Program Overview

Introduction to the Language Enhancement Programme

The Language Exchange Programme offers language and cultural exchange opportunities between international/exchange students and local/mainland students. Participants will be grouped and/or paired with a language partner to learn and teach a language, gaining insights into cultural differences in language meetings.

How the Programme Works

• Apply for the programme by a specified deadline, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Once paired with a language partner, participants will receive a confirmation email with an orientation video and their language partner's contact information.
• Follow the instructions in the email to confirm participation; failure to do so will result in the slot being given to the next applicant on the waiting list.
• Meet with the language partner or group members at least 6 times during the semester to be eligible for a certificate of completion.
  • Language meetings can be conducted in face-to-face and/or online modes, depending on the needs and circumstances of the language partner.
  • Each meeting should spend half the time using Cantonese or Putonghua and the other half using English or another agreed-upon language.

Benefits of the Programme

• Improve language skills
• Gain language teaching skills
• Meet friends from around the world
• Share culture with others and increase understanding of other cultures
• Enhance cross-cultural communication skills

Eligibility and Application

• All HKBU UGC-funded undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible to join.
• Slots are filled on a first-come-first-served basis, according to the applicant's language preference and the availability of the language partner.
• Once slots are filled, new applicants will be placed on the waiting list and informed by email as soon as a slot opens up.
• Past participants are eligible to join again, but priority will be given to those who have not participated before.

Application Process

• Complete the online application form by the specified deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How are the slots of the Language Exchange filled?
  The slots in the Language Exchange are filled on a first-come-first-served basis, according to the applicant's language preference and the availability of the Language Partner.
• How can I increase my chances of participating in the Language Exchange?
  1. Apply for the Language Exchange as soon as possible because the slots are filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
  2. Be open-minded about the languages you wish to practise/learn. You may be placed on the waiting list if a partner of your language choice cannot be found.
  3. For local Hong Kong students who wish to practice Putonghua and for mainland students who wish to practice Cantonese, indicating this preference in the application form will significantly increase your chances of being paired with a language partner.
• I am on the waiting list. When and how will I know if I have a slot in the Language Exchange?
  You will be informed by email as soon as possible. Whether students on the waiting list can make it to the participating list depends on whether there are any dropouts and whether you are reachable when the slot opens up.
• What to do if I am not paired with a Language Partner this semester?
  You may consider applying for the programme when it is offered next time, or you may consider joining other supplementary courses offered by the Language Centre.