aktualisiert  

Join me for German language and cultural exchange in Northwestern Arizona, US

  • Letzte Aktivität : 18 Okt. 2025

Verfügbarkeit

  2025 

 Geforderte Mindest-Aufenthaltsdauer:  Keine Vorgaben

Jan
Feb
Mär
Apr
Mai
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Okt
Nov
Dez

Informationen

  • Beschreibung

    Beschreibung

    Hosting for German Language and Cultural Exchange in Northwestern Arizona, US

    My name is Chris. I've been hosting on Workaway for over eight years.

    Currently I 'm interested in hosting fluent German speakers (from any country) for longer-term intensive language practice (one month or more).

    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 sixteen 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 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, Ralph Waldo Emerson or Edward Abbey, 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.

  • Arten von Hilfe und Lernmöglichkeiten

    Arten von Hilfe und Lernmöglichkeiten

    Kunstprojekte
    Sprachpraxis
    Unterrichten
    Heimwerker- und Bauarbeiten
    Zubereiten / Kochen von Mahlzeiten für die Familie
    Hausarbeiten
    Handwerkliche Arbeiten
    Hilfe mit Computer /Internet
    House sitting
  • Interessengebiete

    Interessengebiete

    Politik & Soziales
    Leben im Camper-Van
    Kultur
    Geschichte
    Astronomie
    Bücher
    Sprachen
    Natur
    Gebirge
    Wandern
  • Kultureller Austausch und Lernmöglichkeiten

    Kultureller Austausch und Lernmöglichkeiten

    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 budget 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 (you must pay for your ammunition).

    --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!)

  • Arbeit

    Arbeit

    Again, the main help I'm seeking is German language practice -- conversational, textbook and media. Whatever materials and techniques work best for us.

    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 coverting and editing my early (pre-digital) travel photos and videos.

    --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.

    --There is always house- and yard-work to be done.

  • Sprachen

    Gesprochene Sprachen
    Englisch: Fließend
    Deutsch: Gute Kenntnisse

    Dieser Gastgeber bietet Sprachaustausch an
    My German proficiency is around 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 fluent speakers in the house to casually converse with for extended periods. 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 true fluency in a second language.

  • Unterkunft

    Unterkunft

    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).

    All guests enjoy the following:

    --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 Roku TV has many free channels (as well as access to most European soccer games). I also have an Xbox Series X and an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.

    --The (unheated) community pool and (very heated) 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).

    --There is national fitness center chain in town that offers an affordable short-term option. It's accessible by the local bus ($1 fare each way).

    --I’m usually able to drop you off at any of the town’s parks, sports fields, river access points or other local attractions during your stay.

    --I'm happy to arrange road-trips to most scenic attractions in the Southwest. Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks are all accessible; Saguaro, Petrified Forest, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are a bit further away. There are also numerous "National Monuments" (smaller national parks) throughout the region. You would need to cover the full cost of gas and campgrounds (I have tents, sleeping bags and gear) or budget motels. I would be able to provide fairly accurate cost estimates beforehand.

    Long-Term Guests:

    German-speaking guests who stay one month or longer enjoy free pick-up and drop-off from Las Vegas, daily breakfast (choice of eggs, oatmeal, cereal, bread and bananas ... and Sunday is Pancake Day!), as well as an all-expense-paid overnight trip to the Grand Canyon (campsite or budget motel depending on season).

    Non-German Speakers:

    Travelers who do not speak German are welcome to stay with me short-term 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.

    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.

    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.

    Modest adjustments to my offerings can be discussed to suit your unique circumstances and interests. Feel free to inquire!

  • Was noch ...

    Was noch ...

    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.

  • Etwas mehr Information

    Etwas mehr Information

    • Internet Zugang

    • Eingeschränkter Internet Zugang

      Eingeschränkter Internet Zugang

    • Wir besitzen Tiere

    • Wir sind Raucher

    • Familien möglich

  • Kann Digital Nomads unterbringen

    Kann Digital Nomads unterbringen

    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.

  • Platz zum Abstellen von Camper Vans

    Platz zum Abstellen von Camper 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.

  • Kapazität - wie viele Workawayer maximal

    Kapazität - wie viele Workawayer maximal

    eine(n)

  • Meine Tiere/Haustiere

    Meine Tiere/Haustiere

Gastgeber Ref-Nr.: 967695273928

Website-Sicherheit

Chatte mit Workawayern, die diesen Gastgeber besucht haben

+52

Feedback (59)



Weitere Bilder

Das Bild zeigt ein kleines, einstöckiges Haus mit einer hellbraunen Stuckfassade, einer überdachten Veranda und einem Kiesplatz vor einem klaren blauen Himmel.
Zwei Personen stehen vor einem großen Gewässer. Im Hintergrund ist eine Bergkette zu sehen, umgeben von einer natürlichen Landschaft mit Bäumen und Vegetation.
Eine Person fährt mit dem Kajak auf einem See, mit einem kleinen Boot im Hintergrund. Das Wasser ist ruhig und friedlich, und der Himmel ist klar. Die gesamte Atmosphäre ist ruhig und entspannend.
Das Bild zeigt eine Person in einer Wüstenlandschaft mit einem großen Gewässer im Hintergrund und einer Bergkette in der Ferne. Die Person trägt einen Hut und hält eine Angelrute in der Hand.
Zwei Männer stehen in einer Küche. Der eine trägt ein weißes Hemd, der andere ein graues Hemd. Sie halten beide Angelruten in der Hand und scheinen zu angeln.
Das Bild zeigt zwei Personen, die in einem Garten auf dem Boden sitzen, umgeben von Steinen und Fahnen, mit einem Holzrahmen im Vordergrund und einer hellbraunen Backsteinmauer im Hintergrund.
Das Bild zeigt ein Teleskop auf einem Ständer, an dem ein kleines Teleskop befestigt ist, und ein großes Teleskop im Hintergrund, alles vor einer natürlichen Kulisse.
Zwei Personen bauen Möbel zusammen. Eine Person hält einen Schraubenzieher und die andere ein Möbelstück, umgeben von Werkzeugen und Materialien auf dem Boden. Die Szene ist vor einem neutralen Hintergrund zu sehen.
Das Bild zeigt ein kleines Schlafzimmer mit einem Bett, einem Schreibtisch und einem Fenster, mit einem ruhigen Landschaftsgemälde an der Wand und einer gemütlichen Atmosphäre.
Das Bild zeigt eine moderne Küche mit schwarzen Schränken und Arbeitsplatten, mit einer zentralen Insel, Spüle und Geräten vor einer weißen Wand und einem Holzboden.
Das Bild zeigt einen rechteckigen Pool mit einem kleinen quadratischen Bereich am anderen Ende, der von einem Betondeck umgeben ist, das mit einem Zaun und einem Tor versehen ist.
Das Bild zeigt ein Fahrrad, das aufrecht auf einem grauen Teppich vor einem Fernseher und einem Holzschrank steht, während im Hintergrund eine Pflanze zu sehen ist.
Das Bild zeigt einen Mann mit einer Bierflasche vor einem Schaufenster mit Leuchtreklamen, darunter eine für Red Bull und Michelin.
Das Bild zeigt einen Mann, der mit Jacke und Kapuzenpulli auf einem Felsvorsprung steht und einen weiten Canyon mit steilen Klippen und einem klaren blauen Himmel überblickt.

Chatte mit Workawayern, die diesen Gastgeber besucht haben

+52

Feedback

Dies sind zusätzliche optionale Bewertungen, wenn Mitglieder Feedback hinterlassen. Es wird die im Schnitt hinterlassene Bewertung für jede Option angezeigt.

Korrekte Angaben im Profil:
(5.0)

Kultureller Austausch:
(5.0)

Kommunikation:
(5.0)





























































Nonprofit farm sanctuary in Pennsylvania, USA
Learn how to live sustainably, grow food and live simply with a non-profit in Kurtistown, Hawaii, USA