HSH Farm/Ranchstay is a specialized homestay program for students interested in an alternative to the usual urban homestay experience. As with city homestays, farm/ranchstays are selected first and foremost according to familial and friendly criteria requirements, trademark of all HSH placements. Students will not typically be placed within commuting distance of an ESL institute however, and therefore usually opt for this program in lieu of, or immediately following,  a classroom course. As part of the family, students are expected to contribute in all and sundry farm-related chores along with the host family members themselves. Depending on the placement, responsibilities may be more livestock or agricultural related, but usually a combination thereof. Duties may also be delegated depending on the strengths and interests the participant demonstrates, and according to the host family’s discretion. Applicants to this program should be open, flexible, comfortable with animals, have a willingness to work hard, enjoy getting dirty, and have a genuine love of the rural and rustic lifestyle.
	DON'T JUST LEARN A LANGUAGE-         LIVE IT!
From breeding ranches, to beef cattle farms, to crop management, the HSH farm/ranchstay program is the ultimate Canadian outback experience! Designed for intermediate to advanced English speakers only, farm/ranchstay is the most established program in British Columbia of its kind, and international  participants have been enjoying this unique homestay / volunteer option for years. Students work between 5 and 6 hours a day five days a week, shoulder to shoulder with their farm/ranchstay hosts. No farm experience is necessary, however a familiarity with horses and or cattle (depending on respective placement) may be an asset, as are any other skill sets that might apply in a rural style environment.