About Me
My Background and Experience
The Lake Houses on East Lake
For the past 26 years I have been a citizen diplomat and board member of the Waterville Maine Kotlas Russia sister city committee. During this time I have hosted over 70 students at my lake house. Exchange students, tuition students and tourist from all parts of the globe have visited the lake house on East Lake. Some exchanges have been for a few weeks and some have been for a full school year. My guests have studied locally at Messalonskee High School, Waterville High School, Thomas College and Colby College. As a bed and breakfast superhost for the past 5 years, I focus on making every guest and client have a magical experience. I am a board member of several professional educational and economic organizations within the state of Maine, USA. Completed "Teach English Now! Teaching Language Online" (Arizona State University, via Coursera, 2021).
Services
Local Favorites We'll Explore Together
There's nothing I enjoy more than opening my door to someone visiting Maine for the first time. Over the years, guests from Russia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, and beyond have sat at my kitchen table, walked the lake path with me, and told me about their dreams — many of them involving an American education.
That's how the campus tours started. A guest would mention they'd always wondered what an American college looks like, and off we'd go. Now it's one of my favorite things we do together.
In Waterville, we'll stroll through Thomas College, a friendly private college known for business, education, and technology, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Then we'll wander the beautiful grounds of Colby College — one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, and one of the prettiest campuses in New England, especially in the fall. Over in Fairfield, Kennebec Valley Community College shows a different side of American education: practical, welcoming, and career-focused, with hands-on programs that prepare students for real jobs. And in Pittsfield, Maine Central Institute — a historic independent school founded in 1866, with boarding and day students from around the world — always charms visitors with its warm, international community.
I've taken guests on these campus tours dozens of times over the years — it's simply something I love doing. If a campus visit sounds good during your stay, say the word — I'd be glad to take you.
The lake house sits in a perfect spot for exploring beyond the campuses, too. The mountains are close — great hiking in the warmer months, and Sugarloaf, one of the best ski resorts in the East, makes an easy winter day trip. Maine's rocky coastline, lighthouses, and lobster shacks are just over an hour away. And the cities are all within reach: Boston about 3 hours, Quebec City 3.5 hours, Montreal 5 hours, and New York City 8.5 hours.
From Arrival to Farewell
Home Stays in the Northeast USA, Pick up and drop off at Portland (PWM) International Jetport.
Your own private bedroom with desk and WiFi
3 meals per day
Transportation to and from scheduled events
Conversational English with host family.
What is not included
Visa and associated cost
Travel insurance
Plane travel to Portland Maine and return ticket
Trips to Boston, New York City and Washington D.C.
Your Home Away From Home
The cost of a homestay at the lake house varies — please contact us for current pricing. Trips and excursions outside of the state of Maine incur an additional fee.