Host Family Scheme

• Adaptation: To facilitate non-local new undergraduate students a swift adaptation to living in Hong Kong.

• Connection: To provide care and support for non-local new students when they are away from home by connecting them with a caring local family.

• Integration: To enhance exposure and understanding of local culture, customs and values for non-local students, and similarly broadening the cultural horizons for local hosts, resulting a cross-cultural integration for all participants of the scheme.

Normally at least two host family activities per year are expected but students can always decide the number of activities with their host parents.

Two official events are scheduled for this Scheme, successful student applicants are expected to reserve the following dates and connect with their host parents:

For International Students:

For Mainland Students:

For academic year 2025/26, the Scheme will begin in September 2025 and end in July 2026. After completion of the Scheme, students and host parents may keep in touch to develop a long-lasting relationship.

For Students

PolyU first year full-time non-local undergraduate students are welcome to apply. 

Invitation for application will be sent to eligible students in July/August.

If you would like to join the Scheme,

1.   You are expected to –

• Join the two official events organized by Student Affairs Office to connect with your host parents;
• Join at least two activities organized by your host parents;
• Keep regular contact with assigned host parents;
• Keep an open mind to cultural differences and respect the culture, customs and values of others.

2.    You are not expected to –

• Reside with your host parents; 
• Engage with your host parents commercially or financially.

 
​For Host Parents

PolyU staff members, PolyU alumni or professionals recognized by PolyU are welcome to apply HERE before 15 July 2025.

If you would like to join the Scheme,

1.     You must be –

• Joining the Scheme in a family capacity with your spouse;
• A Hong Kong permanent resident (ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years) aged 35 or above for both of you;
• A PolyU staff member, a PolyU alumnus or a professional recognized by PolyU for one or both of you;
• Having a happy family life, stable living and stable emotion;
• Having adequate experience in taking care of others;
• Fluent in English;
• Committed in providing care and support to your assigned student(s);
• Join the two official events organized by Student Affairs Office to connect with your assigned student(s);
• Host your assigned student(s) with at least another two activities in this academic year.

2.     You are not expected to –

• Provide accommodation for your assigned student(s);
• Engage with your assigned student(s) commercially or financially.