This last step is great way to make sure you’re all set to leave for Australia! We’ll go over essential things (such as ensuring your Australian bank account is set up and you’re connected with others in the program), and everything you need to hit the ground running when you arrive.
8. Start your adventure and keep in touch!
Some other programs send out their participants, say sayonara, and then check out. Not us. We have a weekly check-in to make sure your hours are accurate, you’re being paid fairly and in a timely manner, and that you’re doing well.
If you’re still on the fence about living in Australia, apply today to see if you’re accepted. We have flexible program dates and dozens of wonderful host families waiting for YOU!
