Program by Program update amidst COVID-19 + FAQs

What will happen with your J-1 program? Our priority top is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our exchange visitors. We continue working closely with host companies and host schools, housing vendors, fellow sponsors, and the Department of State to evaluate the best course of action towards hosting the exchange programs in 2020. Meanwhile, we work to implement the best practices and recommendations of the CDC and design strong policies and procedures that will protect our exchange visitors when they are able to arrive.

The Alliance Abroad Community and COVID-19

March 10, 2020 As COVID-19 (coronavirus) and related travel restrictions make headlines worldwide, I want you to know that we are tracking this issue closely. The health and safety of our Alliance Abroad exchange visitors, host companies, their employees, customers, and communities remain our highest priorities. We pledge to keep everyone swiftly informed of any changes to programs or program …

Why Should I Work Abroad in Australia?

So you’ve been thinking about a work abroad program and you keep hearing about Australia.  It’s so cool.  It’s so big.  Awesome beaches.  Awesome people.  Non-stop party.  Culture.  Driving on the wrong side of the road.  Aboriginal art.  Sure, all of these things are true, but there are a couple of other really solid reasons to put Australia at the …

Shouting at the Pub

In Australia, pubs are a thing.  You’ll be in one at some point, even if you don’t drink alcohol.  They are the center of the community and an important part of the fabric of society.  There is practically one on every corner.  There is a pub for every taste: glitzy pubs, sleazy pubs, pubs for blue-collar workers, pubs for college …

The Australian Fashion Police at Work and Play

Some days you just aren’t feeling it.  The suit and tie, the heels and skirt, the uniform that regardless of gender we all have to shrug on in order to go to work.  Why not be different and stand out a bit, we think to ourselves.  Out comes the orange tie with tacos on it, the bright pink skirt with …

Tips for Surviving a Work and Travel Program in Australia

Australia is a great place to work, and it may be the best place in the world to live – at least according to the Aussies.  Outgoing, adventurous, and fun, Australians are a welcoming bunch.  But that doesn’t mean you should start your work exchange program without knowing some of the basics for navigating Australian culture.  Here are some quick …

Hospitality to Spare

Laura knows hospitality, she grew up with it.  As a little girl in Johannesburg, South Africa, she often heard her grandmother quote the bible verse “Do not neglect to show hospitality, because through it others dined with angels.”  She also knows education, both of her parents were academics. Yet Laura found herself drawn to the hospitality industry.