Trivia filled night at GEO 18's Game Show

The GEO 18 Summer Camp held its Game Show event, yesterday, 18 July 2012, at the CUK Gym.  The teams were divided into two leagues – Z and X Leagues.  For the Z League, India finished first, followed by Ghana and then Barbados.  For the X League, New Zealand got first place, Scotland got second place and South Africa got third place. 

The game show questions ranged from trivia to common facts.  The event became a source of fun moments as it involved a little bit of a race between the students.  Said event aimed to foster teamwork and fast thinking among the students.  Overall, the event proved to be a fun and learning activity for the GEO 18 Summer Camp participants.  

TAs posing before the start of the Game Show


Before the start of the Game show...

TA Collin poses with students from Team South Africa

Students from Team Barbados smiles widely...
EXCITED for the Game show to begin

We can win this... Lets go team!!!


GAME 1: GUESS THE NUMBER

MECHANICS: Teams has to guess the number that answers the questions raised by the Game show host.

Teammates discussing their answer

Here's our team's answer ^^

We made it... Hooray for our team...
 High Five ^^

                                                      GAME 2: SPEED ROUND
MECHANICS: Teams have to write down the answers to the multiple choice question and give the answer to their runner. The one that rings the bell first and shouts his team name (of course, with the correct answer) scores.

What do you think is the answer to this question?  ^^

Team Barbados listens carefully to the question...

  

Runners for SPEED ROUND.
Are you ready to RUN?

Run fast, run quick
Team representatives races to tap the bell first during SPEED ROUND

  

  GAME 3: GOLDEN BELL

MECHANICS: Questions were raised and the team will answer the questions individually. Those who wrote the wrong answers will be eliminated, the team with the "last man standing' wins...

Let GAME 3 begin...

Diligently writing down the answers....

Students raises their answers

Team cheers as their representatives made the correct answer. Yey ^^

Our Game Show host Peter interviews one of the remaining contestants during the final round 

Wow!!! "Uncle" wrote the correct spelling
paving Team New Zealand to win the GOLDEN BELL  game

And the results are...

Our videographer for the night, TA Ga-eun

X League TA's and TA on duty smile for the camera

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

Interesting GEO 16

GEO (Global English Outreach) program has a lot of interesting activities.

The first thing is the Global Lounge visits. In Global Lounge, we have our OBF (Of the student, By the student, For the student) meeting and Foreign Teaching Assistant (FTA meeting). During my first OBF meeting, I thought it will be very difficult for me, but it wasn't as complex as I thought it would be. The OBF masters didn't use a lot of highfalutin English words. In addition, the topic we discussed about was very familiar. For instance, we talked about what I am expecting for my university life, school club, etc. At present, I already finished two OBF meetings. I hope that I will be an OBF master some day. For the FTA meeting, it was actually a little difficult for me since FTA meeting involves English conversation with foreigners. Nonetheless, it is more thrilling than OBF meeting since we share a lot of things and learn about different culture.

Check out the Global Lounge notice board regularly to be updated of the schedules.

You can also enjoy watching movies and reading books at the Lounge.

The second thing is the Speed Quiz. During the second day of GEO program, we had a Speed Quiz team competition, playing with teammates. I saw and did a lot of Speed Quiz in Korean, but speed quiz in English was the first time for me. So I was very excited. Speed Quiz, not only did we solve quizzes but we also cheered for the team. Each team's cheer was very different, and each team looked very promising. I am happy that my team, Guyana, placed 3rd in Speed Quiz.

All ears. Everyone was paying attention to their teammate during the Speed Quiz

The third thing I want to share is the Treasure Hunt. During the fourth day of G.E.O. program, We had the Treasure Hunt team competition. It's a game with a series of missions. We should collect clues to advance to the next station. There were various tasks such as dancing, drawing, guessing and walking the runway a.k.a. fashion show, etc. It was very interesting and everything was done in a hurry since it is each team’s goal to finish the race first. Luckily, our team Guyana garnered 2th place. I think it is one of the best in GEO program.

Indeed, GEO program has a lot of program. They are all interesting and fun. I really like G.E.O.

Team Guyana. Fight Fight Fight!!!

by Jung Min Lee from GEO Class 3-1 (Professor Nathan and TA Bo Mi)

CUK International Students tour Bucheon City

Catholic University of Korea (CUK) Office of International Affairs in cooperation with International Office of Bucheon City organized a field trip for CUK international students. The group visited various places including Korea Animation Museum, Bucheon City Hall & City Council, Bucheon Waste Disposal Facility, Bucheon Samulnori club, Yeokgok traditional market, to name a few. International students from China, Columbia, Iraq, Japan, Mexico and the Philippines joined the said activity. There were a total of thirty five international students who joined the activity which was held during the school foundation day (holiday), May 25.

International students posing with one of the animation character statue found in the Korea Animation Museum

Art exhibit in the Korea Animation Museum depicting the conspicuous consumption of some Korean females. Ladies deliberately standing up in subways to show off their luxurious timepieces.

Session going on - a glimpse of how Bucheon city government operates

International students enjoying photo moments before devouring our Bibimbap lunch meals.

The author with Backkom, the souvenir stuff toy, given by the benevolent Bucheon city government

Filipino students (Karl, Angeline, Abby, Januel & Van) posing with Dooly, the little green dinosaur

Trivia: Do you know that Bucheon (South Korea) and Valenzuela (Philippines) are sister cities

CUK International students with Bucheon city government officials during their courtesy call at the city hall

The 'infamous' jump shot by the Filipino scholars ^_^

International students enjoy learning janggu (an hourglass-shaped drum) at the Bucheon Samulnori club office

Posing with Sonsaengnim (teacher) after learning how to play the Buk (a barrel drum similar to the bass drum)

The cute stuff toy Backkom, with the frame from Bucheon Waste Disposal Facility

and other items participants received from the organizers of the trip.

Again, thank you to CUK Office of International Affairs and International Office of Bucheon City for making this trip possible. ^_^

Special thanks to Keith Capoy, Mark James Evangelista for some of the photos posted herein ^_^

By: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Filipino graduate students conferred as Honorary Publicity Ambassadors of Gangnam-Gu

A number of foreigners visited Gangnam-gu attractions last May 21, 2011 (Saturday). Participants came from different countries including Canada, China, Italy, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, United States, to name a few. They were all selected to become Honorary Publicity Ambassador of Gangnam-Gu. Filipino graduate students from Catholic University namely Abigail Go, Caroline Manzano, Glenn Pepito, Horeb Elliot Dagandan , Karina Chua, Mark James Evangelista, Stephanie ‘Hani’ Afuang were fortunate to be chosen as ambassadors of the city.

Participants receive similar set of program, nametag, gift pack and Honorary Publicity Ambassador certificate like the ones the author got from the organizers of this event.

The ambassadors were given a tour of the famous Gangnam-gu attractions including Seolleung, Kukkiwon, U-Street, Samsung D’ Light, Horim Art Center, Marco Polo (COEX), among others. They were also treated to a sumptuous galbitang meal in Samwon Garden.

______________________________________________________________________________

Here's to give you a glimpse and further details of the places visited that day.

Seolleung Royal Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the burial mounds of King Seongjong (1469-1494), his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong (1506-1544) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Sculptures of sheep and tigers surround the tomb, serving as guardians of the dead King. There is also a statue of a military officer in front of the tomb.

The author posing with the military officer statue that guards the Seolleung Royal Tomb

Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, and home of the World Taekwondo Academy, is the official taekwondo governing organization established by the South Korean government. Participants are very blessed to be able to see such an astounding performance by the taekwondo masters who made amazing stints that left the audience to be struck in awe.

Taekwondo master's demonstrations include basic stances, self-defense, and board breaking to name a few.

U-Street is another great spot where tourists can experience the technology that Gangnam boasts about. It’s a high end street with medial poles where individuals can search information about best restaurants, shopping places, tourist spots, etc. People can also use this to search the internet, send messages to mobile phones, etc.

Filipino students striking a curious pose in front of U-Street's media poles.

Samsung D’ Light is another great place to be. It houses Samsung products and showcases Samsung latest technology. Surely, you will be busy trying all the gadgets that are in place.

Carol & I posing with our Koreans names in one of Samsung D' Lights interactive gadget 'playgrounds'.

Horim Art Center on the other hand showcases the rich culture of Korea. Tripitaka items were now being exhibited in the art center.

Participants are very privileged to have a view of the Gangnam district through the Marco Polo lounge located in the 52^nd floor of the Trade Center (right beside COEX). Participants were treated with a nice view of the city coupled with delicious beverages and delectable snacks.

Striking a pose.

Students enjoying each other's company while chatting and relaxing in Marco Polo.

Thereafter, the participants were invited to Gangnam City Hall for the conferring ceremony. Each participant was given their Honorary Publicity Ambassador certificate by the mayor of the Gangnam district. Afterwards, the group had their commemorative photo together at the Gangnam City Hall.

Filipino international students with their investiture certificates

conferred by the mayor of Gangnam-gu

It was indeed another day of discovery – unearthing the charms of Gangnam-gu.

Special thanks to Caroline Manzano, Mark James Evangelista for some of the photos posted herein^_^

Related Articles:

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110524000729 http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264106

http://visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&m=0004003002004&p=03&art_id=44960&lang=en

By: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Korean Hanok Homestay Experience definitely a weekend to remember!

Last April 16 and 17, two graduate students from Catholic University of Korea, Abigail Go & Karina Chua, were very fortunate to be selected as part of Korea Tourism Organization’s Hanok Homestay Experience program. Several students from various prestigious universities around Korea also joined the said event. Participants include international students from Bangladesh, China, Germany, Indonesia. Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, United States, among others. Most are exchange students or graduate students pursuing higher education in premier education in Korea University, Ewha University, KAIST, Seoul National University, Ajou University, Kyungwon University, Chungnam National University, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, Kangwon National University, etc.

Each participant was given a name tags and schedule of events during the orientation day.

Our Bukchon Village tour course

It was an eventful weekend for all the involved individuals. The affair started with a short orientation about the hanok homestay program. Afterwards, the participants proceeded to the Bukchon Hanok Village tour where they were informed of the richness of the history of the Bukchon Hanok village. The mayor of Jongno-gu and a number of other prominent personalities in charge of the Bukchon hanok village were also present during the occasion to welcome the participants. Aside from the Bukchon hanok village tour, the members of the program were also able to experience cooking prominent Korean cuisine –Tteokbokki and Kimchi. It was a very meaningful activity for foreigners - preparing and cooking their very own Korean dish. Watching a nonverbal performance, Sachoom, is also another notable experience. It made foreigners more aware of the prominence of nonverbal performances in Korea. Apart from Sachoom, other famous non-verbal performance include Nanta and Jump, Drawing Show (Hero), Fanta-stick, Miso, Battle B-Boy, Ballerina Who Loves a B-boy. A new show is also being publicized now, Return to Street, which has a discounted tickets of only 10,000 won for its April 23 to May 1 shows.

International students with their "babies" - the Kimchi they made during the visit to Chongga Kimchi World

Sachoom dance performance

Another exciting episode for the attendees is the Gwangjang market tour. The participants were given opportunity to mingle with the vendors and interact with the locals. A number of cuisine were available to suit your palate. Thanks to the benevolent organizers, the participants were also given a sum of money to try the goodies in the Gwangjang market. The Korean pancakes/pajeon were very tasty. The green bean congee, mungu bean congee, pumpkin congee were also great, especially the pumpkin congee. The chicken feet curry and the pork skin were delicious and exotic at the same time. As usual, there were the traditional and famous Korean dishes like kimbap, pork feet, sunde, tteok, kimchi and a couple of banchan (side dishes). Seeing the liveliness in the Gwanghang market is amazing. After the market tour, the group went back to the hanok village to enjoy the Korean traditional performance prepared by the homestay committee. There were various performances - playing Korean instruments and singing Arirang, among others. After listening to the marvelous presentations, the group finally met the Bukchon homestay guest house owners. They were able to experience living in the hanok houses for the first time. Everyone was so excited to finally see the interiors of the hanok. If before, foreigners only see hanok houses in Korean television series, now, these Hanok houses came into life.

Korean food - Kimbap, Tteokbukki, Chukpal (Pork feet), Sunde, among others.

Enjoying green bean congee, mungu bean congee, pumpkin congee. I like pumpkin congee best.

Group 4, "the best group" - photo taken in Gwangjang market

Karina with our host in their hanok home

The next day, the participants enjoyed breakfast in their respective hanok homestay families. Delicious breakfast was served in their home. For us, the breakfast was Mandu-guk (dumpling soup), it was very delicious. After breakfast, the group headed to the Korean traditional handicraft - some made fans, others prepared jewelry boxes, while another group was involved into tie dyeing. It was a fun and educational morning. When the art classes ended, the participants were ushered to the Korean restaurants were they enjoyed kalbitang, dulsot bibimbap, naengmyeon, manduguk, among others.

"Our work of art" - International students together with Korean elementary kids posing with the artworks

Bukchon hanok village + homestay + Sachoom +

Gwangjang market tour + Korean craft making = FUN FUN FUN

This experience is definitely a superb experience for the participants. Not only were the attendees able to experience living in a hanok, but they were also able to further understand the Korean culture in a different light. An added bonus is that they were also able to meet a lot of new friends. Because of all these, the participants are undeniably grateful to the Korean Tourism Organization for such a wonderful experience. We surely hope that more activities like these will be available to international students. It is a great opportunity to share experiences and culture among individuals of different social and cultural spheres. Indeed, this is a weekend to remember!

Special thanks to Karina Chua for photos in Gwangjang market and craft making classes ^_^

By: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor