Programme Details
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A new cohort of non-local undergraduate students, including Mainland students and International students, join HKBU every September. They are a group of outstanding young people who are diligent and enthusiastic to broaden their horizons.
Before they come to study in Hong Kong, they may have already learned something about Hong Kong through the internet, or they may even have visited Hong Kong for several times. Despite that, they are just adolescents who have just graduated from high school and leave their hometown to pursue their university study in a new environment. If there are local host families who can take them under their wing, share with them the local cultural and life experiences, they will certainly find it easier to adapt to life in Hong Kong. This long-lasting relationship can even become a crucial ingredient contributing to the students’ growth and development. Hence, the Counselling & Development Centre of the Office of Student Affairs organises the "Host Family Programme".
Objectives of the programme
- To facilitate non-local undergraduates' adjustment to life in Hong Kong.
- To enable them to have a fuller exposure of local culture and customs so as to enrich their learning in Hong Kong.
- To provide support and care while they are away from home.
- To provide cultural exchange opportunity for local families.
Expectation
Host Family
1. You are expected to
- Receive 2-4 non-local undergraduate students. You can specify your preference for Mainland or overseas students, and the number of students to receive.
- Arranges at least two social gatherings, including one social gathering organised in September or October, such as home visit, sightseeing, hiking, etc., with the students. You are welcome to organise as many gatherings as you want.
- Keep contact and maintain a good relationship with the students.
- Join the Host Family Programme Kick-off Gathering to meet with your students. You are also welcome to join the other programme events which are optional.
2. You are not expected to provide accommodation for student(s).
Student
1. You are expected to
- Be willing to connect with a local culture and be open to the local culture.
- Maintains frequent contact and a good relationship with the host family.
- Be responsive to families’ invitations to social events and participate actively in the gatherings organised by the host family. (At least two gatherings are arranged by families during the programme period.)
- Join the Host Family Programme Kick-off Gathering to meet with your host family. You are also welcome to join the other programme events which are optional.
2. You are not required to reside with your host family.
Eligibility
Host Family
You should be either…
- A staff member of HKBU Or
- A member of a recognised community organisation (e.g. churches, charity organisations, etc.) and are recommended by the organisation.*
*If your institution/ organisation is interested in becoming a partner of the programme, please feel free to contact us (email: cdc@hkbu.edu.hk; tel: 3411 7435).
Student
You should be a non-local undergraduate new student.
Programme Period
The programme runs from September to end of July next year. Many families and students who joined the programme in the past developed a long-lasting relationship and kept in touch for many years after the programme ended.
2024-25 Programme Event
Host Family Programme 2024-25 Kick-off Gathering (Families and students are strongly encouraged to attend.)
Date: 14 September 2024
Time: 10:30am - 12:00nn or 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Mr. and Mrs. Lau Chor Tak Multi-Purpose Hall (SCC201), Level 2, Madam Kwok Chung Bo Fun Sports and Cultural Centre, Shaw Campus, HKBU
Rundown:
1. Kick-off Gathering
2. Free time for chit-chatting
Date: 28 September 2024
Time: 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Application: Register during the Host Family Programme Kick-off Gathering
* Family and students can make their own plan before the trip.
Date: 5 October 2024
Time: 11:00am
Meeting point: HKBU campus
Rundown*:
1. Meet up at HKBU campus
2. Transportation from HKBU campus to Tai O
3. Free time for families and students at Tai O
Application: Register during the Host Family Programme Kick-off Gathering
* Family and students can make their own plan before the trip.
Date: 18 January 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Venue: Ping Shan
Meeting point: HKBU campus
Rundown**:
1. Meet up at HKBU campus
2. Transportation from HKBU campus to Ping Shan
3. Docent of Ping Shan Heritage Trail
4. Enjoy the Tradition Poon Choi
5. Transportation to HKBU campus and Kowloon Tong MTR station
Application: To be announced by email and messaging apps at the beginning of 2nd semester
Join the programme
Host Family Programme Tea Reception
In every September, the host families and students meet with each other for the first time at the “Host Family Programme Tea Reception" held on campus. Senior management team members of the University will attend as the officiating guests of the kick-off ceremony to welcome all host families and students. After the ceremony, the participants can enjoy the refreshment while getting to know each other. Some experienced host families will also have invited their students of former years to the Tea Reception. These former student participants will greet the new students together with the families and become the “big brothers and sisters”.
Over the years, the number of participants of the Tea Reception has grown from dozens in 2003 to more than 200 in recent years. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in the Host Family Programme. Many students stayed in their hometown and the Tea Reception was cancelled. Instead, messaging groups were set up and the first video meetings for host families and students were arranged. The host families and students greeted each other, and the students learned about the situation in Hong Kong from their host family. This helped the students to plan for their impending arrival at Hong Kong. Host families became their students’ mentors and helped them to adapt to the new life in Hong Kong.
The "Host Family Programme Kick-off Ceremony cum first meeting 2022-23" will be held at HKBU on 17 September 2022. For more details, please refer to “Programme Details”.
A Day at Tai O
“A Day at Tai O” is usually organised in late September for the participants to enjoy a day together and get to know each other. Transportation from BU campus to Tai O will be arranged by the University and the participants can enjoy the free time at Tai O.
What can host families and students do at Tai O?
Hong Kong was a little fishing village once upon a time and Tai O is the most famous fishing village remaining. Nowadays, many indigenous residents of Tai O still live in the traditional Pang Uk on the water.
If you like hiking, you can climb up Fu Shan. The route is short and easy and should be manageable even by those who rarely hike.
If you like photography, do not miss the scenic spots in Tai O, such as Tai O Promenade, Pang Uk, the mangroves forest, Tai Chung Bridge, sunset at Fu Shan and so on.
If you like eating, you can taste a variety of snacks on Wing On Street, such as egg waffles, grilled squid, curry fish balls, etc.
Not only can the host families and students spend a relaxing day at Tai O, the students will also discover and experience the nature side of Hong Kong – a lesser known facet of this bustling city.
“A Day at Tai O 2022-23” will be held on 1 October 2022. Participants who are interested please register in the "Host Family Programme Kick-off Ceremony cum first meeting".
CNY Fun Day
The Chinese New Year of Hong Kong is a time filled with joy and happiness that the non-local students should not miss. In view of this, the "CNY Fun Day" is organised annually so that the host families and students can experience and celebrate this festive season together. International students can also learn more about and experience some Chinese New Year customs in Hong Kong.
"CNY Fun Day" is an event that combines sports and party celebration. Those who want to work out or have some fun can come play badminton in the HKBU Sport Centre. Others can join the party later. There will be Chinese New Year music, traditional food such as glutinous rice balls and Fai Chun writing. It is time to exchange Chinese New Year greetings, chit-chat and meet new friends!
