FAQ-Host Families
Language is one of many ways to communicate. Many host families who are not fluent in English make great conversations with students who are not fluent in Chinese through body language and eye contact.
Matchbox is the nickname of the LMMF Host Family Program matching platform, which provides a three-way channel for education institutes, families, and students to initiate events and make matches. You can initiate events on Matchbox for students to sign up, or you can sign up for events initiated by the universities or students.
Example 1: You initiate a day trip to Xito and invite 2 international students to join you. The meeting point is the Taichung train station. French students from Asia University and Malaysian students from National Chiayi University who are interested in this event can sign up for it.
Example 2: Italian students from National Taipei University are interested in Longshan Temple in Lugang and would like to have a host family from Taichung to guide and accompany them on the tour, so they initiate an event on Matchbox, and if you are a host family from Taichung, and you are willing to show them around, you can sign up for the event.
Example 3: National University of Kaohsiung holds a culture event for international students to tell the stories of Shoushan, and posts this event on Matchbox to invite host families. Any family interested in this event can sign up for it.
The number of students is set by the host family when initiating an event on the Matchbox.
There are many types of hosting arrangement, including single-day event, 2-5 days stay, and short-term stay. You can offer a single-day event by inviting students to your home for food exchange, baking, biking, or going on a trip, or visiting a nearby attractions. You are allowed to select the hosting arrangement and specify how the event will take place when you initiate the event. If you are a new host family without any experience of such, we suggest that you start with a single-day event first.
The host family experience is about introducing your family and living area to the students, as well as guiding the students in learning the lifestyle of Taiwan family and exploring the local culture and customs. Some families will also take students on nature walks, guided tours of historical sites, tasting local delicacy, handicraft activities, and sports. Those activities are often enjoyed by most students and host families.
The LMMF Host Family Program platform has been reorganized and enhanced to provide a more user-friendly interface for families, students and education institutes. The existing families are welcomed to join by re-applying for an account on the website. Existing host families who apply before June 30, 113th year, are not required to undergo interviews or training. Once their applications are approved, they can immediately initiate and participate in activities. Applicants after July 1, 113th year, regardless of whether they are existing families, are considered new families and must undergo training and pass an interview before becoming host families!
The beginners courses are core courses for new host family applicants. It provides comprehensive contents on multi-culture, communication and the role of the host family, and is offered online so that you can complete it at any time anywhere.
Students do not pay for their room and board while staying with the host family in their home, and host families are responsible for the cost of their own expenses. If a student travels with a family, the family is required to inform the student in advance whether the student needs to pay for his/her own room, food and transportation, etc.