Farmstays in Kelowna and the Sunny Okanagan!

  Canada

• British Columbia: 
Kelowna,  Westbank

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: starting weekly

Description: International Gateway Kelowna offers a unique opportunity for students to explore and enjoy rural and 'Western' life on a variety of ranches and farms in the Thompson/Okanagan area of British Columbia. This semi-desert environment has open rangeland for cattle, little rainfall and bright blue skies! Opportunities for fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, swimming, horseback riding and just 'kicking back' are numerous. Students are placed on a farm or ranch of their choice for 1 to 6 weeks. This program can be taken by itself or in conjunction with Practical ESL classes at IGK before or after the Farm stay placement. It is recommended that low-level English students enroll in ESL programs at IGK prior to the farm stay in order to get the maximum benefit out of their experience.

Highlights: Work schedules are to be arranged between the farm stay participant and the farm after arrival. The ranches typically have 3 to 14 bedrooms allocated for farm stay participants and other guests and are open year round as 'guest' ranches. It is for this reason that they require farm stay participants. The ranches and farms require assistance feeding and saddling horses, painting and building fences, gardening, haying, doing light outdoor work, cooking and housekeeping for guests. Farm stay placements are an excellent way for students to learn new skills, practice English conversation with Canadians and build bonds, friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!

Qualifications: None. Ages 16 and up. Cambridge FCE recommended.

Cost in US$: 215 per week

* If booked in Conjunction with an ESL Program at International Gateway Kelowna - 280 CAD per week (1 week = 7 nights/ 8 days - Extra night charge - 40 CAD)

* Without ESL Program
Farm stay Fee: 310 CAD per week (1 week=7 nights/ 8 days- Extra night charge - 45 CAD)

Includes:
- accommodation,
- 3 meals per day,
- laundry facilities,
- horseback riding (at ranches only) and other outdoor activities.
- Students are required to volunteer at least 15 hours per week at the farm stay to offset the costs of their stay as the guest ranches and farms typically charge CAD 100 per night to regular paying guests.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Swiss or Japanese female in their 20's who likes animals, horses and nature.

Age Range: 16-40

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Canada Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

International Gateway Kelowna's Mission Statement: International Gateway Kelowna offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to students in a safe, caring and affordable environment.

Year Founded: 2002