Programme Details
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A new cohort of non-local students, including Chinese 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 several times. Despite that, they are still adolescents who have just graduated from high school and are leaving their hometown to pursue their university studies in a new environment. If local host families can take them under their wing and 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 in 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 students' 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 or research postgraduate students. You can specify your preference for Chinese Mainland or overseas students, and the number of students to receive.
- Arrange or join at least two activities, including one 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 or research postgraduate 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.
2026-27 Programme Event
Host Family Programme 2026-27 Kick-off Gathering (Families and students are strongly encouraged to attend.)
| Date | 12 September 2026 |
| Time | TBC |
| 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 | Kick-off Gathering |
| Free time for chit-chatting |
| Date | 3 October 2026 | |
| Time | 5:30pm - 6:45pm | |
| Meeting point | Tsim Sha Tsui East Public Pier (near the Starbucks at the Ave of Stars) | |
| Rundown | 5:30pm | Meeting up at Tsim Sha Tsui East Public Pier |
| 5:50pm | Boarding | |
| 6:00pm-6:45pm | Harbour Cruise | |
| 6:45pm | Dismiss at Tsim Sha Tsui East Public Pier | |
| Application | Register during the Host Family Programme Kick-off Gathering | |
| Fee | Free of charge | |
| Date | 24 October 2026 | |
| Time | 11:15am | |
| Meeting point | Central Pier (No. 5) | |
| Rundown | 11:15am | Meeting up at Central Pier (No. 5) |
| 11:30am | Boarding | |
| 11:45am-12:25pm | Go to Cheung Chau by Sun Ferry | |
| 12:25pm | Free time for families and students at Cheung Chau (Family and students can make their own plan before the trip.) | |
| Application | Register during the Host Family Programme Kick-off Gathering | |
| Fee | Free of charge | |
| Remarks | No return transportation will be arranged. | |
| Date | 19 February 2027 (Friday) |
| Time | 6:00pm - 9:00pm |
| Venue | TBC |
| Application | To be announced by email and messaging apps at the beginning of 2nd semester |
Join the programme
