Active Abroad
Active Abroad GmbH is a family-owned German agency placing young adults aged 18–30 into au pair, language travel, work and travel, and volunteer programs across 21+ countries, generating revenue via one-time placement fees.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersFreising, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Active Abroad does
Active Abroad GmbH is a privately held, family-owned German international exchange agency headquartered in Freising, near Munich. The company has operated for over 25 years placing young adults (primarily aged 18–30, including recent Abitur graduates) into seven program categories: Au Pair, Demi Pair, Work and Travel, Farmstay, Camp Counseling (in the USA), Volunteering, and Language Travel (Sprachreisen). Programs are delivered across more than 21 destination countries in Europe, North America, Latin America, Oceania, Asia, and Africa through a network of verified local partner agencies.
The business operates on a one-time placement and service fee model. Au Pair placements range from EUR 34 to EUR 949 depending on destination, while Demi Pair programs—bundling language school with host family stays—range from EUR 2,581 to EUR 3,450. The company has no proprietary technology platform, no mobile app, and no public API; the service is delivered via direct personal consultation, with inquiries handled through the company website, email, phone, and trade show appearances. Go-to-market is sales-led, emphasizing personal relationship-building from initial inquiry through program completion.
Active Abroad is led by Managing Director Maria Riedmaier and is differentiated by three quality certifications: IAPA (International Au Pair Association) membership, the RAL Gütezeichen Au Pair (Germany's only state-recognized quality seal for au pair programs), and membership in Au-pair Society e.V. The customer base is fragmented across individual consumers (young adults and their parents), with no disclosed institutional or enterprise accounts, and the company operates without external investors or disclosed funding events.
Active Abroad firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Active Abroad
- Legal name
- Active Abroad GmbH
- Website
- https://activeabroad.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Active Abroad GmbH is a family-owned German agency placing young adults aged 18–30 into au pair, language travel, work and travel, and volunteer programs across 21+ countries, generating revenue via one-time placement fees.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Active Abroad industry classification
Industry- Product category
- International Exchange & Cultural Placement Services
- NAICS
- Educational Services (611), Travel Agencies (561510)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Paid Placement & Au Pair/Working Holiday Placement Programs (EDAIAFAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- In-Country Placement, Homestay & On-Ground Coordination Services (EDAIAGAM), Short-Term Secondary Immersion & Cultural Exchange Trips (EDAIAHAD), Pre-Departure Orientation, Re-Entry & Intercultural Training for Study Abroad (EDAIAAAH), Housing Placement Agencies & Local Letting/Relocation Services for Students (EDAIALAH)
Keywords
Where Active Abroad is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Freising
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Active Abroad business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Au Pair Placement Services: One-time placement fees for Au Pair program placement in various countries. Fees vary by destination country and are charged for matching applicants with host families, preparation, and ongoing support.
- Demi Pair Program Fees: Comprehensive program fees covering language course placement and host family matching. These fees include language school placement and family matching services, typically higher than Au Pair fees due to additional services.
- Language Travel Programs: Fees for language travel programs including course placement, accommodation arrangement, and support services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in China - Full service placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Switzerland - European placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Norway - Nordic placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in USA - Featured destination |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Netherlands - European placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Iceland - Nordic placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Belgium - European placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Ireland - European placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Denmark - Nordic placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Spain - Southern Europe placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Chile - Latin America placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in France - European placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Au Pair in Sweden - Nordic placement |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Demi Pair in Spain - Combined language and family program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Demi Pair in Ireland - Combined language and family program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Demi Pair in France - Combined language and family program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Demi Pair in Canada - Combined language and family program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Demi Pair in New Zealand - Combined language and family program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Demi Pair in Australia - Combined language and family program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Demi Pair in Italy - Combined language and family program |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Active Abroad product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Active Abroad is a German international exchange agency that places young adults (primarily aged 18–30, often recent high school graduates) in structured programs abroad: Au Pair with host families (3–24 months), Demi Pair (language school + host family), Work and Travel, Farmstay, Camp Counseling in the USA, Volunteering, and Sprachreisen (language travel including exam preparation). Services cover matching with verified host families or programs, application and preparation, visa and insurance guidance, and ongoing in-program support delivered from Freising, Germany with local partner agencies in each destination.
Product overview
Active Abroad operates as a German au pair and international exchange agency offering a portfolio of six core programs: Au Pair (child care placement with host families, 3-24 months), Demi Pair (combining language school with host family stays), Work and Travel, Farmstay, Camp Counseling (summer camp counseling in the USA), and Volunteering. Additionally, the company offers Sprachreisen (language travel programs) with various language courses and exam preparation. The programs span destinations across Europe, North America, Latin America, Oceania, Asia, and Africa. Pricing varies by program and destination, with Au Pair placements ranging from EUR 399 to EUR 949 and Demi Pair programs starting from approximately EUR 2,581. The company emphasizes personal consultation, 25+ years of experience, and membership in quality associations like IAPA and Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair e.V.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Au Pair Program International cultural exchange program placing young adults (typically 18–30, often recent Abitur graduates) with verified host families abroad for child care and family support over 3–24 months. Targets young adults seeking a structured gap year, language immersion, and cultural experience, with placements available across Europe, North America, Latin America, Oceania, Asia, and Africa.
- Demi Pair Program Combined language school and host-family placement program where participants attend a language course while providing child care in a host family. Targets young adults who want to improve language skills alongside cultural immersion; available in Spain, Ireland, France, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Italy with program fees from approximately EUR 2,581 to EUR 3,450.
- Work and Travel Program enabling participants to work and travel in a foreign country, combining employment with cultural exploration. Targets young adults seeking international work experience abroad as part of a gap year or career-development break.
- Farmstay Rural farm-based exchange program offering authentic agricultural work experience and countryside cultural immersion away from urban centers. Targets young adults seeking an off-the-beaten-path cultural and work experience abroad.
- Camp Counseling Summer camp counseling program placing participants as counselors for children and youth at American summer camps during the June to August season. Targets young adults seeking a short-term U.S. experience working with children in an outdoor camp setting.
- Volunteering Volunteer placements abroad in social, environmental, and animal welfare projects, with program durations starting from 2 weeks. Targets young adults seeking short-term international volunteer experience.
- Sprachreisen (Language Travel) Language course placement abroad in multiple countries (including South Korea, South Africa, and other destinations), offering General language courses, exam preparation (Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, DELE, CELI), and business language options. Includes course placement, accommodation arrangement, and support services; targets young adults and students seeking structured language study abroad.
Companies that use Active Abroad
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Active Abroad technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Active Abroad partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Partner Agencies in Destination CountriescoreNetwork of verified local partner agencies in program destination countries (China, South Korea, South Africa, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and European countries) providing on-the-ground support, host family screening, and participant services.
- IAPA (International Au Pair Association)flagshipWorldwide leading association for serious and quality-assured Au Pair programs. Active Abroad maintains membership, committing to highest international quality standards including verified partner agencies, clear processes, fair conditions, and secure placement.
- Au-pair Society e.V.flagshipNationwide professional association for serious Au Pair placements in Germany. Active Abroad commits to high quality and safety standards through reliable placement processes and checked partners.
- Gütegemeinschaft Au Pair e.V. (RAL Gütezeichen)flagshipResponsible body for the official RAL Gütezeichen Au Pair - the only state-recognized quality seal for Au Pair programs in Germany. Active Abroad undergoes regular external audits to maintain certification.
- Language Schools (Partners)corePartners for language travel and Demi Pair programs including schools in Ireland, Spain, France, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, and other destinations providing language instruction and cultural activities.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Active Abroad competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- InterExchange: US nonprofit offering Au Pair, Work and Travel, and cultural exchange programs. Comparable across multiple program types (Au Pair, Work and Travel) and target demographics, with similar placement + support service model.
- AuPairCare: US-based Au Pair agency placing participants with American host families. Directly comparable Au Pair placement services, with overlapping destination portfolio and target demographic of young adults seeking cultural exchange.
- GreatAuPair: Online Au Pair matching platform operating as a marketplace for au pairs and host families. Competes directly in Au Pair placement but with a more self-service/digital model versus Active Abroad's consultation-driven German operation.
- AuPairWorld: Online Au Pair marketplace connecting au pairs and host families globally. Directly competes in the same Au Pair placement category with similar target customers, but uses a self-serve digital matching model versus Active Abroad's high-touch consultation approach.
- Projects Abroad: International volunteer and internship placement organization operating globally. Directly comparable to Active Abroad's Volunteering product line with overlapping target demographic (young adults seeking international experience) and similar program fee model.
- ESL Language Travel (ESL Education): Swiss-based language travel agency offering language courses abroad with similar destination coverage and target demographic. Directly comparable Sprachreisen / language course placement product line and European customer base.
Broad incumbents
- EF Education First: Global education company offering language travel, study abroad, and cultural exchange programs at massive scale. Overlaps with Active Abroad's language travel, work and travel, and au pair adjacent programs, but operates as a multinational incumbent rather than a niche specialist.
- Cultural Care Au Pair (EF Education First): Largest US Au Pair agency, part of EF Education First. Directly comparable as a J-1 Au Pair placement provider, but operates at much larger scale, broader geographic footprint, and as part of a global education conglomerate rather than a family-owned specialist.
Emerging players
- GoOverseas: Online marketplace and reviews platform for study, work, volunteer, and teach abroad programs. Adjacent to Active Abroad's Volunteering, Work and Travel, and Au Pair offerings, but as a digital lead-generation and reviews platform rather than a placement provider.
Regional players
- TravelWorks: German Work and Travel and Au Pair placement specialist. Comparable as a German-headquartered exchange program provider targeting the same German-speaking young adult demographic, with overlapping product portfolio (Work and Travel, Au Pair).
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Active Abroad social profiles
Digital presenceActive Abroad compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Active Abroad financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Active Abroad leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Active Abroad funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Active Abroad M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Active Abroad
What does Active Abroad do?
Active Abroad is a German international exchange agency that places young adults (primarily aged 18–30, often recent high school graduates) in structured programs abroad: Au Pair with host families (3–24 months), Demi Pair (language school + host family), Work and Travel, Farmstay, Camp Counseling in the USA, Volunteering, and Sprachreisen (language travel including exam preparation). Services cover matching with verified host families or programs, application and preparation, visa and insurance guidance, and ongoing in-program support delivered from Freising, Germany with local partner agencies in each destination.
Is Active Abroad a public or private company?
Active Abroad is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Active Abroad founded?
Active Abroad was founded in 1998. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Active Abroad based?
Active Abroad is headquartered in Freising, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Active Abroad make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Au Pair Placement Services are the primary driver. The others are demi Pair Program Fees and language Travel Programs.
Who are Active Abroad's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are InterExchange, AuPairCare, GreatAuPair, AuPairWorld, Projects Abroad and ESL Language Travel (ESL Education). Broad incumbents are EF Education First and Cultural Care Au Pair (EF Education First). GoOverseas is listed as an emerging player. TravelWorks is listed as a regional player.
Does Active Abroad have an API?
No public API is recorded for Active Abroad.
What industry is Active Abroad in?
Active Abroad's product category is International Exchange & Cultural Placement Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAIAFAD, Paid Placement & Au Pair/Working Holiday Placement Programs, with a secondary code of EDAIAGAM, In-Country Placement, Homestay & On-Ground Coordination Services. Its NAICS code is 611 and its SIC code is 8200.