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.
Back for Another Season?
Enjoy Returner Perks.
You know the drill so when you decide to return, the process is a smooth one!
Negotiating your own pocket money directly with your camp. Make sure you do this before you leave so you know exactly what pay you will be getting at the end of camp!
If your references from the past season are still within the last 12 months, you can reuse them
If you’re returning to the same camp you will not need an interview
Your application is saved on our system, so you don’t have to complete it again
Get to camp for less if you're returning to the same camp. Register before February 1st to pay no more than $669.
Yes, Camp America requires a Medical Form to be completed prior to beginning the cultural exchange visa application. Make sure to submit this early in order to not delay the visa process. You can find the Medical Form in our Downloads.
Please make sure to speak with your Camp Director before applying in order to confirm that they have a role for you this upcoming summer. Once you have confirmation, log back into the MyCampAmerica application site, update your details and submit your application.
Yes, Camp America requires a new Australian Federal Police Certificate for every season you are participating in the program. The certificate should be dated from August (of the year before going back to camp) onward. It must be mailed to the Camp America office in Sydney (PO Box 1319, Darlinghurst, NSW 1300). For details on how to apply for an Australian Federal Police check click here.
If you are returning to the same camp, you will pay a discounted application fee. As you don't need to conduct a new interview we can get you to camp for less. Receive all the same benefits and get the opportunity to experience another summer at camp. Please check out the fees here for more details and look for the returner tab up the top for a full breakdown.
As long as you can obtain a positive recommendation from your previous Camp Director, we would be happy to assist you with going to a new camp. Please note, you will be required to attend another face-to-face interview with a Camp America Representative, and to complete a full application (this includes, photos, references, AFP check and Medical Form).
Due to changes we have observed with the US Department of State, you will more than likely need to attend another in-person appointment at your nearest US Consulate or Embassy in order to obtain a cultural exchange visa.
We do not recommend using the mail-in option as many returning applicants have been called in for face-to-face interviews or had issues obtaining their visa.
Once you have completed enough of the online application you will be required to click on the "Submit to Office" button. Your application will not move on to the next stage without completing this step.
No, you have already been vetted for camp. So, you just need to submit your discounted returner payments, an AFP check and your new Medical Form.
We can help organise another awesome summer camp experience at a new camp.
Not from around here?
Don't worry, we happily accept participants from other summer camp organisations.