Our families come from a variety of different backgrounds and places, just like our students. There is no “typical” host family, but all families are rigorously screened. Most important, they are eager to show you their Hong Kong.
Authentic culture, food and care
Hong Kong is world-renowned for its cuisine and culture. By living with your Hong Kong host family, you will experience the city as a native would. You will share meals and you might participate in festivals and other family celebrations. Eating with chop-sticks will feel normal after a while and you will soon pick up some Cantonese words and phrases, even if English is spoken by a majority of our host families.
Get ready for a special exchange year
Expect that your high school year in Hong Kong will be very different from your life at home. You will be treated as part of the household, which means you should join in household fun and also household duties, such as keeping a tidy room. Some families have maids to help with the housework, like cleaning and preparing the meals. During the weekends, it is common for Hong Kong families to visit their relatives. Not all host families have their own car as the parking cost in the city is very high. But the public transportation system is well developed and for a low cost you can travel the city and visit surrounding areas as well as the islands.
The family environment offers encouragement and support
Your student exchange in Hong Kong will be one of the best years of your life. You will grow as a person and experience new things. This is rewarding and challenging as you adapt to a new and different culture. By living with a Hong Kong host family, you will receive the support and care you need to make your year abroad as memorable as possible.