Simply Extraordinary: GEO 18 Team Cultural Fair

The GEO 18 Team Cultural Fair was held on July 25-26 at the IH 366 Conference Room. The six teams namely, Barbados, India, Ghana, New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland, did a program which showcased the creativity of the student participants. This was done through a fashion show and a country presentation. The fashion show, in which 4 students per team acted as models, presented the students’ interpretation of their respective country’s clothing styles. The country presentation was where the students made skits and plays pertaining to their country teams.

For the X-League, Scotland was awarded first place. New Zealand came in second and South Africa, third. For the special awards, Scotland was awarded Most Entertaining, New Zealand, Most Creative Visuals and South Africa, Most Effective Organization.

For the Z-League, Ghana won first place followed by Barbados and then India. Ghana also won Most Creative Visuals while Barbados got Most Entertaining and India, Most Effective Organization.

The Team Cultural Fair aimed to showcase the student participants’ creativity, teamwork and resourcefulness. The event became memorable to the students not only because they were able to comply with GEO’s requirements but more so because they were able to have fun while learning English. The student's performances were beyond expectations. Indeed, GEO 18's Team Cultural Fair is simply ordinary ^^.



Models in their colorful costumes



Lets join together Partner ^^



Beautiful costumes indeed



FTA Administrator Kerwin with the models

 

The judges for the Team Cultural Fair



Team Ghana during the question and answer portion



Team India and their Harry Potter themed presentation

Team Barbados stands on stage to showcase their dance number

Smile for the camera

Team Ghana's on board the Ghana Airlines

Team South Africa dances to the tune of traditional South African music

Team New Zealand's Maori love story

Team Scotland and their wonderful dance performance

TA Bomi & TA Peter... SMILE ^^

FTAs and Professors who worked hard to make this event possible

by: Abigail Quistadio & Abigail Go, Blog & SNS Editor



Message of thanks to GEO 18 students

Words cannot express how delighted I feel being able to experience to be a TA (teaching assistant) of a bunch of astonishing students. I shall say, taking part of the GEO TA program was totally worth it, I had such an amazing time - lots of fun and laughter.

I could still remember the nerve racking first day that I had when I had to sing for my students to break the ice with them; it still feels like it was just yesterday. During the past month, incredible things happened that has led me and my students to have such a special relationship and affection with each other. Though I was their TA, I felt that I was more of a very close friend to them; we had so much bonding moments and memories that I will definitely cherish.

I feel very honored being able to take part of the classes every week sharing my English knowledge and skills to my wonderful students. I had so much fun teaching the class and playing games with my students, I shall say, my students are the most, I repeat, the most energetic and enthusiastic students out of all the GEO classes, especially when we play games, everyone outside could hear them screaming!

Though one of the rules of the TA’s individual appointments was to only take maximum of three students at once, we still all went out for lunch and dinner as a one whole big group which made our relationship much stronger and closer. We even met up outside classes to have chats and just hang out which allowed me to know each of them better and vice versa. We also keep in touch everyday through the very convenient ‘Kakao Talk’!

~My message to my students~

Hey guys! I would like to sincerely give you thanks for all of the memories that we made and shared together. I will definitely treasure them forever. Thank You for making my stay here in South Korea way way way more enjoyable. I’m going to miss you guys singing and dancing for me and I’m so glad that I sang for you guys for so many times. I hope that you all liked it even though I’m not a good singer. I really appreciate how you guys worked so hard to participate in my class and for helping me big time to improve my Korean.

I’m going to miss having lunch and dinner with you guys! Thank You so much too for the cake, letter and presents that you all prepared for me, I was very very, really very touched with your messages. I hope to see you guys again; I know that we will someday! Please always keep in touch with me even when I’m back in London, just ‘kakao talk’ me or facebook okay?

Please continue learning English, as Ji Hoon will say: ‘Don’t give up and do your best as time flies like an arrow’.

I would also like to Thank Roger and Morris for guiding me all the way through, I appreciate everything!

Komawo so much everyone! I will miss you ALL!

AJA FIGHTING! Saranghaeyo!

by Russell Tolentino. Buddy from Abroad, from London

London & South Korea: Both Uniquely Different

London is absolutely nothing like South Korea; both countries are completely different in every aspect. However, being here in South Korea is not that very new to me as I have once lived in Asia before. First and foremost, one of the major differences of South Korea to London is the burning hot weather, the sun is always out and you can feel the heat straight away as you come out of the university building. So so HOT!

The food is also completely different, way different; British food is kind of more similar to American food, we have different sorts of pies, pizzas, burgers  and pasta. In addition, London is very popular because of fish and chips, full English breakfast, roast dinners and English trifle. On the other hand, Korean food is more distinct and exotic with wide variety of main dishes such as ‘bulgogi’, ‘samgyeopsal’ and ‘bibimbap’ along with plenty of side dishes, all of which have diverse flavours that I have never tasted before. I shall also mention that Korean foods are crazily spicy, some of them are bearable but some of them are just too spicy for my taste buds!

I also noticed that Koreans have more polite manner and attitudes than British. Koreans greet each other randomly by saying “anyeong hasseyo” and then bowing with a smile which makes my day every time. In contrast, in London, we do not greet people that we do not know as that will be just weird. Furthermore, here in Korea, younger people really respect people that are older than them even though it’s just a year older, they use the terms ‘noona’ and ‘hyeong’ for older sister and brother and they follow whatever they say and they always have the last word.

Lastly, famous places of attractions of both countries completely differ from each other. In London, it is all about the royal and quaint characteristics such as the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Windsor Castle, and the London Bridge, on the other hand, South Korea have an infinite amount of religious and historical palaces and temples that are really fascinating.

In conclusion, although both countries have completely different cultures, London and South Korea are unique in different ways and I am very delighted to have the chance to experience and see for myself what London and South Korea have to offer me and the world. 

by Russell Tolentino. Buddy from Abroad, from London

My enjoyable GEO experience

Today is the last day that I attended the program. I enjoyed all the classes, appointments with students and events during this happy time !! I love the students, professors, the supporters and everyone who helped me for this program. I attended the sports event, and the fashion show. They were all nice and interesting. I really like to play with the students. They are so active, talkative.

The most important thing is that they tried really hard to speak in English!!! Since I don't speak English that well like a native speaker, so I know the feeling - the difficulty of making a completely perfect English. They make me want to put more effort on my English. All the students here in GEO voluntary applied in this program. During this month, I believe that they all can see how much they improved, how many things and experiences they gained.

In addition, I enjoyed the event "fashion show" and "Team cultural fair" a lot !! The performances made me remind of almost the same thing I did in my high school. We tried hard to memorize English lines, actions and facial expressions. This is not an easy job. So after watching the drama, I was so touched. I am really happy for them. They accomplished another milestone in their lives. Last but not least, I really love this program, it helped me have more opportunities to communicate with people. It helped the students talk more, to speak English as much as they can. If I have a chance, I really want to join this program again.

Thank you all the students, the professor and all the people in this program, I love you all <3


by Yun-Peng "Leo" CHU, Buddy from Abroad, from Taiwan

In my eyes: Observations about Korea and London

Highly visible is the famous 63 Building
(Seoul and Yeouido area at dawn)

Overall I have experienced a wide variety of differences between my home country and South Korea , despite only being here for a short while. When I first arrived in South Korea , I immediately noticed many differences just from the cities ( Seoul ) overall appearance and structure. For example, in Seoul , almost all building are apartments, and are extremely tall. England and London are very different. In England , houses are much more common than apartments, and very rarely are any apartments more than five stories high. The reason for this is due to London being an extremely cultural city, in that it keeps its original heritage and architecture. Seoul on the other hand-while it does have remnants of its historical building and houses-chooses to form a new modern style filled with huge apartments and many lights. Despite this, I have noticed many similarities between the two countries-in particular the cities. Both cities are extremely busy and crowded. While London is far smaller than Seoul and has a smaller population, the city actually seems just as crowded as Seoul . This is likely because London is smaller and therefore more ‘cramped’. Seoul is bigger but features a higher population with many homes, keeping the city extremely congested.

London structures/streets

2 Korea's flag

Overall my experiences in Korea have been extremely positive. I have had an opportunity to meet with many people from South Korea , both on my CGSS and GEO program. I have become very fascinated by the way people live their lives and are able to overcome such extreme obstacles-such as the extremely strict education system or the essential army training for all males. I am also fascinated by the unique relationship and history that exists between the two Koreas. For example, during my trip to the DMZ I witnessed first hand just how much tension there is between the two countries, and was even quite sad to see people of the same race and country having such hatred and distrust towards one another. Though I found the fact that the South Koreans still wish for a reunification to be quite inspiring and impressive.

To know more about Sam, check out:
http://geocuk.blogspot.kr/2012/07/our-new-cgss-friends-exposed-part-3.html
http://geocuk.blogspot.kr/2012/07/bfas-insights-part-3.html


by Samuel Kasim, Buddy from Abroad from the United Kingdom

I love my Korean experience

I have found that Koreans are very, very kind and sweet people. They are willing to do a lot for any random person they meet on the street. Americans are also very kind, but I’ve noticed that Koreans take a few extra steps in the process.

Last weekend, I stayed with a family in Ulsan. I cannot begin to explain how great of an experience that was. The family was so kind and just so wonderful! They were always keeping us entertained, fed, giving us anything and everything we needed, and so much more. I was so sad when I had to leave because I knew I would miss them too much. They gave us such a wonderful experience and I will cherish the memories we made forever. My home stay family took me and my friend to Haeyundae Beach, Jinha Beach, VIPS, many huge department stores and shopping malls, Madame Tussauds, an Onggi Museum, and so much more! They went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable every second of the day. We started each day early and ended each night very late because of how much fun we all had together. They took us all over Ulsan and Busan in just one weekend! They gave us an experience of a lifetime.

My students were excellent. They were kind and hard workers, and they always tried their best to make sure the BFAs were comfortable! They made this trip even more enjoyable:)

I cannot believe an entire month has gone by, and it is sad to me that I am already getting ready to leave this country. I have to come back here; I love it so much here. I love my Korean experience. 

 Saba's pictures with her GEO 18 class.

by: Saba Tahir, Buddy from Abroad from the United States of America

In my eyes: Observations about Korea and USA

There are many culture differences between the United States and Korea. The way that we eat, talk, act and live our lives is almost the exact opposite from each other. Within these past couple of weeks, I have easily noticed them. Most of the differences are due to our “individualism” style of living and Korea's “collectivism” style of living. Dealing with food, there are many examples of this. In the US, when going to a restaurant, every person has their own plate of food and their own beverage. To eat off of someone else’s plate without getting permission first is very rude. On the other hand in Korea, there are multiple plates of various foods that everyone is welcome to eat off together. Also, one person will pour the beverage for everyone at the table, starting with the oldest. This is very different than in America. Even when communicating with others, we differ in many ways. For example, when you say “thank you” in America, the person that you say “thank you” to is expected to say “you're welcome”. Not responding or just saying “yes” is very rude. In Korea, I have noticed that when you say “thank you” to someone, they respond by saying “yes”. At first I thought they didn’t care for me, maybe because I looked American. Soon I realized that saying “yes” is a very formal way of saying “thank you”. When dealing with everyday life, one thing I noticed is that when you open a door for someone, they just walk by without acknowledging that you had opened the door for them. Again, in America, this would be very rude and could aggravate some people. But I then I realized that they were not being rude, but they are in more of a “pali pali” or “hurry hurry” state of mind. So they are in a hurry to get to where ever they need to go, without noticing too much extra things around them. These are some of the observations I have about Korea and United States.

Final Thoughts:
My experiences in Korea have been unbelievable. I am so happy I had the opportunity to be able to fly across the world to visit a country that I never thought I’d ever be in. Studying the language and culture has been some of the best parts of the trip. I love the new people that I met and also the time I had spent with them. I have learned so much in this last month, and I am glad that I did. I am very proud to be able to go back to the states with all of my new knowledge about something that not a lot of people get to experience. I hope one day I can come back to Korea and visit everyone again.


by Steven Trujillo, Buddy from Abroad from the United States of America

Random discoveries about Korea

Right after dining together,
Yvonne poses with GEO 18 students outside D-Deli Restaurant

After three weeks in Korea, I have experienced a lot of the Korean culture authentically. Being Asian American, I have a few similar cultures as people do in Korea. Taking off my shoes before entering a house, eating similar foods, and some dining etiquettes are some of the things that are not too new to me. But it is different to me that people here sometimes cook for you in restaurants. For example, when I eat Dukbokki, the chef walks to your table and actually cooks the food for you as it heats. I am used to seeing people always cooking in the kitchen before they present the food to you. I also find it very nice that the prices of food is inexpensive. I enjoy the fact that there is no tax portion on the total amount you pay for food as it is at home. Another thing I have experienced was being on the subway full of drunk people. I remember my friends and I got lost on the subway on our way home from Myeongdong. By the time we got on the right subway train, it was late, and I was shocked at the number of drunk people there on the train. Another random thing I found out just recently was that many Korean girls like to take pictures on their phones. Everywhere I go, someone is taking pictures with the famous V-pose. I really like seeing all these different things because I do not see it very often at home; but as far as eating out everyday and traveling on a subway train everyday, I really love being in Korea!



Yvonne with GEO Class 1-2

To know more about Yvonne, check out:

http://geocuk.blogspot.kr/2012/07/our-new-cgss-friends-exposed-part-5.html

http://geocuk.blogspot.kr/2012/07/bfas-insights-part-1.html

by: Yvonne Van Nguyen, Buddy from Abroad, from U.S.A.

Our new CGSS Friends Exposed – Part 8

Saba is another Buddy from America. We got more information about her, her thoughts about GEO and about Korea in general so GEO 18 students can get to know her better.

Check out what Saba has to share to you...

1. Personal details
Name: Saba Tahir
Hometown: NYC or Austin, TX
Length of stay in Korea: One month
School/ Course: St. Edward’s University/Biology
Terms of tenure in CUK : Exchange Student

2. What are your likes and dislikes?

I love to shop, read, watch movies, hang out with friends, talk to my cousins on the phone. I like to socialize and I love wandering the streets.

3. What keeps you busy during your spare time? 

Wandering the streets, talking to people. Watching dramas:)





4. What is your impression about Korea? What do you like most about Korea?

I love Korea! The people here are so sweet, warm, and welcoming. There is something about Korea that really captivates my interest. I’m not sure what it is, but so far I love everything about it. I love the language as well.

Fun time during GEO 18 Sports Night

5. What is your impression of CUK and its Vision of becoming and International Hub? 

I really like CUK. And I think the GEO program is very smart of them to do. English is an extremely important language and the more students are comfortable with their English speaking skills, the more successful they will be. 

 6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students: 

I expect everyone to be welcoming, understanding, organized and fun. 

7. Things you want to impart to readers: 

I love it here in Korea. The peer buddies are so wonderful. The food is nice. The students are so sweet, I like spending time with them because of their lovable personalities.

7.8. Message to GEO 18 students: 

Great program for the students! 

Saba with BFA Grace and GEO 18 students

Patriotism and Nationalism: something to emulate from Korea

Making my very own Korean mask

Long before I came to Korea, I did a lot of reading about Korean history and modern Korean society. I was very impressed that Korean people have a strong bond with each other, that they unite together and work hand in hand to benefit their country. In the books that I read, I’ve learned that Koreans believed that “You have to lean on your background, your country and your people, so that you can walk farther towards success; you shall never forget your origin.” And that is being Korean. In relation to this, I’d like to cite my previous experience with Korean people. During the years that I studied in Toronto, Canada, I met few Korean friends and their families. Most of them were born and raised in Canada; however, they surprised me that instead of speaking only English, all of them can also speak perfect and fluent Korean. My friends told me that was because their parents were serious in preserving their heritage. They insist that cultivating their own culture is important especially when raising children overseas. One should never forget where he came from. That is the spirit which attracted me so much to the country of Korea and to its people.

Like Korea, my country Taiwan had been through so much in history. We were ruled by Spaniards, Netherlanders, Japanese. We’ve been fighting against (and/or communicating with) the northwestern power of China. However, unlike Korea, Taiwanese people are used to foreigners. Taiwanese people get used to different culture easily. They are well known as easygoing and nice group of people. On the other hand, I think we need to emulate the Koreans in terms of their patriotism and nationalism – their sincere love and respect for their own culture and history. I think it’s a point of improvement for Taiwanese people.

My very first Samulnori experience in Korea

Both countries were named as Four Asian Tigers (or Dragon). From 1970s, these two countries pride themselves of being able to create the Taiwan Miracle, and Korea Miracle. It is a great milestone for both countries.

These are the few observations I’d like to share. I think that despite the fact that two countries are different in certain ways, we are actually like brothers. We should respect and cherish each other to make Asia or this world a better place. 

by: Christine Huang, Buddies from Abroad (Taiwan)

It's Taiwan, not Thailand!

First, I would like to emphasize that my home country is Taiwan, not Thailand, because a lot of people get confused about these two countries. Taiwan is a small island next to China. It is very small, having an area of 35,883 km2 while South Korea has about 100,032 square kilometers, but we have many different kinds of geographical features, so you won’t get bored in Taiwan.

So talking about the differences between Korea and Taiwan, I think that the most different part is the food. In Korea, all the food are spicy, and most of the times, I see only Korean food. I’ve heard that there is a place in Korea where there are a lot of tourists and has various kinds of food from all over the world. But in the case of Taiwan, you could always see food from all around the world wherever you go.

Another fact is that there are many motorcycles in Taiwan because there are way too much people with such small land, so riding motorcycles are more convenient. On the other hand, in Korea, I’ve heard that Koreans think riding motorcycles is an insult, that’s why only delivery servicemen use motorcycles.

Besides the food and the transportation, there are other differences. For example, although Taiwanese and Koreans my age both like to drink, but in Korea, not only young people drink, adults drink a lot too. However, in Taiwan, most of the adults only drink during special occasions or when they socialize. I’ve cited my observations about Korea and Taiwan. Even though there are some differences, I love both of the countries. I am very satisfied with the three weeks being here, and I have had a lot of fun.

by: Grace Esther Chang, Buddies from Abroad (Taiwan)

Interesting Presentations during the GEO 18 Presentation Contest

The English Presentation Contest is a primary component in GEO curriculum. Aside from the fact that it is a great venue to encourage English learning, it is a great way for students to boost their confidence in speaking in front of the public as well. Students render speeches and presentations about various topics in front of their classmates first. Afterwards, the respective winners represent their classes in the finals. It is a great way for students to be more accustomed to a wide variety of people. Moreover, it is a great chance for the audience to enjoy and learn new insights from the presentations.

This wonderful tradition has been continued. This summer of 2012, GEO 18 brings back the much awaited English Presentation Contest. The GEO 18 English Presentation Contest Finals was held last July 19 and 20 at the International Hub Conference Room (IH267). GEO 18 students were present to witness the presentations. The topics were controversial and surely after the presentations, we learned a lot about the viewpoints of Korean students about these recent issues.

Topics were as follows:
Levels 1 &2: How to be the BEST you can be?
Level 3: How can we make GEO a truly globalized program?
Levels 4, 5: Multiculturalism in Korea: For better or worse?

Check out the pictures below to see what transpired during the event.

Charming host, FTA Yumi (in Photo: Videographer Father Justin)
introduced the participants and the judges

Participants were introduced one by one

Judges for GEO Levels 3, 4 & 5

Cheering for their classmates. Yey!!!

Go India. Go New Zealand

Students applauding the participants

What do you think is the definition of success?
Students shared that its not about money, but being happy and fulfilled ^^

Remember...
Inner beauty is more important than outward appearance.

Suggestions to improve the GEO program
- 2 major components: Language & Culture

FTAs Cynthia and Father Eby, our very abled TAs on duty

Let's applaud all the participants

Winners for Level 1

Winners for Level 2

Winners for Level 3

Winners for Level 4/5

FTA Organizer Morris and some of the TAs who helped him in the event
Also present Prof. Roger, Professor in charge

by: Abigail Go, SNS & Blog Editor