Up Close and Personal with Professor Tom Carlaw

Now on its fourth year, Catholic University of Korea’s Global English Outreach (GEO) Program is back with a returning faculty for its GEO 18 Summer 2012 class. This summer vacation, we have  Professor Tom Carlaw to help us out during our vacation camp, . With our able line up of able faculty members, matched with the industrious and exemplary Filipino and Korean teaching assistants, the GEO Program continuous to deliver its promise of developing learners’ English-speaking abilities  through promoting inbound internationalization, without students leaving the comforts of their home country.

Continuing our feature of the GEO Professors, we interviewed Professor Tom Carlaw to get to know more about him.  This article is an addition to the  “Up Close and Personal” series which aims to give readers a glimpse about educators working for the GEO program. We asked a series of questions to our professors to get to know them a little bit better. Read on and be more acquainted with GEO’s Professor Tom Carlaw.

Meet Professor Tom Carlaw  (●＾∀＾●)

1. Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Elora, a small village in Canada. It is about an hour and a half drive from Toronto. It has a beautiful river that runs through it that is great for trout fishing, and kayaking. My family has been part of the Elora community for the past 150 years. My great grandfather had a small bank that eventually became part of the Royal Bank of Canada, and my grandmother was a well known newspaper editor and won numerous awards at a time when there were few Canadian women journalists.

Both my mother and Uncle were involved in local politics and shortly before coming to Korea, I came very close to becoming the Mayor of Centre Wellington. It was a close call for Centre Wellington, as I was very young and my inexperience would have made council meetings interesting.


2. How long have you been in Korea?
I have been in Korea since 2001. I have taught in English Academies, elementary schools, and three different universities. It has been a great experience, and I really enjoy the freedom that teaching in Korea has given me. I get to meet so many new people each year, and working with students helps to put a fresh perspective on each new day!


3. What subject do you teach here at Catholic University of Korea (CUK)?
I teach English conversation. My biggest challenge, is trying to stop myself from talking to all the interesting students I meet, and giving them a chance to talk.


4. What is your impression of CUK and it’s vision of becoming an international hub?
I am really impressed with the Global Vision at CUK and I am also more impressed at the student centred approach that they bring to this vision. The OBF lounge is a great example, and it is refreshing to see a program like GEO that is centred around the needs and interests of the students.

I think CUK is intent on providing its students with a chance to pursue their dreams, and that in the process they are creating a centre for learning that stands out in the global community.


5. What keeps you busy during your spare time?
I have six nieces and nephews that have eliminated the concept of spare time in my life. I spend my time skating and hiking with them, and we also spend some time studying English. I look forward to the day when they start teaching me Korean.


6. What do you like most about Korea?
I love the energy of Korea. It doesn't matter what time of day it is, there are people busy doing things. Sometimes I think Korea never sleeps.


7. What is your favorite Korean dish or culinary delight?
I think Kimchi Jigae is my favorite dish. Once you have spent some time in Korea and eaten Korean food, you develop a taste for red pepper, and Kimchi Jigae is my favorite way to satisfy this appetite.


8. What are your expectations from GEO, GEO students, co-faculty?
I think GEO is about growing as an individual and as part of a community. The most important ingredient in this process is a sense of humor and a sense of fun. I expect my students to have fun. I sometimes wish Nigel would be a little less serious but overall my expectations are usually exceeded.


9. For you, a good student is someone who…?
I think a good student is someone who enjoys learning. Short term results are not as important as an appetite for knowledge, and someone who has fun learning is going to enjoy success in the long run.


10. 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 teacher, living in your home country, living in Korea, difference of your home country and Korea, etc)?
One of my favorite quotes, from my favorite author John Irving, is, "Keep passing the open windows." Life should never be too serious and this simple piece of advice can put almost anything into perspective.


11. Message to students
In the immortal words of Spock, "Live long, and prosper"

Professor Tom C. with GEO Class 2-1

By: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

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)

Welcome to GEO Intensive 17

GEO 17 opening ceremony was held last March 9 at IH Conference room. Professors, teaching assistants and students were all present during the event. The program was introduced in detail and students were briefed of what to expect during the semester. The professors and teaching assistants were all introduced. In addition, the clubs teaching assistants also made their spiels to encourage students to sign up for their clubs. Students can start signing up early next week. So what are you waiting for, select the club of your choice and sign up!!!

Participants listens attentively

Meet our lovely ladies and handsome gentleman

Korean TAs Jiyeun, Goeun, Ilene, Revan, Jin and Bomi

Your capable and hardworking Filipino TAs - Enrique, Gellene, Roselle and Raquel

Our GEO Intensive 17 Professors - Nigel, Tom, Peter, Roger, Stephen

Of course... our wonderful and capable TAs,

working in different areas of GEO (Classes, Clubs, English Clinics, Administration)

by Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Presenting the new GEO Intensive 17 Team

Going international...

Meet the GEO Intensive 17 team

GEO 17 is back. This time around it is better… Presenting the new GEO Intensive 17. This program will run this Spring semester from March 2 to June 21. GEO Management is trying its best to give you the very best. Aside from the classes, clubs are back. Like the previous semester, we have the Photo club, Short story club, TV sitcom club. The travel club also makes a comeback and now it’s newly improved with an added flavor – presenting the Travel and Culture Club. Aside from this, the English clinic is also back to help you increase your English proficiency.

In addition, this time around, we have a couple of new additions to the GEO team. Aside from our Filipino, South Africa and Indian friends, we have new foreign students in our team. Students from various countries – United States, Russia, Canada, etc. That is why, GEO management held a briefing for the whole GEO Intensive 17 team so everyone can be well oriented for their tasks at hand.

Professor Nico welcomes the GEO Intensive 17 team

Attentive listeners - GEO Intensive 17 team listens intently

Professor Corien introduces the leaders of GEO Intensive 17

Say Hi to our new English Clinic TAs

Choose your favorite club and meet our creative and capable Club leaders ^^

The workaholic leader - Ezzy (Korean TA Captain) sharing her plan of action to the new Class TAs

Seriously listening to Ezzy's presentation

Meet your perky and friendly Class TAs

The GEO Intensive 17 team is very excited to work and meet you all. We are all looking forward to a fruitful and wonderful GEO Intensive 17 experience with you. Let's all have fun learning English the GEO way ❁◕‿◕❁

PS. GEO Intensive 17 is indeed newly improved! Watch out for the wonderful activities in your class, clubs, English clinic activities...

by Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Spectacular fight in GEO 16 Game Show

Is that your final answer? Can I phone a friend? Can I ask the audience? These are some famous tag lines of the game show “Who wants to be the Millionaire!” This show has been running for a long time now and is everyone’s favourite. But for tonight, the GEO game show has been the most admired and much awaited match of all. Everyone was really excited to know who will win this competition. Who will win this time? Let’s find out!

First Round: Guess the Number

(Left photo) Teams were mingling with each other during the game

(Right photo) Hurry, guess the number and answer this question.

Each team needs to compete at the same time. They will be given a certain amount of time to answer the questions raised. Due to this limitation, the students’ need to think fast and try to answer the given question correctly as quickly as possible. This added more tension to each group.

Second Round: Boggle

(Left photo) Teams encircled and stayed together as they try to uncover the hidden words

(Right photo) Foreign TA, Isabella tries to check the answers

The rules of this improvised Boggle game is similar to the word game designed by Allan Turoff. Each team was given a sheet of paper and the team attempts to find words in sequences of adjacent letters. There were three different levels for this round, 3 letter words for easy round, 4 letter words for the medium and 5 letter words for the difficult round. Each round had a corresponding time limit. The team with the most number of words for each round gets full 10 points.

Third Round: Golden Bell

Team Puerto Rico poses for a photo during the game

The last woman standing from Hailing from Team New Zealand

For the Golden Bell game, the mechanics was almost the same as the first game. But this time; each member of the team should write their answers and raise it individually. The members who raise the wrong answer will be eliminated. This is a survival game and the team who has the most number of people at the end of the series of questions wins. During the last round, Team New Zealand and Team Singapore were on the hot spot. The question was “What kind of animal can’t jump?”. The choices were a. Chicken, b. Elephant, or c. Hippopotamus. And as the timer starts, the students were all shouting and cheering for their team. Wheew! The survivors were really pressured! Team New Zealand’s answer was C while team Singapore’s answer was B. And the Answer was B! And Yes, you guess it right… Team Singapore won!!!

Final Team Tabulation... Congratulations Everyone!!!

Another spectacular fight! And this time, team Singapore won the crown!!

Again, good job everyone!! All of us enjoyed this much awaited event.

See you at the Valentine’s party!

by: Carlo Clarin, English Clinic TA and Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

An Informative GEO 16 Presentation Contest

A number of teams competed for the GEO 16 Presentation Contest last February 14 and 15, at Catholic University of Korea’s IH 267 Conference Hall. Four teams competed for Level 1, six teams for Level 2, four teams for both Levels 3 and 4 respectively. It was notable that the students were able to perform well despite the fact that they were young. The contents were pretty amazing and were well thought of.

The students’ topics were related to how they envision Korea in the future. Some were asked to tackle the impacts of Korea to the world and vice versa. With this given topics the students made very interesting speeches.

Students from Levels 1 and 2 shared Korea’s cultural industries, high technology industries (such as semiconductor, car, shipbuilding, smartphones), construction industries, entertainment industries (related to song, dance and concerts), sports (taekwondo), among others. They also shared the prevalence of K-Pop culture globally. Recently Korean Pop Music (KPop) stars has been featured in international television such as “The David Letterman show” and “Morning with Sally”. KPop concerts are widely known in Egypt, USA and Thailand as well as in France and Brazil. In addition, they imparted new technological advancements that were brought about by Koreans such as kakao talk, antivirus program; as well as the power of the gaming industry, etc.

Presenters talked about famous artists in Korean entertainment industry

A student talks about a number of successful Korean gaming companies

On the other hand, students from Levels 3 and 4 talked about medical advancements in Korea such as plastic surgery, eye (Lasik surgery), ear surgery. They also mentioned sports. Korea is increasing its popularity worldwide through sports like swimming, baseball and soccer. Some tackled robots like the biomimetric and humanoid robots. Others , shared about more pressing matters globally such as the population and environment problems (like the global warming), whereas others talked about controversial topics internally like the multiculturalism and reunification of North and South Korea.

Hallyu Wave is becoming a huge sensation abroad.

Remakes of famous Korean series are being done in other countries like the Philippines.

The criteria for judging include general content, content organization, fluency, pronunciation, voice volume and pitch, grammar and language usage, contact with audience, physical presentation and graphics and visual aids.

The students were very impressive in the depth of the matters that they discussed. Indeed, observers can come to realize that the participants were diligent in researching about their topic of choice. The contest went smoothly. The speeches were delivered well.

Students were cheering and applauding the participants of the Presentation Contest

The audience were very participative and enthusiastic all throughout the contest. They cheered for their teammates, classmates and friends. The judges were happy about the participants. The speechese were very informative and they learned a lot from the speeches. The judges commended all the participants and said that “It was not easy to speak in front of a huge audience in one’s native tongue. What more a foreign language. Congratulations to the participants. Job well done.” Indeed, the participants are worthy to be praised.

Congratulations to Level 1 Winners:

(3rd) Team Oh My God, (2nd) Team Seychelles Union, (1st) Team LOL LOL

Congratulations to Level 2 Winners:

(3rd) Team Jin & Shviiles, (2nd) Team Trouble Maker, (1st) Team 2Lees

Congratulations to Level 3 Winners:

(3rd) Team Eunji & Geun A , (2nd) Team JM & JL, (1st) Team Eun's Sister

Congratulations to Level 4 Winners:

(3rd) Team Chimak, (2nd) Team Red Bulls , (1st) Team Rainbow

Congratulations to all Participants＼(~o~)／＼(^o^)／＼(-o-)／ヽ(^。^)ノ

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 EJ. Your enthusiasm overflows. Thank you everyone ❁◕‿◕❁

by: Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Teamwork, flexibility and synchronization exhibited during the GEO 16 Sports Night

GEO 16’s Sports Night Another exciting adventure as our seven competing teams mark their spot in GEO 16’s Sports festival. If Hogwarts had a Quidditch match, so does GEO. And if Hogwarts had four houses, the GEO Sports Night tournament has seven competing teams making the competition even more fun and exciting. The pressure between the competing teams gets higher as team New Zealand remains at the top spot for the third time. Can they retain their crown up to the last round? Let’s find out.

There are four games in the event: The Hoola Pass, The Three Legged race, Basketball Shoot out and the Snack Attack.

Students were sitting down waiting for the grand opening of the GEO 16 Sports Night

The Hoola Pass shows teams' flexibility and teamwork

Pair work and synchronization are tested during the Three Legged Race

Sports Night Game Number 3 - Basketball Shoot out

The Final Challenge -The Snack Attack

First part of the challenge: The ultimate Onion Ring pass

The Snack Attack Part 2: Dig for the Candy

The Snack Attack Part 3: Climb and Munch (Participants need to ride on the back of their teammates to reach the onion rings. Afterwards they have to eat it. The person who lifts them have to run to the starting line to signify the completion of The Snack Attack challenge.)

Drum Roll Please!!! And the winner is Team New Zealand! Second place Team Puerto Rico and Panama for the third place. Woohoo! That was a great fight! I salute everyone for a job well done and by improving your teamwork.

by: Carlo Clarin, English Clinic TA and Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor

Why is G.E.O. program popular and effective for Korean students?

Many students are participating in Catholic University's G.E.O. (Global English Outreach) program.

Why is it so popular?

Because G.E.O. program is very effective for Korean students. So many students are applying for the G.E.O. program.

There are several specific reasons...

Students are not only encouraged to think independently.

Through the classroom and various program activities, they are also encouraged to speak up.

First, Korean students want to build their confidence in English speaking. Koreans are good at English writing and grammar, but they can't speak English very well. Since they hardly had the chance to speak English in primary and middle school and even in high school, they don't have confidence in speaking English. But G.E.O. program focuses on improving their ability to speak English, helping students be more confident and comfortable in using the language. The students are expected to always speak in English, not Korean, wherever they go, whatever they do (even inside the dormitory). Students who use Korean in the course receive the penalty that takes off their team points. So G.E.O students always think of English words or sentences in conversing with peers. Hence, it becomes a habit for them. This course enables students to develop their English speaking skills.

Second, the government admitted that G.E.O program is very good program for those who want to speak in English. They recommend this program. Instead of going abroad, students can enjoy a globalized learning environment in the midst of their home country. They can meet a lot of foreigners and enjoy a bunch of activities during the course. Indeed, after finishing G.E.O. Level 5, students will absolutely be confident and will be able to converse well using the English language.

Various GEO activities in store for you -

Club activities, Team competitions, GEO radio, Global Lounge visits

Third, G.E.O foreign professors are so kind and passionate. Students are satisfied with their classes. Their classes are of high quality and are very useful. Moreover, teaching assistants who are called 'TAs' are also readily available to aid students. When you have a problem, the TA will help you. They are very able and reliable individuals who are willing to assist students. They are very approachable. Surely, this is an added bonus the GEO students. Not only did they gain capable teachers, but they also had new foreigner friends.

Hardworking and engaging professors that facilitate the GEO classes

Finally, since the Catholic University supports around 70% price of the tuition fee, G.E.O program is very cheap . Not only that, consider the comfort of learning English in your home country. You don't need to go abroad to pay a fortune. The G.E.O program is much cheaper and more effective than that of other countries.

In summary, I think that grammar and writing skills are less important than speaking and listening. When you visit any country or meet a foreigner, which ability do you need first? Grammar or writing? No. First of all, you need to speak in English. That is why, for me, speaking ability is the most important among the four skill sets. Therefore, it is but only beneficial to enroll in the G.E.O. program as this is a very effective and necessary course for Korean students. So what are you all waiting for? Please, don't be afraid of speaking in English, Enroll and encourage your family and peers to take part in CUK’s GEO classes. ^_~

Go and apply for G.E.O.! It will change your future.

by Kim Jin Soo from GEO Class 3-2 (Professor Roger and TA Jeanne)

Students displayed Amazing Teamwork during the GEO 16 Treasure Hunt

“Ahoy, my hearties!! Weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen!” said the captain of the ship as the treasure hunt of the GEO 16 begins. The sailors (Team Guyana, Panama, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Seychelles, India, and Singapore) started their journey at the Gym of International Hub (IH) Building. As they sail through the vast journey of the event, they need to complete each obstacle and achieve their mission. The main goal is to collect the treasures scattered around the IH building. To collect these, each team must finish the challenges in the designated stations around the said location. After a team finishes a challenge in one station, they will get one national treasure. Once they collected eight national treasures, the team must race to the gym to do the final mission.

The final game entails solving for number one using all the materials (numbers and symbols) which students will get in each station. Once in the gym, the teams need to spread the numbers and symbols they collected and make a mathematical formula. Once they are finished, they should inform the TA to check their answers and declared if it is right or wrong.

The Stations

There are eight stations to be completed by each team. We have Station 1: The Singing room, 2: I am a Super Model, 3: Hold that Yoga Pose. 4: The Pictionary, 5: The Scavenger Hunt, 6: Paint a Picture, 7: The Speed Match and 8: The Blind Maze. After the team finishes each challenge in each station, they should be able to acquire one treasure and the clue for the location of the next station.

The station number 2 which is “I am a Super Model” boosts the creativity of each team. They need to be innovative in making super model clothes by using newspaper. Who would have known that we have these great super models in CUK? Great job to each team!

Another station is the “Paint a Picture” lead by TA Gellene. The rule is to pose as dictated by the TA. This station challenges the imagination of each team as they should come out with a striking pose. “Paint a picture of GEO OFFICE!.” If I were in their place, how will present that? Hmmm…

These are just a few of the stations that they need to complete. These tasks made each team develop their knowledge, improve their communication skills, discover their hidden talents and build a new camaraderie. Indeed, it was a night of thrill and adventure.

For the second time, congratulations Team New Zealand for winning the first place!! Team Guyana and Team Panama placed second and third respectively! It was a group effort and everyone did stick with each other. It was indeed great to see students enjoy and have fun at the same time. A big round of applause to everyone! Cheers!!!

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Here's more pictures for you to enjoy...

Check out the Yoga poses the GEO way!!!

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Guess what this student is drawing for the Pictionary station...

TA Bo Mi gives instruction for the Scavenger Hunt game

Speed Match TA in charge, Ji Yeon, beams happily as she poses for a picture

The Blind Maze Technique?

Listen well to your partners instructions to make it through the other end...

The Fantastic GEO 16 Team

by: Carlo Clarin, English Clinic TA and Abigail Go, GEO Blog Editor