Language school Ranchstay, ILSC - Ranchstay Program

Are you fascinated by Canada, does living in a ranch appeal to you and do you have a passion for horses? Then our Gap Year programme in Vancouver is made for you! Organised by our ILSC partner school, your stay will take place in two stages. The work experience on the ranch is offered following an intensive language course, which will allow you to develop essential language skills. This programme is open to autonomous participants, motivated by the world of horseback riding and with a level of English that is sound enough to face everyday communication situations.



English course

You will take 30 lessons of English per week. The classes take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. The classes include between 10 and 14 students divided up according to their language level. Depending on the dates of your stay, you will also be able to prepare one of the Cambridge exam (FCE, CAE; CPE) or even the BEC. You will have access to the various facilities of the ILSC school in Vancouver. It is also possible to prolong the course programme in order to consolidate your English level in order to carry out your work experience at the ranch (upper intermediate level required for the work experience at the ranch).



Ranchstay

After an intensive English course in Vancouver, it's time for the adventure! The work experience takes place in a ranch situated to the south of Kamloops, in the vast green prairies of British Columbia. During 3, 4 or 6 weeks, you will be a full member of the team in charge of the smooth running of a guest ranch for 25 horses. Each day, various tasks will be assigned to you, including the care of the horses, the tidying of the horseboxes and the ranch, horsemanship and training... horse lovers will really be in their element. Depending on your level and the weather, you will be able to go horse riding for 3 to 4 hours per day (beginners will be able to do around an hour of horse riding per day). But don't imagine that you are going to leave your English behind in the classrooms in Vancouver! The "English only" policy practised at the ranch will allow you to put your language knowledge into practice in the most varied real-life situations.
Horse riding every day, discovering the authentic life of a ranch in Canada and sharing unforgettable moments in a convivial atmosphere...a unique experience!



The programme (course + work experience) may be chosen for 6, 8 or a maximum of 12 weeks, which means 3, 4 or 6 weeks of courses followed by 3, 4 or 6 weeks of work experience at the ranch. It is offered in the form of a package including various course + work experience options according to the duration, objectives and language level of each student.

Important: This work experience offered by our partner school is in high demand and availability is contingent on the candidate's motivation and level of English and on the season. In order that the school may organise the work experience placement, you will need to fill out the application form and the waiver form (where applicable).