What is BRIDGE?
The Building Relationships through Interlingual Intercultural Dialogue for Global Engagement (BRIDGE) programme is funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC) through the Inter-Institutional Collaborative Activities (IICA). This project is led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) in collaboration with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), with Lingnan University as a participating member.
The BRIDGE programme provides a unique opportunity for language and cultural exchange between international/exchange students and local/mainland students from HKBU, HKUST, CityUHK, and Lingnan University. You will be paired with a language partner to both learn and teach a language, while also gaining valuable insights into diverse cultural perspectives.
2025/26 Semester 2 - Important Dates
Date | Time | Activity | Details | Venue |
11 February 2026 (Wed) | – | Application Deadline | – | – |
28 February 2026 (Sat) | 2pm – 4pm | BRIDGE – Meet My Partner | Learn about the details of the programme and meet your Language Partner. | HKBU |
March & April | – | At least 5 meetings | Arrange a minimum of 5 meetings with your Language Partner. Each meeting should last at least 40 minutes. During the meeting, spend half of the time teaching your language and sharing your culture, then the remaining half learning your target language and your partner’s culture. | Face-to-face OR Online |
How to apply?
Submit the application form by 11 February 2026 (Wed).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for this programme?
All UGC-funded undergraduate and postgraduate students from HKBU, HKUST, CityUHK, and Lingnan University are eligible to apply.
Can I apply if I can't attend the event "BRIDGE - Meet My Partner"?
Unfortunately, no. Attendance at the event “BRIDGE – Meet My Partner” is mandatory, as you will be introduced to your Language Partner and receive important programme information.
When will I know if my application is successful or not?
If you are successfully paired with a Language Partner, you will receive an invitation email to the Orientation within 1 week after the application deadline. Please make sure to confirm your participation by following the instructions in the email before the specified deadline. If you do not confirm by the deadline, your slot will be offered to the next applicant on the waiting list.
How are slots filled?
Slots are filled on a first-come first-served basis, according to each institution and based on applicants’ language preferences, interests and hobbies, and the suitable language partners. Once all slots are filled, new applicants will be placed on a waiting list and notified by email as soon as a slot becomes available.
Can I hold the Language Meetings online?
Yes, you can. We understand that meeting online can be more convenient, especially when you and your Language Partner have different schedules and are based on different campuses. However, we encourage you to meet face-to-face whenever possible, as in-person interactions often lead to more natural conversations and help build stronger connections.
What to do if I am not paired with a Language Partner this semester?
HKBU students can join other courses, enhancement services, competitions and activities offered by the Language Centre.
CityUHK students who are not matched with a partner in the current term are invited to visit the Chan Feng Men-ling Chan Shuk-lin Language Centre Hub and explore the CFML CSL LC Support Services website for details about our expansive extra–curricular services and language learning resources.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please email us at lcbridge@hkbu.edu.hk and we’ll be happy to assist you.