Ranchstay

Home Sweet Homestay’s Ranchstay is a specially designed program for those interested in a true culture learning adventure.
To guarantee our standard, every ranch is visited and vetted in person by an experienced Home Sweet Homestay staff. As a local Vancouver Canada based company, we pride ourselves on our hands-on approach when it comes to finding your perfect placement.

As part of the Ranchstay family, you’ll be expected to contribute in all the same daily ranch responsibilities as the rest of the Ranch family. While ranches are by definition very ‘horse-centric’, chores around the home and property will vary a lot and may not always be directly related to horses- most of our Ranches run hybrid operations from tourism to agriculture to breeding and training.

Ranchstay is more than accommodation – it’s an experience!

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

You should therefore be open-minded and ready for the many tasks that may vary according to both predictable as well as not-so predictable factors, including:

•The season/time of year of your placement
•The new and on-going projects particular to a ranch
•The unique set of skills and talents you may be bringing
•Your ability to learn new skills quickly
•The duration of your stay, relating to your ability to learncertain more involved tasks
•Your desire to help and general attitude when it comes tohelping out with anything your host family may need doing
•Natural events from unexpected drought, to forest fires, to especially wet/inclement weather

Your hosts will have the discretion to delegate you according to all of the above considerations, putting weight on the strengths and interests you demonstrate and/or express.The happiest and most successful participants are those with an open and flexible attitude, who are willing to apply themselves to whatever gets thrown at them, and (important)- enjoy getting dirty!

Ranch placements come in many forms, from outback lodges, wilderness outfitters, breeders, guest ranches, boarders, cattle ranches, and multi-focus farms with a wide variety of activities and enterprises. Expect to work hard, and play hard! And remember that life in the Canadian outback is anything but predictable. your hours will vary and fluctuate according to whatever nature and circumstance might dictate. Some days will be longer, some shorter- ranchers don’t punch a clock. Springtime is the birthing season and an animal may require long hours of attention into the night to deliver its newborn(s). Mother nature is unpredictable at best, but never boring!

Remember also that many of our ranches can be quite remote.The modern conveniences and amenities you might be used to (read, “internet”), may be limited or sometimes unreliable. When it comes to device usage and unless you’re taking pictures, a good policy is to put your device away; try to be as ‘present’ as possible – Life is short- live 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; Placement searches will not begin until payment has been received. 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 Ranch or Farmstay can be arranged English classes through one of HSH’s partner schools in Vancouver, before 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 Ranchstay 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 Ranchstay 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 Ranchstay in Canada?

A: Home Sweet Homestay offers ranchstay placements starting May 1 -August 21, through October (ending). Just be aware that depending on time of year, horseback riding may be limited due to weather and your chores may revolve more around non-riding duties.

Q: Where will I be placed for my Ranchstay 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 Ranches?

A: Placements may be as close as a couple of hours drive from the city center, but in general expect a much longer transfer after your arrival- typically involving a domestic flight from Vancouver airport.

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

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 Ranch 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. For Ranchstays, you will also have to have a familiarity an competence with horses. Lastly, you will have to be healthy and in good physical shape. The nature of life on a ranch and farm requires above average physical conditioning. Allergies relating to animals, hay, grass, etc. will also disqualify most applicants for this type of stay program.

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

A: No. As long as you are arriving by air from a visa-exempt country (e.g. all western European countries), 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 Farm/Ranchstay is NOT a work program, neither is this a holiday/dude ranch program. Living with farmers/ranchers 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 country side is a very different thing from culture in the big city.

Q: What if I don’t like my Ranch?

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/ranch 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 Ranch?

A: Everything under the sun! HSH Ranch placements are non-commercial, family run, cottage-style, small operations. This means you will have real opportunity to get to know your host family, while wearing many different hats doing all the necessary day to day tasks that a family-run homestead entails. Even a ‘horse-centric’ placement will entail many non-horse related chores, including cleaning, fixing, maintenance, building, painting, weeding, and so much more. If you’re a cowgirl or cowboy, don’t worry- there will be ample opportunity to ride (weather contingent) either in the course of your regular day or as a cap-off at the end of the day.

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.

Ranchstay

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