Meet Heidi
Helpful, Friendly, Adaptable
I have a regular schedule that I do have to stick to for the most part, but I am home most evenings/weekends. I can be as involved as you want- or not at all & let you be on your own. Your choice :)
On a typical day...
I have a very open house. My house is your house.
When I host guests...
I’m helpful and hands on. I can show them where to go and help them get there.
Family Hobbies
Swimming, Chess, Fashion design
About the Homestay
- Welcomes
- Males
- Females
- Couples
- Families
- Students
I am a single female who has never hosted an exchange student in the past, but I do have the space available. I reside in a town called Visalia, CA. The good thing about this area is that it is directly in the center of California, so it is only a couple hours in each direction; south to LA, west to the beaches, east to Las Vegas, or north to San Francisco. Visalia is located in a town that centers around agriculture; however, I live across the street from a couple major grocery stores, gas stations, various restaurants, and shopping centers. My neighborhood is very safe, and I know most of my neighbors. I can provide the following:
- a private bedroom (bed/desk/smart tv/front window & closet space)
- private bathroom
- 3 meals a day: I will stock the refrigerator with whatever types of food you prefer, and I would like to cook & bake for you; however, you should probably prepare your own meals if you have special diet restrictions or allergies.
- Backyard has a built-in pool, and a bbq grill/patio area, which you are welcome to use.
- WiFi/high speed internet (will also provide login access to Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime while you are staying here)
- Some transportation can be provided (depending up on my work schedule). Otherwise Uber & Lyft both operate around here w/short wait times. I have used both myself. I also live near bus stations.
EXTRA INFO ABOUT ME:
- Main language is English, but I do speak a little Spanish, and am interested in learning more languages.
- I currently work for the State of CA, Dept of Corrections, and work Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. I have weekends off. I also run a side business in eCommerce sales. You will have access to high speed internet here.
- I enjoy movies, outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking, I love shopping, fashion, and art. I especially enjoy engaging in digital art (photoshop, etc.)
- I am happy to be your host and travel with you if you would like to see the various popular sites of CA. However, if you prefer to travel alone, I am happy to just give you suggestions and help you with navigation/directions.
- I have 2 cats, who mostly prefer to be outside, but I do have a pet door installed so they do come in sometimes. They ignore strangers so you would probably not see them much.
My Pets
2 Cats
House Facilities
- Garden
- Swimming Pool
- Parking
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
Bedrooms available for booking
About the Area
My house is located across the street from a grocery store, a high school, various gas stations, restaurants, bus stops, and shopping complexes.
Local Area Facilities
- Park
- Shopping Centre
- Bus Stop
- Hospital
Meals
Hosts can offer a complimentary light breakfast at their discretion. All other meals, including a full breakfast, might incur an additional cost, if offered. Meals and any additional payment should be arranged directly with your host.
Included in the stay
- Complimentary Light Breakfast
- Use of Kitchen
Available on request at an extra cost
- Full Breakfast
- Half Board
- Full Board
- Packed lunch
Diet Type available on request
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Coeliac
- Kosher
- Diabetic
- Lactose Intolerant
- Nut Allergies
- Halal
House Rules
I have alcohol in my home, so if you are uncomfortable with that then we would probably not make a great match. I don't smoke tobacco, but I don't mind if you do, however, you will have to smoke outside.
I don't mind if you have guests over, but I will need to know in advance.
Smoking Rules
Your host is a non-smoker.
Smoking is allowed outdoors only.
How do I book?
Contact the host to check their availability and ask them any questions you have about staying with them. Once the host confirms they’re available for your dates, you can complete your booking.
When do I pay?
Once a host confirms they're available, you can go ahead and pay the 15% booking fee (maximum of 250 $£€ for longer term bookings) using a choice of payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Laser, JCB & PayPal (not available in certain countries). You then pay your host on arrival or as stated by your host on their profile and agreed by you on booking. Please be cautious if a host requests advance payment if its not included on their profile. Our hosts have been advised that if they wish to request advance payment they must make this explicit in their profile. We do not recommend the use of Money gram or Western Union.
When can I share my contact details?
Host and Guest email address, phone number and home address will be exchanged in a confirmation email sent to both immediately after a booking is completed. It's against our policy for Guests and Hosts to exchange direct contact details via our messaging system.