FAQ-Students
Unlike paid homestay in many countries, Taiwan host family program focuses on culture exchange, and most of the events between families and students take place on weekends, holidays or when you have free time. When you come to Taiwan for study or short-term exchange, not only can you visit famous scenic spots and taste local delicacy, but you can also experience local family life and culture through host family program, which is a special experience during your study in Taiwan. International students can apply for an account on the LMMF platform and sign up for family events, or you can initiate your own events on Matchbox.
The Ministry of Education's "LMMF Host Family Program" focuses on culture exchange experience, and most events are held on weekends and during holidays. The program offers single-day, 2-5 days or 1-2 weeks arrangement, and is more flexible as the host families are able to host international students across regions.
Homestay in many countries are mainly for care purposes and provide residential services with a longer period. However, the homestay service offers less flexibility as the international student who stays with the homestay family often attends a nearby institution.
When attending host family event you will meet the initiator and other family members whom are listed in the event invitation.
LMMF Host Family Program provides the best opportunity for international students to experience the local family life while studying in Taiwan. The host families are Taiwan families who are passionate about culture exchange and are located all over Taiwan. Through the LMMF Host Family Program, students can initiate events that to be held in different regions so that students can explore the differences of living styles, languages and local culture across Taiwan.
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, or sign up for family events, as well as check and review your event records on the Matchbox.
First, you are required to apply for an account on the LMMF Host Family Program website. After approval, you can sign up for host family events or initiate your own event on the Matchbox, then wait for the matches! If you are matched with a family, contact information will be available for both parties!
The Ministry of Education's LMMF Host Family Program is available for international students in Taiwan only. International students are required to attach a copy of their Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and student ID card for verification of their student status when applying for an account.
There is no charge for applying for a host family on Matchbox.
After you are matched with a family and stay with them at their home for a short period, the host family will take care of your room and food. However when you travel with a family to an attraction and there are expenses incurred such as room, food, transportation, tickets, etc., it is advised that you discuss with the family about how to share the expenses.
It is very common in Taiwan for someone to pay for their own personal expenses.