Farmstay

Home Sweet Homestay’s Farmstay program is modeled after our Ranchstay program, and is similarly designed for those interested in an authentic Canadian culture learning adventure. Every farm is visited in person by one of HSH’s experienced personelle, and we invest the same standards and discretion when finding your perfect farm as we do with our ranches.

As an honorary family member, you’ll be expected to help out with the day-to-day as any other farm-family member. Chores around the home and property will be as varied as our families, their locations, and specializations. Since all our farms are by definition family-run cottage operations (no industrial or large scale concerns) you should be open-minded and prepared to help with all and any of the many tasks that may need doing at any given time. Helping out your homestay is spending time with your homestay – an opportunity to practice your English language skills in a real world environment while learning new things everyday.

Farmstay is more than accommodation- it’s an experience!

I'm a Student: Application Form I'm a Farmer: Referral Form

Your hosts will direct your activities based on a lot of factors, including but not limited to:

•The season/time of year of your placement
•The new and on-going projects particular to the farm
•Your ability to understand and pick up new skills
•The duration of your stay (relating to your ability to learn certain tasks)
•Your attitude and desire to help out
•Natural events (drought, forest fires, weather, etc.)

Your hosts will delegate you according to these and other factors, while also considering your strengths and interests as they get to know you better. Just as with Ranchstay, in our experience the happiest participants are the ones with the most open minds and flexible attitudes and who are willing to apply themselves to whatever gets thrown their direction. And if you’re the kind of person who likes getting a bit dirty, then this is the program for you!

Farmstays take all shapes and forms but generally fall into one of two categories: agriculture and livestock. In practice though, families often have a bit of everything going on. Our motto is work hard, play hard! Hours can vary quite a bit according to the circumstances including weather, season, and family’s priorities at any given time.

Farms can be quite remote, so don’t expect all the modern conveniences and amenities of a regular homestay. But you’ll be more than rewarded by the wild and beautiful rural Canadian environment, the fresh air, and the satisfaction of healthy outdoor living. Unless you’re taking pictures, a good policy is to put your device away and always try to enjoy the moment.

QUICK PROGRAM FACTS

Age range of applicants: 19 – 29 years (18 year olds will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as will applicants above 29 years of age)

English Language level: Intermediate minimum* Duration: 4 – 24 weeks (3 week placements will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Start Dates: April 30 – August 21

Application deadline: 10 weeks minimum in advance of start date(less advance registrants will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Lodging: single or shared room

Meals: All meals will be provided while on Ranch by your host family

Placement location: British Columbia and Alberta, Canada Canada

Port of arrival: Vancouver, BC

Payment: In full in advance; note that placement searches will not begin until payment has been received. Also note that rates may change between calendar years, however received payments are rate guaranteed.

*Applicants who do not yet meet the minimum English level requirement for Farm or Ranchstay can be arranged English classes through one of HSH’s partner schools in Vancouver, before rural placement.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

•Airport meet and greet in Vancouver by a Home Sweet Homestay staff ; transfer from Vancouver airport (YVR) to your hostel or homestay in Vancouver*.
•First night’s** accommodation in Vancouver
•Delivery, usually next day, from your hostel or roomstay to your departure point (airport, ferry terminal, bus station, etc.)
•Paid and arranged ticket for your transfer to placement
•Accommodation in single or shared room while on placement
•All meals while on placement
•24/7 HSH support services for the duration of your program
*Some participants may be transfered same day to ranch
**Precise Vancouver departures are contingent on availability of ranchhost family to receive you their end, which may be up to 72 hours after your arrival in Canada. Any necessary extra nights in Vancouver will be included by HSH free of charge .

PLACEMENT AND TIME LINES

It usually takes between 6 to 10 weeks to finalize your placement, depending on season, but try to allow HSH as much advance notice as possible. This way we can thoroughly check all the options and find you the very best placement to begin your adventure. Consideration will be given to your relevant experience, background, skills, and general interests as stated on your application preferences. All placements will be finalized a minimum of 2 weeks before arrival, assuming you have allowed a minimum of 10 weeks from the time you have finalized payment for your program. Along with your placement profile, you’ll receive the details for your one-night roomstay or hostel placement in Vancouver included as part of your comprehensive program package (in case same day ranch transfer isn’t possible).

NOTE: flight details not received a minimum of two weeks before arrival cannot be guaranteed reception in Vancouver. Feel free to give your ranch hosts a shout-out by phone or email.Let them know how excited you are to join their team!

Q: How old do I have to be for the Farmstay program:

A: 19 – 29 years old at time of program start date, however 18 year olds will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as will older applicants

Q: Do I have to have advanced or fluent English to be considered for the Farmstay program?

A: No. An intermediate level only is required. We look for functionality more than accuracy of communication

Q: Is there an application deadline?

A: Generally speaking, the earlier you register the better. This said, HSH will consider any application with a minimum 8 weeks advance notice before intended start date. Registrations with less than 8 weeks advance notice (calculated from date of payment received) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q: What months/seasons can I do Farmstay in Canada?

A: Home Sweet Homestay offers farmstay placements starting May 1 -August 21, through October (ending).

Q: Where will I be placed for my Farmstay placement?

A: HSH has farms and ranches across British Columbia and Alberta. You may be on Vancouver Island, in the Rocky Mountains, in the Cariboo-Chilcotin, or anywhere else we may decide is the most appropriate location for you based on your application. Remember: our agency is based in Vancouver, so anywhere we place you, we’re never too far. And we make a point of visiting our hosts on a regular basis, so don’t be surprised to see one of our staff even while you are on placement!

Q: How far from Vancouver are most of the Farms?

A: Placements may be as close as a couple of hours drive from the city center, or much farther away than that- sometimes involving a domestic flight from Vancouver.

Q: Will there be any other non-family members on the Farm?

A: Possibly. This is one aspect of placement we cannot determine beforehand or factor into our ranch selection process, since other people may come and go at any time.

Q: What is the minimum/maximum duration of a Farm placement?

A: Farm/Ranchstays are between 4 and 24 weeks. Three week placements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Are there any other requirements for the program other than age and English?

A: A genuine willingness to help with all the various chores and activities that are part and parcel of life on a farm/ranch, along with a positive attitude, are essential. You will also have to be healthy and in good physical shape. Allergies relating to animals, hay, grass, etc. will also disqualify most applicants for this type of homestay program.

Q: Do I need a special visa for doing Farmstay?

A: No. As long as you are arriving by air from a visa-exempt country (e.g. all western European countries, and some Asian countries including Japan), you can come to Canada for up to 24 weeks with a regular electronic Tourist Authorization (eTA), arranged in your home country. In case you are planning on staying for longer than 24 weeks, or intend to find work-for-pay after your program finishes, you might be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa (check if your citizenship qualifies you to apply for one). While Farmstay is NOT a work program, neither is this a holiday program. Living with farmers and being a part of the family’s day-to-day activity means by definition that you will be helping out with chores. This is a cultural experience first and foremost, and suffice to say that homestay culture in the countryside is a very different thing from the big city.

Q: What if I don’t like my Farm?

A: If you have a grievance of any kind, contact Home Sweet Homestay and let us know about it. We know that all of our placements are safe and secure, but sometimes your expectations vs the reality of actual farm life may not be completely in synch. Depending on the grievance, we can often find a resolution for you simply through dialogue, or with the input of your hosts. If a legitimate grievance simply can’t be resolved, then a second placement option may be arranged. Under no circumstances however should you leave your placement unilaterally, as this will forfeit your placement and fees. Grievances must be examined and resolved through HSH’s tried and true due processes.

Q: Do I need accidental health insurance?

A: Yes. Participants who cannot provide proof of comprehensive medical coverage on arrival to Canada will not be allowed to proceed to placement. Furthermore, any additional costs due to delays in making the required insurance arrangements (eg., accommodation, food, lost program time, etc.) will be the sole responsibility of the participant.

Q: What kind of chores will I be expected to do on the Farm?

A: Cottage-style, small operations. This means you will have real opportunity to get to know your host family and practice your English while wearing many different hats doing all the necessary day to day tasks that a family-run homestead entails, for example: cleaning, fixing, maintenance, building, painting, weeding, harvesting, feeding, cooking, haying, and so much more.

Q: On arrival, how do I recognize the person who will be pick me up?

A: As soon as you’ve passed Customs & Immigration, call or text us to let us know you are arrived and waiting for your bags. We’ll have one of our helpful staff at the airport within 30 minutes.

Farmstay

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