Get to know our Friendly Global Lounge Staff around the corner - Part 2

This is the second part of our "Get to know our Friendly Global Lounge Staff around the Corner" series.

This time around, let us get to know more about Seojung...

She is a relatively new staff in the university but she is very capable of doing her job. Approachable and accomodating, she warmly welcomes guests to utilize the amenities of the Global Lounge.

Seojung with Jiwon, bonding and enjoying each other's company

Read on to know more about Seojung...

1.What type of work do you do at the global lounge? How is it like working for GEO global lounge? Any expectations?

At the Global Lounge, my work includes managing overall aspects and equipment as well as helping students who may need support. So far I love working at the Global Lounge and I hope that I could meet many C.U.K. students while I am here!

2. What are your likes and dislikes?

I like working out in the morning to prepare my mind and body for the day ahead of me. I don’t like to stay home alone while doing nothing. Instead of staying home alone, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and searching for something to keep me busy.

3. What keeps you busy during your spare time?

In my spare time, I usually watch movies. While watching movies, I think about the directors’ ideas and his/her intentions based on movies. This gives me time to consider other people’s various thoughts. In return while I watch movies, I'm actually learning a lesson concerning different perspectives.

4. What do you like most about Korea?

What I like most about Korea is our food. I think that there are many healthy and delicious types of Korean food. For example, Korean food contains all different types of vegetables like those found in “banchan”, or the Korean side dishes. Since I enjoy eating, I appreciate the various types of food that Korea offers.

5. What are the things you want to impart to readers (Anything you’d like to share about yourself, your life as a student, your life as a staff, living in Korea, etc)?

I want to share this sentence with readers. "What matters is only now." What does it make you think about?

6. Message to global lounge users

I hope that students will have a good time at Global Lounge and will feel confident while speaking in English!

by: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Get to know our Friendly Global Lounge Staff around the corner - Part 1

The Global Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy, relax and mingle with your GEO friends, while enjoying a cup of O.B.F. coffee. Conveniently located in the first floor of the International Hub,

it's the most comfortable English Zone in Catholic University of Korea.

You can enjoy a wide selection of Board games, Books, Magazines and DVDs! And to assist you with your needs, we have our Global Lounge friendly staff.

Let's get to know our relatively new Global Lounge staff.

Happy to serve you - Jiwon with Seojung and Jinju in Global lounge front desk.

Jiwon Agnes Lee studied in the Catholic University of Korea and majored in Consumer and Housing and English Literature. She previously worked as secretary in our alma mater's Dean of Student and Academic Affairs Office. She dreams of becoming a diligent University Staff or possibly a Civil Servant.

Here are some excerpts of her responses to the questions posed to her...

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

As a graduate of the Catholic University of Korea, I am very proud of the school’s progress and I expect our university to be one of the most prestigious and recognizable university in north-east Asia.

2. How is it like working for GEO global lounge? Any expectations?

It is a great opportunity working on campus using foreign languages. I am impressed that students are willing to speak in English even if it is not familiar to them. I recommend making full use of the Global Lounge to all enrolled students.

3. What are your likes and dislikes?

In general, I do not enjoy outdoor activities; I prefer swimming to hiking or climbing. I love animals except anthropoids, and I also like planting and doing calligraphy.

4. What keeps you busy during your spare time?

I rarely have spare time because I am working 8 hours a day and preparing for a civil service exam. I usually try to memorize English words or Chinese Characters during my free time.

5. What do you like most about Korea?

While studying abroad for a year, I realized that I am a person who has a patriotic spirit. I can proudly say that I love everything in Korea.

6. What are the things you want to impart to readers (Anything you’d like to share about yourself, your life as a student, your life as a staff, living in Korea, etc)?

Please feel free to have a dialogue with us. All staff are doing their best to make the Global Lounge better.

7. Message to global lounge users Why don’t you read English books?

If you visit the Global Lounge, there is a list of recommended books. We update it monthly, and already have more than 700 books!

by: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

My awesome Global Lounge experience

My experience in global lounge is very interesting and valuable. The very first time I went to the Global Lounge, it was amazing for me. Every person spoke in English in that place. I thought that it seemed like a small America in CUK. It was so awkward for me but I came to like Global Lounge. I love playing board games there and drinking OBF’s ‘OREO shake’!

Want to play board games? Just go to GEO Global Lounge front desk and our friendly GEO Global Lounge Manager and staff, Jinju, Heejong and Solsem will be happy to assist you

When I borrowed board game at the front desk, I used to be embarrassed with the fact that I couldn’t speak English well. I couldn’t articulate even such a simple conversation! I understood then that learning and speaking English are two different things. Knowing my English ability was a very valuable revelation for me. That experience made me realize that I have to study English more.

In fact, while I play games, speaking in English is very hard for me. However, the more I play games, the more I try to speak, the more comfortable I am in conversing in English. Watching movie or American drama series during my break time between classes is a lot of fun too. I think the Global Lounge has been playing a vital role in increasing students’ English abilities, providing a venue to use English more often.

Generally, Korean students hardly have enough chances to speak in English and to know Western culture. But CUK students can learn not only English conversation skills but also Western culture in the Global Lounge.

I hope that students can actively participate in more festivals or programs. I hope the events in Global Lounge can be open to the public so more students can participate and join in the activities. At present, there are many programs already, but it is hard to know. So I suggest that our school actively promote these programs as it is very beneficial to the student populace.

Indeed, going to the Global Lounge for the past two years, I can say that my experience in Global Lounge was truly awesome! And it still continues to be splendid! I hope you get the chance to experience it yourself too. That way you will know what I am talking about.

Article written by Jung Ye-sol

from GEO Class 3-1 (Prof. Roger Foard and TA Young Ju )

Meeting foreigners in the Global Lounge

There are many things to do in the Global Lounge. You can go to the information desk and ask for DVDs or games such as Halli Galli. But the best thing about the Global Lounge is that you can practice your English. You can speak with the OBF masters and teaching assistants (TAs). There are also other foreign students there too.

We talked with a couple of Filipino TAs. We talked about our majors and current events. Although some students have difficulty speaking and are shy, it was a good opportunity for us. If you have any worries about speaking English, then you should go to the Global Lounge and speak as much as you can.

Some of our class members taking a picture with Van (center).

GEO Class 2-4's advice to students:

"Don't be shy. Grab this opportunity.

Come and check out the Global Lounge!"

by: GEO Class 2-4 (Professor David & TA Sehyun)

First Impressions, Last!

The ladies from Class 1-3 welcomes you to Michel Food!

Kim Hee Rim (Nursing)

When I came in CUK first, I was impressed by Michel Food. At that cafeteria, we can make choices between course A or B. Sometimes, it is difficult for me to choose one. The taste of Michel Food is not wonderful, but the soup is always a success.

The wide eating place is pleasant. I also like the ceiling that is well-designed so that we can see the upper floor.

Course A? Or Course B? What do you think guys?

Han Soo Jeong (Human Ecology)

When I came here, I was a little nervous because it was the first time for me to come here. At first, I went to the dormitory. One of my first impressions of the dormitory was that the room is cleaner than I thought. A foreigner said “Hello” to me, so I was overwhelmed. That was Katherine. Then I went commons to have lunch with my family. It was terrible meal and I was sad about the fact I have to eat the same meal for 2 weeks.

The next day was Monday. There was an orientation for GEO about many things like warning cards, programs, rules and clubs. I was partly nervous and partly excited. In the afternoon, there was Professor Irving’s class. My first impression of Professor Irving was that he talks to us like talking an animation to children. Also, he wore a cute tie. So he relieved my extreme tension. In class, I met many friends and we talked about each other, like our majors, hometown, hobbies and so on. Actually, there was an awkward silence. Generally, my first impression about this school was great with good people. Because of my team mates, roommates, professor, and TA’s I’m adapting to new situations here.

Kim Tae Heon (Nursing)

My first impression about the dormitory is good. Because it has bunk beds, a refrigerator, table, chair... as time goes on it turns dry from the heat. So I had dreamed a terrible dream (nightmare).

My roommates Jin Woo and Weon Gun are very kind.

My first impression about the food is horrible because it has only three dishes. And it is still horrible. T_T

Bunk Beds!!!

Lee Sun Young (Management)

My first impression of the dormitory is very good because my new friends are kind and fun. Also, the dormitory food is better than my high school food so I think the dormitory food is delicious. Finally, classes and clubs and activities are fun! So I’m excited about the GEO program.

Park Jin Hum (Special Education)

When I first entered Catholic University, I thought that university appearance is good but the map is so complex so I lost my way.

Michel food menu appearance is fantastic however the taste is bad.

People in Catholic University are kind, but I’m afraid of foreigners a little because I’m not good at English.

Contrary to my expectations, dormitory room is so good. I love it.

Outside view of the CUK Dormitory

Song Jun Young (Management)

My first impression about Catholic University is that it is the place where only Christians attend school.

Dormitory is good except it has a narrow pathway.

My club is sports club, the club is exciting but the equipments are insufficient.

For the first time I visit Global Lounge, I felt very nervous because I’m not good in speaking English

When my roommate took me to Michel Food, I expected the food tastes bad so I’m on a diet now.

Having a serious game in Global Lounge...

Choi Chang Hwan (Economics)

All the rooms look so clean, but the rooms are too small for a comfortable life. There’s no light on each person’s desk. So I can’t read anything at midnight because my room-mate wants to sleep.

I think all professors & FTA have amazing ears which can translate my poor English. GEO makes us be kind & shy at first because we have to speak in English but it is more comfortable now.

I’m very nervous about the warning card rules because we usually speak Korean automatically and I can’t do well in conversation by only speaking English.

Welcome to Chang Hwan's Room!

Lee Dong Jun (Psychology)

My roommates Mario and Marnel are good guys. They are very kind and friendly, and my Korean roommate, Su Wan, is a good guy too.

The food is not bad.

Almost all buildings are old, but good.

People in CUK are kind and gentle.

The Classes are interesting especially, Irving’s class is very good!

I’m satisfied with CUK and the GEO program.

Kim Jong Gun (Life Science)

The Catholic University campus is so small but, the dormitory is very nice. First, my roommates are kind to me. They help me all the time. Second, the dormitory is very comfortable. Double-deck (bunk) beds and the bathroom are both very nice. The hallway is quiet and clean.

Well, the cafeteria has a great size but, the food taste is not my type.

The Catholic University GEO camp’s merit is the especially wonderful teachers & TAs.

Our GEO teacher is very kind to me and to the rest of my class.

My first feeling is unfamiliar, but gradually I became comfortable.

Class 1-3 with Prof. Irving and TA Januel

Shin Jong Hyun (Social Science)

My first impression of the GEO program is very good. Because the dormitory room is very clean, my roommates are very funny and kind. We are all freshmen. The Professors and TAs are kind. But I have just one problem...and this is we have to speak only English. It's so tiresome! However it is a new experience.

My team is India. My teammates are very cheerful and passionate. I like my team and teammates very much. My class level is 1-3 and I want to raise my English ability with my class.

By: Class 1-3 (Prof. Irving and TA Januel)

Meet the world in the Global Lounge

Do you know about the Global Lounge?

GEO Global Lounge - a great place to be.
Mingling with friends and acquaintances. Reading books. Watching movies.
Playing board games. Using computer. Enjoying your OBF coffee/beverage

There is a global English cafe in the Global Lounge. The cafe's name is O.B.F.. It is ran by students from CUK. In O.B.F. , we can enjoy many kinds of drinks. They serve coffees and other beverages that will surely satisfy you.

Many people visit and stay in the Global Lounge. There's a lot of cozy seats there where you can just sit and chat with friends. You can also opt to study there in the Global Lounge. You can also use the internet in the computers. And you can also play various board games. Another option is to borrow English books and movies in the counter of Global Lounge. They have a home entertainment system in the Global Lounge where you can watch the videos you borrowed. Just look for Hye Sung and Julia (Joo Yeon) and they will be very glad to assist you.

Books, movies and board games available in the Global Lounge counter.
Just ask assistance from our very accomodating Korean staff

Students enjoy their OBF Coffee while playing board games in the Global Lounge.

Try OBF's cafe affogato, oreo shake, caramel machiatto and banana shake.

You can also play board game such as the Rummikub, Uno cards,

Scrabble, Monopoly, Blokus, among others.

Enjoy watching English movies at the Global Lounge

What's more? In Global Lounge, we can meet many people from other countries like the Philippines, China, Russia, Iraq, United States, Canada, South Africa, to name a few. I met Morris who is from Philippines. Morris came here a year ago. So, he was able to see some of the developments of the GEO program. I asked to him about GEO program. His answers to my questions were affirmative. He encouraged me to participate in the GEO program. He said that if I have the chance, I should join again and encourage other people to join GEO so I can accelerate my English speaking capabilities.

Morris with the author at the GEO Global Lounge

So friends, what are you waiting for? Why don't you go to the Global Lounge and make new friends there!

by Jeon, Chang-bae from GEO class 2-2 (Professor Stephen, Byoung Soo)

See Related article:

• http://geocuk.blogspot.com/2010/09/obf-staff-meets-english-tas.html
  
• http://geocuk.blogspot.com/2010/10/whats-with-nico-and-cuks-geo-program.html

What's with Nico and CUK's GEO program?

Students from GEO Class 3-1 interviewed one of the pioneers of the GEO program to get to know more about the GEO Program.

Question (Q)

: Please introduce you

rself.

Nicolas (N): My name is Nicolas Le Roux.

I'm

from South Africa. So I lived in

K

orea

for about... I ac

t

ually arrived

10years ago with my family- my two children and my wife. Right now, my children left Korea. My daughte

r is in New York at the moment and my son in Cape Town.

Q: Then, why did you come to Korea 10 years ago?

N: When I was a student, the first Korean student arrived in my country to study at our university. And then w

e became very good friends. And so they came back to Korea and invited us to visit them and when I came her

e and I, you know,

met Korean people and I saw your country and I was really excited to stay here to start teaching here. Ha... it's a long story.

Q: What do you do in CUK?

N: I work for ILEC, Int

ernational

Lang

uage Education Center, and I'

m teaching English. I'm also a part of the GEO program so I'm developi

ng the program and helpin

g all the other team members of the GEO

program

and I also teach CAP.

GEO, ILEC and GEO logos

Q: I saw your picture on the CUK

homepage (see ht

tp:

//www.catholic.ac.kr/) . So you must be an important person.

N: Ha, ha, ha yeah, I see they have my pictures everywhere.

Q: You said you are a part of GEO. Can you introduce the GEO program briefly?

N: In Korea, normally in the academies, they focus on sentence construction, grammar and things like that. So, by the time the students come to university, they still don't have enough confidence to speak English, you know. So what we try to do is we want to improve the confidence of our students. So we give them a lot of opportunity to speak English and to really have fun with second language. We would like to help our students to think on their feet to use English everyday in their everyday life. And we actually want to help the parents. Because in many cases students go abroad and they live abroad. And it is so expensive nowadays. So what we want to do is we want to give our students opportunity to improve their English right here in Korea. So they don't have to go abroad to study. I want you to travel. I really want you to travel to go abroad but it should not be necessary to live in America or Canada for 1 year or 2 years. It’s just too expensive. It cannot be afforded by just anybody. And I think our program is very successful at this stage. I think the students really gain a lot of confidence. So it's going much better.

Q: I think GEO’s history is not that long.

N: This is GEO 8th. It’s a very new program but it is already one of the best programs in Korea.

Q: Maybe, you were there when CUK started GEO program

N: Yes. GEO 1; we helped to develop the program.

From left to right: 1. The GEO Global Lounge, where students can freely converse with English Clinic Teaching Assistants about topics of their choice, borrow English books and movies, enjoy OBF staff's company, and simply conduct activities in an English speaking environment; 2. GEO Global Lounge Korean staff - Philip (Dong Joo), Hye Sung and Julia (Joo-yeon); 3. OBF English Cafe at the Global Lounge

Q: I think you are very satisfied with GEO program. Do you think GEO program has a long vision?

N: Yes. We have a very long vision in GEO. Actually, we took part in a national competition between all the universities in Korea and we won. GEO program won the competition. So we won a very good price from the government and I think we can be proud of this program, a fantastic opportunity to improve your second language skills to improve your chances to getting a good job and to give you confidence to go abroad to speak to foreigners, to study in English. So this is really a good opportunity.

I would like to plan an ''open day'' so we can invite all the students in the campus to come to GEO so that they can see what we're doing. It’s very important that the other students should know about this. And I also think we should have a campus radio, not only global lounge radio. We should have a campus radio where all the students can listen to our program and activities and so on. And they can come and join us here. It’s important for us to make everybody aware of what we're doing.

We have so many foreign students on the campus for example, the graduate students from the Philippines. I think it’s a great opportunity for you to communicate with them, to make friends with them, to live with them. It’s kind of unique. This is the only university in Korea where we have so many foreigners living in the dormitory.

Make mistakes, make mistakes. That’s ok. You can do that. We allow students to make mistakes in GEO. Because if you make mistakes we can help you, but if you don't make mistakes, we cannot help you if you don't want to talk and don't want to speak because you are shy and you’re feeling embarrassed about grammar. So we really encourage our students to feel free to make mistakes. Just speak. Have fun.

Korean students with English Clinic Teaching Assistants at the GEO Global Lounge.

Visit GEO Global Lounge and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity that CUK is offering its students. Just as what Director Nicolas said, "Make mistakes. Don't be shy. Just speak. Have fun."

Q: Thank you.

N: No, you're welcome and thank you very much for coming in.

Interviewed by students from Professor Irving Gussow's class