(From left to right: Kyumin, Professor Nicholas, Hyun Jung)
1. What was your motivation to come to Korea?
It is very long story; thirty years ago I was a student in South Africa. At that time, the Korean economy was very weak. Some Korean students came to South Africa. My mother supported Korean students’ housing and studies, etc. I met Korean students in my university and I became friends with them; we were very close. Some Korean students invited me and Corien to just "come here in our country." Corien and I fell in love with the Korean people and Korean culture. I think it is amazing!2. What did you do before coming to Korea?
I was a business man, and I started a school for poor children who had no parents. It was an academic support for orphanages. My friends in my university were involved in teaching them with us (Corien and I). One day I drove a truck and went to the streets. There were many poor orphans. I said to them, "Come in! Come in!" They ran and got in the truck without any questions and I brought them to the farm and washed them. And that started it all. This is my story before coming to Korea.
3. Do you think GEO helps student improve their communication skills?
Yes, they can improve their confidence which is the most important thing. They already know English grammar and vocabulary, but they are very shy! We focus on confidence. We want to give them a lot of opportunities to speak English such as drama, presentation contests, etc. Communication is understanding.
When we start GEO we do tests and when we finish this program we do test to check their improvement in English. It is successful!
4.What do you think are GEO program's strong points?
GEO has rules. Professors talk only 30% of the time to explain what to do; students talk 70%. It gives students the opportunities to speak English. As time goes by, students gains confidence. Confidence is the goal of this program. I think this is the strongest point of the program.
