Dear 32 year-old me...

Dear 32 year-old Jin-seon,

Hi! Jin-seon. I feel kind of shy and awkward to write a letter to you. I wonder how you will be living. What is your job? I think it would be related to tax and finance. Because the 22-year-old of you is now studying tax and accounting very hard! Surely, you have your license of tax accountant, how about being a CPA? I hope you have all of the licenses. :) I wonder where do you work now. At your own office,  accounting firm, or the tax office? Wherever you work at, I think you would do well . And I want you to continue the hobby of drawing. No matter how busy you are, Keep drawing. I think enjoying your work and hobby is better than just focusing on your work.

I think I would get married when in my 30's. How about you? Did you get married? Do you have any children? I can't imagine that you are a mother of someone. If you have a child, I hope you'll be a good mom (Like our mother :) ) I know it is hard to be a good mom and productive worker, but I think the two characters are not mutually exclusive. You can do it!

I have many other questions for you, but that's it for now. Take care!

Sincerely yours,

22 year-old Jin-seon

Jin-seon Jeong is in Professor Stephen's class, 3-2. She is a student for GEO Intensive 30.

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

Our new CGSS Friends Exposed – Part 7

Brooke and her new Korean friend

We asked our CUK Global Summer School friend, Brooke, a couple of questions to get to know her better.


Here are the questions
1. Personal details
2. What are your likes and dislikes?
3. What keeps you busy during your spare time?
4. What is your impression about Korea? What do you like most about Korea?
5. What is your impression of CUK and its Vision of becoming and International Hub?
6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students
7. Things you want to impart to readers
8. Message to GEO 18 students


 (Check out her answers below… Enjoy reading ^^)


Hi Everyone!

After their meal together - Brooke and her GEO 18 students

My name is Brooke Kruse. My friends call me b-krusey and I am from Sibley, Iowa. I go to Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, where I study nursing with a minor in psychology.

Want to get to know me a little better? 

Well I will tell you a little about myself. I am very tall, athletic and outgoing. During my free time, I like to play basketball, or pretty much any sport. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and watching movies. My favorite movie would have to be Step Up. I love dancing and I wish I could only be that talented, so to compensate I just watch instead! ^_~ Since I am outgoing I love to talk with people so if you want to know more about me, all you have to do is ask! I am not shy! I have never been outside of the United States before so this is a first for me - coming to Korea. 

I am here for one month and the time is flying by. I want to see all that I can while I am here, which I have been, so I have been a little on the tired side. I start my days early and they end really late because I pack my days full with activities and I love it. I am also exhausted at the end of the day because here we walk everywhere, whereas in America we drive everywhere. We are lazy!

I am really enjoying Korea though because Korea is so culturally based. In America I feel as though we don’t really have a culture. Everyone just kind of does their own things. So I like to see that even after all these years Korea was able to keep their culture intact. It is an amazing thing to see!

Beside from all the fun, I am taking classes while I am here. In the morning I take Korean language class and in the afternoon I take a class about Korea (culture, politics, history, families) basically I just learn the Korean lifestyle. I enjoy my classes and I really enjoy the Korean language class.

When I first came to Korea I thought it would be impossible for me to learn the language, but it turns out it is not as hard as I thought! I just have not figured out why Koreans have two sets of numbers. That would be the most difficult part. LOL. Aside from class I am also a “Buddy From Abroad” in the GEO program. It is very time consuming and I am doing my best to make the schedules fit, but I am loving it. My class is SO much fun. I enjoy meeting with the students and getting to know them better. They teach me so much aside from all my classes and then I can teach them in return! I love that. They are so kind and outgoing as well so I enjoy spending my free time with them!

Our new CGSS Friends Exposed – Part 6

Continuing our Get to know your CUK Global Summer School friend. We have Christine from Taiwan to share something about her and some encouraging words to our dear GEO 18 students.

Check out what she have for you...

1. Personal details

Name: Christine (Chun Ting) Huang

Nickname: Chrissy

Hometown: TAIWAN

Length of stay in Korea: One Month
School/ Course: FU JEN Catholic University/ Clinical Psychology

Terms of tenure in CUK (Exchange student? Masters student?): 2012 CGSS program international student

2. What are your likes and dislikes?

I like tasty food, romantic & comedy movies.

I don’t like: bugs, snake, hot and humid day. Do homework, rude people~

3. What keeps you busy during your spare time? 

Play flute& piano, watch movie& TV, cook, and hang out with friends

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

The first thought I have is that most Koreans like Kimchi. 

For me, I like Hanbok (traditional costume) in Korea the most.

Also, I like the united spirit of Korean people, and the way how Korean people respect their own traditions and still proceeding to the new modern world. I like how Korean people are always energetic and willing to help. I like this country so much!!

Buddies from Abroad with BFA Coordinator Lia

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

I think CUK is working really well on promoting the school to the world. With GEO program, I can see students learning English rapidly. My impression of CUK is that its Psychology graduate program is really famous over the entire county. As a psychology major student, I want to have a chance to come to CUK to continue my studies. Also, I think CUK is working really hard to make its facilities state of the art. It is well prepared as an international hub. I love CUK, everything's just awesome!

6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students

I want to be a good buddy, a friend to GEO students. I like to learn the different perspective from either Korean students or professors. I think GEO is a really great program. I really enjoyed the company of my 2-1 class!

Christine enjoying her bonding moments with her GEO class 

7. Things you want to impart to readers 

Before I came to Korea, I was expecting that there must be a lot of differences between Korea and my hometown, Taiwan. However, once I got here, I felt a lot of similarities and harmonies. For instance, good food and great people, combination of history and modern outlook.

I especially like the dormitory in CUK. It is clean, convenient, quiet, with big rooms, and secure which is so different from the dorm back home! I really enjoyed the time here in Korea, it is just so energetic!

I came to Korea with the purpose of meeting four faces of Korea. First, traditional Korea, second, modern Korea; Third, pop Korea, and forth, the International Korea.

I am hoping that at the end of the program, I get to see so much more that I didn’t even think about! I am really looking forward to the following days here at CUK, Korea!    

Christine's picture of the GEO 28 Sports Night
GEO students happily participated in the games

 8. Message to GEO 18 students

My dear friends in GEO18, especially my beloved class 2-1! Just like what I said on the first day; I expect you guys to Enjoy, be active, keep your passion and just have fun studying English! With the intensive program of GEO, I believe that at the end, you will realize how far you’ve already gone and I want all of you to take the credit for it, for that you guys have been most amazing either in individual meeting or in classes. I am very proud of you guys and looking forward to the rest of the days, and I hope you guys enjoy this program as much as I do. Lastly, I want to quote that “A man who has a "Why" to live for, can bear almost any "How"------Frankl”.  Find your goal in English learning, and you shall never fall!!!! Fighting!!!!

Our new CGSS Friends Exposed – Part 5

GEO 18 students are privileged not to just have great professors, excellent teaching assistants. This vacation, they also enjoy the company of CUK Global Summer School (CGSS) students. A couple of CGSS are highly visible in the campus to help the GEO students. Let's get to know one of them better.

Say hi to Yvonne...

1. Personal details

Name: Yvonne Nguyen
Nickname: Vonnie
Hometown: Austin, TX
Length of stay in Korea: 4 Weeks
School/ Course: St. Edward’s University/Kinesiology
Terms of tenure in CUK (Exchange student? Masters student?): Exchange student

Yvonne with new Korean friends

2. What are your likes and dislikes?
I like to try all kinds of foods. I like to explore or go on adventures around town and I like to meet new people. I dislike mosquitoes because I really dislike getting bitten by them. I dislike it so much.

3. What keeps you busy during your spare time?
During the spare time that I do get, my family and friends keep me busy most. Usually, I would go shopping with my family and bring my dog everywhere I can. My family and I would go to the park and then go out to eat at our favorite restaurants. With my friends, we would usually enjoy the night out after school and work, eat sushi, and then go to karaoke. On other nights, we would stay in and watch a movie at home or play games.

4. What is your impression about Korea? What do you like most about Korea?
I like Korea for its cleanliness. I like how everything is in order like in the cafeteria where people have to place the dishes in different places after they are done eating. I like the taste of the food because it is authentic and there is always Kimchi that is served with the meals. I love Kimchi.

Just outside Global Lounge

5. What is your impression of CUK and its Vision of becoming and International Hub?: My impression of CUK is that it is a wonderful school filled with nice people. With the International Hub as one of the first buildings I see on this campus, I hope CUK will have more international students. It is a good chance to expand the knowledge of culture of the students visiting and of the students who are already attending CUK. 

6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students
I expect to have a lot of fun with GEO and I hope to build great friendships with GEO students and learn anything new from them.

7. Things you want to impart to readers 
Living in another country on my own, even for a month, has taught me more independence. Living at home, I drive everywhere. Living here, I walk to the subway and actually take the subway to wherever I need to go. I really enjoy taking the subway because it is very efficient. I wished that there were subways where I live, but unfortunately, I have to drive everywhere, pay for gas, and be stuck in traffic for about 40 minutes before I make it to school in the morning.
8. Message to GEO 18 students:
Hello GEO students! I’ve met each and everyone of you from class and I really, really enjoy hanging out with you. I love all the new places you all have taken me out to eat. I am looking forward to meeting with you again soon! Let’s have a great month!

Another casual dinner with GEO students



Our new CGSS Friends Exposed – Part 4

Leo with GEO friends,
pausing for a picture after they enjoyed their meal in Space
(a restaurant near CUK that is famous for their gongbi-bibimbap)

Aside from Grace, who was featured in our first article for the "Our new CGSS Friends Exposed" series, we have Leo, another friend from Taiwan. (For those who don't know, Taiwan is a neighboring country of Korea. Like South Korea, it is also part of East Asia. The distance of Korea to Taiwan is just 914.5miles/1471.7 kilometers and it only takes you two hours and three minutes via plane. )

Check out what Leo has to say about himself, GEO and his country.

1. Personal details
Name : Leo Chu (Chu-Yun-Peng~ My Chinese name :D).
Nickname : Leo.
Hometown : Taipei, Taiwan.
Length of stay in Korea : Around a month.
School/ Course : Tunghai University / International Business.
Terms of tenure in CUK (Exchange student? Masters student?) : Short term exchange student.

2. What are your likes and dislikes?
I like to communicate with people, traveling around and tea time :).

3. What keeps you busy during your spare time?
I play volleyball and hang out with friends... Reading ~

4. What is your impression about Korea? What do you like most about Korea?
The food and people here are so nice!! It's really a good opportunity for me to learn and see everything that I just see on TV in Taiwan. I like the food, the scenery spots and all my friends here. Also, I love the way they talk, the shows .... There are still many things that are still to be discovered!!!

Leo and fellow CGSS friends during their Korean culture field trip

5. What is your impression of CUK and its Vision of becoming and International Hub?
The environment of the campus is quite good, and the supporters of the International Hub are nice and patient as well. Things are going good and I think I can learn a lot through this program !!

6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students
Hope I can sharpen my English skills during this program and bring joy to the students in the class. Also, I want to let them know more about Taiwan ( The first class I attended, there was a student that mixed up Taiwan with Thailand....). Hope I can know more about Korea and their culture via this nice project!!

7. Things you want to impart to readers
I'm here to learn Korean language and to experience the life in another country. Also, I'd like to do some travels and shopping during this month :).

8. Message to GEO 18 students
I do hope that they can be better in English. If they try hard to learn and speak, I believe that someday they will be good at it !!!

Our new CGSS Friends Exposed – Part 3

Another friend from United Kingdom shares information about himself and the GEO program ^^

Read on to know more about Sam. 

1. Personal details
Name: Samuel Kasim
Nickname: Sam
Hometown: London
Length of stay in Korea: 5 weeks
School: St Mary’s University College
Course: Tourism Management
Terms of tenure in CUK: Summer (Summer exchange program)


2. What are your likes and dislikes?
My likes include: being with friends and family, travelling to new destinations around the world, learning new cultures, karate training, going for long walks in the rain, reading comics, playing videogames, watching movies and going to live music events.

My dislikes include: bullying, crime, war, poverty, dance clubs/clubbing, slow computers, clothes shopping, having no friends, being lonely.


3. What keeps you busy in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, watching programs (in particular anime shows and WWE wrestling. Practicing karate, studying, daydreaming, calling friends, internet surfing and spending time with my pet cats.


4. What is your impression about Korea? What do you like most about Korea?
My impressions of Korea - a country rich in history and heritage. I was indeed correct as I have learnt a great deal of Korea’s depressing and inspiring past, and it was through this that I learned of the Korean people’s high pride and spirit. Overall my impression of Korea is a country that has overcome much sadness, a country that transformed itself into one with a hugely successful economy. The Korean people appear to be a very friendly group, though they appear to have such high national pride, some people appear to dislike foreigners while others welcome them.

I truly enjoyed meeting Korean people and socializing with them through dining, drinking, karaoke. I enjoy learning their culture and language, working directly with them in the GEO program. I enjoyed witnessing some key cultural differences, as well as trying unique dishes (such as live octopus).


5. What is your impression about CUK and its vision of becoming an international hub?
The CUK’s vision of becoming an international hub is quite inspiring considering the fact that Korean people appear to show some form of resentment to foreigners. If CUK is able to achieve this, then it could lead to a positive change of the attitudes and beliefs of Korean people towards foreigners as a whole. As globalization is a continuing trend, more people from abroad will continue to come to Korea, therefore an international hub could prove very beneficial. It is good that CUK is simply evolving in this aspect. Creating an international hub will allow people to learn other cultures and affairs around the world.


6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students
I am expecting an opportunity to learn from Korean people and gain a first hand perspective into the different cultural differences that exist. I am hoping to learn from students, in terms of fashion, daily life, education, political issues and what life is like in South Korea in general, how it differs to the life I am familiar with. I am hoping to be able to identify both differences and similarities to British culture/western culture.

I am also hoping the GEO programme can act as a gateway towards my hopeful future teaching career.

Left photo: Sam with Yoon Ji, So Hyun and Ji Young
Right photo: With Ji Young     

7. Things you want to impart to readers:
Korea and England are very different yet similar at the same time. It appears that both countries struggle with various political issues, and many of the families and individuals appear to suffer from the same life stresses (work, home/living expenses, bullying, terrorism, and life in general. They also appear to have many similar trends-such as fashion interests, musical influences and a live drinking culture.)

Despite this the major key differences I have noted the fact that Korea has appeared to continue to hold on and keep it’s vibrant, and interesting culture. While UK has kept some cultural aspects, in general, the country has simply become like a ‘smaller version of America’. Korea however is still Korea.


8. Message to GEO 18 students:
Take advantage of the opportunity to speak with foreigners and get as much information as you can from them! Ask as many questions as you want about their culture, you may never get this chance again! And make sure, no matter what happens-you don’t forget your English! Whether you travel abroad or not, it will come in handy one day.

Our new CGSS Friends Exposed – Part 2

Your industrious and skillful GEO 18 Team
Your jolly Filipino and Korean TAs

Aside from our competent Filipino and Korean Teaching Assistants, this GEO 18, we have our friends from the CUK Global Summer School (CGSS) program who are also here to help our GEO 18 students. We featured Grace during the first article of this series. Now we have another student who is part of the CGSS program. Coincidentally, he shares the same ethnicity with our resident Teaching Assistants. He is also a Filipino. You might come across him in the dormitory or during GEO events. Or he might just be the buddy assigned in your GEO class.

Continue reading to get to know more about our new CGSS friend on the block.. ^^

1. Personal details
Name: Russel Tolentino
Nickname: Russ
Hometown: London, United Kingdom
Length of stay in Korea: 5 weeks
School/ Course: St. Mary’s University College of London/ Tourism Management
Terms of tenure in CUK (Exchange student? Masters student?): Exchange Student

 2. What are your likes and dislikes?
I really love exploring and discovering diverse culture, that is why I love travelling to different places domestically and internationally. I really want to experience and see for myself how the different cultures of the world differ from each other, to find out what is unique about them.

I like making each day of my life interesting and different by learning and trying new and extraordinary things and experiences. I also love meeting new people and making lots and lots of friends.

I like red and blue! CN Blue! Maroon 5, friendly people, Philippines, and the Korean Chicken and Beer!!

I HATE seafoods, I know, I’m missing out, but I’m very allergic to them. I dislike people who are grumpy and boring and I hate losing and failing!

3. What keeps you busy during your spare time?
In my spare time, I take pleasure teaching myself how to play the guitar, listen to music and sing, hang out with my friends, read books, and go out and visit different places.

Russel with new friends from GEO

4. What is your impression about Korea? What do you like most about Korea?
I have got to say, Korea is far different from London. The culture is very distinct and fascinating such as the language, customs and traditions, and most especially the amazing Korean food. And though the weather is not that good at all times, it is far better than London!

What I really like the most here in Korea are the people who are very respectful and helpful; everyone greet each other with smiles and bows and by randomly saying ‘annyeong hasseyo” which never fail to make my day even more perfect. I also admire how the Koreans who doesn’t speak very good English (the random people you find in the university, restaurants, shops, train station, etc.) try their very best to communicate and help me.

5. What is your impression of CUK and its Vision of becoming and International Hub?
I have never seen a university that is as massive as CUK, it's way too big; it’s like a whole subdivision. I could never find my way around, well, not yet! The classrooms are all fully equipped and very Westernized which makes it more of an international university. Professors are nice, helpful and very easy to approach. The campus has a relaxing mood and at the same time, lively atmosphere; it’s always clean, lots of studying areas and places to hang out during free periods, and there are a lot of friendly students too. In addition, the location of CUK is indeed accessible with lots of shops and places to eat around the area, and the nearby subway station.

As CUK operates a number of programs that allow foreign students from different countries to participate and enter the university, I personally think that it will continuously improve its chance of becoming the most internationally known Catholic university in Seoul or even in Asia that could subsequently increase its reputation.

6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students
I expect that the GEO programme will be added to the most unforgettable experiences of my life; I expect it to be very enjoyable with lots of fun and laughter! I would also like to learn many things and make lots of new friends.

For the GEO students, as a TA, I really want them to contribute as much effort as they can, try their best and participate well with all activities that are planned for them. I would like them to believe in themselves, gain lots of confidence and never give up learning English. At the end of the day, they will really benefit from this big time! Lastly and most importantly, I expect them to have such an amazing time and have lots of fun at the same time as they learn.

For the co-faculty, I hope that they would be friendly, supportive and understanding.

Russel having Pizza party at CUK school grounds

7. Things you want to impart to readers
I was born in the Philippines and lived there for 12 years; at the present time, I am a British resident who lives in London.

My life being a university student it pretty tough, university in London is really intense and it’s hard to catch up once you fall behind, so I work extra hard and have my full concentration during every lecture I take two majors to keep up and enhance my knowledge and skills. In addition, we have strict marking criteria in the UK so I make certain that all of my course works are of a high quality by doing extra researches and through intense self-study.

Living in London is nothing like Korea; very different people, language, weather, and completely different culture. However, since I have lived in Asia before, I do not find it too hard to learn the Korean culture; although there are still many differences in terms of people’s behaviour and attitudes, the food, language and traditions, I’m sure that I will adapt well with my eagerness to experience the Korean’s way of life.

8. Message to GEO 18 students

I know that learning English can be really tough, but I know that you can all do it and improve further as you go until you become fluent English speakers; this is as long as you have faith and confidence in yourself and by always keeping in mind that this can really lead you to a better future.

I would also like you all to bear in mind that ‘You will never succeed until you believe in yourself’, so I advise you all to put as much effort and interest in what you do, focus, and always do your very best.

Russell with the rest of GEO 18's Buddiesfrom Abroad

GEO 18 students, Aja Aja FIGHTING!!

Our new CGSS Friends Exposed – Part 1

Every vacation, Catholic University of Korea (CUK) hosts the CUK Global Summer School (CGSS). It's a great program for foreign students to experience Korea. Students get a glimpse of the Korean language, culture, business and politics through the courses that they take during the CGSS's one month program . They also have field trips to various famous places around Seoul. Aside from this, participants for the CGSS program were also asked if they would willingly join the Buddies from Abroad (BFA) activity of Global English Outreach (GEO) program. Those who voluntarily agreed were given task assignment for the GEO 18 English camp. Through the BFA activity, CGSS participants were able to meet new people and get firsthand experience in Korea through their newfound friends in the GEO program.

This article series will talk about the background of CGSS participants involved in the GEO program. Since GEO 18 students would be meeting a lot of BFAs, we instigated this article so we can know more about the backgrounds of our BFAs.

For our first article, let's get to know Grace from Taiwan.

Grace wears Hanbok
Photo taken in Myeongdong's Seoul Global Center
Free Hanbok Wearing Experience

1. Personal details
Name: Grace Esther Chang
Nickname: Grace
Hometown: Missouri, USA (also Taiwanese)
Length of stay in Korea: About a Month
School/ Course: Fu Jen Catholic University, Major- Finance and International Trade
Terms of tenure in CUK: CGSS(The Catholic University of Korea Global Summer School)

2. What are your likes and dislikes?
Like: Good and friendly people, making friends, sweet or tasty food, exercising, fun
Dislikes: Evil people, yucky stuff, insects


3. What keeps you busy during your spare time?
Exercising (all kinds of sports), using the computer (playing games or surfing on the Internet), sleeping, chatting with friends, eating (junk food or delicacies), going out or something, etc.


4. What is your impression about Korea? What do you like most about Korea?
Because my major is finance and international business, so my first impression about Korea is the booming economics and business of Korea. The best part I like about Korea is the people. Everyone is just so nice and friendly! I also like the scenery and the new stuff in Korea.


5. What is your impression of CUK and its Vision of becoming and International Hub?
My impression of CUK…Catholic school and has a lot of programs.

I think the International Hub is excellent! There are many programs, activities, and facilities. It’s really a good idea, and I also hope that my school in Taiwan could have it too!!


6. Expectations from GEO, GEO students
I hope that the working hours aren’t that complicated. Except for that, everything else is good. Hope the students could know Taiwan better, know us (the BFAs) better, and learn a lot. Hope that we can all have a great time!!


7. Things you want to impart to readers
Feel free to be friends with me. We could also go out to play during weekends J I really want to experience Korean culture and everything in Korea this month.

Enjoying quality time with GEO 18 students

8. Message to GEO 18 students:
The students in Class 2-2 are just so cute and friendly!! Saba and I love you guys a lot!! Hope that all the GEO students will improve in your English skills!! Though some of you have already told us that you are poor in English speaking, but we know that you can do it!! So try your best, and we will definitely help you as much as we can. Work hard and play hard. Best wishes. :)