FAQ-Host Families
Host family provides a unique and important experience for international students and acts as a facilitator to promote Taiwan culture and customs to students.
Hosting international students is a rewarding experience! By interacting with international students, you open up a new world of opportunities. Everyone who engages in this program could also benefit from hosting students.
Being a host family is a great way to introduce your family to a diverse view of the world and build valuable relationships with students- many students stay connected with their host families years after they leave Taiwan.
For families with children, it's an excellent way to develop your children's social skills and expose them to diverse cultures and learn how to respect for differences.
Of course! There are different types of host families, and we welcome a variety of families such as single-parent families, families with children who are away from home for school or work, families with no kids, families with adult children, and families with young children.
First, browse the LMMF Host Family Program website and learn about the program. Second, discuss with your family members whether they would be interested in being a host family, and then apply for an account on the website. Before you are qualified to be a host family, you need to complete the online beginners courses and successfully pass the interview.
After you have completed the beginners courses and successfully passed the interview, you are a qualified host family. You can invite students to your events, sign up for student events on Matchbox, or participate in culture or host family events organized by education institutes.
All international students studying at universities, graduate schools, Chinese language centers, or short-term study program with a valid student ID can apply for an account and join the host family events.
Congratulations on joining the LMMF Host Family Program! It is challenging and exciting to open your home to strangers of different languages and cultures. For your first time hosting a student, you may consider a single day event or host a student at home. When the students arrive at your home you can welcome them by introducing your family members, your home space and special furnishings so that they can be comfortable with the home environment and begin an interaction and communication.
You may start by talking about topics that interest the students. You can talk about whether the students have a favorite pop singer, music they like to listen to, or other personal hobbies, etc. It is better to avoid topics that are private to the students or considered impolite if you meet them for the first time.