Why I love GEO? - Part 3

G·E·O stands for the Global English Outreach Program of the Catholic University of Korea. GEO is quite unique because it gives me the opportunity to meet new friends and people and these people in turn helps me in my ability to communicate in English. It's not a waste of time, it's an avenue to experience the world in another way: the English way experience.

After attending the G·E·O program, I gained a lot of Foreign friends. In particular, I met Noor. She is from Iraq, and is an exchange student in C·U·K. She is a very kind girl and I found her interesting. Another friend I gained because of this program is Anna Marie. Anna on the other hand comes from Mongolia and she chose to pursue her college education here in Korea. Interestingly, I got all these information by talking to them in English which I found fun!

The author with her new found friends. Posing with her Iraqi friend, Noor.

Picture taking with OBF Master and her new friends from Mongolia.

G·E·O program did so much good for my English conversation skill. Before attending G·E·O, I was very afraid to meet foreigners. Now however, I am quite excited to meet them because we could be friends. Though my English is not that great yet, this time however, I feel very comfortable using the English language.

After attending so many G·E·O social activities like Colloquiums, Cheese & Wine parties and a Halloween party, I started enjoying social activities. I LOVE G·E·O! It's a nice program, and it gives me many chances to improve my skill and my personality. I really enjoyed G·E·O! I encourage you to join this wonderful program too.

By Sheong zi, GEO Class 1-2 from Professor Jerry Tumlinson's class

Why I love GEO? - Part 2

Now we are living in a globalized world. English is essential. Therefore, we decided to participate in GEO.

GEO gave us many experiences. GEO gave us chances to speak English. We met good friends in GEO. It gave us a chance to enjoy foreigner's culture and a chance to talk with foreigners. GEO involved us in club activities. GEO removed my fear of English. Therefore I love GEO.

The authors with their GEO Class Professor, Dave and GEO classmates

by: Choong Yeal and Minji, GEO Class 2-6, Professor David Lee's class

Why I love GEO? - Part 1

Actually, I don't like to learn English. I find it very difficult to study other languages. Moreover, English is quite different from Korean. There are glaring differences that makes it difficult.

Nevertheless, I do believe that English as a lingua franca is necessary for successful globalization. I came to recognize that fact and so I decided to participate in the GEO program to help me adapt to this globalizing world.

To be honest, I was initially irritated to have GEO as a night class. Furthermore, I thought that just 4 hours a week of GEO cannot help me improve my English skill. However, my steady efforts and persistence did not betray me. I became interested in GEO thanks to my friends who made it fun and the Global Lounge which allowed me to practice.

There are a couple of things to be thankful for.

First, HYEON JEE, MIN SOO and most of my 1-2 class friends were very nice. Whenever I talk with them, they never fail to make the workload lighter and fun. I found them to be the life and spice of my GEO class and for that I am thankful.

Second, my Global Lounge visits and the lounge itself made me feel comfortable with English. Though I am not always in the Global Lounge, when I talk with OBF masters and FTAs, I felt I can speak English without worries. Now, as I finish the Fall GEO program, whenever I go to a place unfamiliar, I in speak English. With this newly found confidence, I'm proud of myself. Thanks to GEO.

by SHIN JI HYE, GEO Class 1-2, Professor Jerry Tumlinson's class