How a ranch works
Ideal for a gap year internship, the English course and ranch program in Canada is a guaranteed immersion in an English-speaking environment! If you like the great outdoors, wide open spaces, and you are not afraid of work, the ranch in Canada is for you!
After 2 days in Vancouver, help run a typical Canadian farm with a local family. This is an opportunity to live an experience of professional and personal development, while considerably improving your English.
Live a unique experience in Canada! This program will bring you up to speed in English and immerse you in the daily life of a Canadian family. If you have the heart of a cowboy or a cowgirl, want to spend time on a ranch far from the big cities, you will be won over!
Like all of our gap year programs, this project in Canada allows you to get some professional experience while having a positive impact on the local ecosystem.
This program is designed for those who wish to learn English and to find out how a large farm operates in an English-speaking context.
You will stay at a ranch where you will participate in all the activities of your host family: you will be able to ride their horses, drive their tractor, participate in daily chores, etc.
But it’s not just about agriculture. It is above all a human exchange, a cultural experience that you will live during this internship. Participants will be immersed in the heart of Canadian culture. You will accompany families on their neighborhood visits, their races, or events such as rodeos or festivals.
– Horse farms (breeding/training, pensions, horse farms)
– Guest ranch (which involves property maintenance duties)
– Cattle/sheep farms
– Alpaca farms
– Wineries
– Mixed farms
– Other types of operations can be offered on request
You will be placed on small family farms, in very rural areas in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia. Upon request and at the sole discretion of our partner, you may be placed in other regions.
– Discover Canadian culture
– Improve your level of English
– Discover the agricultural world
– Participate in the life of a Canadian family
– Take advantage of Canada’s great outdoors
– Develop general agricultural and equestrian skills
We are looking for people who are outgoing, adaptable, in good physical condition, and who really want to discover Canada.
Participants of this gap year program in Canada must be between 20 and 30 years old.
This program is designed for those who wish to improve their English, and to find out how a large farm operates in an English-speaking context.
In Vancouver, the first 2 days weeks include airport transfer, orientation, 2 nights in an international hostel and guidance on your project in Canada. Students who wish to strengthen their language skills can extend their stay in Vancouver and book English classes and stay with a local family.
Then you will go to your ranch where you will participate in all the activities of your host family: you will be able to ride their horses, drive their tractor, participate in daily chores, etc.
But it's not just about agriculture. It is above all a human exchange, a cultural experience that you will live during this internship. Participants will be immersed in the heart of Canadian culture. You will accompany families on their neighborhood visits, their races, or events such as rodeos or festivals.
- Horse farms (breeding/training, pensions, horse farms)
- Guest ranch (which involves property maintenance duties)
- Cattle/sheep farms
- Alpaca farms
- Wineries
- Mixed farms
- Other types of operations can be offered on request
You will be placed on small family farms, in very rural areas in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia. Upon request and at the sole discretion of our partner, you may be placed in other regions.
- Discover Canadian culture
- Improve your level of English
- Discover the agricultural world
- Participate in the life of a Canadian family
- Take advantage of Canada's great outdoors
- Develop general agricultural and equestrian skills
We are looking for people who are outgoing, adaptable, in good physical condition, and who really want to discover Canada.
Participants of this gap year course in Canada must be of legal age.
Our organization serves those who want to explore the world and have unique international experiences as part of their personal and professional journey.
And we are convinced that it is essential to live abroad, in total immersion, to discover the world, its diversity, its riches.
This has been our philosophy since the creation of our organization in 1998, and it is what still drives us today. Our mission is to support you in achieving your personal goals and to promote your development within the framework of our programs, which are resolutely geared towards intercultural encounters.
And we are convinced that it is essential to live abroad, in total immersion, to discover the world, its diversity, its riches.
This has been our philosophy since the creation of our organization in 1998, and it is what still drives us today. Our mission is to support you in achieving your personal goals and to promote your development within the framework of our programs, which are resolutely geared towards intercultural encounters.
This program can be booked from 4 to 24 weeks. Please contact us for available start dates.
| Duration | Fees to be paid upon registration |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks | 1930€ |
| 6 Weeks | 2100€ |
| 8 Weeks | 2360€ |
| 10 Weeks | 2680€ |
| 12 Weeks | 3000€ |
Housing is allocated by local NGOs, not by Freepackers - the descriptions are there to give you an idea of the type of accommodation, as it is very likely that conditions will vary on site depending on the number of volunteers, weather conditions, availability, etc. Each volunteer will be accommodated according to the stated conditions, but it is possible that the accommodation may not match the description or images shown on this site word for word, for example, in the case of annexed housing, renovations, relocations, etc.
Participants stay with locals, most often in a single room on the host farm. Sheets and towels are provided, you will also have access to a telephone and a laundry room to wash your clothes.
Ranch stays include 3 meals per day, usually shared with the host family. If participants have special diets (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) they will be responsible to adapt or supplement their food.
Questions/Answers:
Where are the partner farms located?
In rural areas of British Columbia, between 8 and 20 hours' drive from Vancouver. Host families generally pick up participants at Edmonton Airport, which is also the departure airport. An extra fee may apply depending on the distance to the farm – you will be informed upon placement confirmation.
Can I request to be placed on a specific type of farm?
Yes, you can share your preferences with us. All placements are subject to certain requirements regarding English level, work experience, soft skills, availability, physical condition, etc.
Do I have the right profile to join this program?
We are looking for easy-going, sociable individuals, and in some cases, those with specific experience. For example, horse-riding skills are required for placements on equine farms. You must also be physically fit to take part in daily farm tasks just like the other members of your host family. And above all, a strong desire to contribute to the project!
What level of language do I need?
You must have at least an intermediate to advanced level of English to be able to communicate with your host family and understand what is expected of you.
What will my role be on the farm?
We organize your placement based on your preferences and personal goals, as well as the length of your stay and the time of year. You will be considered a member of the family and will join them in all their activities, which may include animal care, cleaning facilities, trips to town, attending rodeos or community events, family dinners, hiking, gardening, etc.
Can I join with my partner or a friend?
Yes, we often manage to place couples or friends on the same farm. However, we cannot formally guarantee it.
What happens if no placement is found for me?
You will be fully refunded. Of course, we are not responsible for services outside our scope (flights and other expenses).
What if I don’t like the placement?
Unfortunately, if you refuse the placement, you will lose the fees you have paid for the program.
What if I accept the placement but things go wrong?
You can contact us to explain your situation. If you have valid reasons to request a new placement, we will send you a request form. You will be informed as soon as a new spot becomes available. You will then be able to move, depending on availability.
What temperatures should I expect?
Canadian summers are quite mild. Temperatures can reach up to 30°C, but generally hover around 25°C. Winters, however, are very cold: the average is -10°C, but it can drop as low as -30°C.
Do I need insurance?
All visitors must take out insurance for their stay in Canada. You will be required to provide proof upon arrival in the country.
Please contact the embassy or immigration website of the country you wish to enter.
You can find all ressources on the World Organization Website, in the Travel Advice section A vaccine vial.
For all international projects, Realstep requires participants to take out travel insurance covering accidents, illness, and repatriation, as well as civil liability for professional activities abroad.
For complete protection while studying or interning abroad, you can take out Cap Student insurance online by following this link Student insurance abroad | Chapka Assurances, which will give you a 5% discount.
If you take out another insurance policy, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
Achieve the language level required for your international project with tailored support. The Clic-campus method Free Packers X Clic Campus foreign language training courses combines videoconference lessons and an innovative e-learning platform, offering complete flexibility from the comfort of your own home.
A gap year is a period (often 6 to 12 months) during which you temporarily pause your studies or work to have a meaningful, structured experience: travel, volunteering, internship, job, personal project…
It can be done at any time, for the duration you choose, and in the field you want. The goal is to help you explore new possibilities for your personal and/or professional path.
Real Step offers a wide range of gap year programs abroad in various fields.
Anyone! A gap year can be taken at any age and is not limited to 18–25-year-olds. It can be done at any stage of life—whether for a career change, a lifestyle change, to explore different options, or to refine a professional project.
A gap year allows you to:
It depends on the country and your project. Make sure to budget for:
Internships during a gap year are varied, and you have a wide choice of fields:
Interns are accommodated in shared houses, hostels, or sometimes with local host families. You will have access to all essential amenities and are often close to shops so you can easily find what you need.
Departure dates are flexible; it is possible to leave every week. Please contact us to find out about program availability.
This depends on the missions. Local coordinators are on site to facilitate communication, but a minimum B1 level is often recommended to communicate locally. Some technical or research placements may require a higher level.
You can take language classes before you leave for your project.
The participation requirements are listed on each program page.
Yes, you will have a local coordinator on site as your main point of contact to answer your questions, ensure your safety, and support you if needed. You will always have an orientation upon arrival, including: an introduction to the project, the local team, your missions, and the rules to follow. The team also explains safety guidelines (recommended behavior, areas to avoid).
Local emergency assistance is available 24/7. We remain reachable throughout the entire project.
In addition, the projects we offer are carefully selected with reliable partners and in suitable destinations.
Internship schedules may vary depending on your program. In general, you will work between 30 and 40 hours per week. We specify these conditions on the program pages or in the downloadable brochures.
Yes, absolutely! Real Step internships are open to solo travelers, pairs, or groups. Many schools and students even organize group departures through our programs.
There are many diverse destinations: Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America—all around the world!
By joining a project with us, you are supported at every step.
You can contact us to explain your situation. If you have valid reasons to request a new placement, we will send you a request form. You will be informed as soon as a spot becomes available. You will then be able to change location, subject to availability.
There are different ways to finance part of your project. We have several resources to help you find funding support, whether through student mobility scholarships, Erasmus+ funding for projects in Europe, or regional grants. Some volunteers have also organized group fundraising initiatives.
For young people aged 18 to 30, it is possible to go abroad with a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) and work on site to finance part of the project.
Even without financial aid, a well-prepared project can be made accessible through a mix of “savings + fundraising + a job on site”.
Find all the information on funding your internship in this article.
The price covers accommodation, supervision, part of the local organization (meals, orientation), Freepackers’ expertise, and support for the projects. Part of the project fee is used to help develop the project on site. Our teams visit the projects to ensure they are safe, useful, and reliable.
Yes, you will have free time and you can go out, visit places, and travel, especially on weekends. You just need to respect the program’s organization (schedule, mission days) and follow the safety guidelines given by the local team. In some destinations, the team can also recommend places to explore.
Here are the essential mandatory steps to complete:
Other steps may be necessary depending on the type of internship, the country, or other factors.
Our team will provide you with all the information you need.
No, most of the internships we offer are unpaid, but this can vary depending on the host organization, the duration, and the country.
Yes, many students have validated their internship through Real Step projects. Our placements meet schools’ academic requirements.
A wide range of internships is available, and our programs are suitable for many engineering fields, such as:
Feel free to contact us to learn about all our internship opportunities.
See our Ultimate Guide to Succeeding in Your Engineering Internship.
This can vary depending on your school and your year of study, but in general you can go for 4 to 16 weeks.
Three months is often the duration required by schools to help you develop skills. To learn more about 3-month engineering internships.
Your missions can vary greatly depending on your specialty and your level of study and commitment, but overall you will be asked to take part in:
The goal is to encourage the practical application of the knowledge you have gained during your studies—skills you will be able to highlight later on.
Find our detailed advice in our guide Engineering internship cover letter: land an international experience.
Yes, many students have validated their internship through Real Step projects. Our placements meet schools’ academic requirements.
We offer many internships in a wide range of areas, such as:
Even though some details vary depending on the country, here are the main steps:
To understand the exact process, we recommend reading this article in detail.
You can go on a WHV to the following destinations:
Check our website to make sure you don’t miss a program—or contact us!
The budget needed for a WHV depends on the country you choose, your lifestyle, and the length of your stay.
Expenses to plan for:
Yes. You can take English or Spanish courses before you leave, or even during your project.
Course schedules are flexible depending on your goal. You can choose to take a few hours per week, or fully focus on your language courses over a longer period to prepare for a project such as a WHV or a job abroad.
Les Français n’ont pas besoin de visa pour aller au Japon pour des séjours de moins de 3 mois, le passeport suffit. En revanche, un business visa ou un visa vacances travail (working holiday visa) sont indispensables pour rester plus de 3 mois, par exemple si vous prévoyez de travailler ou de faire un stage au Japon. Il faut alors faire la démarche à la section consulaire de l’Ambassade.
Il est de votre responsabilité de choisir le bon visa pour votre projet.
Les conditions de visa peuvent changer et le visa dépend de la nature de votre projet. Veuillez toujours vérifier sur France Diplomatie avant de réserver votre billet et de partir pour un programme et de vous y prendre en avance.
Traditionally, Japanese dress codes are formal: a dark suit, white shirt, and dark tie. However, foreign businesspeople can dress as they normally would in their home country. It is also often customary to remove your shoes (at home, in some restaurants, etc.).
The yen is Japan’s official currency.
The cost of living in Japan is 2.6% higher than in France.
When traveling, plan for an on-site budget of at least €80 per day per person (¥11,595 per day).
Most dietary requirements (kosher, vegetarian, halal, etc.) can be accommodated, provided you request it well in advance.
Our local partners in Tokyo arrange airport pick-up at the international airport every Friday. For students enrolled in internships outside the city, instructions for reaching the final destinations will be provided in advance or upon arrival.
Either in the main residence in Tokyo, at the internship location when it is remote (natural reserves, for example), or with a host family. This sea turtle conservation internship in Japan includes accommodation. Japan’s housing shortage has triggered an unprecedented surge in prices, so it is strongly recommended to have accommodation arranged in advance for at least the first month of your stay.
Working holiday and internship programs include free time every weekend so participants can explore the surrounding area. Project coordinators and local organizations are always happy to share advice on places to visit and the excursions available on weekends.
It depends on the program you choose. For those who want to stay for 1 year on a Working Holiday Visa on projects involving a paid job like this one, it is strongly recommended to take Japanese classes upon arrival (4 weeks of intensive courses) to broaden your job search options.
In fact, most jobs in retail, services, or the hospitality industry require an intermediate level of Japanese. For 3-month internships, these can be done in tourism organizations that only require English. Farm work does not require a high level of Japanese either.
To travel to Japan, spring—especially April/May—is the recommended period. Summer in Japan is the rainy season. June and July are particularly wet, and the heat starts to build. Temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C.
Currently, people who are allowed to travel to Japan are not required to be vaccinated. For real-time updates, we invite you to consult the Institut Pasteur website.
The local partner provides 24/7 assistance. Participants receive the coordinators’ contact details in advance, as well as an emergency number to call. The coordinators are available at all times, during the week and on weekends.
Look into official channels to find opportunities. It is also important to adapt your application to the country’s norms (the CV and cover letter are different).
Finally, Real Step offers internships in Japan in various fields that may interest you! In ecology or even IT, communication, marketing, etc.
It depends on the company and the length of the internship. In Japan, working conditions are different, so it’s important to focus above all on learning and cultural immersion.
