About the Program
If you like the country life, tractors, horses, cattle and fresh air, and want to experience the great wide open, then Ranchstay is for you! Experience the vast openness of Marlboro country and be part of a local farming family. Ranchstay is for the cowboy/cowgirl at heart looking to spend some time on a ranch or farm away from all the bright lights and big cities. Ranchstay is for people looking to learn something about the community where they are placed and farming in general. Ranchstay gives you the chance to become involved with family activities and you can use all facilities of the farm, i.e. riding their horses, driving the tractor etc. The program is not only about farming; it is a cultural exchange program where you get a real insight into local culture, mentality etc. The family takes you along when they visit neighbours, when they do their grocery shopping or when they go to events like rodeos, community festivals.

Uniqueness of the Ranchstay Program
Ranchstay focuses on your objectives as opposed to the needs of the farm so placements are tailor built. It’s a bit like internship vs. paid jobs. We not only take the your requirements into consideration but also try to match your personality with the personality of the farm family. Usually we can get a good grasp of your personality by paying attention to how you write your letter of motivation, your pictures and work background. Since you are involved with the family 24/7 it is important that you both get along. Because of the personal relationships that we maintain with the farms we have more control over the placement. The farm families try to please us and make a better effort to provide a good experience to the candidate.

Ongoing support:
We act as a mediator between you and the farm. We help with any questions, concerns; we kind of “hold your hand” through the process…. It’s nice to know that there is somebody in the country who takes care of you if things go sideways. Issues are not always related to Ranchstay; as an example we had a candidate whose boyfriend broke up with her by email. We found out through Facebook because she changed her relationship status to single. We contacted her and asked her if she was ok. We spent quite a bit of time just listening to her.

What types of farms are available?

• Horse farms (Breeding farm/Training farm, Horse boarding farm, farm with horses)
• Guest ranch (involves more household chores)
• Cattle ranch
• Alpaca farm
• Vineyards
• Orchard
• Mixed farm
• More farm types available upon request

Summary

• Stay with a farming family in rural areas of the country to experience “authentic” farming life
• You will be matched to a suitable opportunity based on your goals and experience.
• Opportunities include accommodation and meals during your entire stay.
• This is a true “cultural exchange” opportunity which gives you the chance to gain insight into rural culture.
• You need to have a love of the outdoors, a rugged lifestyle and of course, animals!