Help an easy going family learn Spanish and help around the house in Northern San Diego, United States

Details

• 

  Description

  My name is Doug and we are a family of 5. The house we currently live in, we designed ourselves and finished building 3 years ago. We built a granny flat next to our house where my parents lives and my kids run back and forth to see them all the time. I work as a financial advisor while my wife Natalie is a Hair Stylist and is trying new recipes on the possibility that she might start a food delivery service.
  
  We have 3 kids, Tasha (9), Macie (7) and Quinton (3). Our kids are very busy and active. We are fortunate to live very close to Kit Carson Park and their school. We take the kids to school on our bike's every day and our girls are currently involved in Girl Scout and Gymnastics. I do Jiu Jitsu and Surf regularly. Natalie plays tennis and rides bikes often. We are an active bunch and while there are some quiet days when the kids are at school, it's generally busy.
  
  We have visited a few other countries including Germany, Austria, Hungary and are looking forward to visiting more! We recognize that in America, the emphasis on learning another language is not what it should be and would really like our family to learn Spanish and we need some help doing it with our busy schedule.
  
  Diet wise, we are open to all diet's. Natalie loves to cook and cooks everything from Thai food to Vegan. And I can make some mean BBQ! Compared to most, I would say we eat very healthy, we cook a lot of food that we get right from our garden.
  
  We are conservative leaning in our political views but more moderate on most topics. We like discussing different topics and as long as you don't mind talking about a point we may disagree on, we will get along fine.
  
  The kids go to school during the day and my parents watch them two days a week. Quinton and Natalie will be home some of the days, but there will be a couple days during the week that my parents will watch all 3 kids all day. Between these 2 days and the weekend, this will give you plenty of time to explore the sights of San Diego. I am also hoping for some flexibility on the days my kids are with my parents and I don't get home until later that we can work on learning Spanish in the evening sometimes.
  
  With my girls, I would prefer a female traveler but will consider all who contact us. We can accommodate up to two people and while we can do more, I don't forsee a situation that would need it. We are a non smoking household and would ask the same of our guest. For longer term guests, we would give you a key and ask that you come in quietly if you get in late at night.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Gardening -My parent's are master gardner's and can show you how they grow a variety of plants, depending on what's in season!
  Movies - We have a small movie room for some of the best movie viewing around!
  Cooking - My wife uses a lot of the fresh vegetables we get to make all sorts of dishes using what we have, she can teach you all about cooking and the various dishes that she makes
  Cosmetology - My wife can answer any questions you have about being a hair stylist!
  Surfing - I have been surfing for 20 years and we go to the beach often and can teach you how to catch some waves!
  Jiu Jitsu - I wrestled in high school and have been practicing Jiu Jitsu for the last 5 years, if you are interested in training with me, I can arrange that!
  Ceramics - We have a small ceramics studio in our house and can show you the process of making, glazing and firing a piece of pottery, from start to finish!
  Finance - I am a wealth manager by trade and happy to help build a financial plan or talk your ear off about finance/stocks and the economy!
  
  We are located in Northern San Diego, some quick estimates:
  30 minutes from downtown San Diego
  25 minutes from the beach
  20 minutes from the Wild Animal Park
  1 hour and 20 minutes away from Disneyland
  1 hour away from the Mexican border
  90 minutes away from the dessert
  90 minutes away from Joshua Tree
  2 hours away from Big Bear
  
  Couple notes -
  As far as public transportation goes, the best way to get to the beach from where we live is via the Sprinter, it's only $2 one way and will take you to Oceanside. If we can't drop you off, an uber or lyft is fairly inexpensive since it's so close.
  
  From the Sprinter you can take a train all the way down to San Diego or up the coast if desired.
  
  Bus station - There is a bus station that is only 5-10 mins walking distance that can take you to anywhere in San Diego County. It might take longer, but you'll get there!

• 

  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

• 

  Help

  We don't have any major projects that are anticipated around the house that we would need help with.
  
  We are primarily looking for someone to help us in the following areas:
  
  1. Cleaning and tidying on a regular basis, between our 3 kids it's a lot to keep up with and we need help keeping things clean!
  2. Learning Spanish
  3. Must be good with kids.
  4. Helping with the garden if you want to learn about gardening, general yard work.
  
  We are primarily looking for someone to help us learn another language after school, specifically Spanish and someone who can help keep the house/kitchen clean and someone who is good with kids given our family composition.
  
  While we would like a couple hours dedicated M-F after school to do this, we are pretty easy going with exact hours. We get busy at times and we would need flexibility in the sense that we could work on language learning later in the day/evening if we are working on a certain topic. Generally I don't get home until 5pm and my wife works a couple days a week as well.
  
  We are open to learning any skills that you have to offer and are excited to meet people from other parts of the world!

• 

  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  We would all like to learn Spanish and can help out with learning English.
• 

  Accommodation

  Fully furnished guest room with separate bathroom and shower. You will also have access to a washer, dryer, our kitchen, television and internet as well.

• 

  What else ...

  If you are wanting to explore southern california, we are hoping our home will be a great place for you. We are looking for someone who is easy going that has experience with kids and enjoys a home cooked meal. We are hoping the person that stays with us is outgoing and doesn't mind trying new things like surfing! On your time off you will need ample time to visit all the sites around southern california, experience our small wine country, hiking trails, the ocean and everything San Diego has to offer!
  
  Our location is within walking distance to a major transit bus line and a 5-7 minute car ride to the sprinter that can take you all the way to the cost for only $2.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  We have 1 gig download speeds, plenty of interwebs for everyone.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

• 

  Hours expected

  Maximum 3-4 hours a day, 5 days a week