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.
In order to complete the programs you do need to have recent and relevant experience in working with children and youth. You will need a minimum of 200 hours recorded in your application and as a rule that experience should have been gained over the last 3 years or so. There are many ways you can gain experience, it could be through babysitting, youth groups/Sunday School, before and after school care, professional childcare, the Camp America or Au Pair in America programs, nursing, sports coaching, tutoring or volunteering.