The American Institute for Foreign Study (Australia) Pty Ltd opened its Australian office in 1999 and began offering its Camp America and Au Pair in America programs to young Australians. In 2005, AIFS commenced offering inbound programs and currently facilitates cultural exchange programs for more than 2,000 young people.
We want you to get the best flight to suit your needs which is why we have partnered with Flight Centre. Click here to learn more.
As part of the application process, you are required to provide an Australian Federal Police Check with is $56 AUD. Click here for instructions on how to apply for the police check.
The J-1 Visa consists of three fees - Sponsor Fee, MRV and Issuance Fees. Camp America covers a component in order to sponsor your visa. The MRV fee is paid directly to the United States Consulate General when booking an appointment, and Australian Passport holders also pay an issuance fee at the time of their appointment. The combination of the MRV and Issuance fees are currently $640 AUD but are subject to change with the US exchange rate.
Camp America covers the cost of your SEVIS fee as soon as your placement has been confirmed.
Unfortunately, we are unable to refund any third-party payments such as any police check, medical form or visa fees. Please also note that Camp America does not cover certain charges and travel costs that participants may incur.
All payments are non-refundable if the cancellation is made by the applicant after a successful interview. Camp America charges a fee both to the applicant and to the camps. Fees are charged to cover the costs of running a fully-supportive program which includes the provision of medical insurance, staffing, orientations and the work incurred in searching for and securing a placement at a summer camp.
If cancellation is a result of a bona fide medical reason, that is backed-up with an official confirmation from your treating Physician, the situation will be reviewed in the office for a potential refund.
If a placement is not found by the end of the placement season (mid-June), a full refund of the payments made to Camp America will be issued.