Foreign Exchange Programs for Adults

Foreign Exchange Programs for Adults 

Spending extended time abroad on a gap year or a working holiday is often viewed as "kid stuff," reserved for lucky, fresh-faced graduates who haven't yet entered the workforce or taken on real responsibilities. But that outlook is shortsighted: Even a brief stint overseas on an exchange program can completely change your view and benefit your career at any given phase of the game. It's easy to make excuses, but definitely going overseas has never been easier -- the problem is narrowing down your choices. To go for an adult-friendly exchange program, consider how you'd like to spend your time overseas and what the encounter's key takeaways needs to be. Most people's programs will match within these three categories: cultural or language immersion, working vacations or volunteering.

Language or Cultural Immersion Programs

A language immersion program will probably be right up your street. Many applications will suit you with a host family, which will let you comprehend cultural conventions in a way that just is not possible for those who live alone or together with other foreigners. If you want to have an intensive approach, programs such as Language Holiday (languagevacation.com) let you live with a personal trainer. Depending upon the structure you select, you might be able to concentrate on taking courses, or you could be placed in a hands-on environment doing volunteer work with native speakers -- a surefire way to better your skills and find out local slang. Programs like Education First (ef.edu) may connect you with language colleges in 40 different destinations, while programs like United Earth (unitedplanet.org) can place you into Central or South American orphanages, hospitals or construction websites, enabling you to develop your Spanish skills and add to the community. Quest International offers alternatives that combine a little bit of everything, including traditional "trade" opportunities and the unique opportunity for educators and their students to exchange places with a course overseas.

Working Holidays

Working vacations are a popular way to view more of the world without emptying your wallet. Through applications like Workaway (workaway.info) or Assist Exchange (helpx.net), you can find farmers, hotel proprietors, gardeners and countless other organizations or individuals searching for assistance. With the Workaway scheme, you're provided room and board in exchange for giving a helping hand for four or five hours a day, doing anything from washing dishes to picking berries to au pairing. Figuring out the obstacles and spiritual laws involved could be difficult, however, so consult with program staff and consular government about how to proceed. If that sounds too messy for your liking, then start looking into more competitive, government-backed apps like the various Fulbright fellowships. Younger adults may apply to work as native English teaching assistants, while people of all ages might qualify for research fellowships. Particular exchange opportunities are also available for journalists, educators and other professionals.

Volunteer Programs

Whether you are expecting to make a difference in a struggling neighborhood, pad your resume with an global experience or simply have fun working on a meaningful project, doing volunteer work overseas won't neglect. "Volun-tourism" is a popular phenomenon and also a fantastic way to give back to the local culture that you're residing in. It can also be a great way to build your language skills, even if that's not the attention of your stay. Apps such as Cross Cultural Solutions (crossculturalsolutions.org) offer opportunities especially designed to enhance your career or help you identify whether you would like to pursue a new professional track. Travellers Worldwide also provides opportunities tailored to mature volunteers, individuals taking breaks from their typical 9-to-5 duties and retirees.

Visa Considerations

Whether you're going overseas through a government-sponsored program or simply coordinating using a friendly couch surfer, researching visa conditions for your stay is vital. Many applications will help with organizing any essential paperwork for you, but you might have to provide documents such as bank statements or health insurance cards. For United States citizens, rules vary considerably depending on reciprocal agreements and quite a few different facets. For example, U.S. passport holders who intend to stay in any of the 26 nations in the Schengen area of Europe to get up to 90 days do not have to apply for any kind of visa, however even a short trip to India requires a tourist visa. Prerequisites may also vary depending on your age and whether you plan to study, travel or work in multiple nations. It is best to check directly with the embassies or consular authorities for the states you're considering seeing.