Language Enhancement Programme
Language Exchange (Semester 1, 2024-2025)
Introduction
The Language Exchange Programme offers language and cultural exchange opportunities between international/exchange students and local/mainland students. You will be grouped and/or paired with a language partner to learn and to teach a language. You can also gain insights into cultural differences in language meetings.
How does it work?
- Apply for the programme by 29 September 2024 (Sunday). Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Once you are paired with a language partner, you will receive a confirmation email with an Orientation Video and your language partner’s contact information.
- Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your participation. If not, your slot will be given to the next applicant on the waiting list.
- Meet your partner/ group members at least 6 times during the semester to be eligible for a certificate of completion.
Note: Language Meetings can be conducted in face-to-face and/or online (Zoom, Skype, etc.) modes depending on the needs and circumstances of your Language Partner. - In each meeting, spend half the time on using Cantonese or Putonghua while the other half should be spent on English or another agreed upon language.
What will you gain from this programme?
- Improve your language skills
- Gain language teaching skills
- Meet friends from all corners of the world
- Share your culture with others and increase your understanding of other cultures
- Enhance your cross-cultural communication skills
Who can join this programme?
- 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 the slots are filled, new applicants will be placed on the waiting list. Waiting list students will be informed by email as soon as a slot opens up.
- Past participants are eligible to join the Language Exchange again, but priority will be given to those who have not participated before.
How can you apply?
- Complete the online application form by 29 September 2024 (Sunday).
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. We will pair you with a Language Partner according to the language choices indicated in your application form. 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. Please ensure that you check your email daily. Whether students on the waiting list can make it to the participating list depends on:
1) whether there are any drop outs and
2) whether you are reachable when the slot opens up (if you do not reply to us by the date specified in our email, the slot will be given to the next applicant on the waiting list).- 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. The list of courses offered can be found once you login to https://lclep.hkbu.edu.hk/sup/
Enquiries
(Tel.) 3411 8207 (Email) sall@hkbu.edu.hk