GEO 15 Closing Ceremony - A Bittersweet farewell moment

Time flies so fast, GEO 15 which started last January 2 has finally come to an end. The one month intensive English camp was a success. The culmination activity was held last February 1, at twelve in the afternoon at IH267. Eloquent Teaching Assistant Gellene Custodio was the master of the ceremony for the event. Professors, TAs, students were all present during the closing ceremony.

Master of the ceremony, TA Gellene with FTA Administrator Carol and KTA Leader Ezzy

Profesors Nico and Corien also graced the event. Professor Nico also delivered an wonderful testimony - how he gave out his HEART to Korea.

Closing video was presented. The video was a compilation of all the class, team, club activities that the students participated in. It was a great memento for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the GEO 15 presentation contest winners were awarded their certificates and prize money. GEO 15 team leaders from X League and Z League also rendered their speeches. During this time, the crowd was shouting and cheering for their teammates. The speakers expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the GEO organizers as they really had a wonderful time during the camp. Some of them were even teary eyed when they were delivering their speeches. This farewell was a bittersweet moment. They were happy that they accomplished a great endeavor, but at the same time sad that they have to part ways with newfound friends and conclude with the wonderful experience.

Teams cheering for their leaders as they thanked their groupmates for the support and hard work they did all throughout the camp

The winners of the World Cultural Fair were also announced. In the X League, Team Seychelles came in first and in the Z League, Team New Zealand was the victor! Aside from the points for this final team competition, added points were given to each team who won special awards.

Professor Jerry was extremely thankful that Team New Zealand won the World Cultural Fair. He gave everyone an encouragement -- indeed if an individual endeavors hard enough he can be good at what he is doing.

Team Seychelles was emotional while Professor Peter was delivering his inspiring speech.

The much awaited GEO Cup Winners were revealed without further a due and the winners for X and Z Leagues are...

Team South Africa beams as they receive their GEO cup

Grand Slam - Team Seychelles wins again!!! Congratulations :)

With that, this unforgettable winter camp ended with tears and laughter as everyone bid goodbye to their newly found friends. Indeed the farewell was a Bittersweet farewell moment but surely as most students shared, it is an incredible memory that they will deeply treasure in their hearts forever.

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Once again... Congratulations GEO 15 Students, TAs and Professors... Great Job... ^^

We hope you had a great time in GEO. ＼(~o~)／＼(^o^)／＼(-o-)／ヽ(^。^)ノ

To all GEO 15 students - Continue to have fun and enjoy learning English the GEO way ❁◕‿◕❁

By Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Ready! Get Set! GO! The words that marked the beginning of a tiring yet fulfilling GEO 15 Treasure Hunt Competition

Ready! Get Set! GO!

These three words marked the beginning of the GEO 15 Treasure Hunt Team Competition which was held last January 25. This is probably the most exhausting yet opportune activity for GEO students to exercise their mental as well as their physical capabilities under limited time and pressure from their rival teams. Indeed, GEO has once again brought the teams’ competitive spirit into the fore, ultimately proving that neither English nor the challenges stopped them from trying to win the coveted first prize.

Without a doubt, the challenges appeared to be tailor-fit to give clues on who will the best teams among the best teams in GEO Winter Camp 2012. Let us then examine how the teams were able to cope up with them and how they managed to turn such tiring moments into fun and memorable ones. GEO 15 students trying to dance along the tune of All the single ladies

If teams were able to solve the clues to get Bo Ram’s station (The Singing Room) in Global Lounge’s Meeting Room A, they had to do a series of dance moves in All the single ladies, a song by Beyonce. How seemingly complicated the dance moves were, someone had to do it in each team! Good thing Bo Ram was so kind to allow the other team members to sing the song instead (just imagine if that is not the ca

se). Only perfect harmony between dancing and singing can the teams move on to their next clue.

GEO 15 students trying

to dance along the tune of

All the single ladies

If there is a basketball court around, there should be a basketball game in Treasure Hunt too, don’t you think? Revan’s game (Guessing the idiom) gave those who have athletic prowess a chance to use their basketball skills for the sake of their team. One successful shot after another is not only met with great applause from their peers but also leading them to tidbits of hints for the real clue. Even the girls had a great time trying out their luck shooting from their advantageous position too! Time out! Move on to the next activity!

One, two, three... Here's the ball

Teams who were able to find Gellene’s station (The imaginary trip to the beach) in front of the second floor conference room fast are worthy of praise. But to be able to create a human picture frame depicting lifestyle in a beach is another. Teams scrambled to assign roles among themselves like sunbathing, swimming, beach volleyball or even organizing a drinking event around a campfire. Imagination was the only limit hindering the teams and it is not that difficult to move on to the next clue.

With Mario at the rock-scissors-paper station, his game (Different Action) is probably the easiest among the challenges in that Treasure Hunt night. However, Mario appeared to have mastered the covert art of hiding, leaving the teams at a loss and even questioning the validity of the clue they have at hand. After spotting Mario, teams would have to play the rock-scissors-paper game with him but with a catch: they have to let Mario win in order to win! A bit confusing but the teams could finish faster than expected.

Teams once again find themselves at the gymnasium but they have to find China at the running track at the second floor. Another test of physical and mental endurance, the only way to get through China’s station (Hold that Yoga Pose) is to imitate the positions depicted at the papers posted on the walls of the gymnasium. While it may not be a problem for some, those who do not exercise have to exert extra effort. Doing things together, no matter how difficult they may be, tightens the bonds of the team further.

Before leaving the gymnasium, they should not forget to pass by Peter’s ingenious challenge (Blind Maze) which I would call the minefield game. Moving at the other side of the area while avoiding stepping on paper cups is easy enough, the need to use blindfolds by the two team members increased the game’s difficulty by 200%. The only way to get through is for the blindfolded to listen carefully to the voice who can act as their eyes. Trust, agility, and luck are ingredients for victory in this game.

Indeed, they are Hot Super models

Teams had to look for Ezzy somewhere in front of the second floor elevators. Looking for her should not be a difficult one but the challenge (I am a Super model) required a strong heart that disregards shame in favor of fame. Participants had to dress up improvised clothes made of newspaper and they should make an atmosphere of a popular and stylish fashion show. Other team members help by shouting and cheering for their models. When directions are followed properly, they could finish it clean and fast. Can you recognize what I'm drawing? Go teammates ^_^

Another fun and challenging assignment that the team has to go through is Andrew’s station (the Pictionary) which was situated in GEO classroom. Andrew showed a list of words for the team representative to draw, while other team members tried to guess the word that is being drawn by their representative. Categories include thing, movie, animal. Indeed the whole team counts on the acting prowess of their team representative and tries their best to guess the correct word.

Can you recognize what I'm drawing?

Go teammates ^_^

After getting all the paper money from the TAs, team members have to return to the gymnasium and create a self-fulfilling formula with the basic mathematical processes of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They must arrive at a specific number in order to win. Blessed are the teams who have people who like mathematics since it could be a torture for those who don’t.

After a tiring yet fulfilling night, these are the results of the Treasure Hunt in GEO 15 Winter Camp:

Z league:

South Africa

Panama

Singapore

Belize

New Zealand

X league:

Kenya

Jamaica

Tuvalu

Seychelles

Congratulations!!!

We're pretty sure that you had loads of fun ＼(~o~)／＼(^o^)／＼(-o-)／ヽ(^。^)ノ

By Gerard Bambilla, English Clinic TA and Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

GEO 3-2 student shares valuable GEO radio feedback

Hello, I'm EunJin, I'm a GEO 3-2 student :)

I'm glad and excited to talk about GEO radio! Yeah~

A couple of Wednesdays ago, I listened to the GEO radio for the first time in my life. ^_~

(In photo: Eunjin and her friend listening to GEO radio in CUK's Global Lounge)

It was very interesting and it had good programs. However, I couldn't understand most of the words they were saying. It was very hard to understand because the DJ spoke too fast and didn't pause or rest during their talk session so it was kind of boring because I couldn't understand much. In addition, based on my GEO Radio experience, the DJ's voice was quite uncomfortable to listen to. Also, I think they have specific accents and tone, so it was difficult to understand.

And also, GEO radio took away our dinner time! T_T

I remember the Wednesday that we were required to listed to the GEO radio, we had to practice for Sports night, but our team, New Zealand, must go to the Global Lounge for the GEO radio program. And our team professor Jerry said that after GEO radio, we have to practice for the sports night, so we didn't have enough time for dinner. Actually, Jerry allowed us to eat our dinner, but I thought that we have to practice, so I had already eaten something in advance. But I regret eating early, because I feel a little hungry late at night.

So, I highly suggest to the GEO radio committee to change their broadcasting time and for the DJs to speak slowly next time.

In addition, my friend recommended that, if we'll listen to the GEO radio with the same level, it would be better if GEO radio DJs will adjust accordingly to each level so that it would be easier to understand and fun to listen.

My nation, New Zealand, may go to the OBF and listen to GEO radio again. I think that GEO radio prepared some programs, like something that involves the audience which makes GEO radio better. I hope that future GEO radio episodes in future camps will be interesting and will give its audience many useful information!

If GEO radio accepts our advices, GEO radio will be more useful and interesting. Please consider our advices and opinions. I hope that GEO radio shows more improvement in the next vacation or camp. Thank you!

By Eun jin , GEO Class 3-2 (Professor Johan Reiners and TA Andrew)

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

Things we do during Lunar New Year

During Lunar New year, most Koreans expect to eat delicious meals and meet their siblings who they don’t meet often. They gather in the same place and have a good time together.

In my case, my hometown is Jeju Island. So, I go to Jeju and meet my parents. During Lunar New Year's day, our family goes to our grandmother's home and prepare for the ancestral rites. I help my mom prepare food for ancestral rites table and be ready for the rites. After the ceremony, all the siblings sit together and eat ttek-guk. When we eat this, it means that we are getting a year old that is why my mom don't want to eat ttek-guk that much. ^_~

Foreigners in Korean traditional costume, ‘Han Bok’

One thing that I really like to do during Lunar New Year is to bow. Because when we make a deep bow to relatives, they give us money! I am sad though that this won't last long because I am getting older. Still, I am happy that until now, I receive “Sebae don”. After the bow and all the greetings, we gather together and have a great time. Sometimes we just drink some tea and talk but most of the time, we play game. The most popular game in Korea involves playing yut. The rule of this game is very easy but it is a lot of fun. That is why many Koreans like to play yut during this holiday season.

There is another important thing that I have to do during the Lunar New Year. That is washing dishes! After lunch and dinner, there are many dishes that should be washed. It is too much so I help my mom and we clean the dishes together. After washing the dishes, my back really hurts and my fingers also feel stiff. I think it will be nice if my dad and other uncles help us do the dishes. But they always don't help us. Maybe it's because of the traditional patriarchal system.

But anyway, the Lunar New Year's day is always fun and it always make me happy. These days everyone is so busy and we can't meet so often even though we are siblings. But because of the Lunar New Year, we can meet and can talk about a lot of things. I really treasure this rare opportunity to catch up with loved ones. I hope that you do too.

By Sun Ah, GEO Class 3-3 (Professor Tom Kim and TA Revan)

Build long lasting relationships with family members this Seollal holiday

Korea celebrated the Lunar New Year last January 23 . The Lunar New Year, otherwise known as Seollal is one of the biggest holidays in Korea. A lot of Koreans go home and spend time with their families. Others visited their relatives.As for me, I stayed at my Catholic church during the holiday. Since I am a seminary student, even during the Lunar New Year, I have to be there and attend mass.

In this article, I want to share with you what I think about Seollal.

A family wearing ‘Han Bok’

together during Seollal

In the old days, kins gather together during Seollal. Seollal is a special occasion for the Korean people as they pay respect to their ancestors. Usually, people wear hanbok (traditional clothes) perform ancestral rites and/or play folk games, eat delicious traditional foods like tteokguk. However these days, it looks like that the meaning of the Seollal has changed. Nuclear families are much more common today, and people do not give much importance to family-oriented festival (particularly those involving extended families). As years pass, individuals don’t like attending big family gatherings that much. They feel uncomfortable talking with relatives. Young people think that these family gatherings only entail them to disclose details about one’s job, marriage and other intricate details about their private lives. These stories just bug them. However, some people enjoy Seollal because they can eat delicious meals and enjoy family bonding with long lost relatives. They particularly look forward to special foods that are available in homes during this festive celebration. Moreover, a lot of individuals look forward to the Seollal gifts that they receive from their grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts. They are eagerly looking forward to the “Sebae don” they will be receiving.

Indeed, people have mixed feelings about this holiday. But I hope that you look for the good traits of this family oriented affair. It only happens once in a year. I hope instead of harboring ill feelings towards this holiday, make the most out of this holiday to harness long lasting relationships with family members.

By Kim Heung Nyun, GEO Class 3-3 (Professor Tom Kim and TA Revan)

Cultural Evenings, a Significant Addition to GEO 15

Cultural Evenings in GEO 15 are significant in three ways. First, this was the first time the events were introduced and held in the history of the GEO program. Second, while the cultural evenings resemble much the group presentations held in past GEO programs, they are special in the sense that they provided an avenue for students to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the country they represent. Last but not the least, they serve as a very important opportunity for students to get to know each other deeper, thereby paving the way for greater cooperation and union for the most awaited event of every GEO vacation camps: the team country presentations!The first cultural evening held in January 18th Wednesday showcased refreshing and exciting series of events, namely the fashion show, the limbo rock competition, and the sing-and-dance presentation. I will, however, organize my thoughts in the following passages by only citing the things the teams presented that left deep impressions in my mind.

Congratulations to Team Seychelles for having won first place during the first cultural evening event! What was particularly special about your fashion show was the use of Afro-American hairstyles (or should I call them wigs instead?) The turtle was also a major feature which undoubtedly gave laughs to the audience and amusement to the judges. The use of an artificial campfire contraption in your sing-and-dance performance also added an air of tribalism as well as showed your ingenuity to the people on that night. Last but not the least was the tall yet extremely flexible girl who won the limbo rock contest, greatly catapulting the team to the first position!

What struck me about Jamaica that night was the intricate and detailed creation of the so-called reggae-inspired clothing closely the country's flag. The modern dance performed during the sing-and-dance portion also stood out among other teams who highly relied instead on tribal and ethnic-inspired music.

When one wishes to witness close resemblance real warlike Pacific island tribesmen and gorgeous female inhabitants donning their ethnic outfits, Tuvalu is the team to see! The wild native boys appear to have convinced the audience and the judges that they have successfully internalized their roles as ethnic Tuvalese while the females did not fail to catch everyone's attention by their talent and style.

If only the sing-and-dance performance was the sole event in that cultural night, many including myself will agree that Kenya should have bagged the golden prize. The professional choirmaster who conducted the group, the singers who seem to memorize the Kenyan native song by heart in the country's native language, and the passionate instrumentalists, successfully captured the hearts and minds of the audience and judges alike.

Thinking that I have already witnessed a fantastic night on Wednesday, January 19th’s (Thursday) caught me in surprise. Indeed, human's potential in the field of arts seem to be endless! How much more if they become professional artists in the future?

Team New Zealand, the only country that was not phased out since the beginning of the GEO vacation camps, garnered the best prize of that night thanks to its excellent performance at the sing-and-dance competition and the competitive spirit of its members at the limbo rock contest. As an audience, it is quite noticeable that the male break dancer (who also won at the limbo event) played a very important role in orchestrating a synchronized spectacle that very much fits the beats and the sudden changes of their chosen background music. Cheers and shouts of amazement even from the rival teams filled the festive atmosphere that led New Zealand to the top.

Though South Africa was given the silver trophy, one does not fail to admire the stretchable back of its female member who persistently tied with New Zealand's break up dancer until the judges ruled that there will be two winners in the limbo rock contest instead. Hurray! What sunk deep in my mind about South Africa's sing-and-dance performance was the dancers masked in savanna animals and the nostalgic songs from Lion King and the "Lion sleeps tonight" by the Tokens.

When I remember Panama's sing-and-dance performance, I recall how they danced at the famous Korean pop song tune 'Please be my baby' by Wondergirls and how their dance highly resembled the Korean pop artists themselves. I feared that the use of Korean songs might spell doom to their points but they still managed to grab the third place probably because of their amusing romantic short play.

I have to say that I was quite impressed by the sing-and-dance performance of Singapore when they all of them did the fan dance with people in the middle holding up the important elements of the Singaporean flag. Indeed, their synchronized movements and astounding display met with awe by the audience and the judges in that night. Also, to be able to make skyscrapers as fashion apparel amused everyone and reflected a degree of ingenuity in the part of Singapore.

Belize may have been last among the teams presented at the second cultural evening but their attempt to display a nationalistic atmosphere with their soldier-like marches marked their significance in that night. With little more effort and a fighting spirit, they can soon the tide to their favor in the most anticipated Group Presentations in the following weeks. Great job and do not forget to have fun Belize!

To View Photos, Please Visit:

X League:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.301323956585443.87852.100001235243051&type=3

Z League:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.301951346522704.87973.100001235243051&type=3

By Gerard Bambilla, English Clinic TA

Team Seychelles, Winner for X League

Jamaican flag inspired costume

Flexible Professor Nigel tries his best for the Limbo rock challenge

Z League Winner - Team New Zealand with Proud Mentors, Professor Jerry and TA Boram

Team Singapore's synchronized movements and astounding Fan dance presentation

GEO 15's Cultural Evening, an Enthralling and Informative Night

Cultural events are always enthralling and very informative; it is an event that always captures people’s attention. This is evident in the recently held “Cultural Evening”, a pioneering activity of the GEO winter camp 2012.

This year’s winter camp was composed of students from the different satellite universities of the Catholic University of Korea. The students were divided into 2 teams: the X League and the Z League, which was further clustered to different teams. Under the former are Belize, Singapore, Panama, South Africa, and New Zealand while under the latter are Jamaica, Tuvalu, Seychelles, and Kenya.

As expected, the event was indeed splendid! It was full of fun and learning as the students fervently participated in the activity. The fashion show, and the song and dance portion – which were the highlight of the event – served as a stage where students passionately showcased their talents in modeling, singing and dancing ergo, creativity. Above all else, the event served as a very strategic venue to make known to everyone the culture of the countries mentioned above.

The colorful traditional costumes worn by different teams added more sentience to the spirit-filled evening. The song and dance portion of the event contributed to the jovial atmosphere as different teams exhibited different menus of dances ranging from traditional to modern. Also, the limbo rock mirrored the strong bond and camaraderie that was developed among the team members – as they cheer their respective teams - during the event/camp.

New Zealand surfaced as the winner, South Africa 1st runner up, Panama and Singapore 2nd runner ups, and Belize 3rd runner up. Bottom line is, everyone enjoyed in spite of the outcome of their performance, which I think is the most crucial.

Again, the success of the event can be credited to all the people involved. My appreciation goes to the high-spirited students who did their utmost to give justice to the country they are representing and whose hubris are commendable.

The event was organized by Professor Nigel and TA Hani. Congratulations!

By: Morris Jose Catabian, English Clinic TA

To View Photos, Please Visit:

X League: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.301323956585443.87852.100001235243051&type=3

Z League: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.301951346522704.87973.100001235243051&type=3

GEO 15′s Times Square Field trip – A Day to Remember

During GEO vacation camps, GEO students enjoy alternative activities to help them use English in different venues, to speak the language with a variety of people. One of these activities is the GEO field trip. This GEO 15, students went to Times Square. for most of the students, it is their first time to go to the place. They are very happy to have the opportunity to bond with a various people.

Hyeong kuk shares “I think the field trip to Times Square was a novelty. It was my first time to visit Times Square.”

Jin imparts “On January 20, all of the GEO students went to Times Square for a field trip. We made a short film. That was a very interesting experience. That experience helped us to know more about Time Square. I am sure that all the GEO students had a wonderful experience.”

Hyung jun discloses “When I heard that we are going to Time Square, I became interested. Because I have never been to Time Square. For me, the field trip is a whole lot of fun and interesting. In the future, I want to go Time Square again”.

Se min reveals “This was the first time I had ever been to Time Square. Now I have many memories to build from. I was a little ashamed because I should speak English in the Time Square. I’m not very good at it, but I manage to speak confidently. The activity is really enjoyable.”

Jong Hee reports “I made an impression at a field trip. I got hurt on my leg. That’s why I cannot move well. No one at GEO even considered the condition of my leg. I was angry a lot but my classmates took care of me much. I appreciated that.“

Min Woo recounts “For me, the field trip was a real adventure trip. Our home room went to Time Square via subway. When I arrived at Yeongdongpo station, I realized that I left my bag in the subway. So, I went to station office, and asked the station staff for help. Forty minutes later, I heard the news that my bag was in Jongno sam- ga station. I went to Jongno sam- ga station and got my bag back. I was greatly relieved and went to Time Square to join field trip. It was long day for me. But thank God that everything went well.”

Hyung Ha relates “I think field trip was exciting. It was the first time that we ate lunch together with everyone who joined GEO. It was good to me because I could feel the togetherness of the group. We felt free to shared our feelings about classes, clubs and field trip.”

Surely, for every member of Class 1-2, GEO 15′s Times Square Field trip is definitely A Day to Remember…

The whole Class 1-2 smiles widely as they take their picture in Times Square

from GEO Class 1-2 (Prof. Jerry Tumlinson and TA Boram Kang )

Enjoying the all new GEO 15 Clubs

This GEO 15 we have a lot of new clubs. Aside from the Coffee Club, Sitcom Club, Game show Club, Movie Club, Photography Club which we had in the previous camps. This time around, we have Global Issues Club, Survivor Club, Badminton Club and Fitness Pal Club. Since there are new clubs this time, we deemed it necessary to ask students about their feedbacks about the clubs they are involved in.

In-seop plays Ninja game during the Fitness Pal club.meeting

A number of Class 1-2 students shared their sentiments regarding the clubs.

In Seop shares “I think that the GEO fitness club is interesting and funny, because the club has a variety. The Fitness club helps us make new friends. And the exercise plan keeps me healthy. Prof. David and TA Peter work hard for us. I am satisfied with the Fitness Club. Thanks for everything!”

Students from the Survivor Club listens to instructions that Professor Roger gives for their exciting activity

Ki Tae relates “I joined the Survival Club. Survival club is very thrilling. When I play the game, I can enjoy it very much. I have the fighting spirit until the finish line.”

Professor Stephen makes use of a powerful tool - www.TED.com website to share pertinent issues that are important in the world

Young Jin imparts “My Club is the Global issues club. At first time when I attended the club meeting, I felt that things were a bit hard to understand. Thanks to professor’s efforts, I could understand now.”

It seems that students are enjoying their time in GEO clubs. Not only that, it is evident that they are motivated and inspired to speak up. With all the activities in line for the students (the classroom activities, team competitions, club and team meetings, presentation contests, team performances, et. al), students have a lot of venues to use the English language. This camp, GEO management is aggressive in encouraging students to use the English language so that students can make the most out of their time. GEO management, professors and staff work hand in hand to make this camp a remarkable one. And yes, GEO 15 organizers and staff are doing a great job. Students too are cooperative in this effort. Surely, GEO 15′s success is unstoppable.

from GEO Class 1-2 (Prof. Jerry Tumlinson and TA Boram Kang )

A Fun Filled Field Trip for GEO 15 students – Part 2

Foreign teaching assistant Marnel Peradilla shared his GEO 15 field trip experience in Times Square. He said “The field trip was good and exciting. I was assigned in Photohunt activity as the person that they have to look for inside the Time Square vicinity. Students were given clues in order to find me. The clue that they had was a picture of a clothing store. To make the game more intriguing, I was hiding near the vicinity on purpose. The students were very fast and indeed, the competition was tight. During the morning session, Tae Hee and Won Hee were the first students who found me. While on the afternoon, the first team who found me consists of Woo Seok, Jee Hoon, Seung Gyu and Yun Chan. Overall, it was a succesful event and the students had a great time. ”

Marnel shared the pictures that he took with the students as well. Please feel free to check out the photos below.

It was indeed a fun filled field trip for the GEO 15 students.

FTA Marnel enjoying his popularity among gorgeous ladies

1-2-3 Smile

GEO 15 students in their Korean pose

Students posing happily with Marnel

Students are happy to find Marnel and accomplish their mission

Marnel having fun with GEO students

written by FTA Marnel Peradilla

Student’s thoughts on GEO 15′s Speed Quiz Challenge

Students from Class 3-1 shares theis Speed Quiz sentiments.

Jang Dae Gwan, Team Tuvalu

The GEO Speed Quiz was held in IH Conference Hall last January 4. I played the game with X league teams: Kenya, Seychelles, Jamaica and Tuvalu, which is my team. The rules of the game were simple. We had to explain the answers in English, but the use of gestures were prohibited.

Whenever it is our team’s turn came, the answers were too difficult to explain. So, our team didn’t get a high score. We would like to win but we couldn’t. I’m sure we’ll do better next time.

Ahn Jee Hoon, Team New Zealand

I am a member of team New Zealand. Our team is composed of Professor Jerry, TA Bo Ram and 16 members.

Wednesday, January 4, was the day of the Speed Quiz. We still didn’t get too close with each other. But we had to start practice; our professor, Jerry, was very passionate. He led us to a systematic and powerful practice. Thanks to Jerry, we were able to do a good practice.

Speed Quiz started and Jerry passionately cheered for us. His powerful cheer made us courageous but our team was at the bottom. Jerry told us, “never mind, who laughs last, laughs best.” We were impressed with his words.

Although our team was at the bottom, thanks to Jerry’s enthusiastic encouragement for our team to make the loudest cheer. Because of our loud cheer, our team received bonus points. During this occasion, our team became intimate. As a result, a week later, we were able to place third in Sports Night. The Speed Quiz made our team united.

Teams getting ready for the Speed Quiz Challenge

Game master Eby, with Korean TA Captain Ezzy, Speed Quiz Organizer Boram and KTA Revan

Game players actively participating in the Speed Quiz Challenge

Guess how students described Ninja in English?

Game players were actively moving around to make the most and get the highest score

He’s making his best effort to describe drama in a couple of English words

Famous Manchester United soccer player is also included in the Speed Quiz Challenge word list

GEO 15 student trying hard to describe the word – Level test

from GEO Class 3-1 (Prof. Nathan Rice and TA Gellene Custodio )