FAQ

Hosts

Who are the non-local pals?

The non-local pals are non-local students staying in Hong Kong for one year or more, coming from over 30 countries including America, Britain, Finland, India, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, Singapore, Sweden, Vietnam, and Mainland China, etc. Some may be exchange or visiting students staying in Hong Kong for one semester only.

Who is the local foodmate?

The local foodmate is a current student from HKU, who will be paired up with the non-locals to facilitate their cultural exchange with you. Your local foodmate will also accompany the non-local pals in most (if not all) of your family meals and gatherings.

Do I have to pay?

No registration or programme fee is charged to join the programme. No subsidy or allowance will be provided to the host. The host is expected to bear the expenses incurred in the homey meal(s), gatherings and activities with the students but please do not feel that you need to spend a lot of money entertaining the students. It is not necessary to take them out for expensive meals, nor to spectacular places. If you plan an outing that involves an entrance fee, please make it clear to the students beforehand on what they will need to pay.

Do I have to arrange accommodation for the students?

Host families are not required to provide accommodation for students.

What level of commitment is expected from hosts?

The host is expected to attend a Briefing Session and the Tea Gathering (on the same day) and invite the students for at least one homey meal. There is no expected frequency of self-arranged gatherings and activities but you are encouraged to maintain close contact with your students to facilitate their cultural learning and integration. Moreover, the hosts will be invited to share their experience via our online platforms, such as website and Facebook, after each gathering or activity, and to complete a feedback form at the end of the Programme.

Students

Who are the hosts?

They are local HKU alumni, or current students (undergraduates or postgraduates) who will share and show non-local pals the culture and spirit of HKU and Hong Kong along with local foodmates.

Who are the local foodmates?

The local foodmates are current students from HKU, who will be paired up with the non-locals to facilitate their cultural exchange with the host families. They will also join the non-locals in most (if not all) of the family meals and gatherings.

Who are the non-local pals?

The non-local pals are non-local students staying in Hong Kong for one year or more, coming from over 30 countries including America, Britain, Finland, India, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, Singapore, Sweden, Vietnam, and Mainland China, etc. Some may be exchange or visiting students staying in Hong Kong for one semester only.

Can a friend go with me?

Yes, given that your friend is also eligible for and admitted by the Programme, and this must be arranged through this Programme. Requests to get assigned to the same host must be submitted during application. You and your friend must put each other’s name in the “Matters for Attention” section on the application form. Bringing a friend who has not been matched with your host to a family gathering or activity is not permitted.

I am a vegetarian, can I join this Programme?

Chinese meals and dishes are mostly non-vegetarian, using a variety of ingredients such as pork, beef, poultry, seafood and seasonal vegetables. As hosts are expected to provide the most authentic local homey meal experience to non-local pals, they may not be able to make special food arrangements for participants who fail to enjoy local Chinese food and have special dietary preferences. Participants should consider the Chinese culinary practices and eating habit before application.

I have food allergy, can I join this Programme?

Chinese meals are starched based, and local dishes usually mix a variety of ingredients such as pork, egg, beef, poultry, seasonal vegetables and seafood. As hosts are expected to provide the most authentic local homey meal experience to non-local pals, they may not be able to make special food arrangements for participants who fail to enjoy local Chinese food and have special dietary preferences. Participants should consider the Chinese culinary practices and eating habit before application.

Do I have to pay?

No registration or programme fee is charged to join the programme. You are not required to pay for your host family and student buddies but you may have to pay for the family gatherings organised by CEDARS and bear any personal expenses incurred from the homey meals, family gatherings and activities (e.g. transportation costs). You are advised to have spare cash on hand so that you can offer to pay your own admission to a tourist attraction (if arranged). If your host proposes to take you to a place where you may have to pay, please feel free to ask how much you will need to pay in advance. If the amount is too much for you, please tell your host.

Is there any arrangement for accommodation?

No accommodation is provided in the Programme.

What level of commitment is expected for joining this Programme?

Students are expected to participate in the Tea Gathering and attend at least one homey meal with your student buddies in the host’s home. Although there is no expected frequency of self-arranged gatherings and activities, you are encouraged to maintain close contact with your host family and buddies for cultural learning and integration. Students are also expected to submit photos of their gatherings with the hosts and buddies during the Programme and complete a feedback form at the end of the Programme. Some students may also be invited to share their experience via our online platforms such as website and Facebook.