Let the world spice up your life.

Homestay with Kirsten!

Welcome to Bellingham

Kirsten teaches ESL at a community college in Washington State. She enjoys spending time with her family while becoming one with nature through gardening, hiking, going for walks, biking, etc. Experience life in naturally beautiful Washington state with a family who loves Japan, especially Kyoto!

Kirsten
Please read this first:

In order to sign up for the homestay program you need to book a "Homestay Counseling" with Cafetalk first. Please click here:

*Book a FREE counseling*

Homestay with Kirsten!

Bellingham, Washington State

Who can participate in this program

Must fit the following requirements

  • Women (18 years and older)
  • Mother and child (child 6-12 years old)
  • Couples

Requirements

  • Before applying to the program students should have taken lessons with the tutor for at least 2 months (at least 4 lessons). If you don't meet the requirements but would still like to do the homestay, please contact Cafetalk.

How to Apply

Our Town

Bellingham is a small coastal city nestled between mountains to the east and ocean to the west. Vancouver, BC is a mere 90 minutes to the north, and Seattle is only 100 miles south. There is an abundance of wildlife and outdoor activities to enjoy here, including hiking, kayaking, biking and walking. If you want a quintessential, Pacific Northwest, small city experience, Bellingham is it.

My family and our home

We are a family of three: my husband, our 7-year-old son, and myself. I am a part-time college teacher, my husband is a self-employed carpenter, and my son is in 2nd grade in public school. We live in a quiet residential neighborhood, and our home backs up to a 244-acre city park with miles of trails, a creek and waterfalls. We have a sweet dog and a playful cat.

We are a non-smoking and shoes-off household. Activities we enjoy as a family include: walking, hiking, camping, tennis, watching movies, reading, playing board games, playing baseball and watching Seattle Mariner’s baseball games.

Your Stay

During your homestay experience you will be incorporated into our daily activities as much as possible. When we are working, you are free to enjoy the beauty and quiet of our neighborhood, or take the bus to a nearby destination.

Weekends will be planned around local exploration and optional add-on activities. Because we live in a residential neighborhood outside of town, there are no services within easy walking distance of the house. I will happily drive you to grocery shopping, bus stops, and local destinations when necessary.

Pricing (in points)

**Per night base price / Cafetalk points

13,500 points per day for up to 14 days for one person

23,500 points per day for up to 14 days for two people

Add-on Prices (for 1person / 2 people):

Scenic drive to Mt. Baker (Summer) 9,200/12,200

Day-trip to Seattle 11,600/15,300 (Mariner's tickets paid separately)

Day-trip to Vancouver 11,600/15,300

Island Hopping to the San Juan Islands (Summer) 11,600/15,300

Seattle Premium Outlet Mall shopping 7,400/9,800

(Costs above include transportation to and from the destination with your host as a guide.)

* These destinations can also be reached by bus or charter boat from Bellingham if you prefer to travel solo.

Five hours of English Instruction (your choice) 12,200

Ten hours of English Instruction (your choice) 22,000

(Costs above include private, one-on-one instruction with instructor materials in the comfort of my home.)

How to Apply

Included in your stay:

All nights’ accommodation with a private bedroom

You will be staying in the guest bedroom on the main floor of our home. The room is simple but comfortably furnished with a double bed, dresser, bookshelf, closet, and family photos and artwork on the walls. For an accompanying child, a Japanese futon can be set up on the floor if necessary.

Private bathroom - guests will have exclusive use of this bathroom, though it is not attached to the bedroom.

  • Light breakfast (daily)
  • Family dinner (daily)
  • Transportation to/from Bellingham Airport or Bellaire Bus station
  • Transportation to/from local activities and/or bus stations
  • Use of kitchen and living areas
  • Use of a large deck for lounging and bird-watching
  • Use of washer/dryer
  • Use of a bicycle for exploring
  • Free Wifi
  • Full language and cultural immersion

Optional Activities

Included

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Local shopping/sightseeing
  • Saturday Farmer’s Market
  • Exploring local parks

Solo Activities (cost paid by participant)

  • Whale Watching
  • Bellingham Bay Cruise
  • Kayaking
  • Bus or train to Seattle
  • Bus or train to Vancouver
  • San Juan Islands Cruise

Add-on Activities with Your Host

  • Drive to Mt. Baker (Summer) - 3-hour r/t drive to the viewpoint on Mount Baker with hiking and splendid views
  • Day-trip to Seattle - 3-hour round trip drive to the Emerald city
  • Day-trip to Vancouver - 3 hour round drive to beautiful Vancouver, BC
  • Mariners baseball game in Seattle - schedule permitting
  • Island Hopping to the San Juan Islands (Summer) - 45-minute drive to the ferry, then all day visiting the islands of the San Juans
  • Seattle Premium Outlet Mall shopping - 45-minute drive south to a huge name-brand shopping outlet.
  • Five hours of personal English Instruction (your choice)
  • Ten hours of personal English Instruction (your choice)

Map

Map

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