A total of 63 international students and 51 Chinese families attended a docking meeting held by Jilin University in Changchun, capital of Jilin province on May 5.

Such docking events have been held three times previously. They enable the two sides to get a better understanding of each other and learn about the previous events via a promotional video.

Li Meihua, head of the College of International Education, introduced the history and progress of the program, shared her experience with foreign host families and thanked the families for their participation and kindness in her address at the opening.

A docking meeting between Chinese host families and international students of Jilin University is held in Changchun, Jilin province, on May 5. [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

International students who have attended the program before also told their stories.

"My home is in Thailand, now I have a home in China, too," a Thai student who gave herself the Chinese name of Xiao Guilan said, adding that the program helped international students like her to know China better. Her parents came from Thailand and visited her host family.

Bai Sian said his host family welcomed him warmly. He found that Chinese culture attaches a lot of importance to family relationships.

He said he hoped to be an ambassador between the two cultures and called on international students to communicate with their Chinese families.

Another representative, Mustafa, said he hopes to learn different types of knowledge including Chinese culture through the program and hopes he and his host family will get along well with each other.

Student representatives share their experience in the program at the meeting in Changchun, Jilin province, on May 5. [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

"Participation in international exchange is the best way to show our civic consciousness," said Wang Xiaohong, who has taken part in several such docking activities. She said it's meaningful to help international students in Changchun to explore the city's inclusiveness, friendliness, endeavors and development.

Sun Guoliang, another host family representative, said it's necessary to have such a program and he was pleased to be part of it.

Launched in November 2016, the non-profit program aims to build a bridge between Chinese families and international students in Changchun and help the latter get a better understanding of Chinese culture and customs.

So far, 197 families have hosted 254 international students of Jilin University and the program has gained wide support and recognition from families in and outside the university and become a favorite extracurricular activity among international students.

International students pose for photos with their Chinese host families at the meeting, Changchun, Jilin province, May 5. [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]