Hosting German speakers to practice my German in Bullhead City, Northwest Arizona, US

Infos

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  Description

  Hosting German Speakers (and Others) for Language and Cultural Exchange in Northwest Arizona, US
  
  My name is Chris. I've been hosting on Workaway for over eight years.
  
  I 'm primarily interested in hosting fluent German speakers for longer-term intensive language practice (one month or more). Travelers who do not speak German are also welcome to inquire about shorter cultural exchange homestays.
  
  I describe the different options I offer potential guests in the “Help” section below.
  
  ABOUT ME
  
  I'm a retired attorney. I am also a financial planner.
  
  Before relocating to Arizona fifteen years ago, I lived in Manhattan and worked as a research compliance attorney for one of Europe's largest investment banks. I have also taught economics, finance and business ethics at the college level. I am an active and engaged private investor.
  
  I have a B.S. in Business & Economics, an M.A. in Economics, and a J.D. (law degree), which I earned at age 36. During my investment banking career I earned the industry-renowned Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations.
  
  Four years ago, I moved from Phoenix to Bullhead City to be closer to my aging parents. My father was recently placed into memory care for Alzheimer's Disease, and my mother now lives in a retirement community. As they now are both fully safe and cared for, I have more time to host and to travel (I recently also joined as a Workawayer myself!).
  
  I live a very modest, minimalist (yet comfortable) lifestyle in which my primary leisure activity is escaping into nature. This can mean scenic drives, hiking, kayaking or other serene, slow-paced outdoor activities. If you've read Henry David Thoreau or Ralph Waldo Emerson, then you'll have an idea of how I define "the good life." I have also taken up art history as another intellectual pursuit and thrive inside art museums.
  
  I'm an avid chess player and a less-avid video gamer. I follow European soccer, especially the Bundesliga. My favorite team is Borussia Dortmund. My favorite player is Julian Brandt.
  
  Again, I have been an active host here (and on similar websites) for many years. I always enjoy having interesting young people from around the world staying with me, whether for culture and language exchange or to take on various projects.
  
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  My German proficiency is around B1-B2. My command of grammar rules is excellent, but my vocabulary is relatively weak, especially with casual, conversational German (as opposed to news articles and other "Hochdeutsch" sources).
  
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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Pratique d’une langue

  Enseignement

  Bricolage et construction

  Cuisine/repas pour la famille

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général

  Aide informatique/internet

  Home sitting
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Politique/justice sociale

  

  Vie en van

  

  Culture

  

  Histoire

  

  Astronomie

  

  Livres

  

  Langues

  

  Nature

  

  Montagne

  

  Randonnée
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  Besides structured assistance with your English if you like, I can offer the following:
  
  --I have an annual pass to all National Parks, National Forests and similar federal sites, and all the necessary camping equipment. Several options to camp are within driving distance: the Grand Canyon (Arizona); Joshua Tree and Death Valley (California); Zion/Bryce (Utah); Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon (Nevada). If you have your own car or campervan, then you can borrow my camping gear and go by yourself. If you need me to take you, then I'm happy to do so, but you must pay for gas and any campground or motel fees. Ask for details.
  
  --Kayaking on nearby Lake Mohave (part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area), weather permitting.
  
  --Target shooting in the mountains with a .38 Special revolver pistol.
  
  --An in-depth introduction to U.S. law, courts, legislative processes and jurisprudence for those interested in comparative legal systems. My particular areas of interest are constitutional issues, individual rights, and tort law. (Note, however, that I prefer not to discuss politics.)
  
  --Discussions or tutorials about financial markets, investment banking, portfolio construction ("stock picking" and asset allocation) and personal investing and financial planning. (Yes, I can explain Bitcoin to you!)

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  Aide

  Again, the exact terms of what I am offering depend on a few questions:
  --Are you a fluent German speaker?
  --Are you willing to stay at least one month?
  If “yes” to both questions, then please see “Option 1.”
  If “no” to either question, then please see “Option 2.”
  
  OPTION 1: Native German Speakers Only -- Minimum One Month -- All Expenses Covered
  
  I’m eager to host fluent German speakers (any nationality) for longer-term stays. Your primary task will of course be to help me improve my German, with a focus on casual conversational German (rather than formal Hochdeutsch), while I in return can help you perfect your English. I describe my current abilities and learning methods in the "Languages" section of my profile.
  
  If you stay for at least one month, then your time here will be “all expenses included.” I will pick you up from, and return you to, Las Vegas (or another relatively close location if you prefer). I will cover most of your basic grocery needs (as the saying goes, "terms and limitations apply"). All guests have full kitchen privileges.
  
  I will treat you to an overnight trip to the Grand Canyon (camping or motel depending on the season) and another trip to either Death Valley or Joshua Tree National Parks (or maybe even both). There are numerous other scenic destinations in the area. The longer you stay, the more you’ll get to see!
  
  OPTION 2: Any Nationality, Any Language -- Any Duration -- Some Expenses Covered
  
  All others are welcome to stay with me for cultural exchange and to improve your English. Your Workaway duties would mainly be helping around the house and yard (deep cleaning indoors, planting new shrubs outdoors, etc.) or various other projects.
  
  You would be (mostly) responsible for your own food (but you get full kitchen privileges).
  
  If you have your own transportation (car, campervan, motorcycle, etc.) and would like to visit the region’s national parks, then you can borrow my camping gear, and I may even join you! If you want to use my home as a “base camp” while you explore the region on your own, then we can discuss that option too.
  
  If you do not have your own vehicle, then you will need to take a Flixbus/Greyhound bus (or Amtrak train) to Kingman, Arizona, 38 miles (61 km) away, where I will pick you up. I do ask that you pay or barter for the cost of gas ($10 round trip). If you would like me to take you to the Grand Canyon or other national parks, then you would need to cover the full cost of gas and campgrounds or motels (depending on season). I will be able to provide fairly accurate cost estimates beforehand.
  
  Modest adjustments to either option can be discussed to suit your unique circumstances and interests. Feel free to inquire!
  
  Some other ways you can help me out:
  
  --Artists can create something for the house (I will cover the cost of all materials). Guests have contributed paintings, sketches, digital art, and even poetry!
  
  --Astronomy enthusiasts can share their knowledge (I have a 70mm refractor telescope, and my area is elevated and has very little light pollution).
  
  --I have some A/V projects that involve my early (pre-digital) travel photos and videos.
  
  --I am always working on beautifying my backyard and would love to set up a flower garden and possibly an herb garden.
  
  --I have converted my garage into a recreation room. Still under development; help always needed.
  
  --Have a favorite board, card or online game? Teach it to me!
  
  --Housesitting while I travel is always a possibility, but would depend on a variety of factors.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Allemand: Intermédiaire

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  My German proficiency is around B1-B2. My command of grammar rules is excellent, but my vocabulary is relatively weak, especially with casual, conversational German (as opposed to news articles and other "Hochdeutsch" sources). I have a variety of materials and websites that I regularly use to practice and improve. But the obvious next step for me is just to have a fluent speaker to casually converse with for an extended period. Meanwhile, I have some basic training in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and have assembled a collection of "America-themed" materials (books, videos, websites) to help intermediate speakers practice and improve their English. As an intermediate speaker of German, I fully appreciate the challenges of trying to reach fluency in a second language.
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  Hébergement

  Spare bedroom in private home. There is a full-size bed (and a folding bed for a second guest), and a desk suitable for laptop use (a great set-up for digital nomads and online learners).
  
  You have full access to the kitchen as well as the living room, laundry room, my weights, and backyard.
  
  There is good wi-fi throughout the house.
  
  The living room TV has a Roku (streaming device) with many free channels as well as Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ (sports). I also have an Xbox Series X and an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
  
  The (unheated) community pool and hot tub are available year-round.
  
  I have a men's hybrid touring bike in good condition that you can borrow (though my area is quite hilly).
  
  I’m happy to drop you off at any of the town’s parks, sports fields, river access points or other local attractions during your stay. There are local buses that can get you around ($1 fare), and rideshare apps also serve the area.

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  Autres infos...

  I am fully vaccinated against COVID and require that you be too.
  
  My home is strictly nicotine- and tobacco-free. This includes vaping.
  
  I am an inclusive, LGBT-friendly host and expect you to be an inclusive, LGBT-friendly guest.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les digital nomads

  My home is well-configured for digital nomads and remote learners. I have excellent high-speed Internet and wifi, a printer and a scanner. You will also have a desk and all the privacy you need in the guest room. If you are studying online, I will gladly accommodate your coursework's schedule and time requirements.

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  I can easily accommodate a car, minivan or campervan. A larger vehicle such as an RV might pose some challenges, but we can figure it out.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Deux

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