Winter English Language Programme for Korean students from Kyung Hee University
Over the semester break this year, the ELC hosted a Winter English Programme for students from Kyung Hee University in Korea. As well as attending classes taught by ELC teachers, the visiting students were all matched with PolyU student buddies who introduced them to Hong Kong and the life of a PolyU student.
Teacher’s perspective
Kyung Hee students’ perspectives
PolyU students’ perspectives
Once again, a lively and dedicated group of 19 Korean students from Kyung Hee University attended a Winter English Language Programme at the ELC (11th-25th January). The students worked in groups to create travel companies with the aim of promoting new and original Korean tourist attractions to an audience of young Hong Kong professionals. Each group would produce a custom-made promotional brochure and prepare a persuasive team presentation that they would ultimately pitch to a group of judges who would play the role of investors from the Hong Kong Tourism Board and select one winning company at the end of the course. Networking also played a significant role in the course as students became familiar with formal business etiquette in the classroom and attended an evening networking gala at the PolyU Theatre Lounge half way through the course. At this event, students played a chosen role in their company, exchanging business cards and conversing with English speaking guests who acted as representatives from various Hong Kong tourism organisations. Besides the practice in making professional contacts, the Korean students also developed genuine and lasting friendships with a group of PolyU students who were assigned as ‘buddies’ to guide and assist them as they explored Hong Kong and experienced its vibrant culture in their free time.
Throughout the course, each company was able to interact, share materials and receive instructor feedback conveniently using an online social networking platform, an essential tool in the modern business world. It was clear from both classroom and online activity that the students were all collaborating enthusiastically and taking the challenge seriously. They put a great deal of thought and effort into the identity and vision of their company, carefully identifying potential attractions that were previously unknown to Hong Kong professionals, and endeavouring to offer the most competitive tour package. Despite the demanding nature of the task and the limited time, the daily evolution of the students’ ideas, the professional design of their promotional brochures, and the confidence and personality that shone through in their final company presentations were all remarkable to behold. All of these factors, along with the benefits of acquiring appropriate language for, and gaining invaluable experience in leadership, project management, product design, marketing, product promotion and delivering a sales pitch, made the Winter English Language Programme a profound learning experience, an unforgettable social experience and an unqualified success.
Kyung Hee students’ perspectives
I am Jake, a student of Kyung Hee University. Actually my major is Genetic engineering, so I have few chances to perform presentations. In this aspect, the 2012 Winter English program makes me feel confident not only in my major, but also in other things as well.
Above all things, my dear buddies changed a lot of my thinking. I certainly appreciate your helping me out.
Thank you for providing me a chance to participate in this program. I really enjoyed my experience at the PolyU. In fact, my only complaint would be that the time I spent here was not longer. Needless to say, I have benefitted greatly from the last two weeks studying in ELC. Thank you PolyU, and I LOVE Hong Kong!
JaeYeon Park (Jake)
This winter, I had really great experience with PolyU I've never had before in my life. During the special project, we each created travel companies and competed to win in the last presentation. In all these I progressed in English with nice professional teachers and through this project, the best thing I got is confidence in using English. I had to use English daily and as time went by, I felt less unwillingness to speak in English. Also, I learned how to make a persuasive presentation, many writing skills for attracting others and so on. One more thing, working with other members in a company improved my cooperative spirit and interested me as well. Adjusting to each other's opinions, at last, we created our own independent company from the name of company to the brochure and this moved us so much. We're so proud of ourselves. Most of all, there were my dearest buddies who helped me acclimatise to the new environment and walk about here and there in Hong Kong. Because of you guys, I saw the kind, interesting, wonderful Hong Kong and I believe there will be another chance to go Hong Kong and hang around with you! Studying abroad for 17 days I have lot of precious and happy memories and I miss all those things already even though It has been only 3 days since I left Hong Kong. Thanks to all the PolyU teachers, Korean students who I will always be with and the lovely Hong Kong buddies!
SooHyun Koo (Carol)
Hi, my name is Jordan Park. My 16 days in Poly U were an absolutely great experience. Hong Kong was awesome, the lecture was perfect, the weather was great, the food was delicious, and especially it is our buddies that made our trip unforgettable. With the help of our buddies, we were able to experience various things in HK and those were useful and enjoyable. Even though it was a short trip, I felt like our buddies are my old friends. I would like to express my sincere thanks to them.
Although the business manners that we learned at class were only a small part of business world, it was very useful. I thought it'll be very boring, but it was only my misconception. The class was always fun and by practicing, I was able to know for sure.
The days at HK were very short, but the memories will be last forever.
TeaYoung Park (Jordan)
At first I was nervous of going to HK because it was my first time to study in foreign university. Also I worried about whether Hong Kong friends would like me.
However, it was unnecessary anxiety. Anna and Hong Kong friends greeted us warmly as we arrived at the airport. Their kind hospitality sustained until the end of our day in Hong Kong.
The welcome party in Y-loft cafeteria, cocktail party (without cocktails), farewell dinner and final presentation were big events that were prepared for us. All of us truly enjoyed them. Additionally we could learn useful business skills through them.
Our teachers - Ms. Victoria, Ms. Anna, Ms. Svetlana and Mr. Andrew delivered not only basic concepts but insightful comments and unique perspectives. With a good sense of humor and gentle personality, they were popular among us and respected by us.
Above all things, I cannot help mentioning HK friends. HK friends called buddies are really good guys. They always took care of us and showed concern about us. They always tried to introduce good places of Hong Kong to us. Thanks to them, we could see and feel many aspects of Hong Kong. All of us were impressed and moved. These activities strengthened bonds between them and us, and provided opportunities to know each other well. As a result, I am sure that everyone became great friends.
I am missing Hong Kong even as I write this text. I cannot forget the memories with all of you. Now what I want to say is just that… Keep in touch with me!!! See you later!!! At any cost!!! Thank you!
Wonjin Lee(Jin)
Hi! I'm Sarah. My major is Physical Education in Kyung Hee University. The two-week studying in ELC was amazing experience for me, because it gave me a chance to speaking English but also it was a great opportunity to learn Business English. I appreciate the kindness of the teachers of ELC and Buddies. Especially I can enjoy busy Hong Kong without difficulty because of nice buddies! I think we should be buddies for them when they visit Korea. Please tell us if there is a chance to do it, you're all welcome. Two weeks in PolyU will be my best memory of learning English. Thank you so much!
Seajin Yoon(Sarah)
The past two weeks seem like a dream for me. The program gave me a lot of things. I went to Hong Kong for the first time. I could feel the real Hong Kong, not just simply sightseeing, through this program. Also I was glad to know the friendly friends in Hong Kong. Above all, to improve my English language skills is this program's the biggest advantage. I thought that the program was well-organized. 2 weeks went so fast although I thought at first that time would go so slow. The last lesson came so fast. After the presentation that we prepared, I really felt I had to go back to Korea. I got opportunities to experience other cultures, and I learnt a lot from the short period of time. I really want to give my thanks to the teachers that helped me a lot during the 2 weeks, and also to the Hong Kong friends. I also thank the school for giving me such a great opportunity.
Joongwon Kim(Won)
Hello. I’m Amy, one of the Kyung Hee University students. I took this kind of program twice, but it was the first time I’ve met so many local friends. All of our buddies were so kind. They were always taking care of us and giving lots of useful information. For 2 weeks, we were getting friendly.
This course was about making a Tour Company which promotes Korea to Hong Kong people. As I’m studying business, this topic was so helpful. I could enhance my English & presentation skills. Since we had to prepare presentation & brochure within 2 weeks, it was a little bit hard.
So, I highly recommend this program to students who want to improve their presentation skills or make lots of friends. I really appreciate for giving an opportunity to take really good program to KyungHee University and PolyU. I hope that I will go Hong Kong again and meet my friends!
Yunjeong Lim (Amy)
I am a student of KyungHee University in Korea. My major is hotel management and my dream is to be a hotelier. I thought English is the most important and basic language for my dream as hotelier deals with lots of people all over the world. Looking for the way to improve my English ability during winter vacation, I found ‘Winter English Language Program’ in Hong Kong. Actually I got brief information about the program before I went to HK, so I was worried if I would spend 2 weeks efficiently. My worry was totally no good. During the program, Korean students were divided into some groups and we became travel agencies. Our project was to attract HK people to Korea. Though I was the youngest girl in the whole group, I became CEO of my group. From creating a company to presenting, I felt that I really owned a real company. Also, I discussed and talked in front of other students in class and that improved not only my English skill but also my confidence. My lovely buddies should not be left out. For me and the other Korean students who came to HK for the first time, they were beside us all the time. I am sure that I could experience HK culture well thanks to them. I was really touched by their kindness and care about Korean students. 2 weeks in HK was like a dream to me. I am very proud of having participated in this program and I am also planning to come to Polytechnic University as an exchange student next year. Thanks PolyU!
YeonSoo Jung (Rachel)
Hello, I am Young, a Kyung Hee University student who participated in the 2012 Winter English Programme at Hongkong Polytechnic University.
What I first felt in the programme was that PolyU had many good students, because they were very kind of us. Also, the lectures at Hong Kong Polytechnic University were good too. I learned meeting people skills in my class and in many ways, the experience in Hong Kong is very nice.
It gave me a chance to use English, and Chinese. That is very nice to me, because I am in the Chinese language department. Thank you Hong Kong Polytechnic University for a good memory. I am really happy in two weeks.
Youngha Lee (Young)
Hello~ I am Floria:) I am studying history in Kyung Hee University. I was curious about the history of Hong Kong and wondered how eastern culture and western culture mixed. So it was a great opportunity for me to attend the English program in Hong Kong. Staying in Hong Kong was awesome! I felt as if I had been a real Hong Konger during two weeks. I came to know about Hong Kong more and more as well as studying and practising English.
Putting on a Chinese dress in person was amazing! The Chinese dress was very beautiful! Later I'd like to introduce Korean traditional dress, Hanbok, to Hong Kong people. And I like dimsum and mango. They are representative foods in Hongkong. I enjoyed drinking mango juice everyday:)) It was sweet and tasty. Hot pot also remained on my memory. We bought all ingredients and cooked it by ourselves with buddies. We ate hot pot talking to one another seated in circle. I could experience some kind of food and culture of Hong Kong.
I had fun every day in Hong Kong thanks to the teachers and buddies of PolyU. I appreciate them.
Hyunhwa Cho (Floria)
The Hong Kong PolyU, short program gave many things to me. First, buddies are very kind. I can't speak English very well, but the buddies understood this and spoke slowly to me with smiles. And when I wanted to go anywhere, they went there with me. Second is school program! My major is business administration so making a company and presentation was really useful to me. Third is Hong Kong’s landscape. In 2 weeks, I experienced the MTR and ferry on the beautiful sea. Above all, Victoria Peak is a very fantastic landscape. I will never forget this landscape! My Hong Kong life in 2 weeks was very exciting and gave me a special experience. I miss this life. Thank you PolyU, buddies and teacher! ♥
JI EUN HA(Jessica)
Hello, my name is Jenny Lee. I'm a student of KyungHee University. My major is culinary art & science.
So, this opportunity was too good for me because of the English class and field trip, for example, going to the ICON hotel. I still remember the experience of going to Victoria Peak, Stanley and so on. In addition, I'm very grateful to our buddies for everything you have done us. All of buddies were always nice to us. I want to thank them for their help.
I felt that this winter English programme is so useful to us so I want to express my thanks to PolyU and KyungHee University. I really enjoyed that experience in Hong Kong. And I hope to visit Hong Kong and PolyU again. Thank you so much.
Junyoung Lee (Jenny)
Hello. I'm Jo who had a winter English program in Hong Kong PolyU University. I just want to tell about my great feelings when I was in Hong Kong.
First of all, the Buddies.
I know that for the people who had not met each other before, helping every day during two weeks is very hard stuff. But the buddies in PolyU who volunteered themselves were great to us. They told us about all of Hong Kong, even famous restaurants not in the guidebook, and we felt comfortable when we were abroad. Once again, let me take this opportunity to say thanks to buddies.
Second, the program.
We had a winter English program for only our Kyung-Hee university with great professors. It was a more efficient and enjoyable time for us. We found how to solve a problem and what to present ourselves. And two professors, Andrew and Svetlana were very helpful. They gave us not only English skills, but also encouraged us to present or talk. Thanks to the very organized-well program.
The last one is Hong Kong’s culture.
Kindness of Hongkongers and great sightseeing and cultures made me think that someday I want to be, will be here again, even though I was in Hong Kong only two weeks! For me, these great experiences in Hong Kong are the most memorable, and special in my life. Thanks to all the people who supported me, my friends. And the students who read this article in Hong Kong PolyU, don't have to hesitate! Come Korea and enjoy it. It's our treat. Thank you. I love Hong Kong!
Yunseok Jo (JO)
First of all, it was that our buddies were very kind to us and I really appreciate to their efforts. Also despite having only two short weeks, we had a chance to think about marketing, and successfully did a final presentation that promoted Korea culture to Hong Kong people. Thanks to PolyU, it made a special experience.
JooHyung Park (Steve)
As I aspire to becoming a professional for career growth in terms of English, the ELC Program helped me learn impressive language skills. Especially, because all sessions are tailored to students from the beginning level to the highest level, every member can be satisfied with the program contents. Also, the provisions we needed to use were offered at a suitable time and place, and therefore, I don’t need to worry about it and I can focus on what I should do in the program. Through this program, we can experience Hong Kong culture as well by seeing the famous sights with buddies. So, when I left the Hong Kong, the first thing that comes up in my head is that I killed two birds with one stone. On behalf of all our members, I’d like to say ‘Thank you’ to all the persons concerned with this program.
Dongbum Jin
My name is Karina Lam. As one of the Hong Kong buddies, I am very proud of all of us, including PolyU students, Kyung Kee University Students and all the teachers and staff. This is the second time I have joined this buddy programme. I was greatly impressed by last year’s programme, that’s why I joined this again this year. I have been inspired by Korean students again! They have done a great job in their studies in PolyU. I learnt good presentation skills from them. The most important thing is the cultural clash! I have learnt a lot about Korean culture. I learnt that there are differences between the life in Hong Kong and Korea. I am also very sure that both Hong Kong students and Korean students could learn something from each other. I have also learnt more things than last year. I hope I can use my experience to help next year’s programme. I hope there will be more PolyU students who join this programme, because it provides chance for them to meet friends from Korea and gain invaluable experience.
Karina Lam
Being one of the Hong Kong buddies in the 2013 ELC Winter English Language Programme, I felt really fortunate and ecstatic. During the two and a half weeks, I gained so much from it and it was truly out of my expectation. In fact, the reason for joining this programme was due to my interest in Korean culture and music. I hoped to learn more from the Korean students. Surprisingly, not only could I understand more interesting Korean culture from them, but also I met the amazing Korean and Hong Kong buddies. They are absolutely nice. We did have unforgettable times in Causeway Bay, Stanley, the Peak and everywhere in Hong Kong. I was delighted to be with them and felt satisfied I could help them out. Working as a team with my fellow HK buddies and speaking English with all of them enhanced my interpersonal skills and English proficiency. This ELC programme has offered an excellent learning environment to both Korea and Hong Kong students. It was such a precious experience and memory in my life!
P.S. To my Korean friends, how are you doing?:)
Yiu Cheuk Yan, Yan
I am a final year student studying Tourism Management. Because of my last academic study, I decided to participate in more activities to make my university life different. I went to Korea last year for sightseeing only and therefore would like to know more about their culture. The Korean Buddy Program has given me an invaluable opportunity to reach this goal!
The 17-day life experience with Kyung Hee University students has really made my final university life impressive and unforgettable. We knew nothing about each other initially but become very good friends at last. Korean students are very friendly and passionate. Through chatting with them, we were able to understand more about each other’s living habits and thus facilitate culture exchange.
Plus, we had a very good time when traveling around. We visited different places and experienced the real, local and hidden soul of Hong Kong together. I felt excited and happy in the trip. I miss our time so much.
Not was cultural understanding gained from it but my English communication skill was improved as well. Despite having a language barrier in between, we were able to communicate well in English. I really appreciated their excellent English and have learned a lot of skills from their presentations.
Time flies. I can’t believe that the two weeks have gone. Although the time to get along with each other was short, I will never forget those good memories with Korean friends!
Last but not least, I would like to say thank you to all of our teachers, Hong Kong buddies and Korean friends for making this program successful and giving me a distinctive experience in my university life. I hope this program can keep running and continuously strengthen the relationship between the two universities.
Wong Ka Man (Carman)
When I first heard of the program of becoming a Korean buddy, I applied for it without hesitation, not only because I'm really interested in Korean culture, but because I also wanted to enrich my winter holiday. After this two-week program, I can say I really made a great choice!
During the two weeks, we went to many places. As a mainland student who has just been in HK for one semester, many of the places are also new for me. Therefore I needed to research about the place before going there. I found that this actually gave me more chances to know more about HK. And it's more fun when you go out with many friends. Not only did we enjoy the beautiful scenery, but I could also share our different feelings with other friends.
Most important of all, through this program I met many friends. The Korean students told me many interesting things about Korea and even taught us some Korean. We talked about the cultural differences and exchanged our ideas about various aspects. They are all really friendly and nice people and I feel lucky to have made friends with them. In addition, the other buddies are also good friends and they helped me a lot when I got into difficulties.
Thanks to this program, I practiced my oral English and met many friends. This was also a really unforgettable experience. If there is a chance to participate in this program again next year, I will definitely apply again!
Casey
I’m very glad to be the organizer of this programme. At the beginning, I felt so excited but nervous. It was my first time to organize such a big international activity and I worried that an accident might happen before the group of Korean students came. However, when the date finally came, I found it went much smoother than I had expected and I started to enjoy this programme.
The success of this programme is due to the enthusiasm, commitment and creativity of all the buddies. They actively joined the activities and gave me a lot of good suggestions which provided much joy and happiness among all buddies and Korean students. They were willing to lead Korean students into local life, such as going to different local restaurants, pubs, hot pots and BBQs during which everyone had a platform to understand and compare the cultures and lifestyles of Hong Kong and Korea.
During this two-week programme, I learnt two things. One thing is the importance of interaction. Before I met those lovely Korean guys, I’d never known much about their life and culture. Even in books, I find some facts are not true or up-to-date. Only when you meet and talk to people can you learn their real life and culture, otherwise there may always be some prejudice. The other thing I learnt is, of course, experience. I’ve gained organizing and social skills and experience from this programme. I’ve learnt how to react when a problem arises and how to make use of any available resources.
All in all, I like this programme and I hope I can join this again next year.
Leon Li