Hello! I live in Brazil, so Portuguese is my native language. I can communicate in English at a basic level, but I still don’t consider myself fluent, especially because I sometimes have difficulty understanding context and fast conversations.
Because of this, I would like to know the homeowners’ opinion: would a caregiver/pet sitter who is not yet fluent in English be a problem for you? Could this be an immediate reason for rejection, especially considering there is usually a video call before approval?
“yes” to both of your questions. I need to be able to communicate clearly with the sitter, especially when talking about my dog’s needs. I would not arrange for someone who can’t understand how to care for my baby.
We would definitely want someone that speaks enough French, English or Spanish (as we speak the 3) at least for the video call and the handover (if selected). Afterwards it’s wouldn’t as important as communication is in writing and can easily be translated. But we definitely want to be able to decide if a sitter is a good fit during the video call.
@naalehuretiree I appreciate that you removed the use of hire, based on feedback. I also wouldn’t take care of your baby - pets, dogs, Max, Sadie - sure, but babies are beyond my skillset, or this platform. Just my opinion and for course, many may disagree with me. It’s just an orange flag for me, as I read a listing.
@nomadedigital Back to your question - sorry for sidetracking. Given you’re new to the forum, I’ll just mention that many more sitters than hosts actually post on the forum. Hence the reason you’ll get responses from sitters, even when you’re asking owners. I’ve sat in countries where I only have a very basic understanding of the language, but as a host I think I’d want someone who is relevantly fluent in my language, for the reasons others have mentioned. However, unless you are using an excellent translator, your English is exceptionally good now.
As a HO I would be open to sitters with basic English if they fit all other criteria (for me) and are a good match. I have basic to conversational Spanish since I live in Mexico (I’m American). So I’d consider you . I’d like to add that living in another country I have learned that many locals actually speak pretty good English but are embarrassed to say things wrong. It’s a confidence thing and a pride thing - I say this from experience. So don’t be afraid to apply to English speaker only house sits as there are many out there who would entertain it. Don’t undersell yourself as an applicant by making a big deal about your non-fluency in English. Some people have a higher tolerance for people with an accent than others. It’s about finding the right match.
Absolutely no problem for me. I’ve had several non-native-English-speaking sitters (and have one lined up for September). Not all of them have been fluent. It really has never been an issue.
One tip, maybe focus on sits offered by hosts, such as myself, who are living outside of the country in which they were born. They are more likely to be able to speak another language (although that’s not always the case)
Apply to sits regardless. You can say in your application that your English is “moderate”. Many hosts are open minded. In the USA, many hosts in big cities communicate frequently with non-English speaking help.
@nomadedigital As you can probably see, “fluent in English” appears to be a remarkably individual, imaginative assessment. You have nothing to worry about Happy Travels!
As a sitter in the UK I recently sat for 3 gundogs. The owner is Italian. ALL the commands were in Italian. I have a smattering of that language. sit went well, no problems. or non problemo!
Hi. It looks like you’ve started several threads. I hate to give you bad news because you sound young and excited about the prospect of traveling around and enjoying life as a digital nomad. You’ve started several threads. Here is the reality:
Most sits short or long that will allow you time to explore areas, maybe even with the owner’s car or in an urban area with good mass transport where you won’t need a car, are highly desirable. You may have trouble even applying as there is a “five application limit.” While homeowners can open the applications up again if they don’t choose from the first five, it’s still difficult to get the applications in.
Because these homeowners will get continuous applications, they can be very choosy. Many of them will not pick people with no site experience, so getting the sit can be tricky. So not being fluent in English might not be the main reason you don’t get the sit. You won’t get the sit because there are just “safer” choices available to the homeowners with more experience and reviews, and probably people who won’t have to cross a border illegally on a tourist visa to sit.
I know this is not implied by the ads you see for Trusted Housesitters. The ads are misleading. I suggest you manage to get some local sits in Brasil and you manage to come in with a tourist visa and wjth a few planned paid hotels, airbnbs, or friend’s couches to stay at, you might be able to find some sits once you are here. If you have site experience, some great reviews, and aren’t crossing a border where you will possibly be detained or sent back then the English probably won’t be a big issue.
My mom only speaks Spanish. I apply for sits for her and explain that I translate for her. A lot of people do not like it but those pet owners who have given my mom the chance were in for a treat. My mom is one of THEE best housesitters I know. So much so that folks she has sat for, always ask me if she’s available.
She only accepts sits near me or near where she lives (she can’t have pets at her apt) and it has always gone amazing.
I feel that in the US’s multicultural areas language really isn’t an issue if there are appropriate measures in place. I’ve also accepted French only speakers and it went great. (Google translate for the win.)
I think my only note would be to caution for pets with intricate medical conditions where a miscommunication in medications/dosages could be an absolute issue unless the vets in your area speak other languages/have assistants that do so and explain things accurately.
I have happily hosted sitters with less-than-fluent English sit my cat. The cat has no special/difficult needs and all the key information is written down so can be easily translated using google translate or similar.
Having said that, I do prioritise sitters with a higher level of English for longer sits, or when I know I might be uncontactable for some time. Because in those instances, I want to feel confident that if my cat were to be ill, a sitter can take her to the vet and communicate what the issue is.
. I’d like to add that living in another country I have learned that many locals actually speak pretty good English but are embarrassed to say things wrong. It’s a confidence thing and a pride thing - I say this from experience. So don’t be afraid to apply to English speaker only house sits as there are many out there who would entertain it. Don’t undersell yourself as an applicant by making a big deal about your non-fluency in English. Some people have a higher tolerance for people with an accent than others. It’s about finding the right match.
Happy Travels!