9 Best Work Abroad Programs in Australia
Mia Smith What do we love about the best work abroad programs in Australia? The pay well, the work is meaningful, and they’re really, really fun. ☆ As the saying goes, “not all jobs are created equal”, but neither are their job agencies. That’s why we’ve scoured high and low in search of the best job agencies in Australia. If your dream has always been to work abroad in Australia (who hasn't thought about it?) then you’ve come to the right place. While you may desire to live down under long term, there are also options for short term jobs abroad in Australia.
Get a close up look of some awesome work abroad programs in Australia.
While living the Aussie life would be magical, it’s not always easy to find a job on your own. That’s where work abroad programs in Australia come into play. But which one can be trusted? Will they really find you a job worth while? These are very real concerns when looking for work abroad. So, now that you’ve come to the right place, continue reading below for some ratings and reviews of the 9 best job agencies in Australia. Because when you’re on the hunt for a gig abroad, the last thing you want is a job agency not getting the job done!
Here’s a snapshot of top work abroad Australia programs to get you started:
- Alliance Abroad
- GeoVisions Foundation
- BUNAC
- Oyster Worldwide
- Greenheart Travel
- InterExchange
- Global Experiences
- The Intern Group
- Internships Down Under
The best organizations to help you work abroad in Australia without experience
Editor’s note: This information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. The Intern Group
“My experiences with The Intern Group, in Melbourne Australia, were fantastic. I made new friends immediately, starting with a shared cab with other interns on my flight into Melbourne. Arriving into a foreign country by yourself can be intimidating, but The Intern Group made the transition a smooth as possible with social activities and an informative orientation. The accommodations met expectations, and it was convenient having an on-site dining option. My finance internship provided me transferable knowledge and skills that I continue to utilize in my academics and further recruitment efforts.” Read more reviews from The Intern Group.
- Where? Melbourne
- When? Year Long
- Why? Partnering with many great companies and NGO’s makes The Intern Group a top choice for those wanting to make Melbourne their home for a while. Featuring internships in a wide variety of sectors, it will be hard to choose just one! Plus, 24/7 local support and an international community to network with make this internship hard to pass up.
- Read more The Intern Group reviews here
2. Alliance Abroad
“I used AA to get a job September 2015, I got a job at Ayers Rock resort any couldn't have had a better time. The staff at AA where incredibly helpful in helping me sort my paperwork and I even had a visit from one of there in country staff.” Read more reviews from Alliance Abroad here.
- Where? Ayers Rock, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Port Douglas, Sydney
- When? Year Round
- Why? Get a PAID job or internship lined up even more arriving in Australia! Jobs are available in a wide range of industries and with reputable companies. The only catch? You must be 18-20 years old.
- Read more Alliance Abroad reviews here
3. BUNAC
“It was a great experience for me and I am so happy to have had this opportunity! I was able to travel to another country and be immersed in their culture, all while have the satisfaction of working. BUNAC made the transition extremely easy and were always available if I had any questions. I had an amazing experience and would recommend to anyone thinking about working abroad in Australia!” Read more reviews from BUNAC.
- Where? Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Melbourne, Sydney
- When? Year Long
- Why? Join BUNAC’s Work Australia program, authorized by the Australian government to allow young American’s (18-30 years old) to work in Australia for up to 12 months. The program includes pre-departure planning and visa support as well as 2-7 days of accommodation in Sydney upon arrival.
- Read more BUNAC reviews here
4. Oyster Worldwide
“This programme was really tough but so rewarding. The training is really fun and you get to meet loads of people - most of my group was from the UK, Germany and Denmark. When I got to my job I learnt so much about cattle and improved my horse riding skills no end. Be prepared, it's hot, dusty and the hours are long- the food is basic and the cattle can be rough and sometimes dangerous! I got to save all my wages because there was nothing to spend them on. It was a great way to allow me to travel to Sydney, Alice Springs and go diving in the Great Barrier reef afterwards.The only problem was that I didn't want to leave- i'm coming back next year to visit my employers.” Read more reviews from Oyster Worldwide here.
- Where? Rural areas of Australia
- When? Year Long
- Why? Do you have the work ethic and desire to learn new skills in Australia’s outback? Oyster Worldwide’s work abroad programs in Australia are the right fit for you. You’ll learn how to ride horses, drive tractors, use chainsaws, gain fencing skills and work with cattle. Yee haw! Your first job will be guaranteed and support will be provided if you choose to look for another.
- Read more Oyster Worldwide reviews here
5. Greenheart Travel
“Australia was the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks to Kara and the Greenheart Travel. I lost around 20 pounds, more self confidence, a better paying job, more social, and eating better. Sydney is a beautiful city and everyday I'm doing something different. I'm never bored and always happy. I recommend this company if you want a positive change in your life. I've never had any regrets.” Read more reviews from Greenheart Travel here.
- Where? Sydney and other areas
- When? Year-Round
- Why? Work in Australia for 6-12 months while gaining some professional experience for the resume! Greenheart offers programs year round with flexible start dates and plenty of time to travel on your days off.
- Read more Greenheart travel reviews here
6. InterExchange
“I had an absolutely amazing time in Australia! However I received a lot less guidance than was promised. While staff was very kind and tried to help, the temp jobs try offered were few and far between. I was not satisfied with the money I paid for this company, but I will say that being able to partner with someone was a big reassurance when moving across the world. So for that, I say thank you. Thank you for giving me the little push I needed to get out and go!” Read more reviews from InterExchange.
- Where? Lots of cities in Australia!
- When? Year Round
- Why? InterExchange is geared towards those who want independence and a head-start with the job search. Fund your travel with a job here and there as well as support centers in Sydney and Melbourne.
- Read more InterExchange reviews here
7. Global Experiences
“Being able to live and work abroad in Sydney has made me grow so much as a person. Weather it is traveling alone or with friends, there is much to learn throughout the process. I worked as a business intern for a startup and I loved being able to see the different views people had on this side of the world in relation to business in it helped me see some differences on what works well and what doesn't. Most importantly had a blast throughout the three months. I traveled all over Australia seeing all the famous cities/attractions and retained a lot of knowledge working through my internship. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a life changing experience.” Read more reviews from Global Experiences.
- Where? Sydney
- When? Year Long
- Why? You’ll get a guaranteed internship, career development, coaching, interview prep, and more with Global experiences! Learn and grow with fellow interns during social events and staff ready to help 24/7. Plus, you will be centrally located in Sydney!
- Read more Global Experiences reviews here
8. GeoVisions Foundation
“This program has given me the ability to travel everywhere! I have had the opportunity while my host family was on holiday to visit Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, Queensland. In May, when I complete my contract with my host family, I will be traveling to Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, then from Italy travel through Europe and some east coast stops in the US before returning to California.If you are hesitant or weighing your options to stay or go and they keep evening out, just go! GeoVisions was very open to setting this all up and giving me time to find the family that I thought was a best match for me.” Read more reviews from GeoVisions here.
- Where? Brisbane, Sydney
- When? Year-Round
- Why? Get paid to work as an au pair and travel on the side! Decide on a host family that fits you for 6-12 months. On your days off, travel around the country and internationally. Be sure you can explain your previous child-care experience to get your foot in the door!
- Read more GeoVision Foundation reviews here
9. Internships Down Under
“The past 8 weeks, I attended an internship in Sydney. At first, I didn't know what to expect but after a few days, I felt very welcomed and a part of the team. I am glad to have had such an amazing internship with very nice people and a lot of fun. Besides the internship, I quickly made friends with other interns from all over the world and we explored the city and the surrounding areas together. I would recommend Internships Down Under for everyone who is not only looking for travelling but also for a mix of work experience and fun weekend activities.” Read more reviews from Internships Down Under.
- Where? Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
- When? Year Long
- Why? Choose an internship in one of Australia’s major cities to enhance your experience and resume! Based locally in Australia and specializing in working with agencies as well as directly arranging internships, Internships Down Under will use their network to find the perfect match for you.
- Read more Internships Down Under reviews here
[Browse ALL Jobs Abroad in Australia Here]
You’re ready to sign up for work abroad programs in Australia!
Live your best life while working abroad in Australia!
Job hunting can be hard—especially in another country! That’s why it's so important to find an agency with the right connections and reputation. Reading reviews by past participants can help provide an idea of what to expect, but that should be just the beginning of your research!
Do your homework and be specific with what kind of job you want. Do you want to be an au pair? Or is working in the country on a farm more your dream? Or are numbers and finance your thing? No matter what you hope to find, articulating your needs is important. Remember, you are hiring the job agency, not the other way around!
Still feeling a bit confused on which of the work abroad programs in Australia is right for you?
