Work and Travel, Au Pair & Co.: The Coolest Travel Opportunities After High School

Finally making your own decisions, finally freedom, finally discovering new horizons! A whole 43% of German high school graduates plan to take a break after graduation in the form of Work and Travel, Au Pair, and more. But where do young globetrotters find the best experiences?

Travelcircus shows which countries excel with an optimal price-performance ratio, where there is particularly much to see, and which destinations promise exciting adventures. In addition, our travel experts share interesting insider tips and tricks on how to make an overseas stay a complete success!

After 12 or 13 years of diligent study, high school graduates have overcome every hurdle with hard work, sweat, and tears. After all those nights of studying, it's finally time to reward oneself for the hard work in the Abitur!

And let's be honest: If not now, when? After graduation, young adults have mastered their first significant life phase - such an opportunity will not come again in this form. Following studies or training, there's a direct step into the working world, shortly thereafter comes family planning; rarely is there more time than for the obligatory 2-week summer vacation.

Finding accommodation, searching for jobs, and managing the earned money sustainably - for many young people, it's the first time they truly have to stand on their own two feet after high school. There's no doubt that multi-month trips abroad are seen as the best opportunity to build independence.

In the process, young globetrotters also improve their language skills, make international contacts, and gain intercultural experiences. In the globalized society of the 21st century, few things are as valued by employers as an overseas experience.

Whether Work & Travel, Au Pair, or internship abroad, the overseas trip offers young adults the opportunity to dip their toes into the working world and take on responsibilities - all without pressure. Is fruit-picking not the right fit? Then it's off to the next city to wait tables. Host family not a match? Solutions are usually found locally.

It's especially these hurdles and challenges that allow travelers to mature over time and broaden their horizons. Leaving one's old life behind for several months provides the best conditions to find oneself. What do I really want to achieve in the future? Can I adapt to other cultures? Who am I and who do I want to be? Questions like these often require a shift in perspective to answer.

Those choosing Work & Travel, Au Pair, or similar options should realize that they will spend a considerable amount of time in an unfamiliar environment. This is likely to be the longest "vacation" of their life. Young travelers will never discover a country as intensively as they will during this time. Therefore, choices should be made thoughtfully and wisely.

To support globetrotters in their decision, our travel experts have taken a closer look at various travel formats and the most popular destinations.

Hardly any variant of overseas stay is as relaxed and flexible as Work & Travel. Whether it's a short break of a few weeks or a journey of up to two years - as globetrotters are solely responsible for themselves and do not have to be tied to one place, the scope here is especially large.

To conduct Work & Travel, young adults need the so-called "Working Holiday Visa." Typically, this allows the acceptance of paid casual jobs for up to 12 months. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea offer this visa to German citizens. Alternatively, a Work & Travel break can also take place in EU countries, where no visa is required.

Turning 12 into 24: The Working Holiday Visa can be extended under certain conditions. To spend an additional 12 months in Australia, for example, one must have documented 88 full workdays of "specified work" (e.g., fruit picking, farm work, construction, etc.) in rural areas during the first year. In New Zealand, an extension for three months under similar conditions is possible.

More than half of young travelers head to Australia and New Zealand for a Work & Travel stay. No wonder; after all, the other side of the world lures with exotic flora and fauna, unique natural landscapes, and a fascinating culture.

It's a different world: As Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those in Germany. This means that while families back home are building snowmen, globetrotters in Down Under are sunbathing at 40°C on the beach.

A Work & Travel trip is considered relatively expensive. Naturally, it is always crucial how diligent the globetrotters are on site, what wages are paid, and where exactly they go.

Travelcircus has compared the three most popular Work & Travel destinations based on upfront costs, on-site prices, and minimum wages and discovered some surprising facts:

Overview & cost comparison of the top 3 Work & Travel destinations. To keep costs as low as possible, we assume self-organization. The prices given are always the cheapest offer. Considered time frame: 12 months. | * Backpack 70 l, hiking shoes, sleeping bag, drinking bottle, power adapter | ** must be presented upon arrival | *** based on 6 months at 40 working hours/week with minimum wage.

Although both flight costs and the price for a round trip (by bus or car) in Australia and New Zealand are significantly higher than in Canada, Work & Travelers in Northern America have to dig even deeper into their pockets: In total, a stay in Canada costs about ten times as much as a trip Down Under.

The reason: Australia and New Zealand impress with a generous minimum wage. Assuming that young globetrotters work for 6 months and travel for 6 months, they can expect to earn over €12,000 in Australia and almost €11,500 in New Zealand for a 40-hour week - whereas in Canada, it's only €7,600. Looking at the difference, globetrotters return from Australia with €177.85, while Canadian travelers end up shelling out €5,610.09.

27.6% of all Work & Travelers choose to travel to see kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. In addition to the rich wildlife, it's mainly natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, and the Great Ocean Walk that captivate German high school graduates. However, major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth also attract with attractions like the Opera House, the Queen Victoria Market, and The Bell Tower.

Anyone seeking an adventure abroad after high school but not wanting to spend too much should absolutely consider Australia! With a minimum wage of AU$18.93, costs like accommodation, meals, and further travel can be financed very well - ideally even so well that travelers return with more money than what they needed for flights, gear, visas, etc.

24.3% of globetrotters head to New Zealand after high school - by the way, this doesn't just refer to the sweet birds with a long beak; the inhabitants of the island nation also refer to themselves as Kiwis.

Divided into North and South Island, New Zealand has plenty to explore: At the end of the 90-Mile Beach, Cape Reinga provides a mystical atmosphere - after all, this island tip is considered a gateway to the underworld. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are also a highlight of the North Island. In contrast, natural phenomena like the Franz Josef Glacier or Milford Sound on the South Island leave young adventurers in awe.

With a minimum wage of NZ$17.70, a year in New Zealand can be well funded. Accommodations and bus travel are quite affordable compared to Australia and Canada. Insider tip: Kiwis love "Buy 2, Get 3" offers. Those who keep their eyes open can snag some bargains and save locally.

Film fans, take note: Numerous scenes from "The Lord of the Rings" were filmed in New Zealand. What should fans of the fantasy trilogy not miss? A visit to the "Hobbiton Movie Set" in Matamata.

As many as 16.2% of Work & Travelers opt for a stay in Canada - or rather: They are fortunate to secure one of the coveted spots. The number of visas is limited each year.

With a north-south expanse of 4,600 km and an east-west expanse of 5,500 km, Canada's weather is at least as diverse as its natural landscapes. Beauties like Banff National Park, the Badlands, and Niagara Falls regularly leave travelers in awe.

Anyone planning a Work & Travel stay in Canada should start saving early. The minimum wage in the country varies from region to region. Depending on where the trip leads, things can get rather expensive, while the income may not necessarily cover all costs. But don't worry; those who keep an eye on their expenses and can snag well-paid jobs will manage perfectly well in Canada.

Hello, ça va? In Canada, not only is English spoken. Depending on the region, travelers should also know some French phrases - as in Quebec. Globetrotters who only speak English should memorize the following sentence: "Pouvez-vous parler anglais s'il vous plaît?" - in English: Could you please speak English?

Diving straight into the life of a foreign country, learning new customs, and experiencing exciting cultures up close - and all for little money. Sounds like a dream? It can become reality during an Au Pair stay!

Basically, there's no cheaper way to spend a year abroad: The young globetrotters are taken in as a permanent member of a host family and participate in everyday life; meals, an own room, and pocket money are included. In return, the young adults take on childcare responsibilities and assist the family with light housework.

First taste of college life: Besides childcare and housework, Au Pairs in the USA attend the local university. A total of six credits must be achieved, which corresponds to about three hours per week. Classes are often offered in blocks. The reason: the required J1 visa corresponds to a student visa in the USA.

Young adults prefer to travel for their Au Pair year to the USA. However, European countries like France are also among the top picks. No wonder, as English is taught as the first foreign language in German schools; almost every fourth student learns French.

Unlike Work & Travel or internships, the Au Pair stay must be organized through an agency. This likely provides comfort not only to the young travelers but especially to the parents - because their children always have an official contact person on-site and are not left alone in emergencies.

Host families entrust Au Pairs, strangers, with their children. Clearly, there are specific criteria that young travelers must meet beforehand:

If the high school graduate meets all conditions, the search for a suitable agency that connects Au Pairs with host families can begin. The most popular organizations include AIFS and TravelWorks. By the way: The price for the Au Pair agency usually already includes round-trip flights, travel health insurance, travel accident insurance, and travel liability insurance; so it's worth comparing!

Caution! Many agencies only accept girls because boys are often difficult to place with host families.

If a host family shows interest in an applicant, a Skype interview is organized to directly find out if there is a chemistry. If both sides choose each other, nothing more stands in the way of the Au Pair stay.

Upon arrival in the host country, the young travelers first attend the Orientation Days to prepare for the family and the foreign culture. There are also contacts available on-site for any problems - even if things don't work out and a family switch is desired.

Flight survived and acquaintance made with the family - but what's next? Depending on the country and family, there's a specified workload that must be met. Naturally, the travelers also receive a pocket money and vacation.

To go as an Au Pair in the USA, young travelers need the so-called J1 student visa. This allows guests to stay in the country for 12 months, work, and attend university.

Once settled with the host family, accommodation and meals are provided by the family. In return, Au Pairs care for the children for 45 hours a week and assist the family with light housework. For their work, they receive a weekly allowance of $195.75. That this overseas experience allows for some serious saving is evidenced in our price overview:

In addition to work, young travelers also attend a college course for three hours a week. By the end of the year, they must present six credits. There are special Au Pair courses that cost $500, and they are subsidized by the same amount - so no additional costs for the travelers.

More education: Normally, Au Pairs take three hours a week for a college course. Those wanting more university experience can also enroll with EduCare for six hours a week as a guest student.

To explore the country and its people outside of the family, Au Pairs have 1.5 free days per week and 10 vacation days available. Additionally, after the visa expires, they have one month to leave the country. Perfect for investing saved pocket money in a little trip around the country, right?

Southern charm on the Côte d'Azur, rugged nature in Brittany, or urban vibes in Paris? France attracts with its diverse landscapes, unrivaled cultural offerings, and a cuisine that sets taste buds dancing. It's no wonder that thousands of Au Pairs each year don't want to miss out on the "Savoir Vivre" in the land of love.

Especially appealing for German Au Pairs: Since France and Germany are EU members, no visa is needed for entry. Furthermore, after an Au Pair stay, traveling further in the country is still hassle-free.

Those choosing an Au Pair stint in France can stay with a family for between three and 12 months. However, parents often seek care for the entire school year, so a travel time of nine to 12 months is recommended. If an Au Pair stays longer than three months in the country, a translated birth certificate and diploma must be presented for registration with the authorities.

Much like in the USA, childcare and housework are among the main tasks of Au Pairs. Usually, working hours only amount to 30 hours per week. In exchange, young globetrotters receive accommodation, meals, and a weekly allowance of €65 to €90. Additionally, they also have one free day per week.

Still no plans for summer? Even during the French summer holidays, families often search for childcare. For three months, globetrotters then have the opportunity to go as a short-term Au Pair in France.

What if parents pressure after graduation to dive immediately into training, but one prefers to explore the world first? An internship abroad could be the perfect compromise! The great advantage: Choosing this path adorns one's resume with valuable experience.

Living alone in a foreign country - what does that actually mean? Whether in an apartment or a shared flat; far away from home, interns are responsible for themselves and have to take care of themselves. In addition to upfront costs like round-trip flights, visa (here, pay attention to residency and work permits), and insurance, don't underestimate everyday costs for meals, accommodation, internet, mobile SIM etc.

Short on cash? Those whose piggy banks are not too full and who don't expect a salary that covers expenses can, for example, apply for scholarships.

Found the dream internship? Then don't hesitate to apply! Just as in Germany, required documents include a CV, a motivation letter, and a cover letter.

If the applicant speaks the local language of the internship destination, the application should, of course, be written in that language. Larger international companies typically also accept English-language applications. It is essential to realistically assess one's language skills.

Naturally, young travelers should conduct their internship abroad in a country they would generally like to visit as a vacation destination. However, the industry of the internship also plays a significant role.

The most popular destinations for internships abroad include England, Argentina, and China. No wonder; after all, these countries cover essential job markets. To find out which top destination is right for whom, our travel experts have examined the top 3 more closely:

England - a fusion of breathtaking landscapes and dynamic city life: While natural phenomena like the Jurassic Coast invite you to dream, cities like London and Manchester are among the most modern metropolises in Europe!

It's no wonder that hundreds of Germans choose an internship abroad each year between Fish & Chips and Tea-Time. Another advantage: Despite the Brexit vote, England is still part of the EU - so no visa is required for Germans.

Basically, the working day in England is not much different from that in Germany: Interns work a maximum of 40 hours per week, with internships typically ranging from one to six months. Work attire is often somewhat more formal; interns can make a good impression on their first day.

Polite friendliness: Criticism in England is often expressed very courteously. Usually, it's not stated directly but framed in questions: "Do you think it would be an added value to include a table in the text?"

Additionally, applicants can earn points by calling the company a few days after submitting their application to politely inquire about its status. This demonstrates an interested and engaged spirit.

In their free time, interns abroad have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and life of England. While globetrotters can discover traditional pubs in everyday life or attend football matches, attractions like Big Ben in London, Brighton Palace Pier, and the Manchester Town Hall invite for sightseeing.

As the second-largest country in South America, Argentina entices with a combination of exciting city life and breathtaking natural panoramas. Particularly Buenos Aires and Patagonia are considered highlights among tourists and locals when it comes to unique experiences.

Anyone wanting to experience the Argentine lifestyle up close and immerse themselves in daily life has excellent opportunities through an internship abroad. The best part: A visa is not necessarily required. Upon entry, globetrotters receive a stamp in their passport that allows a three-month stay. During this time, unpaid internships can also be accepted. However, for a paid internship, an appropriate visa must be applied for.

Visa Run: Anyone wanting to carry out their unpaid internship for longer than three months can briefly exit the country and then re-enter. The stamp is then renewed and is valid for an additional three months.

As diverse as the landscapes in Argentina, the job market there is also varied. Although the service and industrial sectors are the largest at 61% and 28%, agriculture also plays a significant role: This accounts for 10% of the GDP. For comparison: In Germany, agriculture accounts for only 0.8%.

No matter what job interns choose; Argentines generally work six to eight hours a day, with two days off per week - no significant difference from the German working day.

In their free time, Argentina invites thorough exploration: Whether a sightseeing trip through the capital Buenos Aires, a journey to Iguaçu - home to the largest waterfalls in the world - or enjoying culinary fusions from Italian-Spanish kitchen; here, the heart of any travel enthusiast will race.

Foreign customs, foreign language, foreign culture - hardly any country in the world differs as much from the European continent as China. With an internship in the Middle Kingdom, globetrotters enter a whole different world.

To intern in China, young people need not only a great deal of courage and curiosity but also stable nerves; as applying for the required work visa (Z visa) often proves complicated.

Avoiding Z Visa: Certain internships without payment? The F visa suffices. This allows visitors to stay in China for up to 6 months but can't receive a salary. Caution: Sometimes employers and employees agree to pay in cash despite the F visa! This is illegal and can result in fines or even deportation.

The working day corresponds to a 40-hour week. However, Chinese people often work an average of 3.3 hours longer each week, and overtime usually isn't compensated. By the way: Major cities like Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai are among the world's most important economic and technology centers - making them that much more popular for internships.

To secure a position, the application should consist of a cover letter, CV, and diplomas; in English or Mandarin. Furthermore, recommendation letters from professors, teachers, and industry-related contacts are very helpful.

Culinary arts are highly valued in China! When asked which attractions should not be missed, the answer often includes a reputable restaurant. The rule of thumb is: The longer the queue outside, the better the offerings inside! However, those interested in the culture and attractions of China should absolutely visit the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army.

After 12 or 13 years, high school graduates have struggled through essays, formulas, and translations - and are now considered one of the smartest segments of our society. After all this stress, sweat, and tears, it's clear that the desire for freedom arises. Where can young dreamers find this if not in the vast world?

After graduation, high school graduates find the world open to them - and nowadays, they don't even need to have a full piggy bank. An Au Pair stay allows young globetrotters to participate in the lives of foreign societies for little money while immersing themselves in exciting cultures.

In exchange for childcare and housework, Au Pairs receive their own room, full board, and a weekly allowance, which allows them to cover the costs of their stay very well. On average, about €8,000 remains to travel and go on a major shopping spree.

Is there anything more beautiful for globetrotters than to discover a country intensively from north to south for an entire year? With a bus or car, Work & Travelers can move from place to place every few weeks or months, financing their further travels with various jobs. Our travel experts recommend working half the stay and traveling the other half to discover the country in all its facets.

Depending on the destination, costs for flights, accommodation, and meals may exceed the minimum wage of the country - so globetrotters should save up to €3,200* before the trip; also for the case that no job is found in between. However, those who budget wisely can even return with more money than what was spent for the journey.

High school graduates often face a conflict: to travel and enjoy freedom or take the first step into the working world? An internship abroad provides the best compromise at this point. As part of a team, adventurers can get to know the workday of a completely different world and explore the country in their free time.

While an internship abroad allows for experiencing culture and people up close, it can also be the most expensive form of staying abroad after high school: Not all hard work is compensated. Accommodation, meals, and leisure activities still need to be paid for - while the cost of living is often higher than in Germany.

Travelcircus conclusion: Those keen to discover as much as possible about a country and with some savings are best served with a Work & Travel stay. Those wishing to immerse themselves in a family's daily life can gain experience as an Au Pair while saving money. Would you rather gather points for your resume? Then an internship abroad could be the right choice.

• financial proof is required for Australia (mandatory). Varies by destination.