Management Team of PolyU Student Affairs Office, along with donors, representatives from the PolyU Staff Evangelistic Mission and guests gathered for a group photo on stage during “Host Family Scheme - Lantern Poon Choi Dinner 2025”. 香港理工大學學生事務處管理層、一眾善長、理大教職員福音使命團代表，以及嘉賓於「親善家庭元宵盆菜晚宴2025」台上合照。
A Home Away from Home: The PolyU Host Family Scheme
我的第二個家 —— 香港理工大學「內地來港學生親善家庭計劃」
To enrich the experience of new Mainland Chinese undergraduate students, the Student Affairs Office has launched the Host Family Scheme for Mainland Students in 2012. Supported by the PolyU Staff Evangelistic Mission (SEM), approximately 1,500 students have been supported by the Scheme over the years. Dr Juanna CHAN, Ministry Director of SEM, along with host family parents and student representatives, shared their experiences and the benefits they have derived from the Host Family Scheme for Mainland Students with SAO.
為豐富內地本科新生的學習體驗，香港理工大學學生事務處自2012年起推出了以內地來港學生為對象的「親善家庭計劃」。在理大教職員福音使命團（簡稱使命團）的支持下，該計劃多年來已惠及約1,500名學生。本次專訪主要圍繞由使命團與學生事務處共同合辦的「內地來港學生親善家庭計劃」，並邀請到使命團事工總監陳玉蓮博士以及幾位親善家長和學生代表，分享參與計劃的經歷和收穫。
Promoting Communication and Building Inclusive Connections
促進交流 建立共融聯繫
Host Family Scheme - Lantern Poon Choi Dinner 2025
親善家庭元宵盆菜晚宴2025
The primary objective of the Scheme is to pair local host families with new Mainland undergraduate students coming to Hong Kong for their studies. This initiative aims to provide students with appropriate care, help them understand Hong Kong culture, and facilitate a smooth transition into university life. SEM is responsible for fostering interactions between the students and their local families. Since its inception, the Scheme has recruited PolyU staff, alumni and other professionals recognised by the University to serve as host families. This allows students to gain valuable insights into Hong Kong's culture and customs while establishing bonds with local families, providing them with the warmth of a home away from home.
Juanna remarked, “Initially, the Host Family Scheme at PolyU primarily targeted international students. However, recognising the unique challenges faced by Mainland students during their time at university, we collaborated with SAO to tailor a Scheme specifically for Mainland students.” She fondly recalled the early days of the Scheme, where gatherings included trips to iconic locations like The Peak and other famous Hong Kong attractions. She vividly remembered hosting a gifted 14-year-old student who truly benefitted from joining the Scheme.
Currently, the Scheme for Mainland students co-organises major annual events with SAO: a Welcome Party, Lantern Poon Choi Dinner and Dessert Gathering, which serve as a platform for participating students and parents to connect. Additionally, host families are encouraged to arrange at least two or three activities during the year for their students, whether local outings or family events, with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and enriching the students’ experience of living in Hong Kong. SEM also organises gatherings during festival times to alleviate students’ homesickness and dessert support-gatherings before examination periods, allowing students to feel the warmth of home. Through cultural exchange and inclusion, both parents and students can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural differences between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Overall, the Scheme aims to foster mutual recognition and appreciation, ultimately enhancing relationships and bridging cultural divides.
「內地來港學生親善家庭計劃」的核心目的是為來港求學的内地本科新生配對本地接待家庭，讓同學們得到適切的關懷，認識香港文化，並儘快適應大學生活。使命團在計劃中負責促進同學與本地家庭之間的互動。自計劃啟動以來，積極招募理大教職員、校友或其他專業人員擔任親善家長，讓學生能夠深入了解香港的文化和習俗，並與本地家庭建立聯繫，使他們在異鄉仍能感受到家的溫暖。
陳玉蓮博士表示，最初理大的「親善家庭計劃」主要針對國際學生，但她意識到內地學生在大學期間面臨的獨特挑戰，因此與學生事務處合作，專門設立了「內地來港學生親善家庭計劃」。她回憶起計劃初期的活動，包括帶領學生遊覽太平山頂等香港著名景點。她特別提到曾接待一位年僅14歲的優秀學生，參與「親善家庭計劃」的經歷讓他受益匪淺。
目前，計劃每年與學生事務處協辦不同活動，包括迎新會、元宵盆菜晚宴和甜品祭，為所有參與計劃的學生和家長提供交流平台。此外，計劃鼓勵親善家長每年為學生安排最少兩至三次活動，無論是本地遊覽或參與家庭聚會，期望透過交流及親身體驗，增進彼此關係，豐富學生在港的體驗。使命團亦會在節慶期間舉辦聚會，以緩解學生的思鄉之情，並在考試前夕舉辦甜品祭，讓學生感受到家的溫暖。透過文化交流與共融，家長和學生都能更深入地了解內地與香港之間的文化差異。整體而言，此計劃旨在促進雙方的認同感，拉近關係並打破文化隔閡。
Selfless Love from Host Families and Strong Relationships
家長無私愛戴盡顯深厚情誼
Dr Juanna CHAN, Ministry Director of PolyU Staff Evangelistic Mission (1st from right); Ms Sylvia YU, Mainland Student Services Officer (2nd from right); Prof. Peter TSANG, Host Parent (1st from left); Mr Stephen KONG, Host Parent (2nd from left); ZHENG Shusen, Student (3rd from left); SUN Xinrui (3rd from right); ZHAO Haiyao (4th from right) posed for a group photo during the interview session.
理大教職員福音使命團事工總監陳玉蓮博士（右一）、使命團內地生關顧服務主任余詠卿女士（右二）、親善家長曾遠康教授（左一）、親善家長江展宏先生（左二）、鄭樹森同學（左三）、孫欣鋭同學（右三）與趙海堯同學（右四）在採訪當天合照 。
When discussing the criteria for selecting host families, Juanna explained that the process emphasises that host parents must be couples, possess a caring heart and a strong sense of mission. Approximately 40 to 50 families participate in the scheme annually, typically hosting two to four students each.
Mr Stephen KONG, a lecturer of the Division of Science, Engineering and Health Studies at the College of Professional and Continuing Education, has been involved in the Scheme for over thirteen years since the launch of Scheme in 2012. He shared his motivation, stating, “I want to help Mainland students integrate into Hong Kong more seamlessly through cultural exchanges.” Prof. Peter TSANG from the Department of Applied Physics, a newer host parent, noted, “It’s challenging to gain in-depth insights into Mainland students during regular teaching. However, this Scheme has enabled me to better understand their needs, deepening their trust in me as both a mentor and a parent figure.”
Ms Sylvia YU, Mainland Student Services Officer and a host family parent, has been a host parent for eight years, witnessing the Scheme’s development and accompanying many students on their life-journey. She described the Host Family Scheme as a large umbrella under which students forge sibling-like ties, promoting inter-generational camaraderie. “I once invited several Mainland students to a friend’s wedding, allowing them to experience a Hong Kong-style wedding, a unique opportunity he might not have had otherwise,” she recalled, highlighting the special connections formed through the Scheme.
Moreover, she emphasised that not only do bonds form between host parents and students, but strong friendships are also sometimes fostered between birth parents and host parents. “Recently, I lost my travel document in Mainland China and did not know what to do. Luckily, a parent of a Mainland student helped me, even spending half a day to accompany me to report the loss!” Sylvia’s experience reflects how the Host Family Scheme fosters deep relationships and caring not only between host families and students, but also builds lasting friendships among parents.
談及篩選親善家長的標準，陳博士解釋，計劃要求夫婦家庭，並強調家長必須具備關懷之心和強烈的使命感。每年約有40至50個家庭參與計劃，每個家庭通常接待約兩至四名學生。
專業及持續教育學院科技、工程及健康學部講師江展宏先生自2012年起參與此計劃已超過十三年，他希望透過文化交流幫助內地學生更順利地融入香港。理大應用物理學系曾遠康教授是一位新加入的家長，他指在日常教學中難以深入了解內地學生，但藉此計劃讓他能更理解他們的需求，不論以導師或家長的身份亦加深了學生對他的信任。
余詠卿女士擔任家長已有八年，見證了計劃的發展並陪伴許多學生成長。她將「親善家庭計劃」比喻為一把大雨傘，讓學生在傘下建立如兄弟姊妹般的情誼，實現代代相傳的連結。她回憶道：「我曾邀請多位內地學生參加朋友的婚禮，讓他們體驗一個日常難以獨自探索的香港式婚禮。」余女士強調，計劃不僅促進了親善家長與學生之間的聯繫，更助親善家長與學生家長建立深厚的情誼。她分享最近在內地遺失旅遊證件，徬徨之際一位內地學生的家長親自到場協助她，甚至花近半天時間陪伴辦理報失手續。此經歷充分體現了「親善家庭計劃」為各參與者促成令人讚嘆的感情，具深厚的影響力。
Students Reap Significant Benefits and Express Their Gratitude
學生獲益良多流露感激之情
趙海堯同學（左）、孫欣鋭同學（中）與鄭樹森同學（右）暢談參與「親善家庭計劃」的難忘經歷，豐富了他們的大學生活。
Three student representatives, ZHAO Haiyao from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and SUN Xinrui and ZHENG Shusen from the Department of Computing, shared their experiences of participating in the Host Family Scheme. They noted that being part of the programme significantly helped them adapt to Hong Kong's culture and environment, particularly regarding the language barrier. They all agreed that, without the Scheme, living alone in Hong Kong would have meant being here more like tourists. However, with the guidance from their host families, they gained a more authentic understanding of life in Hong Kong.
Shusen expressed his gratitude towards Sylvia, stating, “I will soon be going to the United States as an exchange student. Knowing that Sylvia's family lives in North America gives me confidence and a sense of security while I’m abroad.”
Xinrui recalled her reason for joining this Scheme, “When I first heard about the Host Family Scheme, I truly believed it was a great opportunity to experience Hong Kong-style living. It has enriched my university life and also provides a platform for me to learn about the local culture from my host family.”
Haiyao encouraged new Mainland students to embrace the Host Family Scheme, emphasising the importance of open communication and connection with host families for personal growth and enriching experiences, helping one to better understand the beauty of Hong Kong.
三位學生代表——電子計算學系的鄭樹森同學、電子及資訊工程學系的趙海堯同學和電子計算學系的孫欣鋭同學，分享了他們參與「親善家庭計劃」的收穫和感受。他們表示，參與計劃有助他們適應香港的文化和環境，尤其在語言障礙方面。他們一致認為，若沒有此計劃，獨自來港的他們只能像普通遊客般生活，而在親善家庭的帶領下，他們對香港有著更真實和地道的了解。
鄭同學即席表達對余女士的感激之情，他表示自己即將前往美國作為交換生，得知余女士的家人定居北美後，讓他頓時感到無比安心。孫同學指當她初次聽說「親善家庭計劃」時，深信此為一個體驗地道生活的大好機會，不僅豐富了大學生活，更為她提供了一個學習本地文化的平台。趙同學則鼓勵內地新生應積極參與「親善家庭計劃」，強調與家長溝通和聯繫的重要性，豐富個人成長及在港經歷。
Bittersweet Challenges and Looking Forward to a Brighter Future
挑戰與展望冀盼美好未來
Reflecting on the past thirteen years, Juanna shared both bitter-sweet moments and significant challenges, particularly during the pandemic. "During COVID-19, we faced numerous hurdles, including difficulties in maintaining contact with students and parents,” she recalled. Despite continuing the annual Welcome Party tradition, the pandemic disrupted other events, leading to a sense of disconnection among individual students. While there were undoubtedly hardships, valuable moments also emerged. Host parents went above and beyond, sending masks and meal boxes to students, and even accompanying them to medical appointments during that difficult time, demonstrating remarkable support and solidarity.
She continued, "During that time, one recently-graduated student, unable to have his parents come down from Mainland China to attend his wedding in Hong Kong due to the lockdown, invited his host parents from the Scheme to be his witnesses. This marked a significant moment in his life, which was incredibly moving!" Juanna highlighted the strong connections formed between birth parents in Mainland China and host parents in Hong Kong, showcasing a network of mutual support. “These emotional bonds, particularly forged during crises, are often the most profound,” she added.
Looking ahead, Juanna hopes that participants will engage more openly, particularly encouraging students to reciprocate their appreciation towards host parents. She encourages former participants of the Scheme to consider becoming host parents themselves after some time and experience, guiding newcomers and perpetuating the nurturing "family" ethos.
The Host Family Scheme at PolyU is more than just an initiative. It provides student support, fosters cultural exchange and creates a sense of belonging for students from diverse backgrounds in this multicultural city. The success of the Scheme relies on the efforts and support of every participant, and we look forward to welcoming more families and students to join this warm community! For more information about the activities and highlights of past events, please visit (https://polyu.hk/frAQV).
回顧過去十三年，陳博士憶起各種甜酸苦辣的經歷，尤其在疫情期間面臨的重大挑戰，難以與學生和家長保持聯絡。儘管每年的迎新會傳統得以延續，但疫情打亂了其他活動計劃，導致眾人產生了一種疏離感。時勢雖令人感到艱難及挫敗，但當中卻呈現不少難能可貴的時刻，有家長不遺餘力地為學生送上口罩和食物，甚至在疫情期間陪同他們就醫，展現了非凡的支持與團結。她續說：「當時一位畢業生因封關狀態無法讓身處內地的父母來港參加婚禮，最後竟邀請了親善家長作證婚人，見證人生大事，非常感動！」陳博士強調，親善家長與學生家長之間建立了深厚的聯繫，形成了一個相互支持的人際網絡。「危機中的情感偏偏最令人深刻，並非筆墨所能形容。」
展望未來，陳博士希望參加者能抱有更投入和開放的心態，以回饋和感激的心對待親善家長。她亦鼓勵受惠的學生在假以時日後，以過來人身份成為親善家長，延續這份薪火相傳的「家」的理念。
香港理工大學的「內地來港學生親善家庭計劃」不僅為學生提供支援，還促進了文化交流，讓來自不同背景的學生在這個多元共融的城市找到屬於自己的歸屬感。計劃的成功離不開每位參加者的努力與支持，未來我們期待看到更多家庭和學生加入這個溫暖的大家庭！如欲查詢有關活動的更多資訊或過往活動精華，請瀏覽 (https://polyu.hk/frAQV)。
