Welcome our GEO 18 classes

GEO 18 is here once again.... 

Take a look at the GEO Class pictures ^^

Guess what class this is? ^_^
Class 1-1 with Professor Peter & TA Bomi

Professor Nigel & TA Tin with the GEO Class 1-2 students posing the famous V-pose

Class 2-1 with Professor Tom Carlaw and TA Jeanne, all proud to be part of CUK's GEO program ^^

The one and only Professor Greg with GEO Class 2-2 and TA Gellene

Class 3-1, Professor Stephen and TA Mario strikes a pose

GEO Class 3-2 , Professor Roger &TA Morris
enjoys watching movie

GEO Class 4-1 and 5-1, with Professor Tom, TA Ga Eun, TA Captains Jiyeun & Cynthia,
chilling outside Caffe Angelo

Fresh face in a new arena – Welcome GEOM-Nursing

Once again GEO, Catholic University’s own global English Outreach Program, is reaching out to learners young and old, but this time we’re reaching a little bit further than usual. We are going mobile—bringing GEO to fresh faces in a new arena. Enter GEOM-Nursing—or GEO Medical (Nursing)—the first GEO program of its kind! This summer, for two intense weeks, GEO teachers and TAs will interact with nursing students at CUK Seongeui Campus in Gangnam, bringing them the best GEO has to offer with a little twist. Learners will experience 6 hours a day of classes taught in English, communicate with TAs using their English outside the classroom, and cover three modules as well: Hospital English with Johan, English in Action (with a Focus on Discussion and Speaking Skills) with Patrick, and Conversation Strategies with Jason. GEOM-Nursing students will also engage in team building tasks including the marshmallow challenge, a presentation contest in which teams of two present on a process of their choice, a medical tour led by the students in English along with mock nurse-patient role-playing, and a QR code scavenger hunt! In short, it’s going to be awesome.

The GEOM-Nursing Team toured Seongeui Campus last Friday and administered level tests, giving them a chance to meet the excited nursing students. Interestingly, it was discovered that “word of mouth” was the most common way that students had found out about the program—so let’s keep talking about GEO and make it the best program ever. Who knows where we will reach out to next? Wishing all the best to everyone in GEO this summer and beyond, near or far. J

My G.E.O Class

It's my first time to take the GEO class. Actually I heard about the GEO program before I entered the university. Many people said that the program is useful but some say that it is also really hard especially if I take the class during the semester. However, I really like the GEO class that I'm taking these days. My teacher Peter, TA Kristine and all of classmates are really good! Because of class, I could know about other countries’ culture, play games and do some fun activities. That is why I'm always waiting for GEO class. Week after week, I always anticipate my GEO class 3-3 ^^

By Ha Young, GEO Class 3-3 (Professor Peter Jenkins and TA Kristine's class)

My Interview with a Korean Class TA

Two of our GEO Class 3-2 students grabbed the chance to interview Korean Class TAs (Teaching Assistant).

Continue reading to know what transpired during their interview.

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Hello! My name is Kim YeongJi and I’m a student of Roger’s class 3-2. I would like to introduce a Korean TA whose name is Kang Bo Ram. She is a cool GEO TA, and she also happens to be a good friend of mine.

Q1. Would you please introduce yourself?

Hello. My name is Kang Bo Ram, a Korean TA in GEO 17. I am in my senior year now and my Major is Religious studies. I also have English literature as my second major. I joined the GEO program for four times already and I became a TA from the last winter camp which is GEO 15. While I was in the program, I got acquainted with lots of great, warm, and smart people in many English activities. Even though sometimes I’m already tired because of homework and exams, GEO had been my motivation to keep learning English. It had been my inspiration. I learn a lot from GEO.

Q2. How about your life as a GEO TA?

GEO is a real great program and it has been a role model for other universities. The reason why I applied for the GEO program is that I really admire their goals and I want to learn more and experience it myself. Boosting confidence in speaking English in front of other people and providing great opportunities are some of the advantages of the GEO program. Working as a TA makes me more proud and confident and being a leader in the class is a great opportunity to make myself a better person. I can meet a lot of great people like Foreign TAs, professors, and other Korean TAs. They have been my best friends and I can learn more from them all the time. This makes my school life more enjoyable.

Q3. Do you have some messages for GEO students?

I believe the GEO program will be a great key for you to open the door to globalization. Professors and TAs are here to help and guide you. Don’t hesitate to approach them and if there is anything that you want to suggest, change, or improve, please talk to us right away. Also, by meeting new friends and being together with other people, you will enjoy the program even more. “Be active and positive! It will change your life.” Thank you.

I really appreciate Bo Ram for answering my questions during the interview. Thank you!

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Jeong-min seo shares "The Korean T.A. that I interviewed was Ji-yeun. When I entered the GEO office, she looks very busy. I asked her if I can interview her and without hesitation, she accepted my request and answered all of my questions.

Ji-yeun is twenty five years of age. I was surprised that we are of the same age. She is taking up Korean language and literature and she is already in her senior year. She told me "I am Japanese not Korean," and I believe her because she really has a similar face and pronunciation with the Japanese. She studied in Canada and she recommended that Vancouver is a good city. She also told me that salary wise, being a GEO TA is not that helpful as it is not a monetarily rewarding job, nevertheless she was really interested and proud of her job. "

by Kim YeongJi and Jeong-min seo, GEO Class 3-2 (Professor Roger Foard and TA Carlo Clarin's class)

Ever wonder what happens in a GEO classroom?

Ever wonder what happens in a GEO classroom?

Here are some of the activities that take place...

Using the English language, students excitedly shares with each other about certain topics written in their cuesheets (The mechanics of the activity is very similar to a Speed Dating game)

Students freely share ideas and interact with each other

Even TAs are part of the class.

TA Jiyeun (far right) joins the class activity and mingles with students.

In addition, student get to speak confidently in class

(Class activity: Truth/Lie game; and many other classroom activities lined up

to encourage students to speak up)

They are even eager to raise their hands to participant in class.

Sometimes, students even enjoy alternative activities like playing games...

How do you untangle a human knot? Want to give it a try? ^_~

Not thrilled to play a game?

Then, you might be interested to do a personality quiz to get to know you better.

Or if it's not your cup of tea,

maybe you can be motivated and inspired by watching videos from TED

(TED is a great tool to inspire and motivate learners)

These and more happen in a GEO classroom. Bottomline?

Simply having fun while learning English the GEO way ❁◕‿◕❁

And oooopss...

Did I not mention, the most important of all?

Building confidence and making friends too ^_~

by: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

GEO 15 students witnessed Exciting and Entertaining Presentation Contest

The GEO Presentation Contest which took place last Wednesday through Friday, January 25 to 27, in Catholic University of Korea’s International Hall Room 267 Conference Hall was a success. The contest went smoothly. All the contestants conducted their speeches successfully and they were able to express their ideas on their given themes well. Speeches and presentations vary depending on the GEO level that the student is in. The topic for GEO level 1 and 2 students is “Looking forward/ visionary”. In particular students were expected to talk about how they envision Korea in the next twenty five years. Level 3 students on the other hand were asked to discuss about the impacts of Korea to the world, “The Here and Now – Outward”. Levels 4 and 5 students were tasked to share about how Korea is impacting Korea today, “The Here and Now – Inward”.

There were a total of eight teams who participated in the GEO level 1 and 2 presentation contest. Whereas there were six teams who participated in the GEO level 3 presentation contest and seven teams for the GEO level 4 and 5. Topics that level 1 and 2 students tackled include medicine (Team two mute guys), baseball (Team Minki and his emergency food), developments in technology (Team Kung Pooh), Korean soccer (Team Bros), cosmetics (Team Beauty), social welfare (Team Dynamic Duo), eco-friendly cars (Team JSJ), smartphones (one woman team, Kim Da Hee). For level 3, the teams shared their knowledge about various topics which include: medical advancements (Team Medical Tourism), Korea animation (Team DKS), Korea’s street dance (Team Funky guys), medical tourism (Team CG), Korean sports stars (Team Room 927) and impacts of Hangeul to the world (Team Hun Min Jung Um). Finally, for level 4 and 5, they discussed topics that relate to economic, political and technological impact of the world to Korea (Team K2&J), cohabitation (Team Juju Couple), influence of Iphone (Team Angry bird and hungry bird), youtube, facebook, twitter, blog and black mirror (Team Mignon), radiation (Team K), music (Team Ta-ara) and globalization (Team Semper Seminariae).

General content, content organization, fluency, pronunciation, voice volume and pitch, grammar and language usage, contact with audience, physical presentation and graphics and visual aids were among the criteria that were used by the panel of judges to evaluate the presenters.

Students commented that the contestants were very well prepared and they all spoke with confidence. They learned a lot of things from the speeches. Moreover the professors shared that they had a hard time to judge the students as they were very impressed with them. They were very satisfied that the aim of the Presentation Contest was met. (GEO holds the English Presentation Contest in order to challenge and encourage students to use the English language in a public setting. It aims to hone their skills and build their confidence in using the English language.) Each day, students are getting better and better and they are very happy about the results of the contest. The contest proved to be a very exciting and entertaining competition for everyone to witness.

Congratulations to everyone who participated and gave their best for the presentation contest. And to our event organizers and our masters of the ceremony, TA Gellene and TA Hani, job well done ❁◕‿◕❁

Judges Prof. Roger, Prof. Nigel and Prof. David with GEO 15 Level 1 Presentation Contest Winners: (3rd) Team Bros, (2nd) Team Nicky &his Emergency Food, (1st) Team 2 Mute Guys

Judges Prof. Roger, Prof. Nigel and Prof. David with GEO 15 Level 2 Presentation Contest Winners: (3rd) Team JSJ, (2nd) Team Da Hee, (1st) Team Beauty

Judges Prof. Greg, Prof. Jerry and Prof. Peter with GEO 15 Level 3 Presentation Contest Winners: (3rd) Team Room 927 , (2nd) Team Funky Guys, (1st) Team 21

Judges Prof. Johan, Prof. Nathan and Prof. Stephen with GEO 15 Level 4 Presentation Contest Winners: (3rd) Team K2&J , (2nd) Team Angry Bird & Hungry Bird, (1st) Team Juju couple

Judges Prof. Johan, Prof. Nathan and Prof. Stephen with GEO 15 Level 5 Presentation Contest Winners: (3rd) Team Semper Seminariae , (2nd) Team K, (1st) Team Ta-ara

By: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Students looking forward to making good memories this semester

In starting a new semester, students like us experience some fears and excitement. We do not know of what lies ahead during the semester, what to expect for our course work. Questions like: will I be able to get along with my classmates pop out of our minds.

Photos of Class 2-5 during their sharing session

During our class sharing session, we found out that most of us get excited about meeting new people and making friends from our classes, including the G.E.O program. Moreover, through the G.E.O program, we want to improve our English listening and speaking skills. For us, we think this is an important part of this semester. Also we are really looking forward to going to membership trainings (MTs) with people who are in the same major or department such as ours, attending festivals and joining other activities.

Student from Class 2-5 strike a pose (",)

However, we also have some fears about several things. We are a little bit scared because even as early as third week of classes, we already have a lot of homework and reports to turn in. We are afraid of speaking English and taking English classes. For example, in English 1 class, we have to translate English textbooks to Korean and explain about it. Sometimes, we have difficulties in understanding what the professor is saying.

Students smiling happily... Exemplifying a positive attitude

We have mixed emotions right now, but in our opinion, we have more positive feelings than negative feelings. We’re very optimistic about things and we want to make the most out of this semester. We want to enjoy our school life and make a lot of good memories with new people around us. Actually, at present, we are already having a good time.

By: GEO Class 2-5, Professor David and TA Jihyeon

GEO in CUK

Sung Kyun with the ladies ^_^

My first impression of the GEO program

When I got admitted to CUK after taking the Korean SAT, I saw the information about GEO. I just thought it is similar to high school classes so I registered but the special thing about it is that everyone should converse only in English. As part of the GEO Program, I also have to live with a roommate who is from the Philippines. Fortunately, the program started very well.

What are things we learn in GEO?

If someone asks me that question, I will answer immediately, "There are many opportunities for us to build our confidence through the individual and team presentation. Beyond learning English grammar, I really learned a lot about speaking English in everyday conversation. That's my major learning in the GEO.

Meet Professor Jason Ham

Our classmates interviewed Prof. Jason about teaching in GEO and some personal questions:

Student : What is your best experience in GEO?

Jason : When I taught 1-1 class in GEO 9, the class did better than the other not just individually but also as a team.

S : Who is the most impressive student in GEO 10?

J : In GEO 10, I was so busy and the time was too short to choose just one student. So I try to focus on my class and all the students are really good!

S : When was the happiest time in your life?

J : "Being a father" is the best time in my life. After becoming a father, I got more responsibility being the head of the household.

Professor Jason's Family

S : Why did you decide to teach in CUK?

J : If someone is an English major in the US, it is very hard to get a job. In my experience, I saw the advertisement in the newspaper. The ad says, "Wanna teach in KOREA? Apply to our university." So I did apply and I got the job! So I'm here now!

S : What is your first impression about teaching in CUK?

J : When I started at CUK, I didn’t have much University experience, so I tended to over-prepare and follow the textbook quite closely. It was a scary period of time…

S : What is your expectation of the students?

J : I want all students in CUK to gain more confidence and become leaders in the future.

S : What do you think about the Korean students' attitude?

J : I absolutely love working with Korean students. For the most part, they are phenomenal learners. Every once in a while, you get students in class who are overworked or apathetic. They can suck your energy out, but you try not to let it get to you too much. I like teaching students who smile a lot and apply themselves to tasks with a positive attitude.

Class 4-1 with Profs. Victoria and Jason; and TAs Jinju and Stephanie ^_^

And that is end of our class, 4-1. Thank you for your attention!

By: Kim, Sung Kyun from Class 4-1 (Prof. Victoria/ Jason and TAs Jinju/ Stephanie)

A Couple of Thoughts from Class 2-2

The serious Class 2-2

GEO 10 WINTER CAMP

I want to join the GEO camp so when I saw the notice for GEO Camp, I was really happy. And then I came to this school for interview and I was really nervous. When I came to this camp, I was really nervous and I’m very shy to strangers so I didn’t speak English at all. But every Teaching assistant and Professors are so kind to me that I can speak English without anxiety. I think this camp is very good for someone who felt fear when they speak to anyone in English. I feel very scared when I speak with foreigners, especially. I almost ran away when a foreigner asks something to me. But now, I have confidence and enjoy speaking with them. So, I think this camp is really a good experience to me. I will join this camp every vacation!

GEO 10 GAME SHOW

Team Jamaica all huddled up to decide on their final answer

Last Friday, we had our second team competition—The GAME SHOW. In the speed quiz, our team was the last so my teammates really wanted to win. The Game show was very interesting for me. We had 3 rounds. In the 1^st round, we discussed the answer with my teammates and wrote the answer in the paper before the time limit was over. We had 10 questions. But most of the question in the 1^st round was about science, math or need some kind of problem solving solutions. I think our team was not very good at the first round.

Each Team representative runs to get the highest score

In the 2^nd round, running fast is the most important thing. Our team’s runner was very good at running, so we got many points from 2^nd round. The questions were easier than the 1^st round because of the questions had multiple choices.

Ji Eun with her Team after the Golden Bell

In the 3^rd round, the rules were the same with Korean TV program called Golden Bell. In my team, most of us got eliminated coz of the word LG (Lucky Goldstar). Most of the students thought that LG means “Life is Good”. Our team got 3^rd place in this round. But we got many points from the 2^nd round so finally, we got 2^nd place in the end. Team Puerto Rico won this game.

Class 2-2's WaCkY Pose ^_^

By: Yi, Seung Won and Lim, Ji Eun from Class 2-2 (Prof. Stephen and TA Al Ann)