Work Abroad: Jobs and Working Holidays [USA vs Australia]

What if your next job didn’t just pay your bills, but paid for plane tickets, life skills, and stories you’ll be telling for years? For thousands of young people every year, choosing to work abroad offers the chance to live in a new country, earn money, improve English, and experience everyday life somewhere completely different home.

Two destinations tend to dominate the work-abroad dream: Australia and the United States. Australia offers sun, surf, and a flexible working holiday lifestyle. The U.S. offers better job security, iconic cities, incredible national parks, and a more structured cultural experience where you can live with a host family, earn a weekly stipend, and even take college classes to invest in your future.

So, if you’re preparing for a year, semester, or summer working abroad, how do you decide where to go? In this guide, we’ll compare working abroad in the USA vs. Australia side by side, and show how AuPairCare offers a uniquely rewarding way to work in the United States.

What Does It Mean to “Work Abroad”?

The phrase “work abroad” can mean very different things depending on the country, visa, and type of program you choose. Understanding your options is the first step to choosing the experience that fits your goals, budget, and comfort level.

Paid Work Abroad Programs

Common in Australia, paid work abroad programs are exactly what they sound like: opportunities to earn money while living in another country. These roles tend to be short-term or seasonal, making them popular for gap years and working holidays. Paid work abroad jobs include:

• Hospitality
• Farming
• Tourism
• Retail
• Childcare
• Seasonal roles like summer camps or ski resorts

The main appeal of paid work abroad programs is flexibility; you’re not locked into one job for your whole time abroad. Maybe you can work in a hostel in Sydney for a month, then pick up some work on a farm outside of Melbourne, then head up to sunny Brisbane and wash dishes in a restaurant. That, of course, depends on how much (and what type of) work is available.

You can earn as you go, travel between jobs, and design your own experience. However, this independence also means you’re responsible for:

• Finding work
• Organizing housing and travel plans
• Managing travel insurance and healthcare
• Ensuring you fully understand your visa requirements

Cultural Exchange Programs (Like AuPairCare)

Cultural exchange programs, which are especially common in the United States but also available in Australia and other countries, provide a more structured and supportive path. Participants are often placed with a host family or organization and receive clear guidelines on pay, benefits, and time off. The focus is as much on cultural immersion as it is on work.

Au pair programs are a well-known example. As an au pair in the United States, you’ll live with a host family, provide childcare, get paid weekly, and receive education credits while experiencing American culture from the inside. You don’t have to worry about where your next paycheck is coming from, and you have a defined start and end date and a comfortable bed to sleep in for your entire trip.

Volunteer Work Abroad

Volunteer work abroad focuses less on earning money and more on gaining experience, building skills, and giving back to local communities. These programs often involve: 

• Working with children
• Supporting education projects
• Environmental conservation
• Community development initiatives

While volunteer programs may not provide a salary, many include accommodation, meals, or other benefits that reduce living costs. Volunteer work abroad can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to understand the costs, expectations, and time commitments involved before applying.

Study Abroad and Work Options

For students, working abroad often means combining a study abroad program with part-time work. Many countries allow international students to work a limited number of hours while enrolled in classes, helping them gain experience, practice the language, and offset living expenses.

Study-and-work options are popular for language learners and university students who want academic credits alongside real-world experience. These programs offer a balance between structured education and practical work, but they typically come with restrictions on work hours and job types.

This path is ideal for students who want to travel and work abroad while focusing on academics, but still experiencing daily life (and the workplace) in another country.

USA vs. Australia: Which Is Better for Working Abroad?

Many people find themselves choosing between work and travel in the USA vs Australia. Both countries offer English-speaking environments, exciting lifestyles, and strong international communities, but the experience on the ground can feel very different. 

Visa Types and Eligibility Requirements

Australia is famous for its Working Holiday Visa, which allows travelers to live and work in the country for an extended period while taking on short-term jobs. You can work one single job, or jump around the country and try different things. The visa offers flexibility (in terms of the type of work you’re doing and where in the country you’re based), but you are responsible for finding your own employment, housing, and healthcare.

The United States does not offer a traditional working holiday visa. Instead, work abroad opportunities are available through cultural exchange programs, such as au pair programs, internships, and seasonal work. 

In the U.S., your J-1 cultural exchange visa is tied to a specific job and includes clear au pair eligibility requirements, placement support, and program oversight. You have a local Area Director for in-person support throughout the program, and help with every step of your visa application. For many travelers, this structured approach makes working abroad in the U.S. feel easier to organize and navigate.

Job Opportunities and Earning Potential

In Australia, working abroad often means taking on jobs in hospitality, tourism, retail, or agriculture. Hourly wages are relatively high, which is a major draw, but work can be inconsistent, especially in popular cities where competition is strong. Plus, your accommodation isn’t paid for, and finding jobs and housing is largely up to you, which can be stressful and makes this experience much more expensive.

Popular job opportunities are often found in:

• Hospitality
• Tourism
• Retail
• Farm work

A key advantage of Australia's working holiday model is the freedom to choose your path—work in different cities, try out several industries, and travel between positions at your own pace. This can lead to memorable adventures and valuable new skills. However, this independence means you are responsible for finding jobs, arranging housing, and managing your own budget and logistics. The experience rewards self-starters who enjoy carving their own journey, but can also present real challenges for those who prefer more security or support.

In the United States, you’ll choose your line of work first (whether it’s camp counseling, working as an au pair, etc), and secure your job (and visa) before traveling to the USA. You’ll earn a weekly stipend, which typically isn’t as high as paid hourly work in Australia. 

However, your housing and meals are covered in the program, so your expenses are much lower compared to in Australia, where a majority of your earnings will go toward rent or a hotel room. And, you’ll have steady employment for your entire year abroad.

Cost of Living and Lifestyle Differences

Australia’s major cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, are known for their high cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. Many working holiday participants live in hostels or shared apartments to try to keep things affordable.

In contrast, many U.S. work abroad programs include accommodation as part of the experience, significantly reducing your living expenses. Au pairs live with host families and don’t pay rent, which takes away the stress of finding housing and frees up most of their earnings. 

Lifestyle-wise, Australia offers an outdoors-focused, beach-centric culture, although living by the beach isn’t realistically affordable for anyone on a working holiday visa! The U.S. offers an incredible variety of lifestyles and locations, from huge cities to small towns and everything in between.

Safety, Support Systems, and On-the-Ground Assistance

Australia’s working holiday experience is largely independent. There’s no safety net if you lose your job, struggle to find work, or don’t have a place to stay. There’s no number to call if you have a question about your visa, and you’ll need to organize your own travel and health insurance. You have the freedom of being able to travel, stay in different parts of the country, and pick up different types of work, but you’ll be navigating challenges or emergencies on your own.

In the United States, work abroad programs typically include built-in support systems. Participants receive orientation, local contacts, 24/7 emergency numbers, and ongoing assistance throughout their stay. Programs like AuPairCare provide guidance, resources, and a safety net, making the experience more secure and much less stressful.

Why Work Abroad? Benefits for Young Travelers

When you live and work in another country, even for a few months, you’re pushed out of autopilot and into real-life learning. From navigating a new culture to managing your own schedule, budget, and responsibilities, the experience shapes how you think, work, and see the world. Here’s why so many globetrotters choose to work abroad, and the benefits these programs bring.

Build Global Experience and Transferable Skills

Employers and universities value international experience because it shows you can adapt, communicate, and thrive outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re working in childcare, hospitality, tourism, or a seasonal role, you’re developing transferable skills like time management, problem-solving, teamwork, and responsibility.

Living and working in another country also shows initiative. It demonstrates that you’re willing to take on challenges, navigate unfamiliar systems, and succeed in a global environment; skills that are increasingly important in today’s international job market.

Improve Language Skills and Cultural Awareness

There’s no faster way to improve your language skills than using them every day in real-life situations. Working abroad immerses you in conversations, accents, and cultural norms you simply can’t learn from a classroom or textbook. Over time, your confidence grows in speaking and understanding humor, customs, and social cues.

Working abroad also builds cultural awareness. You learn how people live, work, and communicate in different parts of the world, which makes you more open-minded, empathetic, and adaptable. 

Stand Out in University and Job Applications

In a market where jobs are getting automated and the economy hasn’t been as strong, work experience abroad helps you stand out. Universities and employers are drawn to candidates who bring global perspectives and real-world experience to the table. Working abroad shows that you’ve: 

• Taken initiative
• Managed responsibility in a new environment
• Gained skills beyond the traditional classroom

It also gives you something meaningful to talk about in applications and interviews. Instead of generic answers, you can share concrete examples of challenges you’ve overcome, cultural differences you’ve navigated, and skills you’ve developed while working abroad.

Surprise Yourself

Perhaps the biggest benefit of working abroad is personal growth. Living in a new country teaches you how capable you really are, from solving everyday problems to building a routine in an unfamiliar place. Simple things like figuring out how to catch a bus overseas or speaking English when you buy your lunch can make you feel so much more confident.

It also helps you see your home country, your goals, and your future differently. Many young travelers return home more motivated, self-aware, and confident about the next steps in their education or career.

What It’s Like to Work Abroad in the USA as an Au Pair

Becoming an au pair in America offers a balanced work abroad experience. Instead of navigating jobs and housing on your own, you become part of a host family’s daily life, earning money, gaining childcare experience, and experiencing American culture from the inside out. Here’s what working abroad in the USA as an au pair really looks like.

Daily Life with a Host Family

As an au pair, you live with an American host family and become part of their daily routine. Depending on the ages of the child(ren) and needs of the host family, this might mean: 

• Helping children get ready for school
• Preparing simple meals
• Playing games
• Supporting after-school activities

Living with a host family gives you an authentic view of American life. You get to do things you wouldn’t be able to as a tourist or backpacker, like sharing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or experiencing a 4th of July party with your American family. 

Work Hours, Duties, and Free Time

Au pair programs in the United States follow clear guidelines, which helps create balance and predictability. You have defined work hours focused on childcare-related responsibilities, along with guaranteed time off each week.

This structure allows you to plan your free time more easily, whether that means exploring nearby cities, meeting other au pairs, taking classes, or simply relaxing. Unlike some working holiday jobs, where schedules can change weekly, the consistency of au pair work makes it easier to enjoy life outside of work while abroad.

Stipend, Benefits, and Education Credits

As well as gaining international experience, you’ll receive an au pair salary (called a stipend) to cover personal expenses. Housing and meals are included, which significantly reduces living costs compared to other work abroad options.

Au pair programs in the U.S. also include education credits, giving you the opportunity to take classes at a local college or online during your stay. This combination of earning, learning, and living abroad makes the au pair experience a great choice for students or recent graduates looking to grow academically and professionally.

Travel Opportunities Across the U.S.

One of the biggest advantages of working abroad in the United States is the sheer variety of travel opportunities. With weekends and time off, au pairs can explore nearby towns, visit major cities, or plan trips to iconic destinations like national parks, beaches, or cultural landmarks.

Because the U.S. is so large and diverse, many au pairs experience multiple regions during their stay, often with their host family or friends they meet through local au pair communities. It’s a chance to see far more than one city or region, all while calling the U.S. home.

Support From AuPairCare Throughout the Experience

At AuPairCare, we’ve been helping international au pairs secure jobs and visas in the United States for decades. We match you with a (fully-screened and safe) host family, act as your J-1 visa sponsor, help you through the visa interview process, and guide you through logistics like travel insurance and booking flights.

Once you’re in the U.S., you attend our in-person orientation event, AuPairCare Connect in New York City, where you can get to know other au pairs, meet our team, and learn everything you need to know about working as an au pair. 

During your entire au pair year, we provide in-person support through local Area Directors, who support you every step of the way and help you with anything from homesickness to cultural challenges. They also organize fun events with other au pairs in your area, helping you make the most of every moment during your year abroad.

Start Your Work Abroad Adventure Today With AuPairCare!

While work abroad destinations like Australia offer flexibility and independence, many programs in the United States provide a more structured experience (with end-to-end support) that allows you to truly live the culture, not just visit it. 

AuPairCare offers a great way to work abroad in the USA, especially if you love kids! With housing and meals included, a weekly stipend, education credits, and an in-person support network, you can focus on soaking up the experience.

If you’re ready to try life as an au pair, we’re here to help you take the first step. Apply today and discover America (and yourself) with non-stop support along the way!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to find a job before I travel?

It depends on which country you choose. If you are heading to the United States, you generally need to secure your placement first. Cultural exchange visas (like the J-1) require you to be matched with a host family or employer before you can apply for your visa. Conversely, Australia’s Working Holiday visa allows you to enter the country without a job and find employment after you arrive, giving you the flexibility to look for work on the ground.

Which country is more affordable for a gap year?

While Australia offers higher hourly wages, the cost of living—especially rent in major cities—can be very high. You will need to budget carefully for housing, food, and bills. In the United States, many work abroad programs (such as au pair programs) include room and board as part of the package. This means that while your weekly stipend might be lower than an Australian wage, your living expenses are virtually zero, allowing you to save more of what you earn.

Can I still travel if I choose a structured program in the USA?

Absolutely! While U.S. programs usually require you to live in one location (like with a host family), you will still have plenty of time to explore. Most participants use their weekends, paid vacation days, and the dedicated "travel month" at the end of their visa to visit national parks and iconic cities. It is a different style of travel than backpacking through Australia, but it offers a stable home base from which to launch your adventures.

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