Ranchstay - Prairies
If you like the country life, tractors, horses, cattle and fresh air, and want to experience the great wide open, then our Ranch Stay Program is for you! Experience the vast openness of Canadian Marlboro country and live with a ranching family to learn their way of life.
RanchStay is for the cowboy/cowgirl at heart looking to spend some time on a ranch or farm away from all the bright lights of the big city. RanchStay is for people looking to learn something about the community they are placed in and farming in general. Most placements are with small family run farms located 1 - 5 hours from a city; you will pay a weekly fee to stay on the farm and will not be paid. You are not required to work, but are expected to help out with chores around the house and the farm like any member of the family.
This Program Includes
- Interview(s) prior to arrival in Canada if required
- Assistance with arranging itinerary to the farm
- Farm profile prior to arrival in Canada.
You Can Choose From
- Horse breeding or horse training Farm/Ranch
- Guest Ranch (April to October only)
- Vineyards
- Cattle Ranch
- Sheep/Grain Farm
- Alpaca Farm
- Mixed Farm
Program Requirements
- be 18 to 30 years of age
- study 4 to 24 weeks at IH Calgary
- be physically fit and have no allergies
- be prepared to live in a small, remote community
- bring with you sturdy outdoor clothing
- have an intermediate level of English
Open Working Holiday Visas
Working holiday visas are issued to nationals of a handful of countries on an exchange basis. Some of these countries include: Japan, Germany, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Italy, South Korea, Norway, Czech Republic and Latvia. There are age restrictions on these visas and they are issued only once in your life.
Student Work Abroad Visas (SWAP)
This visa is restricted to students and numbers are limited. You will have to enrol with a SWAP representative in your region if nationals of your country are eligible. Please check www.swap.ca for more details on this program.
C-30 Visas
This is for programs that include both study as well as a work component. You will need both a student and working authorization. All of our programs using C-30 visas are a minimum of 32 weeks in duration and combine 50% study combined with 50% internship/work.
The Young Workers Exchange Visa
Only open to specific countries. You must have a placement secured before you apply for the visa and you cannot change your employer. Some of the countries include: Germany, Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, France and Austria.
Visitor Visa
Only for programs with no work/internship or other practical component. You may need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) unless you are permitted to stay in Canada for up to 6 months with a stamp in your passport upon arrival at the Canadian border.
Study Permit
Nationals of some counties need to apply to study in Canada regardless of duration. Many nationals can study in Canada for a six month period without a study permit. You will need a study permit along with a work permit to take part in any work & study programs that lasts more than 6 months.
Visa Requirement
- Working Holiday Visa
- C-30 Visa
- Student Work Abroad Visa
- Young Workers Exchange Visa
- Visitor Visa
- Study Permit
Fees
| Location | Registration | Work Placement | Ranch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | $100 | $1200 | $50/week |
In addition to the fees listed above, students must also study for a minimum of 4 weeks at IH Calgary and pay the associated program fees. Students may enrol in either the Intensive or Semi-Intensive English programs. Click here to learn more about these programs.
*All courses are subject to change without notice. All Prices are in Canadian Dollars and are subject to change without prior notice.
